What to do in 1 day in Florence

Florence is simply beautiful especially so for art and museums! It is a small city, but to really see it, I'm afraid walking is involved. My favorite church is the Santa Croce church where some pretty impressive people have been laid to rest, each with their own beautiful sculptures adorning the sepulchurs: Dante, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and there's a "Star of David" adorning the entry-way, in honor of the Jewish Architect who designed it! The Piazzas are lovely, especially Piazza della Republica and my personal favorite at night - Piazza de la Signoria, which is where the "Fake David" is lit up at night, (do linger at night at these two piazzas) along with a large fountain that Michelangelo d "a waste of perfectly good marble" to insult the sculptor! These two piazzas are within walking distance unless you are very limited and if so, ask the hotel for assistance re transportation. Maybe even a carriage ride! Take a taxi or bus up to the top of the hill to see the Piazza de Michelangelo for sunset! The view from up there of all of Tuscany is fabulous. Have a drink at the Open Bar/Golden View for another photo op of the Arno River. Don't know how to tell you to get there without walking, maybe by taxi or bus. Your hotel should be able to direct you. Have a great trip! I also have walking issues needing to stop frequently.

Hello, Florence is a really, really wonderful city!! Don't forget to take time to photograph the Ponte Vecchio. We got some amazing pictures of the bridge from a different bridge at sunset one night. That being said, if you only have the chance for one sunset in Florence I would absolutely take the bus up to Piazzale Michelangelo. The views from here over the entirety of Florence are breathtaking. You can expect crowds at sunset of course but it is worth it for that view!! It is also a nice place to take pictures after dark when the city is lit up. In terms of "must sees" I wouldn't think of missing the Duomo and baptistry. Other impressive churches are Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce. Of the squares in Florence, I particularly liked Piazza de la Signoria at night. You can get amazing pictures of the Palazzo Vecchio as you approach it along the Uffizzi. There is a great deal of interesting architecture in this square as well as a loggia housing statues. Although you mentioned you are not that interested in museums I have to believe Michelangelo's David is a "must see." You can order tickets to the Accadamia and go in very briefly to see nothing but the David if you like.

We only spent about 12 hours in Venice (arrived by train at 9am and left about 9am. Since we wanted to cover a lot of ground and also take a tour to get some of the history, etc., so we decided to take a Segway tour. The tour was about 3 hours, and we saw all the sights from the outside, took a ton of pictures. There was only one other couple on the tour, and you had headphones, so while you were moving, the guide would talk. After the tour we had lunch, wandered through the markets, along the river, had gelatto, went to the Uffizi Gallery, had a great dinner before catching the train. So as long as you can stand, the Segway would be a great option to cover a lot of ground without walking.

Your hotel can call you taxis, even if it's in a pedestrian district; I'd use them whenever possible, since there's so much walking in Florence. Save your walking for when you get to the sites. The Piazzale Michelangelo has lovely views, but I much prefer those in front of the church of San Miniato al Monte, less than a km above Piazzale Michelangelo, up the broad staircase you'll see on your left. A broader view, less crowded, quieter. Plus the church is spectacular... an intact 11th-12th C church that escaped Baroque remake. The taxi can take you to the level of the church. If you're not museum people but love churches/architecture, I'd suggest the convent of San Marco, probably the world's largest collection of Fra Angelico's work, in the friary in which he lived/worked for long periods. And the Bargello is a fascinating historical building that houses a first-rate collection of sculpture. Plan carefully for the timing of any visits. Many museums, particularly the Bargello, close around 2 most or all days; and Sunday hours are particularly variable. And many churches are closed from midday to late afternoon, as well as most or all of Sunday.

The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. Depending on how much you can walk. No tours involved but the gardens are beautiful and have many statues and little grottoes, the area is huge though. If you make it to the top of the hill there are gorgeous views of the whole city. I'm glad i went to the Uffizi but after awhile it was just gloomy and depressing to me; i went to the Bargello afterwards and enjoyed that much more. I liked the architecture of the building and the various art works there-metal work, pictures, statues, jewelry... I can't remember all the history of the building but it was a palace and later a prison.
The Duomo is a must see! Stunning!

I was blown away by the David at the Accademia. I second that recommendation though I strongly encourage to make reservations in advance if you decide to go. Our hotel made them for us and it was very quick and easy to get in.

Thank you all for such wonderful information. I can walk, just can't keep up with walking tours. I'm a very slow walker and have to rest here and there. I love all your ideas for beautiful views of Florence especially since I dont think I can make the 400+ stairs up the tower. I am so excited for this trip and even thou we only have 1 full day in Florence I want to make the most of it. Thanks again
Mary