What is there to do/see in Florence? We have done a lot of one-day trips to Tuscan towns, but now we are wondering if we are missing out on anything right here in Florence. Suggestions?
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
The Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, "David" at the Academia, Piazza Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Pizzi Palace-Boboli Gardens, Piazza Michaelangelo (for a lovely panoramic view of the city). Many lovely churches. Walking around the city center, eating and shopping. Too much to detail here -- get a good guidebook for more details!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Definitely the David and the Uffizi, but we also enjoyed the Bargello museum of sculpture. And have dinner in Fiesole with a view looking out over Florence.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
Be sure to visit Pharmacia Santa Maria Novella--wonderful products and the convent is beautiful. Nearby is the Ferragamo museum which is interesting. Go to Vivoli's for gelato which is near Orsan Michel Church and I regret not going into that church.
Posted by
Daytona Beach, FL
220 posts
I wouldn't miss the Basilica di Santa Croce. It is very close to Susan's recommended gelato shop, Vivoli.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I wouldn't miss the Ponte Vecchio (sure, touristy, but I love jewelry, so I wouldn't miss it). I also wouldn't miss crossing the Ponte Vecchio and walking around the Oltrarno for a couple hours. Personally I spent almost four full days just seeing the sights and wandering around Florence. Amazing gelato and clothing and jewelry and leather shops are all over, as is great art and architecture and churches everywhere you turn. And I definitely second Piazzale Michelangelo, and while you are up there, hike the little bit extra to the Basilica San Miniato, which is gorgeous. I happened to be up there around 5pm and was treated to an amazing Gregorian chant 'show' - a very nice surprise and the views of Florence are even better from up at the church. I also really enjoyed my visit to the gorgeous Florence synagogue. There's tons to see in Florence! I could've stayed there for days and days and days and not gotten bored!
Posted by
Beautiful Austin TX
582 posts
Florence is not to be missed! Please pick up Rick Steves Italy book. I just love his book, and goes into such details!
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
26 posts
Lisa is totally right, Florence is a living, breathing gift to the world and is not to be missed. I always wanted to see Florence as Rome and Naples along with the Amalfi Coast tightly clutched my heart but on my first visit to Florence, i found it very hard to leave. Definately make time for the Ufizzi. Dont rush through it and expect to stay at least 4 hours easily. Piazza della Signoria is a great place to sit in the evening and sip wine or espresso while taking life all in. piazzale michelangelo is a glorious site in order to take in florence, especially at sunset. There is a replica bronze DAVID there but the views during sunset massage the soul. Of course do not miss the Duomo, and the Accademia (DAVID).
Posted by
Bel Air, MD, USA
261 posts
We loved the Duomo museum. Not crowded. It has the original Baptistry doors at eye level so you can really see them, plus Michelangelo and much of the artwork from the Duomo. My son liked the exhibit about how they built the dome.