FLORENCE - best of in just 2 days? (Sights & Restaurants)

I spent one night in Florence a few years ago and was able to sneak in the Duomo and Accademia. I'm heading back this spring and will add Uffizi and the Bargello (spellings are all approximate :)). A walk across the Ponte Veccio is a must as well. I don't recall any restaurants. I think I might have subsisted entirely on gelato.

A friend recommended this little restaurant to us -- and we absolutely loved it: Buca del Orafo, Volta dei Girolami,28, Phone: 055.213619. Near the Ponte Vecchi.

We phoned ahead to get a reservation to the Uffizzi and the Accademia(David)and we wasted no time waiting in the long lines. Tip: It's an easy bus ride to the Piazzale Michelangelo where you get a magnificient view of Florence. Behind the Piazzale is the Chiesa di San Miniato where we spent an hour just exploring the fascinating cemetery outside.

Bob,

Depending on how interested you are in art and museums, you could see the Uffizi and Accademia in one day (one in the morning and one after lunch). Reservations highly advisable!!!

Of course, exploring the Ponte Vecchio and the numerous jewelry stores there is always good (bring money!).

I'd also definitely recommend the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). The architecture and appearance both inside and out are incredible! If you have lots of energy, you can climb the 432 steps on Brunelleschi's "dome within a dome" for an awesome view of Florence.

You might also consider taking one of the hop on/hop off Bus tours (these leave from the area of Firenze S.M.N. station as I recall - use your own ear phones if possible). There are two routes, one of which goes to Fiesole up on the hill (fantastic views) and the other goes across the river where there's another incredible viewpoint of the city.

Regarding restaurants, I dined a number of times at This Restaurant (hopefully the same people are still there?). The food was excellent and the owners were great.

Happy travels!

Hey, Bob. Feel free to copy and paste this address into your browser and scroll down to our two days in Florence last summer (detailed itinerary). What a great town, far more intriguing (and beautiful) to me than Roma. Buon viaggio!
http://moltogentileitalia.blogspot.com/2008/09/itinerary-13-night-summer-trip-to-italy.html

I agree with all, and would like to add my two cents worth. Take the time to climb to the top of the Duomo, not only for the incredible view, but the history throughout the climb. On the way down if you're tall enough (>6') you can actually reach up above the glass and touch the inner dome fresco (I know you aren't supposed to, but...). Don't forget the Baptistry and the Duomo Museum. Unless you're truly limited, try for an extra day or two in Florence. You won't be disappointed.

Gio, since you put it out there, I read your blog and it's great. Thanks.

Prego, Jim!

I loved the Pitti Palace. The "modern art" section is roughly 1815 to 1915! I found the audio guide worthwhile.

For the Academia and the Uffizi, go with the RS free audio guides.

We will be in Florence for 3 days in October. One day will be spent with a trip to Cinque Terre. We have reservations for the Academia, have been to the Ufizzi. Our hotel is right near the train station, can someone give us some ideas of where to go and what to see for our 2 days and 3 nights. Interested in shopping, sight-seeing and places to eat and just stroll around. Thanks!

I took the HOHO bus from the train station, which including driving up to Fiesole and I was sorry I didn't have a couple of hours to roam around and to enjoy the view of Florence from above.

We were in Florence this June and went to two great restaurants. The first was actually our favorite in Italy: Acqua 2. Try the tasting menus. The second one was recommended by our B&B, Il Fagioli, This was excellent,too. Both are moderately priced, but you'll need reservations.

Get reservations for Academia and Uffizi. Climb the Duomo. Visit San Croce (tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli among others). Walk around Piazza della Signoria and area. Head up to Piazza Michelangelo for a view and a break from the big crowds.

If time allows, I really liked the sculpture museum behind the Duomo and/or visit a Medici palace.

Skip the Boboli gardens.

I didn't visit a restaurant that stood out as good enough to recommend. Sorry.