We are dropping of a car at Borgo Ognissanti and going to Santa Maria Novella train station. We have an extra 3-4 hours before we take the train to Venice. What to do close by SMN station? We like local things and quaint areas. Wouldnt mind to see Michael, Duomo Must sees although not much museum or art people. Walking is great or any cool Vespa tours of just Florence. This is for end of May. Thanks for your thoughts!
Posted by
3481 posts
There's really not much to Florence if you're not into museums or art.
Depending on the time you will be there, I would just enjoy a leisurely wine-filled lunch and wander the center. You can see a replica of David, and the Duomo, just by walking around. Back in 2014, we really enjoyed the bistecca alla fiorentina here:
Posted by
Chicago
8229 posts
Just walk through the old center to Ponte de Vecchio and back to the train station that is all you have time for; there is a replica of I think you mean David by Michelangelo outside the old square near the Uffizi museum.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5653 posts
Agree with the others. Get a map and walk around. Have a nice lunch. The Duomo is only a 10-15 min stroll from the train station. It's another 10-15 min stroll to the Ponte Vecchio. And yes, there's a life size reproduction of Michelangelo's David right outside the Palazzo Vecchio. Forget doing this on a vespa. Most of these areas are pedestrian except for local traffic and very crowded.
Posted by
123 posts
Visit the church and museum of Santa Maria Novella. It's right across from the train station and could easily take 2 hours when toured properly. One street over from Santa Maria Novella church is Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella, the oldest constantly running apothecary/pharmacy in Florence (been around since the 1200s). Highly recommended. Find some lunch nearby, and that will book up your 3-4 hours very fast.
The Duomo will be a madhouse at the end of May, even more so since they installed airport-type security which slows down entrance to the church.