Does any absolutely recommend getting tickets for a visit to Rome and Florence in May? I am guessing that the tourist season isn't in full swing.. Am I wrong.? I resist committing myself to a certain day and time if I could avoid it...
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
You're wrong, but there are only a few sights that require tickets in advance, so if you want to gamble on those, go ahead.
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Zoe, Which would you think are musts, in Florence and Rome? And I really appreciate your thoughts, and I saw that you have shared many, many times to fellow travelers.... John
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
On this page of Rick's, scroll down a bit and look to the grey box on the right. It has the most popular sights for which reservations are either required, or a very good idea. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sightseeing/avoiding-lines
You'll see that there aren't that many places, out of all the wonderful things in Rome and Florence, but that some of the most famous and worthwhile things are included. So, you'll want to make some reservations to avoid waiting hours (for things like the Vatican Museums and the Uffizi) or being shut out (for the Galleria Borghese).
May may not be the very height of tourist season, but it's not exactly the low season either. Don't count on doing anything famous without a few thousand others - and be pleasantly surprised if you don't encounter big crowds. Sort of like the "beat the rush hour rush hour," as more people have the idea to avoid the busiest times, then other times get busy too.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Also see this thread; acraven's post lists some sights Rick's does not. If any of these interest you, book in advance.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rome-for-the-first-time
Do note the correction: the Pantheon will not require tickets through 2017. The earlier in the day you go, however, the fewer people will be there.
Do also take the comments about the Vatican Museums being a "mob scene" to heart. I was there in September 1994, and "mob scene" is exactly right. If I go again, I'd pay whatever it took to get an early or late tour - or I wouldn't go back at all. That's how miserable it was. There are early and late tours offered by Walks of Italy, Dark Rome, and the Vatican itself. They cost more than regular tours or than going without a tour, but again, for this sight I feel it's worth it.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15864 posts
Tourist season is definitely in "full swing" in May!!! Along with the list of attractions to pre-purchase tickets for in Rome, add the Uffizi and Accademia in Florence, plus reservations for climbing the dome in the Duomo.