We’ll have 3 nts/ 2.5 days in Florence to see and soak up the city for the first time. We’ll be there at the end of October, hoping for fewer ferocious mosquitoes. Would welcome suggestions and opinions about what to plan for. It feels like the Accademia, Uffizi,and the Duomo/Dome climb are essential and require advanced tickets. Could these all be done in one day? Not advisable? Maybe the museums one day, then the Duomo complex another? We also want time to just wander around what many tell us is their favorite Italian city. Other suggested activities or sights, things not to miss?? Thank you in advance for any help!
Posted by
back in the Americas
725 posts
Make sure you go to Piazzale Michelangelo for the gorgeous panoramic views of Florence below. You can walk, take a bus or cab up there.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5494 posts
Personally, I wouldn't do the Accademia and the Uffizi on the same day if I could avoid it. Rick lays out itineraries for Florence based on the number of days available. Just eliminate any sites that don't appeal to you. https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/florence-itinerary
The piazzetta in front of the San Miniato al Monte church, which is higher up the hill from Piazzale Michaelangelo, has arguably a better view of old Florence, also has the benefit of a lovely interior and Gregorian chants by the monks before vespers (see the website for times)
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7229 posts
The Accademia can be done in a short amount of time
Ufizzi varies-just depends on how into art you are-2-3 hours in any museum would be my limit and I do love art!
Other places well worth a visit. None take a huge amount of time and I believe none would need pre booked entry
Santa Croce -famous people tombs
Bargello-sculptures and Donatello’s David
San Marco Museum-frescoes
Palazzo Vecchio-history
Medici chapel-family tombs by Michelangelo
Mercato Centrale-eat lunch or dinner upstairs
Oltrarno walk-Santo Spirito w/Michelangelo’s crucifix
Piazzas and churches
Street markets
We tend to see 1-2 major sites in the am leaving afternoons for wandering, popping into churches and smaller museums
And eating gelato
Posted by
Seattle
302 posts
We were in Florence last October and, to be honest, I didn't notice any mosquitoes. Now, on to the question you posed: I, personally, would not attempt to do all 3 in one day. We did the Duomo Complex via the Giotto Pass in the afternoon (1300 timed entry for the climb) and had 6 pm tickets for the Accademia. We spent 3 hours or so on the climb and at the Duomo Museum and then went back to our hotel to freshen up before going to the Accademia. We returned the next day to visit the Baptistery, the Duomo, and the Santa Reparata.
I highly recommend the Bargello Museum. There's no need to get advance tickets and the sculptures are jaw-dropping.
Posted by
Seattle
156 posts
A few thoughts from spending 4 nights in Florence last year:
1) Duomo climb: if you get in line for the climb ahead of your reservation time you will be among the first to reach the top, which maximizes your time up there (and when it is less crowded too).
2) Fiesole is a short and easy side trip - city bus takes you right there. Great restaurant there as well: Ristorante La Reggia Degli Etruschi.
3) Lunch - tremendous sandwiches at I Fratellini (literally a hole in the wall - don’t be intimidated if there’s a line, it moved decently fast) and Ino (near Uffizi, has seating).
Posted by
18 posts
If you hold Duomo tickets, pop into the Duomo Museum in the piazza. It's highly underrated, and was full of the art treasures that used to be in the church, along with info about its creation. Probably the most thoughtfully laid-out museum we've seen.
Posted by
OP
Walnut Creek, CA
28 posts
Thank you all so much for your responses, suggestions and advice! It’s very helpful to get info from people who’ve been there and know. We’ll keep all this in mind as we plan our time.
Sue
Posted by
Santa Cruz, CA
75 posts
Personally, I wouldn't do the Accademia and the Uffizi on the same day if I could avoid it.
Yes, I agree that it would be better to avoid doing both of these in the same day, but I doubt you can avoid it with only 2.5 days in Florence, especially if these are on your "must visit" list. Although not ideal, I did both in one day because I was determined to see them, and that was the only way that was going to happen. However, that was in 1998, and Florence has only gotten more crowded. The only way I would consider doing both is if you can reserve your time in the Uffizi in the AM, give yourself time for some lunch, and go to the Accademia later in the PM, ideally with a reservation. (In 1998, admission to the Accademia was easy without a timed ticket, but I doubt that is still the case.) As someone else noted, the Accademia is smaller and will not take as long.
At the risk of adding to your dilemma about how to decide what you can realistically see in 2.5 days, I will join the chorus in agreeing that Il Bargello (sculpture museum) and the Duomo Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo) are both spectacular and underrated. You will not have time for all of these great suggestions, but take note for your next visit. On your arrival day, I'd recommend just walking around to appreciate the layout of the city (the centro is quite compact) and you'll find that so much of Florence is an outdoor museum!