We began the morning even before breakfast by making our way to the Uffitzi Gallery for our matinee time slot (8:45 am). It is required to arrive early to pick up the tickets. We spent about 90 minutes admiring the spectacular building and all the works of art. It is a good time to get some breakfast on the way to Ponte Vecchio (2 minute walk away). On the way, stop by the Piazza Della Signoria to check out a replica of the famous David sculpture (along with some other replicas of famous sculptures), especially if the Gallerie Academia is not on your list to visit.
Inside Uffitzi Gallery
There are several great photo opportunities on this bridge, as well as, along the banks with cafe-lined streets. Do note, the prices at these cafes along the bridge are a bit high. Hence, grab something to eat along the way to avoid paying the super high prices. Indulge in some shopping along Ponte Vecchio.
The birds at the Pete Vecchio bridge.
Shops on the bridge
Next, head to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the main duomo of Florence (8 minute walk away). The line here takes at least 1-2 hours, but no tickets are required. The line backs up mostly due to the security check before entering. A visit inside the cathedral takes about 30 minutes. There is a gift shop in the basement as well, for souvenirs. Waiting in line can be split up between the party, if you have 2 or more people. We recommend getting snacks and checking out the small shops nearby, while one person waits in line and then switch turns.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Inside of the Cathedral
Enjoy some lunch at any of the amazing restaurants nearby. After lunch, stroll around the San Lorenzo leather market for browsing or bringing back some amazing leather goods from Florence (6 minutes away from the cathedral). If interested in perfumes, check out the Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for an interesting treat for the senses.
Leather goods in the market
For the early afternoon to evening we have some options. A cooking class is a great opportunity to get a hands on cultural experience in Italy. Florence and the Tuscan region in general has their own traditions revolving around food. Hence, it is a perfect way to learn some techniques to use back home as well. We loved our pasta making class with Pastamania.
Rolling Pasta sheets in the cooking class.
Another option is to visit the Accademia Gallery to see some magnificent, historic sculptures, the most famous of which is David. Visiting this museum requires prior reservations to ensure specific timeslots availability, as well as, time to pick up tickets from the box office.
Bonus
The Piti Palace and the Boboli gardens are worth the visit, if time permits. This lavish home of the Medici family, and the gardens surrounding it are like taking a step back in the Italian Rennaissance.
After having any of these amazing experiences, we recommend visiting the Piazzale Michelangelo. This piazza overlooking all of Florence is situated on a height and may require a taxi or bus to get to as the walk here is pretty long from some of the other attractions.
We were unable to make it to the Piazzale Michelangelo, due to early sunsets in winter, but definitely recommend it in the summer.
Streets of Florence