I have a day to spend in Florence, Italy. Where should I go, what should I see? How should my day look like?

Question

I am visiting Florence for the first time. Is it worth to squeeze in a visit to Pisa as well? Will I have enough time?

Answer 1

Visit the Duomo, Baptistry and Giotto's Tower.  

See the Uffizi (incredible art) and Accademia (Michelangelo's David). You'll want reservations so you don't spend a lot of time waiting in line. You can get tickets here: http://www.uffizi.com/ There are also links to the other museums including the Accademia where you can make reservations. http://www.uffizi.com/accademia-gallery-...

Palazzo Vecchio is worth visiting the interior. There usually aren't long lines to get in. http://www.uffizi.com/palazzo-vecchio-fl... It's worth stopping into the Orsanmichele for the tabernacle and frescos: http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/o... This is rather small; it will take only a few minutes seeing.

Stop at a restaurant and try the Ribollita and Cinghiale Maremmara with vin Santo and cantuccini for dessert (or whatever else on the menu strikes your fancy.

Go across the Ponte Vecchio. If you're interested in more galleries/museums visit Palazzo Pitti and/or the Boboli Gardens. Santo Spirito is also definitely worth a visit.

Walk along the river and climb up to Piazza Michelangelo http://graphics.stanford.edu/~lucasp/pic... for the great views of the city. While you're there continue up the hill to the San Miniato al Monte monastery and see the frescos and tabernacle there...more good views of the city. http://www.san-miniato-al-monte.com/ I often try to arrive in Florence very early in the morning and go up to the piazza to watch the sun rise.

Walk back down through the rose garden. Cross the first bridge and make your way to Santa Croce. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy...

Wander through the old town and stop for the things that catch your attention. Stop frequently for gelato.

There's more than enough to see and do in a day in Florence. Don't use up 3 hours on the trains (both directions) going to Pisa if you've only got a day and haven't been to Florence before.

Pay a visit to Il Porcellino before you leave: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Eur... Stroll through the market there if you're interested.

Stop for a caffe in the morning and evening at any of the many great spots just to sit and enjoy.

There are tons of other museums, houses, churches, etc. The old town is very compact and easily walkable. You'll have a great time.

Answer 2

Underground in the Medici tombs is a bunch of Michelangelo's sketches.  They only sell a handful of tickets a day so you have to get there early in the am or buy tickets the day before.  As far as I know, they don't advertise this either.  We bribed the guard to go down there - we spent a lot of extra money but we split it so it wasn't that bad.  

It was amazing in my opinion.  Hopefully, they're stll letting people down there (this was 5 or 6 years ago that I was there).  Have fun!

Answer 3

Lovely and over-crowded city.  See the main art museum (Uf..) and David and get out of town.  Pisa is a long ride off for only a leaning tower.

Answer 4

Florence is a wonderful place and is one of the italian city most rich of art. These are some of the momuments you have absolutey to see:

Church of Santa Maria Novella

Dominican monastery that serves as a distinguished monument to the religious and artistic history of Florence, which features valuable examples of Florentine paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Palazzo Vecchio

Florence's principal palace was begun in 1299 and built as the seat of the Signoria, the fathers of the city's republican government.

Church of Santo Spirito

While it may not look like much from the outside, the elaborate interior of Brunelleschi's landmark church proves that it is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello (Bargello Museum)

Housed in the Palazzo del Podesta (1255 AD) as the residence of Florence's chief magistrate, this museum houses an unrivalled collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture.

Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee)

Opulently decorated in marble, gold and jewels, these chapels are a celebration of one of Italy's most famous and powerful families - the Medicis.

Ponte Vecchio

Erected during Roman times, this is the most ancient and photographed bridge in Florence, which is characterized by three arches and two wide arcades on each side housing the famous and unusual "botteghe" or shops.

Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

A complex of art museums housing some of the most celebrated treasures in the city.

Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, the Cathedral's trademark dome is now the symbol of Florence.

Baptistry (Battistero)

This is the richest medieval church in Florence, which features frescoes by Giotto, a chapel by Brunelleschi and one of the finest of all early Renaissance tombs.

I think you'd better visit Pisa another day because one day is not enough time to see Florence. May be easier visit Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

Situated on a hill (monte) outside Florence with unsurpassed views of the city, this structure is one of the finest examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, built between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Have a nice stay

Answer 5

First of all there are many things you can see in Florence, or Firenze, but the city is very small. If you start from the Stazione Termini, in case you arrive by train, and cross the city to the River Arno, you will see the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Baptisterio and the bridge over the River. You cannot miss Piazza della Signoria. Better buy a  tourist guide that has a map, but it`s a pity that you cannot spend at least 3 days to see the whole city. But with only one day you will not have time to go to Pisa, although it is near. Buy all your postcards you find, which will be better than any picture if it is a rainy or dark day. I have been 3 times in Florence and I miss it, so maybe this year I`m going again. If there are anything that you want to know any large bookstore has books on travel.

[e-mail].