Itinerary in Florence
 

I am going to Florence in early June with my wife. What are the 10 must see sights in Florence? I plan on staying 2-3 nights. Any better hotel recommendations (3-4 stars) would be appreciated.

FreddyG welcome to Fodor's. I think you must have some idea of what you want to see in Florence or you wouldn't have any interest in going there. The obvious things are: Arno river, Pont de Vecchio, uffizi gallery, Accademia gallery, duomo, and several other significant churches.

There are other things that you can research by reading guide books or looking at the 'destinations' section of this website.

Uffizi is a must. Bookings essential. Good views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo - http://www.visitflorence.com/florenc...helangelo.html

In addition to the suggestions above, visit Santa Croce; the Bargello - a museum of sculpture; the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi to see a beautiful fresco of the Visitation of the Magi; San Marco to see the Fra Angelico frescos. Take a bus from Piazza San Marco to Fiesole, a small town overlooking Florence for its beautiful views. Spend some time in the Piazza della Signoria with a cafe or glass of vino.

Florence is a wonderful city with numberless treasures - enjoy!

Don't forget the Central Market. And shopping is fabulous all over. (Do NOT buy from anyone on the street who has a blanket laying on the ground displaying their wares!) (Next rule: If it looks cheap or cheaply made- it is! There are plenty of reputable craftsmen in Florence where you can get quality merchandise.)

I love San Lorenzo and the attached Medici chapel (different entrance fees for each).

I also highly recommend you get a good guidebook. I love DKEyewitness guides. I'm a visual person. These have lots of pictures and 3D maps, etc. You should browse the travel guide section at a large book store. Find one that works for you.

Santa Croce is a must-see. Contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini, etc. Beautiful courtyard, too.

The Duomo, of course. But the Baptistry is a must!

And I concur on Piazzale Michelangelo. If it is not cloudy/rainy, arrive 20 mts before sunset. A must see. :)

Don't get confused on the star-system for hotels here. They only represent services and not conditions/staff. For instance, I always stay at the Hotel Casci. It is only a "2-star", because they have no room service and no pool, basically. They have an incredible staff (family-owned and operated) who all speak English. The rooms are clean, bathrooms all remodeled (some with tubs) and the breakfast cannot be beat. Additionally, they are in a charming building that used to be part of the Medici palaces, and they are located 2-minute-walk from the Duomo.

Whatever hotel you decide on, you can find reviews on TripAdvisor.com. You will see that Hotel Casci gets rave reviews! (www.hotelcasci.com).

Buon viaggio! I love Florence and I know you will have a wonderful time!

In addition to what was mentioned, I would add the Medici Chapels (at San Lorenzo - beautiful Michelangelo sculptures), the Duomo Museum (some wonderful art including Donatello's Mary Magdalene),Santa Maria Novella (Masaccio's Trinity) and Palazzo Pitti (art and other museums), in that order.

Vivoli, home to what is, reputedly, Florence's best gelato, is near Piazza Santa Croce. My personal favorite is Festival del Gelato on Via del Corso -- it has tons of flavors and great gelato.