Day in Florence Advice - Science Museum?

Posted by Jesse (St. Louis, MO, USA) on 12/21/09 10:58 AM

My mom and I are traveling to Europe this coming April/May and we will be stopping for a day (including a night) in Florence on our way to Venice from Vernazza.

We want to stop in Florence to see a few major sights, but my mom isn't a huge art/museum person. Can you recommend something that would be somewhat relaxing and still allow us to take in Florence? Is there a particular cafe we could people watch from that anyone could suggest? Has anyone been to the science museum? I am a science person and would love to see this if it is worthwhile.

Posted by Liz

Seattle, WA

12/21/09 02:08 PM

1317 posts

Re the science museum, we chose not to stop there on our last visit to Florence (Dec '08) because it's been undergoing a lot of renovations and closed. However, parts of it are open and I believe I read that the recently discovered missing fingers of Galileo will be on display from April on.

We did go to the Leonardo da Vinci museum near the Accademia, which has models of a number of da Vinci's inventions/ideas. Nothing original, but my dad who is into science enjoyed it.

Florence pretty much is an art/church city, and with only one day, you'll be limited in your other options if you plan on doing David and the Uffizi. No cafes immediately spring to mind, but people watching around the Duomo can be interesting.

Posted by Anthony

Florence

12/21/09 03:19 PM

362 posts

I think you have it right - "see a few major sights" - you can just walk around Florence and see so many things - you don't really need to "go" to something if you just have a day.

I think the science museum is pretty cool, but it has a lot of old instruments and things of that nature - it can be a little dry to some - but it is fascinating if you are into that kind of stuff. The construction that was directly in front is over now, but not sure of the status inside.

A great place to people watch from a cafe is Piazza Signoria. Remember though, sitting down for that capuccino makes it 5 or 6 euro instead of 1 and change at the bar! You can also try Piazza Repubblica.

And check this - HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN FLORENCE my wife wrote it awhile ago but most of it is still relevant!

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

12/23/09 01:10 PM

15788 posts

Maybe the Boboli Gardens and the HOHO bus.

Posted by Alyson

Chicago, IL, USA

12/24/09 12:21 AM

435 posts

I thought the science museum in Florence was wonderful and the RS guided tour from the Florence guidebook was fascinating. Have a great trip!

Posted by CL

Salem, Oregon, USA

12/24/09 07:41 AM

2727 posts

I went to the science museum in 2006 because I'd done a lot of reading about Galileo and wanted to see his telescope and(morbidly) his finger on display. I enjoyed it - lots of old globes and interesting science artifacts. As I recall there were handouts in each room that offered English descriptions. I was pretty much the only non-Italian in the place (lots of kids). It was a fun way to break up all the art/church viewing and provided great stories (I saw Galileo's finger!)