If one has no car in Florence, what is the easiest way to get to the Piazzale Michelangelo? Taxi? If so how much? Bus? If so, which one and where to catch it?

Thanks!

Without knowing where you're starting from, it's going to be awfully hard to answer that.

Sorry, but I don't know, other than to say that I will be in the vicinity of Florence center. We have an Accidental Tourist cooking class which gets us back to Florence at 5:30 and I was thinking of going then. But I'm not sure where exactly they will deposit us.

The easiest way is to take the number 12 bus from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station.

There are maps and more information on this site:
http://www.ataf.net/

Walk back - it is lovely!

I requested a taxi at the hotel. Taxi about 8 euro. A taxi will be direct, whereas a bus may make stops. A bus will be less expensive though.

I went at night to dine at the restaurant at the Piazzale Michelangelo. The city was lit very well at night, but daytime would be easier to see everything.

I am sure the walk back would be great, but since I use sometimes use a cane (bad heel and ankle), such a walk at the end of a long walking day might kill me.

We took the bus from the city centre where our hotel was located up to Piazzale Michelangelo, and walked back. Much easier on the way down LOL! I believe the bus only runs every half-hour or so, and we just missed it going back down, so that was the first reason why we walked back to town. It was also a gorgeous fall evening and we didn't mind being out and about.

Enjoy, it's magnificent!

The best way to get there is to walk. There is a footpath.

Yes, it is a lovely stroll up to P. Michelangelo, get a good detailed map and walk out of one of the city gates and then up the hill. It is in one of my trip reports, I do it every time. Maybe go to the vespers of the chanting monks at the church up there.

Just curious, how long does it take each way walking along the footpath?

Hi SeaUrchin-- I"d love to see your trip report, but I clicked on your name and had such a hard time sifting through all the reports to find it. Then I "searched" "SeaUrchin trip report", and STILL didn't find it. Is there an easier way I don't know about???

Thanks,
Dina

Hmmm, I have forgotten which one I put it in, if I don't fall asleep at the computer, I'll look tonight...

I followed the walking tour in the Dorling-Kindersley Florence book, which has you end up at the Piazzale Michelangelo. Actually, I followed it for a time, then I got distracted, and went well beyond where it said, but no problem, as I found my way back and got to go through some interesting areas on the edge of Florence.

It's a no-brainer. I've never used a map.Just keep your eye on the church at the top of the hill.Piazelle Michelangelo is about halfway up. I usually take about twenty minutes,with a break at P.M. along the way.San Minato al Monte is one of my favorite Italian churches.

We took a cab up from the Duomo. The short drive was lovely and the cost was about 8 euro.

Massa-
So it only takes about 10 minutes? Where do you start?

Like I said,I wouldn't overthink this.It's very easy.Walk along the Arno headed east.You'll see the big white church at the top of the hill to your right,you can't miss it.There is a winding road you can walk up or you'll see a path.There will likely be others walking there as well.

As the others have said, follow your nose and keep your eye on San Miniato al Monte. As you begin to climb the hill on the little road, there is (or was) a lovely bar in the left where they do great pina coladas. They are just as good on the return trip too. The number 12 bus goes from SMN station all the way, a nice ride, and comes back down again too. Never crowded, easy to get a seat.

I agree with the others; walking is probably best. The walk is very pleasant and easy, although there is obviously some uphill walking. I don't know the exact directions. Just cross the River Arno and walk until you see the path. You can see Piazzale Michelangelo, so just head in that direction and you will find your way. The views of Florence and the surrounding area was phoenomenal.

Tracy

OH, I can't find my old trip report, I should keep them on my computer, we had such an interesting time with the monks!

But you cross the P. Vecchio, turn left on the Lungarno, turn right to via San Niccolo and then bear right to Via San Miniato and just keep going up the hill.

Look here on mappy:
http://tinyurl.com/9bzq3

Another vote for walking! In particular if you are out for the day looking at the sights. It is "doable" from the train station and back.

OK then, another question:

I was thinking about having dinner at Trattoria Omero while we are in the vicinity of Piazzale Michelangelo. Is it a good place to spend one of only three dinners we will have in Florence?

(There are so many good-sounding recommendations from this website, it is hard to decide.)