What are the must see in Florence.

[dreamybooboo]

I'm having a tough time deciding on what to do on a one day trip to Florence. I know one day is very little time to spend it there but I'm on a cruise so therefore the limited time.

I will be there on Nov 17th and only have until 7pm to board back to the ship.

Here some spots that I want to go but cannot decide.
- Uffizi
- Michelangelo's David at the Accademia
- Duomo
- Bargello

I cannot decided between Uffizi and Michelangelo's David.

Any tip on where to go for a one day trip?

Thanks

[maryg1]

- Uffizi (book your tickets in advance so you won't loose time queuing)
- Duomo
- S. Maria Novella
- Santa Croce
- don't miss Cappella Brancacci in S. Maria del Carmine church

that's already a lot to see but only a small part of Florence!

[sillykitty]

If I had only one day in Florence, here is what I would see in order of impotance, IMO of course

Duomo
Michelangelo's David at the Accademia
San Lorenzo Market
Piazzale Michelangelo
Santa Croce

I enjoyed the Uffizi, but if I had only one day in Florence I wouldn't include it on the itinerary unless you are big into Italian art, or if you haven't or won't have an opportunity to see other European museums (Louvre, Vatican etc.). I don't think you get a feel for a city by being in it's museums, JMO.

[francyFG]

I'd recommend to check out Ponte Vecchio. You'll love it!

[Purseonable]

Just walk around both sides of the Ponte Vecchio and you'll get a good taste.

On the south side there is the Pitti Palace which has beautiful gardens to see and relax in if you day is getting hectic running around. There are also some great shops to buy leather gloves (I like Madova) on the south side if you are interested.

On the north side is where most of the action is- walking along the Arno River is really pretty, especially from the Ponte Vecchio until you reach the Uffizi- you'll get the best scenic pictures there. If you have time, it's great to see the Academia, but there can be quite a line to get in. Also, the Uffizi is very large and can take a lot of time so try to plan which artists you'll want to see in advance. Make sure to see the Duomo, it is magnificent, and you can actually climb the steps up to the top and get a great view of the city. Also try to check out Piazza Signoria (there is a copy of the David there), Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza de la Republicca (great cafes, nice shopping, and a carousel!).
There are some great leather markets- a smaller one that is fun to go to is right on the street continuing from the Ponte Vecchio on the north side- street is called Via Por Santa Maria- and if you walk a few blocks you'll see a small market on your left called Loggia Del Mercato Nuovo, but is commonly known as the Bore Market, as there is a little statue of a pig and rumor says that if you rub his nose, you will return to Florence again one day (I've done it and it brought me back to Florence 3 times- LOL).

There's also place called Vivoli which carries the best Gelato in the city.
Have a great trip!

[Vegas Long Legs]

Since Florence isn't on the sea, you'll have travel time by bus?

[Jill]

yeah,B careful if traveling by train...when i was there in JULY....the trains were back up for like 7 hours from an accident

[Purseonable]

I have been on a mediterranean cruise before and the nearest port to Florence was Livorno (between 1-2 hours I think?). THere are many options for excursions operated by the cruise company and one of the options is usually "Florence on your own" meaning all they do is provide you with the motorcoach transport from the ship to the city and back and you get to sightsee the city on your own. This is the best way to do this as opposed to taking a train, bus, or taxi, because if there are any delays (such as traffic) on your return to the boat, the ship will know that a tour operated motorcoach has not yet arrived and they will wait for you. If the time has come for the ship to depart and you are not there and are not on a cruise-operated tour, they can leave without you.

[digby723]

I'd skip going to Uffizi, while it was great to see the Birth of Venus, I wasn't impressed with the museum. If you decide you want to go here, I strongly suggest you buy tickets now. There was a massive line that basically wouldn't move, so we got out and bought tickets for the next day. I'd go see the David, there's not much there besides the David, so you won't spend a lot of time wandering, and the Duomo won't take much time for you to see either. We only spent 3 days in Florence, but one day we went to Pisa. We went to see Donatello's David at the Bargello museum and walked to another small church to see some more artwork (that I can't remember the name of, my dad is the art connoisseur lol) which was across the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and there is a TON of jewelry shopping there

[emmyt1127]

I agree with purseonable.. you must go to vivoli for their gelato!

I would definitely go to the Duomo.. the view is amazing. That was definitely the highlight of my trip to florence.

[dreamybooboo]

Thank You all for input. I will definitely go to Vivoli as I love gelatos.

Since it might take 1-2 hours to get to the city, I think I will ask about the motorcoach transportation when I'm on the cruise.

Since I don't have much time to explore around, I was planning on going to the Accademia, mercato nuovo, piazza della signoria and ponte vecchio. I hope i get to see the most out of it.

[sillykitty]

I think it would really be a shame if you didn't see the Duomo! I know others will disagree, but if I only had a day I wouldn't bother w Ponte Vecchio. It felt too touristy for me, store after store over incredibly over priced jewelry.

[ahertz]

You can walk over the Ponte Vecchio quickly and then make your way to the Duomo. IMO it's the most spectacular thing I saw in Italy.

[Jill]

^i agree..Loved the Ponte Vecchio

[maryg1]

Originally Posted by Jill

yeah,B careful if traveling by train...when i was there in JULY....the trains were back up for like 7 hours from an accident

do you refer to the train accident that happened in Viareggio?