Travel
JJwritergirl
member
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What to see in Florence
in Travel
We're going to Italy the first two weeks of May. We're spending several days in Florence, but I'm not quite sure what to do/see there.
Also, would you suggest renting an apartment there, or going the hotel route?
Re: What to see in Florence
The Duomo is gorgeous - try to go up to the top of the dome at sunset, as the soft lighting over Florence is very pretty.
Wander across the Ponte Vecchio, but if you want to buy jewelry that isn't the place to do so - too expensive.
Obviously you want to see The David - you can pre-buy tickets in advance.
The Uffizi Gallery is very popular if you're into art. You can also reserve your tickets in advance.
You can also use Florence as a base for day trips to surrounding towns - Pisa, Siena, etc.
As for hotel versus apartment - really is a question of preference and budget for you.
The Boboli Gardens were amazing, but wear comfy shoes, it's very very hilly.
I would skip Pisa, especially if it's your first trip, just not that much to see there. I loved Siena and on our last trip we did a day trip to Greve in Chianti.
I have had this place bookmarked for a while - I'd totally stay here.
http://www.vrbo.com/276627#rates
The PPs have covered most things I would suggest.
I enjoyed the museums and art, but my favorite part about Florence was just wandering around side streets, stopping at cafes, browsing shops, and eating as much gelato as possible. It's such a beautiful city.
Depending on how long you're going to be there, I would go for an apartment. You'll have more space, privacy, and it's often cheaper. But like the PP said, it's a matter of preference.
If you are considering a cute, charming, B&B type hotel, I suggest Hotel Hermitage. We have stayed there more than once. Some of the rooms overlook the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio. Great roof top terrace too! Some rooms have jacuzzi tubs for two.
Sites:
Piazza Della Republicca
Piazza Della Signoria
Duomo
Shopping at Mercato Centrale (central market - outdoor market! )
Accademia Museum
Uffizi Museum
Ponte Vecchio
Arno River
I would personally recommend an apartment over a hotel or B & B. We stayed in a B & B but wished in hindsight that we had rented an apartment instead.
In terms of sightseeing, I have two entries in my travel blog on our visit to Florence that you can take a look at:
http://wanderlusttraveler.blogspot.com/2012/01/florence-italy-sightseeing.html
http://wanderlusttraveler.blogspot.com/2012/02/florence-italy-accommodation-dining-and.html
We did all of those, plus Palazzo Pitti. Which honestly, was a little overwhelming for me. We also went to the Basilica di Santa Croce, which in addition to being a cathedral, is the burial place of Michaelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, and others.
LOL...this is the apartment next to the apartment we stayed at while in Florence. I'd definitely recommend it. Maritza was great to work with. We walked everywhere.
Uffizi/Piazza Signoria-2 mins
Ponte Vecchio-pretty much right outside the door.
Duomo-7-10min walk
Pics that I had on my work computer
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http://i44.tinypic.com/i25cmw.jpg
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http://i44.tinypic.com/2lt0d5l.jpg
florence is my fave (just returned last week from my 3rd visit there in 3 years).
i'm not crazy about the accademia honestly. if you're not a huge crazy nut for david skip it-there are 2 other copies. one in piazza della signoria and one in pizzelle mich. as pp mentioned.
the uffizi-i'm a fan. it's rather small really and since the rooms are all off of one hallway it's easy to get to just which rooms you want to see and dont have to wander through others. you dont have to reserve online in advance. email your hotel to get you tickets (and save some fees) or go there when you first get in and get tickets for a designated time later in the week.
the bargello museum is outstanding. it's 2 blocks south of the duomo on via pronscolo. it's also 1 block south of the hotel i stay in there, grand cavour. great rooftop lounge with outstanding views.
the ponte vecchio-meh-it's ok but it's always packed. it's very picturesque though. head one bridge before (right near santa croce) or right after and avoid the crowds and get great pics.
oltrarno is an outstanding area to visit.
palazzo pitti, boboli gardens etc.. are all available on one ticket so you can spend literally hours there.
the duomo museum, the duomo, the baptistery (sp?), giottos tower are all excellent. you can climb both the duomo and giottos but i prefer the view from duomo as giotos has bars around it and duomo is just open plus you get the added benefit of being very close to the 'last judgement' in the dome. fabulous.
the palazzo vecchio is a great place to tour as well. the different rooms and frescoes are gorgeous.
santa croce is the be all and end all of faves in florence though. i adore it.
I went to Florence for a weekend with a couple of girllfriends - we spent the marjority of the time just wandering around and shopping at the leather market. We had an apartment and it was really fun shopping for groceries - the food market that's part of the leather market was amazing.
I loved seeing David - it's just so much more impressive in person than I was anticipating.
BFP Apr 2012, EDD Dec 19 2012 * twin h/b at 6wk, 9wk scan * Baby A lost at 12wks, Baby B was my rainbow born at 36wks