Florence top 10 list

Piti Palace is my favorite of all.

de Medici Chapel is an amazing monument to ego. I never cease to amazed at it. Usually not too crowded and is fast in and out. I have been known to leave my wife shopping at the San Lorenzo market and sneak back in for another look.

Palazzo Vecchio is very worthwhile. I am palace fan though. there is a hidden elevator behind the ticket desk that will save lots of steps.

The Duomo. The Duomo. The Duomo.

No trip to florence is complete without a visit. Here's my top ten:

1. The Duomo
2. Accademia
3. Palazzo Vecchio
4. Medici chapels
5. Boboli gardens
6. Uffizi
7. Piazzale Michaelangelo
8. Sante Croce Church
9. Bargello
10.ponte vecchio

A great museum that many people miss is the Bargello, which has lots of sculpture as opposed to paintings. It's especially interesting there to see two other Davids, one by Donatello and one by Verocchio. They are so different from Michelangelo's!! Legend has it that the Verrochio is a likeness of the young Leonardo da Vinci, an apprentice in Verrochio's studio, who was said to be an extremely good-looking young man. And also there is the Donatello statue of Mary Magdalene which is so sad.

When you are at the Accademia, don't miss the unfinished sculptures of slaves emerging from blocks of marble. Michelangelo said he carved statues by removing the stone that did not belong, allowing the statue to emerge from the stone. You can really see what he meant!

For a different experience, go to the Mercado Centrale (Central Market) which is full of specialty food stalls that will just amaze you! This is only a few blocks from the Accademia where the Michelangelo David is. Do not confuse it with the outdoor market in Piazza San Lorenzo, which is mostly clothing.

Also go to the other market under a loggia a block from the Piazza della Signoria where there is the bronze statue of the wild boar, called Il Porcellino (Eel pour-che-leeno'). There's lots of handicrafts there, and the idea is to rub the snout of the boar for good luck. Its nose is shiny from all the multitudes of rubs it's received.

Go to the Piazza della Republica (a couple of blocks from the Duomo) and have a coffee at Gilli's Cafe. (Pronounced Jilly's) It is really fun. You can stand at the bar inside like the Italians, or sit outside at a table where you will pay about 3x as much but also get to get off your feet and watch the passing parade. Their pastries and other desserts are wonderful.

And I, too love the Medici chapel.

Climb to the top of the Duomo if you are in good shape. (Not for those with bad knees!!) But before you go, read "Brunelleschi's Dome" which tells you all about the engineering puzzle it was, and about the competition to get the contract, and how Brunelleschi solved the problem Then when you climb up into the dome you will see what it was all about.

If you still have any time left go to the museum of the works of the Duomo (Opera dell Duomo) and see the original golden doors of the Baptistery (the ones outdoors on the Baptistery today are copies). By the way, that is a competition Brunelleschi lost to Ghiberti.

Also go inside the Baptistery--great mosaics.

*The Duomo, including a climb into the dome (best understood/appreciated if you read the Ross King book first)
*The Bargello
*San Marco (beautiful Fra Angelico frescoes)
*Santa Croce
*Santa Maria Novella
*View of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, with visit to San Miniato al MOnte
*Fiesole (don't know if this really qualifies as a Florence top 10...)

Try to go to Farmacia Santa Maria Novella on Via Della Scala which is in a convent. They have wonderful things--soaps, creams, potpourri, etc.

"We are staying at the Hotel Davanzati."

YEA!! They are wonderful!!

I'm not sure you'll find unanimity on only 10. It all depends on everyone's interests.

Not mentioned yet:

Museo dell'Opificio delle Pietre Dure (amazing inlayed semi-precious stones; much finer workmanship than pieces in Medici Chapels)

Brancacci Chapel

Dante's House and the neighboring Badia Fiorentina (the city's oldest monastery)

Convento di San Marco (Angelico fresco)

Santa Spirito (another Brunelleschi church) and its neighborhood

Santissima Annunziata (cloister and temple, with an image of the Virgin Mary considered "miraculous")

Palazzo Medici Riccardi (garden, town council meeting rooms and Gozzoli's fresco "Procession of the Magi")

I could keep going, but, like I said, it depends on your interests.

