Only one day in Florence

[JTS]

We are planning to take the train from Venice to Florence for one day only on either a Sunday or Monday in May. I understand the museums are closed on Monday, are the market places, shops/stores closed on Sunday?
Any advice would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Jane

[Valentina]

Dear JTS,

As you mentioned, most of museums are closed on Monday, including the Uffizi Gallery and Academy Museum. Of course Sunday would be a better day to visit Florence if you intend to go to a few museums. In that case, I strongly suggest you book museums tickets in advance.

In Florence most shops are open on Sunday, especially the ones in the city center. The San Lorenzo Market is open as well. Sunday is also a frequent day for fairs, markets or special events. For example, on the second and third Sunday of every month Piazza Santo Spirito is animated by a nice local fair/market with local products.

I have to say that one day it won't be easy to see much, but you can still see many things. Here are some suggestions of must-sees in Florence:

• Piazza Duomo where you can admire the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with the Cupola of Brunelleschi, the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower.

• Via dei Calzaiuoli, a shopping street that connects Piazza Duomo to Piazza della Signoria.

• Piazza della Repubblica where you'll find nice and famous cafès where you can sit and people watch.

• In Piazza della Signoria you'll find the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and its beautiful statues and the Loggia della Signoria.

• Uffizi Gallery is next to Palazzo Vecchio. It displays unique masterpieces of the Renaissance such as the The Birth of Venus by Botticelli.

• Ponte Vecchio is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in Florence and has beautiful goldsmith shops.

These are Florence musts and maybe are enough for one day. But I would also like to suggest you find time to visit:

• Santa Croce Church and the square

• Pitti Palace and Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno area

• Piazzale Michelangelo, called the balcony of Florence

Take a good map with you, even if Florence's center is small and entirely walkable, you'll optimize your time with a map...and wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers

Don't hesitate to come back with any other questions.