Worth seeing in Florence?

I would also strongly reccomend the Piazalle Michelangelo. If the weather is good, you can get a great view! My favorite picture from our trip last year is of my family standing against the railing with the city of Florence spread out behind us. It's a magical place really.

For us, it was a disappointment. It's just a bunch of trees with a very nice central stairway up to the top. The views are very nice but overall, it wasn't worth it to us. We have better trees in our backyard. The porcelain museum at the top is quite nice but that's about it. We didn't go through the Pitti Palace which is associated with the gardens so I can't comment.

There are other gardens to visit that don't charge admission. We didn't think it was worth it. It's probably better to go to Piazelle Michaelangelo for a view and relaxation.

The Boboli Gardens are very much NOT worth it. I've seen better gardens so many other places that didn't charge 10 euros to look at.

I can't speak about Piazzale Michelangelo (I've heard it's beautiful) but we really enjoyed Fiesole. We arrived by bus in the late afternoon in September (following RS directions), walked up the path to a charming tiny, tiny monastery and just happened to show up in time for the blessing of the Eucharist service (maybe 10 monks singing), then wandered back down the road and had dinner outside at a wonderful restaurant with Florence spread out before us under a darkening sky. There was a big soccer game going on in the stadium far below us and occasionally we would hear a roar go up. It was just magical.

And, yeah, the Boboli gardens kind of suck. :-)

We went to Fiesole and climbed up the verrrrrry steep hill to see the view of Florence. Unfortunately, it was foggy and we couldn't see much at all. We went back down the hill only to find that all Rick's recommended restaurants didn't open until 7:30. After having a glass of wine (and just to humor me), my friends and Iwent back up the hill to the restaurant at the terrace, La Reggia Ristorante, since it opened at 7:00. We were seated at a window table that overlooked Florence just as the fog lifted. In addition to an incredible view of Florence at night, we had an incredible meal. I don't know why it's not listed as anything other than a landmark but we had one of our two best meals there. If you get a chance to go, try the beef roll with cheese and tomatoes. Definitely worth climbing that hill twice!

If you need a little rest from all the florence walking yes do go to Fiesole by bus. It is relaxing and a beautiful view day or eve. Restaurants are pricey there but it is a good spot to rest and say ahh, assuming you have time to spare.

One additional point: I agree about the gardens, but the Pitti palace (to which the gardens are attached) has lovely rooms and a superb art collection.

Thanks for the recommendation Sherry. I was considering it so will make sure to include it.

Thank you everyone for all your wonderful recaps. We will definitely skip the Boboli Gardens and since we have 2 days and 2 nights in Florence, I'm sure we'll have the time to go to the recommended Fiesole. I think from what I'm reading, the second evening right just before dusk, would be a wonderful way to end our visit of Florence. And of course, to eat at what appears to be the perfect place to watch the sun set. Thanks again!

Hello Linda if i can give you an avoid, if you would visite the Pitti Palace, you can book the ticket online for skip the queue I booked the ticket on http://www.museum-ticket.it

enjoy it!

When we were in Florence last, we stayed in Fiesole at the Villa Bonnelli and took the bus down to Florence each day. It suited us perfectly and even the bus ride was fun.

I concur with general opinion that Boboli Gardens are nothing special. We took the bus to Fiesole in September and just a note of caution. My husband's wallet was pickpocketed while he was standing in a fairly crowded bus. Mind you, he had a vest with numerous zippered pockets inside it, but he put his wallet in his front pants pocket. Police said it was two professionals as my husband felt (in thinking back) a bump on his left side and while he was concentrating on this, the other person took the wallet from his right pocket. So if you go to Fiesole--or on busses in general, I suppose,-- use the regular precautions about safety of your possessions. Fifteen minutes after the theft, $1100 had been charged on our credit card.

Oh Sally, that's terrible. I'm sure that put a damper on your trip. As for my trip, the original question was posted on 2/20/08 and so I already went on my trip last year. It was fabulous! I didn't know if I was going to be too excited with Florence but turned out it was one of my favorite places. Esp. loved Michaelangelo Piazza. Of course, the day we went there was beautiful and so we got the most remarkable pictures of Florence and the river as the sun was setting. Very remarkable and charming city. I think with all the art students that study there, it makes it a very outgoing and fun place after dark. Also loved all the history from there. We enjoyed it immensely!

Boboli Gardens no. Piaza Michealangelo yes.

On my last afternoon in Florence I took the HOHO bus, which went to Fiesole. The ride was beautiful and I was very sorry I didn't have time to get off and walk around - it all looked charming.

I loved the Pitti Palace. Got there early and there was no line at all. When I left in the early afternoon, there were about 5 people in line for tickets. If you want an audio guide (worth the price), you can only rent/return it at the ticket booth. Don't be fooled by the "Modern Art" section. It is all relative. The section begins with the Napoleonice era and ends with a few very early 20th century works. If you are planning to visit the Academia and/or Uffizi, you really must buy tickets in advance. The waiting can be HOURS, otherwise.