If you asked my DH this question, he would say, "Leo's"

Leo’s (Via Torta 7R – www.florencerestaurant.com open for lunch and dinner – closed Mondays – phone 055 210829)

(lol, it truly was his ultimate favorite "site")

You also can visit Santa Croce while you are in the neighborhood.


Enjoy Firenze!

This thread just makes me shake my head in wonder at those who "don't like" Florence!

At this point, adding anything more to these top spots would just make your head spin, so I won't. Oh wait, I can't help myself:

http://www.operaduomo.firenze.it/english/luoghi/museo.asp

ellenm mentions the mosaics inside the Baptistry. Fantastic.

And don't miss the Mercato Centrale if you are at all interested food.

You could read about each of the places mentioned here and then figure out which you want to see. All incredibly worth your time.

I second Leos! We hd a fabulous dinner there! And when you visit the central mercado, go for lunch and eat the incredible boiled beef sandwich at Nerbones stand(just look for the crowd!) One of the best things we ate in 10 days of amazing food in Italy.

I was one who didn't love Florence. It was too crowded and there were too many beggars and vendors everywhere. But the art was amazing and food was wonderful.

bkm

Museo de Duomo is a must-see that is frequently overlooked
Brancacci Chapel across the river for the Masaccio frescos
Medici Chapel behind San Lorenzo
Good Luck

Unless you really love to buy rather nice but expensive creams and lotion type things, I would skip Farmacia Santa Maria Novella on a two day trip to Florence. It isn't really in the beaten path, and although it is a very nice shop, it is a shop.

I'll probably get drummed out of the corps for the above suggestion, but the list you have going here is pretty extensive and contains many fascinatings sights. Two days in Florence aren't that many.

bookmark

We really enjoyed climbing to the top of the campanile. The view of the Duomo is unforgettable!

Enjoy!

I would definitely recommend the science musuem behind the Uffizi(cannot think of the name of it now). It consists of two floors with globes,maps,etc .and other science stuff from Galileo and all sorts of interesting medical equipment from the Renaissance era. There are numerous things of interest in it and it is a wonderful change if you are "getting sick of all the art".(I say this as someone who studied French and Italian Art in Florence for a college semester!)

I would also take the local bus from the Accademia up to Fiesole for a wonderful view of Florence and have a stroll through the great Roman ruins up there for an afternoon.There are some cute restaurants up there as well.
There is a thread from year's past on some of the other wonderful things to do in Florence so check it out on the search feature.

Visiting Florence in Sept - bookmarking!

Have lunch or a snack in the cafe at the Uffizi, halfway through your visit. Sit outside on the rooftop patio because the the view is spectacular.

Go see the Piazza della Signoria at dusk when the crowds are gone.

Try the gelato at Carabe on your way to or from the Accademia. Also try the gelato and buy some pasteries at Cafe Gilli.

If you visit the Branacci Chapel in the Oltarno, take a bit of time to explore the neighbourhood. You can buy a pair of Italian-made kid leather gloves in any colour imaginable for 20 euro at Roberta's on Borgo San Jacopo. They come in several difference sizes for both men and women.

Get out early in the morning for a walk, ideally before 8am. When you hear the vendors' wagons rattling on the cobblestones, it's time to go back home for breakfast, or to bed for another hour's sleep.

Once you decide what you want to see you should check opening times carefully. Quite a few of the museums close in mid afternoon so you have to plan around that especially with only 2 days.

bkmrk for our trip in Sep...didn't count the items, but it's well over ten...we have one day at best...more research!

me too:
Santo Spirito,
Santa Croce,
and, do not forget, Palazzo Strozzi;
then, Caffè Ghiberti for coffee in the morning (or cappuccino) and Carabè for gelato.

Have a lovely trip, ciao.

