There is plenty to see and do in Florence, and if you only have a short visit then you’ll want to make the most of your time. The following hints and tips should be useful:

If visiting art galleries & museums, try to do a little preparation before you go so you know what you’re looking at. Also be selective about visits to churches and palaces – if you try to explore too many you can become a little overwhelmed.

Some of the museums, including the Uffizi, Accademia and Cappellee Medici, close on Mondays, whilst others like the Bargello, San Marco and the Pitti museums close several Mondays monthly. For full information of opening days and times, check with the tourist office, Concierge Information, a free bi-monthly magazine, distributed in hotels and tourist offices.

In the height of the summer, the queues for the major attractions can be horrendous - save a two-hour (or longer) wait by making your ticket reservations for museums in advance. Ask at your hotel or use agencies such as Ticket Point on Piazza Stazione, 3/r.

Florence Art

You can pre-reserve a timed entrance ticket, to avoid a lengthy wait, to the main Florentine museums (Uffizi, Accademia, Medici Chapels, San Marco, Bargello).

www.florenceart.it

Free Entrance

Under 18s and over 60s get into state museums free – you must show your ID.

Church Etiquette

Many churches close at lunchtime. Try not to enter whilst a service is in progress, but if this is unavoidable, then do try to be discreet. Works of art can be illuminated by coin-operated light machines so remember to bring loose change, this can also be used to buy candles if you want to light one. Dress respectfully, and make sure that your knees and shoulders are covered, otherwise you may not be let in.