Florence on a tight schedule?

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worldsowide

My opinion is that Florence is an open air museum and can be enjoyed without actually entering any buildings -- not that I recommend this as the best way to see Florence because you would miss so much but if you've only got 6-8 hours you can still experience a lot in Florence. (You'll need a basic map for this tour -- the one in your guide book should do).

1. I assume you are taking a train, so when you get off the train station head over to Piazza Santa Maria Novella in front of the church. This is a pretty little church and they've been cleaning up the square so it is worth a pass through.

2. From Via del Sole head toward Palazzo Strozzi and Piazza della Republicca. Get a cappuccino at Paskowskis in Piazza della Republicca, one of the historic coffee shops of Florence (and my favorite in this piazza lined with coffee shops). Splurge and sit outside and enjoy the people watching.

3. Take a left on Via Roma to get to the Baptistry and Duomo. This is the religious heart of Florence and I think this it is the best view of Florence's dominating monument. If the line is short go in the Baptistry -- and for a few Euro get the guided taped tour -- the line for the Duomo is usually too long. Also, if the line is short, there are good views from the top of the bell tower.

4. Walk down Via Calzaiuoli to Piazza Signoria, the civic heart of Florence. Duck inside the hundreds year old city hall for a look around (usually a short line to get through security but goes quickly). That's a copy of Michelangelo's David sitting out front. If it's lunchtime at this point, you can hop over to I Frattelini on nearby Via del Cimitero for a quick sandwich and glass of wine -- taken on the sidewalk with the rest of the Italians.

5. From Piazza Signoria head down the loggia of the Uffizi to the Arno River. Great shot of the Ponte Vecchio from here. Walk along the river to the Ponte Vecchio (if you're up for gelato, one of the best places is here on the corner of the bridge and Por Santa Maria: Gelato della Carrozzeria).

6. Cross the bridge and do a little window shopping in the jewelry stores and head over to take a look at the Palazzo Pitti. If you need a little green and a break at this point, head over inside the Boboli Gardens (behind the large building) or you could head the opposite way to Piazza Santo Spirito, a great little piazza to hang out in the oldest neighborhood in Florence. If you haven't eaten yet, here's another option for a great sandwich on the run at Gustopanino.

7. From here head back over to the river and walk to the southeast -- you are headed to the neighborhood of San Niccolo' and up to the best lookout over Florence. Take the wide winding road up to Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the view over all of Florence. When you come back down, stop at Il Rifrullo on Via San Niccolo' -- for the price of a drink you can enjoy a full buffet aperativo in their lovely garden.

8. Cross the rive and head over to Santa Croce. You're probably ready for dinner now (or not if you filled up at the Rifrullo). Nearby Osteria dei Benci on Via dei Benci is a great spot, or pick something in Piazza Santa Croce with outdoor seating.

Now you are ready to head back to Rome, having pretty much seen all the major sites (although quite superficially) in Florence.

A few tips:

-- Be sure to take the fast train (Eurostar) up from Rome so that you maximize your time in Florence. For train info: www.trenitalia.com
-- If you really need to go to a museum -- the David at the Accademia is breathtaking and the Uffizi is the best Renaissance museum in the world -- be sure you reserve first or you'll spend all your time in Florence in line. The number for museum reservations (should be done at least a week ahead of time in summer) is 055.294883 (from within Italy, from the U.S. you must first dial 011.39). My recommendation for a short trip would be to pop in and admire David and save the rest for a longer trip.

Buon Viaggio!

Shauna S

Go to the 'Domo' , the Cathedral inthe Center of Florence. You can easily walk to other sites from there. You will need reservations to visit any Museum--so make them before you go. The reservations are for times to go into the attractions. Florence has a wonderful outdoor market--so if you haven't shopped--now is your chance. I loved Florence. Michaelangelo's David is at the Acedmica. Lots of wonderful places to eat. Have a great time.

mareeclara

do the hop on hop off bus...the ticket is a 24hr one, but you get around the places quickly (saving some time) and you get to have a feel for the place and have some good photo ops too...I especially liked the view from the hillside on the otherside of the river (the bus takes you there) and have the "classic" view of Florence..you can even stay on the bus (double decker so on top views are great).
The Duomo is stunning and there is the "David" statue...although I spent 50mins in line there for 15mins with David...but so worth it.....There are 2 other copies around the place...one on the hillside lookout I mentioned before and also in the piazza where the original stood for a few hindred years, the one in the piazza is good, but I could see the diffs in it, but good for an alternative.
Just walking or crusing the streets on the bus are great as there are so many pretty/painted buildings (ie painted yellows/browns/greens (and oranges on the golden bridge) with painted detail...its lovely. Have a great time there!!

okbyme

Go by train. Walk straight up the Via Nazionale till you arrive at the Duomo. Usually there is a long line there but admire all around. Find your way to Piazza Signoria - you can soak in the statues, the piazza and to the side is the Uffizzi Gallery which leads to the Arno. The Ponte Vecchio with its little stores goes over the Arno river. I find eating at the station restaurant in the help yourself is the best, cleanest and a bit choice. Grab another bottle of mineral water for later on. If shops are open (they open and close at strange hours) go to a bakery and taste florentine bread. the best in the world. I could go on for ever and ever as I love Florence

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