Vincenzo

Hi -

All the recommendations above are great. I would recommend a guide book for the museums that is absolutely teriffic. It is called Mona Winks - you can get it on Amazon. If you are not an art expert, this book is for you. I used it years ago on a trip through Italy and Paris museums and it really made the experience. In laymans terms it walks you though the museum and the art. At one point in the Uffizi we had other folks following us around while we read it aloud. It is a must for any museums in Europe.

Two more comments: Watch out for the cuperto or cover charge in some of the tourist restaurants. It is basically a few Euro charge added to the bill for eating in the restaurant. You can ask if there is one and sometimes negotiate it out up front.

Try ALL the gelato you can. The flavors are absolutely amazing! I had rose gelato there over 15 years ago and can still remember the experience.

Enjoy!



http://www.amazon.com/Rick-Steves-Mona-Winks/dp/1562614215

It's a shame that Florence gets somewhat shortchanged by so many visitors. I don't think I would love it so much if I had only spent a day or two in the city- it wasn't instant total love for me like Paris. Florence seems to require a little more patience and understanding. It took me a couple of days to warm up to it, then every day I enjoyed Florence more and more until I felt heartsick at having to leave after our week was up. Posting about Florence makes me miss it so much, I feel "homesick" for it.

I know many people don't like Florence, and I often see posts that advise to stay only a short time to see David and the Duomo. I would encourage vistors to think about giving Florence more time and consideration before running for the hills of rural Tuscany. You may not like Florence if you stay only a day or two and tick things off a list, because the noise and crowds can be overwhelming at times.

My advice for Florence is to explore the city in early morning and nighttime walks. Go to the Oltrarno across the river. And walk the side streets- the crowds always tramp the same routes, and they are easy to escape-just take a couple of random turns down a pokey side street or two. It's amazing how very few tourists stray off the beaten path in this city.

I agree with Apres Londonee -- you have to take time to understand Florence.

But for now, I want to correct an error I made. The Donatello wooden statue of Mary Magdalene is in the Opera del Duomo museum, not the Bargello (thanks, tuscannlifeedit for the link to the museum.)

Thanks for asking the question ap2000...bookmarking.

Hi

I went to Florence last summer with my wife and here is my trip report with pictures http://gardkarlsen.com/florence_italy_travelogue.htm . Check out the Google map that I have made http://gardkarlsen.com/Florence_Italy_google_map.htm . It shows the location of some of the attractions and you can click on the markers for more info I hope that you can find some useful info there.

Get in touch if you have any questions or comments...and have a great trip

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Wow, such great responses. Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to respond. I am printing it all out and hope to see as many of these special places as I can. Plus I know I'll be back in italy very soon again so this list will come handy!!

Thanks again!!

bookmarking

There have been seperate recommendations for Piti Palace and Boboli Gardens, my faves too. Note that they are in the same location and you can get a combo ticket.

BKM - we just arrived in Florence now --this is a great list.

Must do's on my list: Duomo, Piazzale Michaelangelo (sunset views!), Ponte Vecchio, and Leo's. My Dh would fly all the way to Florence just to eat at Leo's. He's not a veggie person but LOVEd their spinach ravioli--that should tell you something! The Leo's cake is to die for..... I'm so hungry now. Can't wait to go back.

bookmarking

If you're going to Boboli Gardens, there is an upward path that'll lead you to Fort Belvedere, there you can see a breathtaking view of Florence.

I think the view Frestonia refers to is at least as good as the view from Piazzale Michelangelo. In some ways, I like it more.

There used to be a small restaurant (Kaffeehaus) in the Boboli Gardens very near the gate leading to the Belvedere. The view from the restaurant's terrace was wonderful, but the last I heard this restaurant was no longer open (or perhaps it's a seasonal thing).

I was in Florence in May 2006. It gets crowded during the middle of the day so I recommend getting up early and walk around, and to the top, of the duomo in the morning. At 8:30 AM, it will be empty.
(Which is a good thing, because there are a ridiculous number of stairs to the top of the duomo & this means you can take a rest on the way up.)

Then go over to the Bapistry & the Uffizi before they get crowded.

