For travelers with limited time frames in a given city, it's important to pick out the essentials while still giving yourself a few opportunities to relax and let it all sink in. Florence, Italy, has some of the biggest tourist attractions around (the Uffizi, Michelangelo's David, the Ponte Vecchio, Brunelleschi's Dome, etc) and it can be overstimulating. There are hundreds of tour companies and tour groups, gelato shops and gift stands, and the top labels in fashion (think Ferragamo, Prada, Armani).

So if you have a few days and want to hit the highlights*, use this list to whittle down the options.

4 Important Museums in Florence, Italy:

  1. Uffizi - this museum (the oldest in the world) was originally the personal art collection of the most famous family in Florence, the Medici. It now contains world famous works (tempera, fresco and oil paintings as well as scuptures) that span the 13th century works of Cimabue and Duccio, through Fra Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo, the icons of Renaissance. Here are the highlights of Mannerism, Parmigianino, Raphael and more. Skip the lines and make a reservation ahead of time (for a small fee) and for art history enthusiasts, see the Context Travel tour (below) of the Uffizi which is an intimate group with a professional guide that will narrate not lecture.
  2. Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery- follow the Vasari Corridor across the Arno River, from the Uffizi to the Ducal Medici residence of the 16th century and you'll get to visit the luxurious Royal Apartments, the vast, green paradise of the Boboli Gardens and another gallery boasting the famous works of Gentileschi, Boticelli, Rubens, Raphael and Titian. This stop offers you variety beyond the painting gallery - from the natural beauty of the gardens to the fabric and furniture of the historic royal bed and guest rooms. Here reservations not often suggested as lines are rare to find except during summer months.
  3. Bargello - this castle-like building is one of the oldest secular buildings in Florence. Begun in the 13th century, it was always a key structure for the governmental bodies: political gatherings, escape from riots and was even used as a prison during the 16th century. Most of its original Medieval architecture is still in tact and today houses some of the most important sculptural pieces in Florence: Donatello, Verrocchio, Giambologna, Cellini. Reservations not necessary except for high season.
  4. Palazzo Vecchio - the symbol of civic power of Florence for over seven centuries, the Palazzo Vecchio was built as, and still is today, the site of the town hall or "comune". Government meetings are held in the same rooms that the original governing body (the "Priori") met in 600 years ago. Unlike museums where paintings and sculptures are taken out of their original environment, in the Palazzo Vecchio the artwork is visible in its pure and true context. This is a rare jewel for art and history buffs as well as those who just like impressive ceilings and richly decorated spaces.

3 Florence Piazzas and Monuments by neighborhood (mini itineraries):

  1. Piazza del Duomo, Baptistry and Brunelleschi's Dome - This trio brings you to the religious center of Florence and one of the most popular piazzas. Check out the triumphant "Gates of Paradise" on the east side of the Baptistry (which has Roman foundations) and then wander in and check out the Venetian-styled mosaic ceiling. Then onto the Duomo, which was begun in the 13th century with the noblest of aims: to embrace all Florentine citizens at mass. Finally, Brunelleschi's Dome, which is a hike of 463 steps, is a Renaissance miracle. Not only does it have an incredible view of the city of Florence (from over 250 feet high) but you're physically passing through one of the most amazing architectural, structural inventions of all time. There is a line for the dome, so pass by a few times a day to check the wait.
  2. San Miniato, Piazzale Michelangelo and the Medieval Wall - One of the top tourist attractions and best photo opportunities is the huge look-out at Piazzale Michelangelo on the southeast side of the city. But to enrich this experience, hike over to one of the best maintained Romanesque churches in Florence and soak in the history. This stop delivers a calming, authentic, grounding experience. Then hike down the stairs, past the rose garden (open only in July), through the "Porta San Miniato" or the San Miniato doorway, which leads you into a charming neighborhood called San Niccolo'. The doorway and wall are one of the last intact sections of the 14th-century wall that originally surrounded Florence. Stop here for a glass of wine or aperitivo at Bevo Vino or Fuori Porta.
  3. Piazza Santo Spirito and Church Santa Maria del Carmine - Come by this piazza in the morning and you'll find a mini-farmer's market and, depending on the day and/or season, organic products, crafts, antiques or flowers market. The church's facade is simplistic (plans for it in the 15th century were never carried out) but take a look inside. This piazza, grounded by a sculpture fountain and children chasing pigeons, provides a glimpse of normal Italian life. Check out the nearby caffe, trattoria, and butcher shop, as well as leather, silver and marble artisans. Then head west to the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, where in the Brancacci Chapel, you'll witness some of the most breathtaking frescos ever done by Masaccio and Masolino. These works are said to be the very first of the Renaissance in Florence.

3 Walking Tours of Florence (and Tuscany):

  1. Context Travel: This company offers small (6-8 person) group tours of the city that provide quality, in-depth narration. Docents are professionals and most are currently working/researching in their field of expertise. Walking tours provided range from historical, artistic, cultural, culinary and more, and some are family and kid-friendly. So whether you want a personal tour of the Uffizi or a general introduction to Florence's historic highlights, this company has a bit of everything.
  2. Taste Florence: Walk through the outdoor market of San Lorenzo, and get intimate with this popular neighborhood. You'll be guided by a resident of Florence (most likely an American expat) into the food mecca of the city. Here you'll be introduced to wonders of Italian culinary education, revel in the rich flavors of one of Italy's greatest masterpieces: Florentine/Tuscan cuisine. Tour stops include (other than tastings) lessons in food history and customs in eating/drinking.
  3. Tuscan Trails: If you haven't rented your own car, this is a great way to get out of the city and into the countryside of Tuscany. This company's day-long wine tour into the Chianti wine region has great reviews and stops at two historically and visually interesting wine estates. The owner is a certified sommelier and a fabulous guide who is obviously passionate about wines, wine production and the local culture itself.

*It's actually quite painful to leave so many options off the list, so I'll soon add another article with theme-related itineraries and day-trip ideas.