Itineraries

The best of Florence lies mostly on the north bank of the Arno River. The main historical sights cluster around the red-brick dome of the cathedral (Duomo). Everything is within a 20 minute walk of the train station, cathedral, or Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). The less impressive but more caracteristic Oltrarno area (south Arno River) is just over the bridge, though small, Florence is intense. Prepare for scorching summer heat, scooters, few WCs, steep prices, and long lines.

PLANINNG YOR TIME

I suggest to you to plan your sightseeing carefully, because opening hours of the museums can be erratic, and crowds can cause long lines. Before heading into Florence, check carefully all the opening and closing times of your must see museums at their websites. This is especially true if you will be in town for only a day or two during the crowded summer months.
Set up a good itenerary in advance. Do my reccomended that you can find below and stop often for gelato and fresh water.

Florence in One Day
08.30 Accademia (Michelangelo's David) - reserve in advance from your hotel or website
10.30 Renaissance Walk throught town center, climb the Giotto's Campanile
12.30 Bargello Museum
14.30 Lunch and shopping around San Lorenzo open air market
16.30 Uffizi Gallery - reserve in advance
19.30 Dinner in the Oltrarno neighborhood and after take the Oltrarno Walk


Florence in Two Days
Day 1
08.30  Accademia (Michelangelo's David) - reserve in advance from your hotel or website
10.00 San Marco Museum (art by Fra Angelico)
12.00 Medici Chapels (closes early in winter)
14.00 Lunch and shopping around San Lorenzo open air market
16.30 Baptistery (closes at 14.00 on Sundays)
17.30 Climb the Giotto's Campanile
18.30 Renaissance Walk through the heart of the old town
20.30 Dinner

Day 2
09.00 Bargello Museum
11.00 Duomo Museum (statues of Donatello and Michelangelo)
13.00 Lunch
15.00 Santa Maria Novella Church (Masaccio's painting)
16.30 Uffizi Gallery - reserve in advance
19.00 Oltrarno Walk
21.00 Dinner in Oltrarno

Florence in Three (or more) Days
Day 1
08.30 Accademia (Michelangelo's David) - reserve in advance from your hotel or website
10.00 San Marco Museum (art by Fra Angelico)
12.00 Lunch and shopping in San Lorenzo open air market
14.00 Medici Chapels (closes early in winter)
15.30 Santa Maria Novella Church (Masaccio's painting)
17.30 Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile Climb
19.00 Renaissance Walk through the heart of the old town and dinner

Day 2
09.00 Bargello Museum
11.00 Galileo Science Museum
13.00 Lunch
16.30 Uffizi Gallery - reserve in advance
19.30 Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo (consider a dinner picnic)

Day 3
09.00 Duomo Museum
11.00 Santa Croce Church
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Pitti Palace, Boboli and Bardini Gardens.
18.00 Oltrarno Walk
20.00 Dinner in Oltrarno

Day 4
Side-trip to Siena and San Gimignano

Day 5 (or more)
Visit Pisa, Lucca or Chianti hills with wine tasting