I enjoyed watching the sunset (as well as people watching) from Plaza Michelangelo.

And another enthusiastic recommendation for gelato at Carabe.

I have to agree with dutyfree on the science museum (I also forget the exact name of it). It makes a great change from all the art, if you need it. My husband especially liked it, since he's not really into going into all the churches and art museums. Plus, you get get to see the finger!

My husband's favorite spot was Perche No for the gelato. Yes, really really good, and the fact that it was over 100 degrees and humid (July), made it even better.

We found our 2 days there flew by, and being jet lagged and sapped by the heat, we didn't go-go-go all the time, and didn't cram in as much as we could have.

Our best memories were not of the museums, but of the little moments like ducking into a little bar for a cool glass of wine, standing chatting with the barista about the world cup (using our limited italian language skills). Being taken into the private living quarters of the hotel owner to see her child's artwork on the walls. Sitting in a tiny out-of-the-way bar with another glass of cold wine and reading the paper and watching the locals come and go, then ordering a couple panini which we ate in the shade of the Uffizi, or just lying on the bed trying to cool off during riposo while watching the Palio on TV.

Don't overschedule. Enjoy.

My husband's best memory is buying a leather suit jacket at the School of leather.(Scuola del Cuoio, Monastery of Santa Croce via San Giuseppe 5, Florence). Impeccable work. My husband loves his suit coat...I literally mean he LOVES the jacket, I got a purse, and we bought some zippered pouches for souvenirs. You can have your initials or name imprinted into the leather or embossed with gold on the leather. Do not go through the Monastery- there is a charge- go around the corner and through the back garden. Lovely place. Easily walkable from the Duomo. Also if you are staying a couple of days, there is a great grocery store out the door of the train station, down the flight of stairs in the lower level, and across the street. We stocked up and brought back groceries to the CT. (We are apartment people).

I'll also be in Florence in September and this is absolutely perfect.

Now my only problem is narrowing down the must-sees.

To all of those who responded, I wish I could take you to lunch or send you flowers, but a heartfelt "thank you" right now will have to do.

There were so many wonderful things about Florence.

One of my favorite though was San Miniato. I loved the skyline of Florence from there. The San Miniato was such a contrast to the churches in Florence, that it was a nice change. Plus it was so cool inside after the hot hike up there. Be sure to stop in the gift store and purchase the herbal remedies and honey made by the monks. I brought to jars of honey back with me and it has such a delicate flavor.

I will also have to add the Medici Chapel, and I agree with the previous poster - all about the EGO of the Medici family, and the incredible sculptures by Michelangelo.

Another favorite was the Bargello.

I LOVE this thread. I am so baffled by those who travel to Italy and skip Florence or stay for just a day. On our past 6 trips to Italy, Florence is the common destination regardless of where else we visit. We always make time to return.

Florence is my favorite European city after Paris and I could stay for weeks! This post shows the reason why. There is so much to see and do and all the suggestions on this tread bring Florence to life for me. We must plan a trip soon.

You have a great list of the things to do while you are there. I hope you have enough time to do many of them.

our top 10:

1) The Duomo. The total experience: climbing to the top...The views of Florence and almost touching the frescoes in the inner dome were breathtaking.

2) Santa Croce Church.

3) Uffizi

4) David at Accademia

5) The view of the Duomo at dusk from Piazzale Michelangelo

6) The Oltarno district. Great art, workshops, eats and shopping.

7) Dinner at La Giostra. Memorable....a night to remember.

8) The gelato

9) The cool bicycles and scooters....everywhere

10) The energy. Grab a snack/drink at a cafe in a Piazza and people watch. ....Imagine the history that unfolded years ago.

Buon Viaggio.

bookmarking

I am going to be in Florence for a week May 5- May 12. We have eaten at Leo's on all our previous trips to Florence and it is my favorite restaurant there. I want to make a reservation for the 4 of us for dinner one night while we are there and I'm wondering if they have a website so I could make a reservation. We are renting an apartment so we don't have a hotel concierge to do it for us. Thanks for the help

Is it this restaurant ?

http://www.firenzerestaurant.net/

That's the one. Thank you so much for your speedy reply. I have e-mailed them for a reservation.

