So, heading back to Italy in October with my (adult) daughter. Have a short 4 days in country. (yep, I said FOUR days) Have a guide book. I've been to Florence a few times, have seen some of the sights,(Duomo, Mercato, Ponte Vecchio, Synagogue) but not all. Here's my question. In your opinion what are the do not miss top 5 (or 6 or 7) sights on your list? Will spend one of these days for sure heading out of Florence to show her a smaller town...so 2-3 full days in Florence for sightseeing. What is on your do not miss list? Don't plan to buy the Firenze card now that it's gone up to 72E. I personally want to walk the Varsari corridor now that I've read "Inferno".
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16372 posts
Posted by
OP
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
Roberto, thanks for the reply, however, I'm asking for individual opinions of top sights to see, not a list from the internet. Comments from people who have experienced Florence and would totally recommend a do not miss sight. After I get replies, my daughter and I will study our guide book and plan our days in Florence.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15806 posts
I go to the Bargello Museum on every visit . . . 3 so far. Other faves: Museo dell' Opera (Duomo Museum) Medici Chapels and Lorenzo Library
Pitti Palace
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7196 posts
My number one would be to climb the bell tower, the view of the Duomo (and the rest of the city) from there is a 'don't miss' for me. 2. the Duomo, including the baptistry and museum. After that, what Chani said.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16372 posts
I'll pass on this one. I've learned that what a person likes about his/her hometown is rarely the same thing that a visitor would like.
I'll let the frequent Florence visitors chime in. I'm the hometown guy.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Chiani is right but I'd like to add going up to Piazza Michelangelo for sunset drinks with view of Tuscany. The best part of Florence for me is just sitting in Piazza Signoria after dark and just enjoy "being" in Florence.
Posted by
Tucson, AZ, USA
134 posts
Hi Ellen, Check out the website of "Museum of Florence as it was". I read about it in one of Francis Mayes books and we loved it! It is located in a former convent about a block behind the Duomo (exact location, hours etc. on website) It is small so won't take a lot of time to see, but well worth stopping by.
Teri
Posted by
Farmingville, New York, USA
381 posts
I loved the view from Piazza Michaelangelo. Also church of Sante Croce had some amazing tombs of the famous. Of Course Academia and Uffizi. Please excuse the spelling didn't go back and correct
Posted by
Boulder, Colorado, USA
437 posts
Sunset on the bridge just north of Ponte Vecchico - 10x fewer people! and reflection of Vecchio Sunset at the plaza just below Michaelangelo Plaza same view plus a glass of wine at the corner table :-) Climbing the Bell Tower early before the crowds and heat built up.
Visiting leather shops selling amazing jackets and things - somewhere wandering around the streets! I did not like the crowds around the Duomo nor the heat wave but evenings were grand.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
Each time back, I visit the Uffizi, the baptistry, San Miniato al Monte (in late afternoon, so I can also enjoy the sunset there; I think it's prettier than P. Michelangelo), and the the convent of San Marco
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I loved walking around Florence and really enjoyed my visit to the Central Market and even had lunch there...... a delicious pork sandwich.
Posted by
Northbrook, Illinois, USA
316 posts
Just back from five days in Florence. "Tops" to us: 1) See the Gregorian Chant mass at 5:30 p.m. at San Miniato (free!) - walk down to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a stunning view of Florence. 2) Medici Chapels. 3) Walk around what Rick calls the Oltrano. Cool old streets, great small restaurants. We did a day trip to Siena, Monteriggioni, winery, and Pisa. Ran about 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. So you need not limit yourself to one town. Happy travels!