Have returned again to see if I can rate and yet again Ciao's system doesn't seem to want me to - so...
Have returned again to see if I can rate and yet again Ciao's system doesn't seem to want me to - so sorry folks I am unable to read and rate.
Member since:01.03.2001
Reviews:29
Members who trust:24
You cannot say you have seen Italy without seeing Florence. This city holds 30% of the world’s most important works of art
It doesn’t matter how well informed you are about opening and closing times you will get it wrong as these change constantly. So your first stop has to be the tourist office. I had a strange experience at the Tourist Office located in the train station, as I had to join a long queue outside the reason being they were only letting in two people at a time and locking the door in between. I have no idea the reason for this. They were not the most helpful but I did get a free map and a sheet with the latest opening times.
Florence is fairly flat and compact so walking is your best form of getting anywhere. There is something different about this city from other Italian cities. It seems to ooze culture and style. I found the shopping
here better than Rome. There is an air of being more laid back. I also found the food here the best.
Duomo is the fourth largest church in Europe and you cannot miss it - trust me. The decoration to the outside is breathtaking and so are the queues to get in. If you are expecting the same elaborate detail inside you are in for a disappointment as the real craftsmanship is there to see without the queuing so save yourself some time by not going in if you are limited. Something to bear in mind is that the massive dome was built without the aid of scaffolding.
As you walk around the City I challenge you not to notice the replicas of the statue of David, he is everywhere. Don’t let that put you off going to visit the Accademia where he stands. Again queues can be long and in the heat its no fun; one way around this is to reserve your tickets and view time before hand. Or go towards the end of the day. I went at the end of the day and waited some ten minutes. A tip for anyone under 18 or over 60 - if you take along your passport and you are a European citizen you can get in free. The Accademia to me was a bit of a rip off in that there is a high entrance fee with very little other than David to inspire me but I am glad I did not miss this. David is a bit of shock. Big is the word that comes to mind.
Then the Uffizi - again the entry tip stands here too and the pre booking. Be warned there are stairs and stairs. I only noticed the well-secreted lift on my way down. I felt rushed and herded as I went around this gallery. There are too many people to let you really take in the paintings, which is a shame because this place really is wall to wall masterpieces. In a few of the rooms paintings were viewed in semi darkness and you were kept with a cordoned rope which meant going with the flow. There is a pleasant rooftop café where you can sit either inside or outside on the gravelled roof area – very pleasant and with lots of space so it gives a relaxed feeling.
Both the Uffizi and the Accademia are closed on Mondays, worth bearing in mind if you are touring Italy as these are the two main attractions and a huge loss if you miss them.
Ponte Vecchio was built in the 13th Century and is very beautiful. Today it is a pedestrian bridge with expensive jewellery and leather shops. If you want to know a measure of its beauty just think that during World War II all the bridges over the Arno were destroyed bar this one, apparently there was an order to destroy it but the officer in charge could not bring himself to do it.
If you feel a culture overload and just want to chill then the Boboli Gardens is where you should head. They reminded me a little of Chatsworth House Gardens (slate me if you wish) but the view of Florence from the highest point is fabulous and a definite spot to take photos. Do not be taken in by guidebooks saying that you can picnic here; I had read this was an ideal picnic spot until I saw the numerous signs around the gardens telling me the opposite. You can though crash out on the grass and just take in the UV’s if you wish.
You might disagree but I have left the best to last. Shopping and Food is something Florence excels in. The bakeries are wonderful and really and truly you need only to pop in to any of the bakeries around the city and just pick from the wonderful array of picnic treats. For something to take back you cannot go far wrong with a box of their famous biscuits sold by the kg. As for the Gelato my recommendation is a small place next to the Accademia called Gelateria Carabe I shall say no more.
Yes it’s touristy but don’t cross it off your list as it will be your biggest mistake.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Great opp! I just came back from a short break in Florence and was about to write an opp but after reading yours, I realise you've said all that needs to be said about that beautiful place! :)
alexandrapontecaille 15.06.2001 21:33
Very good op:) it remembered me when I went there about 18 years ago... I used to live down the south of France in Menton, the last french town before Italy. i only regret i couldn' t get away more and visit other italian places.
Alex
MISSBISHI 01.06.2001 09:57
Thanks for bringing back memories of my holiday there! _ Jez x
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
![Vista Point Florence Italy [DVD] [NTSC]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/96308028.jpg "Vista Point Florence Italy [DVD] [NTSC]")
May 12th, 2001
very helpful by (98%):
helpful by (2%):