The cells of the San Marco monastery, each with a Fra Angelico (or Angelico-esque) fresco.

The Pontormo "Deposition" in the Church of San Felicita, just across the Ponte Vecchio in the Oltrarno. Someone told me it was the most beautiful painting in Florence, and I think he was right. This is an easy stop on the way to the Pitti Palace.

The Davanzati Museum is also wonderful, and usually empty.

Florence is my favorite city and each time I've gone I have discovered more and more. But if I had only two days and had never been before...this would be it.

1. Duomo from outside only but visit it's museum located behind it.

2. Santa Croce - spend time inside and then have pizza at Baldovino's that runs alongside the church.

3. Medici Chapel - not to be missed.

4. Ponte Vecchio at sunset.

5. Michaelangelo's David

6. Uffizi to see the masterpieces

7. Pitti Palace gallery (i would skip Boboli Gardens but this palace is extraordinary.

8. View of Florence from Piazzale Michaelangelo (take bus to save some time...it's quite a stroll)

9. Gelato every chance you get!

10. The markets (Central, San Lorenzo, Il Porcellino)

Pace yourself...soak up Florence as you stroll from place to place. You are going to fall in love with Florence as I did and this trip will only whet your appetite for more!

Why oh why did I not see David when in Florence. My biggest traveling mistake.

And David may be moving... I read in Newsweek recently that Florence may move him to a special museum out of town to help ease congestion in the historical center.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/112727

What a great list! Some new places for me to see as well on our trip this summer.

we enjoyed the gelato at Il Gelato at Vivolis icecream store but theyre not the friendliest people in town! so dont ask QUUUUUUUUUUUUESTIONS - the prices are written on the cups not on a menu board OOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!
haha
i wish we had climbed the 463 steps to the chapel domeat st marys of the flower ( i think thats where the dome is )
but we were on a tour and you know what thats like - frenetic pace and 'meet in 45 minutes or we will LEAVE you stranded!'
never ever doing a tour again unless im travelling single as a double amputee
and even then id rather roll myself than set foot on an organised tour of any country again!
just my humble point of view mind you

Thanks for this wonderful thread.

I'm headed to Florence in 2 weeks and I'll be bringing along many of the suggestions!

gruezi

keeper!!!

Wow, these are all marvellous suggestions. If any of you went to Florence with children and/or teenagers, what did they really enjoy doing?

Don't forget to eat wild boar, awesome.

Before you go, download the Rick Steves free audio guides to Florence. They really enriched my time there. . . the Academia, the Renaissance Walk (be sure to print out the pdf map), and the Uffizi. I also enjoyed rented audio guide at the Pitti Palace, but you have to ask for it when you buy your ticket - the only place to get it.

tagging for reading later...

Ozziez,

Your girls will love shopping the outdoor market stalls near San Lorenzo. Rome has no real equivalent of this.

Thanks Ellenem - my girls are going to love you!

Does anyone have any memories of things that boys (mine is 10 years old) really loved doing/seeing in Florence?

The Science and History Museum is full of mechanical object belonging to Galileo and including his mummified finger in a jar. However, it's was under renovation when I was there in March. Just a small portion of the museum was open. the webiste is unclear about what is open. If this is still true, I probably wouldn't bother with it.

http://www.imss.fi.it/

One can climb both the bell tower and the dome of the duomo. The interior of the dome has a particularly gruesome Last Judgment, with a devil to give one nightmares.

Great list! This is very useful as we plan our first trip to Florence! Thanks!

2010

Thanks ellenem - mummified fingers and devils will delight him!

Is there a Top10 Venice or Top10 Florence like this? I tried to search could not find....

I think there most definitely should be! This is an awesome list!

Many thanks to GoogleMaps GardKarlsen! Awesome utilization of GoogleMaps... I am doing the same for my trip.

This is "the list", that will be taken with us this fall. Reading it I'm am getting very excited and can't wait.