Timing issue in Florence

Posted by MC (Tucson) on 04/21/09 09:24 AM

Thanks for the responses yesterday re: getting Academia tickets. A follow-up....

If we get in line first thing to climb the Duomo, what time do you think we should get tickets for the Academia??

Things I'm thinking about: we'll have to jump out of bed and get to the Duomo pretty quickly, so we'll probably be hungry after the climb. Maybe we can grab something to eat quickly between the two? Maybe the wait and the climb will take so long we'll have lunch first??

I don't want to be too rushed, because who needs to stress while in beautiful Florence?? I don't want to have too much time, because who wants to waste time when you only have one day in beautiful Florence???

Has anyone actually done this that can give me a good idea of what to expect? We'll be there on 5/27.

Thank you!! Merritt

Posted by Melissa

Boise, ID, United States

04/21/09 11:18 AM

158 posts

My family and I saw these two sights in the morning like you have planned about 3 years ago in June. We were there for three days so not as rushed. I'd recommend seeing other things then climbing the Duomo but if your heart is set on it then go for it.

Maybe make Accademia reservations for 11:30AM. If you get done with the Duomo early you can walk around the church and baptistery. There is a supermarket on the same street as the Accademia where you can get sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, for lunch and eat before going into the museum. Seeing the museum probably won't take more than an hour. That leaves you roughly 4 hours before your train. I'd suggest the Uffizi Gallery.

Posted by Larry

Elk Grove, CA, USA

04/21/09 11:24 AM

6898 posts

If I recall, the side door to climb the Duomo opens at 8:30am. The line queues up quickly so you may want to get there a bit early. It's on the left side of il Duomo about 1/2 to 2/3 towards the back. You'll be busy for awhile.

Posted by Sonja

Venezia

04/21/09 11:28 AM

27 posts

Hi Merritt, I didn't see your first post so apologies if I am repeating advice of others.

Firstly, I don't think the Accademia will take too long to see, it is a small museum. An hour and a half tops.

Secondly, why not climb the Campanile (bell tower) rather than the Duomo? An easier climb, not so much in terms of less steps (they are not so much less) but the staircases are wide and open, and you can easily rest on lower floors and enjoy the view as you continue up. The lines are also much shorter for this, and the views are just as lovely, in my opinion.

So, why not climb the Campanile or Duomo early, go straight to the Accademia (the climb is not so hard that you will need sustenance right after - smile), then have a nice leisurely lunch in the Piazza della Signoria, have a look at the Palazzo Vecchio then walk down to the Ponte Vecchio. If you want to cross Vasari's Corridor on the Ponte, you need to make reservations.

The Uffizi is an option for the afternoon also, but note that it is really huge and you should allow a good 2-3 hours for that.