should you book?
what to do in Florence
Il Duomo
Galleria dell'Academia
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Pitti
Ponte Vecchio
what to bring
​Il Duomo di Firenze
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Arrive to buy tickets early, the line gets long. You can also climb the campanile (or bell tower).
Galleria dell'Academia
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This is home to some of the world's greatest pieces of art, including the famous statue of David.
Palazzo Vecchio
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What used to be called Palazzo della Signoria
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food
For any palace, duomo, or museum (galleria dell'academia) you will need to buy a ticket. You should only book if you want to do a tour.
It is also possible to book a tour of Ponte Vecchio to see the Medici tunnel. This you must book several months in advance.
price
Florence is full of beautiful places to lunch and dinner, or have an aperitivo watching the sunset over the Arno and the city.
Favorite lunch restaurants: Acqua al 2, Golden View
Favorite dinner restaurants: Buca Mario
Favorite aperitivo: Westin Excelsior SE-STO
Best Gelato: La Carraia
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Check out the "food" section on the Tuscany Page for more information.
​Torre del Mangia
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8 euros a day
Il Duomo
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Free, unless you want to do a tour in which case prices will vary.
Il Palio
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Free to watch in the piazza del campo, it gets really crowded so grab a spot early.
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If you want to watch it in the stands or from a balcony you have the book months in advance and be ready to pay, it gets pricey
how to get there
Parking in Siena is easier than other cities like Florence. An easy parking lot to get to from the highway (autostrada) is the Santa Caterina parking lot.
Most parking lots are 2 euros an hour and are open 24 hours, if you plan on parking overnight most have a flat rate of 35 euros a day.
is it worth it?
Each of these three sites are worth seeing in Siena. The view from the tower is spectacular. The Palio is the oldest horse race in the world and full of adrenaline.
