Will be visiting Florence for the first time. I was advised to get in a tour guide's group. Are there large crowds there? I understand that being in a tour group would be advantageous in that event. And I see the RS app that I could (perhaps) learn how to download on my still-baffling smart-phone. Opinions? Also, the best time of day to go? Do they let you stay in as long as you want--or is it limited the way the Borghese Museum in Rome is? Thanks.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
If you are going to be there two full days (three even better) the Frienze Card is just, well, terrific. Pricy but what a tremendous time saver. Good for 72 hours from time of first use (i.e., 11 a.m. to 11 a.m. 72 hours later). Good for a one time entrance to just about anything you want to see including the Uffizi (but not the Borghese). Go to the reserved ticket line. Go on-line for further details. We sure got a bang out of our buck on this one.
Posted by
west Chester, PA
375 posts
Karen Florence is a major tourist site, so yes, there are crowds there, especially depending on when you go. We recently stayed in Florence in a convent (fabulous) and enjoyed the city at night, very quiet compared to the day rush of visitors. We used the RS tours as well as reviewed the DVD the Medici- godfathers of the reninsance for more history on this great city. We reserved our tickets online at the official website for 11 euro and a 4 euro reservation fee, picked up our tickets at the reserved line and walked right in. We also used the RS tour of the museum since I did not want to be rushed with a tour group (although this was our third time at the Uffizzi, the museum is packed and I wanted to linger at these magnificent paintings and sculptures.)
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
Correction to my previous post (well I knew what I meant (lol) - The Borghese is obviously in Rome not Florence (my bad). Still, check out the Frienze card AND the ROMA Pass. You can stay as long as you like in the Uffizi. I'd go earlier rather later. Be sure to check out the roof top cafe.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA
18 posts
Thank you all. So, I'll go early in the morning to the Uffizi with my RS guide in my ear! Since there's no time limit (except for my feet) I can proceed at my own pace. Thanks for the heads-up about the rooftop cafe, since I have the Firenze card and won't want to go out in the middle of the day.