Florence -- tell me your favorite favorite things there.

[Anonymous]

Our train to Pisa got stuck on the tracks for 4-5 hours...

I personally preferred things out of Florence, but in Florence the Ufizi was amazing (yes, get tix in advance) and my college art history prof told me not to miss the Bargello and he was right. The view from San Mineato is amazing - be careful walking up, we crossed some very busy streets with blind curves. I liked seeing where Galileo lived (I think we passed it on walk to San Mineato) and imaging him star gazing. I remember being impressed by the Duomo (first thing we did upon flying in) and Michalangelo's steps made an impression but I think I'd skip those if I were tight on time.

[Anonymous]

Pp here: the steps are at the Laurentian library - I had to look it up because I couldn't remember. In looking up I was reminded how spectacular the Bobolli Gardens were.

[Anonymous]

Going to the opera outdoors at the Pitti palace.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't spend a precious day going to Pisa. Go some other time when you're there longer. If you feel like taking a day trip, Sienna and Bologna are more interesting, since the tower is the only thing to see in Pisa. All this being said, I wouldn't leave Florence if we were there only three days. It's one of the most charming cities in the world. I agree that walking around is the treat. Be sure to go toward the river. There are some cool smaller chapels near the river. Definitely see the David. Have fun! I'm jealous.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the previous poster, skip Pisa and go to one of the hill towns in Tuscany instead. San Gimignano is amazing.

[Anonymous]

If you have kids then don't miss pisa

[Anonymous]

I haven't been for a few years but there was an awesome sandwich stand called I due Fratellini that we went to a couple of times. A friend told me about it before we went and I forgot and only discovered it by accident near the end of our trip- it was awesome (they have wine too).

We are a few times at a restaurant across from the palace and Boboli Gardens- very low key and we loved it for lunch especially.

If you're going outside Florence definitely Tuscany not Pisa. We took a bike tour of some wineries which was awesome. I'm not sure we went to the best wineries but it was such a beautiful day.

[Anonymous]

My favorite thing from Florence is kid #3. So don't forget to leave time for the things that really matter ...

[Anonymous]

I love a lot of the small towns and smaller cities in Tuscany but strongly advise you to stay in Florence if you'll only be there for three days...there is plenty to see and experience in Florence proper.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't waste time going to San Miniato.

My walking tour: Start at the Duomo, walk down a short street to the Piazza Signoria and see the Palazzo Vecchio. There is a David in this Piazza that is a copy. The real one is in a museum. If you feel like it, walk down a street to see Santa Croce. If not, the Uffizi is literally next to the Palazzo Vecchio. Walk by the Uffizi to the river Arno and see the Ponte Vecchio.

[Anonymous]

Gato e volpe - a restaurant I really liked.
SAN miniato- worth it
Do you love art? Michelin green guide will remind you of all the important pieces to see - they are scattered around the city - most places are small enough for an hour or two, Uffizi probably 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have kids then don't miss pisa

+1. Get reservations to climb the Tower. It was my dc's favorite thing (next to Pompeii) that we did in Italy. He was bored to tears in the art museums. Doesn't mean you don't go to art museums, but it is good to do some things that the kids will enjoy.

[Anonymous]

We only spent 2 nights in Florence, which wasn't enough, but I loved it. We stayed in the Oltrarno neighborhood and enjoyed the area- quieter at night and some great little restaurants. Vivanda was one, I'll see if I can remember the other. Enjoy!

[Anonymous]

Agreed on the Boboli Gardens. Stayed on that side of the river. We ate at a Michelin starred restaurant in our hotel, but our most memorable meals were at Quattro Liones (spelling?), and like a previous poster, we just wandered into a random tiny Mom and Pop and just asked them to send us what they would recommend.

We also just wandered into a random wine bar, and just a normal bar (on the Boboli side) and it clearly was a locals place and they just embraced us with no worries or hesitation. I loved Florence, and we were to London, Paris, Florence, Rome, Naples, and the Greek Islands on our long honeymoon. Florence was far and away my favorite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agreed on the Boboli Gardens. Stayed on that side of the river. We ate at a Michelin starred restaurant in our hotel, but our most memorable meals were at Quattro Liones (spelling?), and like a previous poster, we just wandered into a random tiny Mom and Pop and just asked them to send us what they would recommend.

We also just wandered into a random wine bar, and just a normal bar (on the Boboli side) and it clearly was a locals place and they just embraced us with no worries or hesitation. I loved Florence, and we were to London, Paris, Florence, Rome, Naples, and the Greek Islands on our long honeymoon. Florence was far and away my favorite.

Same poster, here's where we stayed: http://www.villalavedettahotel.com/en/
Amazing as well.