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Prioritizing Florence Sites: 48+ Hours w/ Tweens

Hi, I know this is a common question, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the sightseeing possibilities in Florence and would love some advice. In addition to the sites, we'll likely do a cooking class or other workshop one evening, since the attractions seem to close early.

  • We have ~2.5 days in October; staying in San Frediano
  • Kids are 12 and 14 with typical interests
  • My wife and I definitely want to see David and Birth of Venus
  • A dome / tower climb seems like a winner (I'm thinking Duomo)
  • We're not into religious art and get "church fatigue", but ...
  • We love memorably gorgeous interiors, even if they're religious sites
  • Rich and famous homes are interesting, but we've also seen plenty

So, here's a running list, mostly based on what's in the RS book.

Definitely
Uffizzi, Accademia, Mercato Centrale, Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset, Wandering (shopping, passaggiata, etc.)

Probably
Duomo Climb, Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages

And is that enough? If we have time for more, this is my initial take on other options ...

Maybe
Bargello, Pitti Palace (some of it), Galileo Science OR a Leonardo Museum

Probably Not
Palazzo Davanzati, San Marco, Campanile, Baptistery, San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, Medici-Riccardi, Brancacci, Casa Buanarroti, Medici Chapels, La Specola (still haunted from my trip as a teen), Palazzo Strozzi

In this last category, I just want to make sure I'm not overlooking something that might surprise us, whether that's a must-see interior, fun evening programming, etc.

Posted by
6552 posts

I think the Galileo Museum is worth your time. There are some amazing exhibits, and great explanations of scientific equipment and phenomena. We saw a number of families there this summer, and kids seemed to be having a great time.

Posted by
654 posts

I've climbed only the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio. But the view was wonderful and you could see the Duomo. Maybe someone who has climbed both can chime it.

Posted by
4295 posts

Your choices sound about right for 2.5 days.
We are in Florence now. Definitely skip the Pitti Palace. There is so much art in each room that it is overload. We were so overwhelmed we went through the last few rooms very quickly.

The Galileo museum was very interesting and much larger than we thought it would be. It opens at 9:30 so we went before our Uffizi time at 11:00. They are just steps away from each other.

We stopped by the Mercato Market, not for us but we are much older. But I did see a closed off section for cooking classes. You could check their website for more info.

Florence is much smaller than I thought it would be so you will be able to get around quickly, especially in October when the heat doesn’t slow you down. It has been a steady 95 here this past week and no place seems to be air conditioned.