You cn park at the Florence Rifredi train station, about two miles north of the historic center and take numerous shuttle trains in or the new tramway with to the heart of town.

You know that there is a copy of the David in the Piazza Signori? It's better sited to be seen there in my opinion.

>>>it's just that I hadn't planned on driving in Florence<<<

Good thing since you aren't allowed. You will have to park somewhere outside the ZTL and transport in. If you aren't familiar with ZTL, then you need to read up on it as many cities (even small hill towns) have restricted zones (with cameras in many so they can fine you). Here's a little info on Florence ZTL.
http://www.bella-toscana.com/traffic_violations_italy.htm

I agree with tarquin. You also won't have to pay the high priced entrance fee, as there's not much else inside.

Here's a map that you can click for various things (restricted zone - aree ZTL, cameras - autovelox, parking - soste & parcheggi). You will have to zoom in a bit to define the areas.

http://news.comune.fi.it/muoversi/retecivica_amm.php?categ=MOBILITAETRASPORTI

There is a tram (click it on the map)that runs from the center out towards Scandicci so you might want to park there and take the tram.

IMO, the replica of the David in Piazza Della Signoria does not have the same quality as the real one in the Accademmia.

Do not settle for the replica; the real David is breathtaking.

charnees, glad to hear that, I can't imagine going to Florence and not seeing the real thing.

So what is the difference between getting to Rifredi or Scandicci and taking a tram or bus into the center?

Here are the before and after pictures of the statue of David after its 2 year visit to the U.S.

http://keepingitoffblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/david-to-be-returned-to-italy.html

. . . and you are no longer allowed to photograph the real David. Have to buy a picture. I have the real pictures (taken in 94 before the ban) and they evoke a sensation you can't get from a postcard. Frankly, IMHO Florence is a hassle that just isn't worth it. Pay them back for all the grief they cause, esp w/cars, and go to Sienna. You can see the mummified head of St Katherine for real.

>>>You also won't have to pay the high priced entrance fee, as there's not much else inside.<<<

There's actually quite a bit inside, but most people just head to David and the Prisoners. There are other rooms of sculptures downstairs along with all the musical instruments. Then you can head up stairs (and up again). You can explore a bit on their interactive map.
http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/?m=accademia

There are replicas of David all over Florence. In Paris, there are replicas of the Eiffel Tower. In fact in Paris there is a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Who travels the world to see replicas? The real thing is well worth the trip!

kybourbon - I did go through all the rooms. It seemed I was the only one who did so.

Still, it did nothing for me.

" Pay them back for all the grief they cause, esp w/cars, and go to Sienna"

Which is as bad, if not worse when it comes to driving/parking/ZTLs

You can't drive in Sienna either. There are hundreds of old cities where you cant drive and/or parkmin Italy for that matter.
The real thing is always better than any copies!
Stay and Park somewhere near public transport

I have parked in the free lot at Piazza Michaelangelo and taken the bus to the center. and have also parked in the garage under the train center which can be expensive depending on how much time you spend in Florence. here is a helpful site:

http://www.visitflorence.com/florence-maps/parking-lots-in-florence.html


get tickets in advance to the Accademia so you wont have to spend lots of time waiting in line.

Wow, great parking info, thanks!

BTW: years ago when I parked in the FREE lot in Piazza Michaelangelo, there were guys who were asking unsuspecting tourists for money to park...they would give change from fanny packs, and maybe even hand out receipts... it was a scam.. the police patrolled in cars and knew all about it. so if you are parking for free..dont fall for that scam.
on a clear day the view of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo is terrific.

Personally I would skip Lucca completely and spend more time in Florence.

Actually I wondered about skipping Florence and spending more time in Lucca and the countryside.....................heresy!