Hello everyone, we have booked to go to Pisa in June 2005, we would be very gratefull to hear about the Pisa "must do's" we like walking, sightseeing, archeology and history, we would also be interested to hear about restaurants and bars and the best and not so best places to dine out, also, is there an area of Pisa to avoid that is very expensive where you are just paying for the scenery etc, where by if you walked a 100 yards down a side street you would get the same coffee or beer but much cheaper, we are planning on going to Florence a couple of times during our holiday so similar info about their would be good to, many thanks to you all in advance.
Sliema2
Don't know anything about Pisa but we went to Florence in June 04 and absolutely loved it.
Basically between the train station and the River Arno and just to the east of that area is the main part. There are lots of restaurants, but what I remember seeing more of than anywhere else in Italy was self service type places. Either sandwiches or pizza slices order over the counter, or the sort of places where you take a tray and ask the person behind the counter for portions of your chosed pasta/pizza/sandwich/bruschetta etc. We had this sort of food for lunch once or twice and it was actually quite good quality. I think there's so much of this because of the student population.
Probably the main 'sight' in Florence is the Duomo, and it's not in a square with lots of cafes etc so there's no real major 'rip-off' areas in Florence that I noticed. There are also some british style bars, a Scottish one (although not very scottish!) and an Irish one that I can think of, they are north east of the train station.
Food and drink really good in this area. I remember one particularly good restaurant but can't remember the name unfortunately. If you like Sliema I'm sure you'll like it! I like Sliema also!
Basically between the train station and the River Arno and just to the east of that area is the main part. There are lots of restaurants, but what I remember seeing more of than anywhere else in Italy was self service type places. Either sandwiches or pizza slices order over the counter, or the sort of places where you take a tray and ask the person behind the counter for portions of your chosed pasta/pizza/sandwich/bruschetta etc. We had this sort of food for lunch once or twice and it was actually quite good quality. I think there's so much of this because of the student population.
Probably the main 'sight' in Florence is the Duomo, and it's not in a square with lots of cafes etc so there's no real major 'rip-off' areas in Florence that I noticed. There are also some british style bars, a Scottish one (although not very scottish!) and an Irish one that I can think of, they are north east of the train station.
Food and drink really good in this area. I remember one particularly good restaurant but can't remember the name unfortunately. If you like Sliema I'm sure you'll like it! I like Sliema also!
Hi Lesley, thanks for the information it all goes towards building up ideas about what to do and where to go, if any others can help with this we would be very gratefull.
Best wishes
Sliema2
Best wishes
Sliema2
Hi Sliema
I liked Pisa very much.The Field of Miracles is amazing - got the most amazing photos.
You have chosen a good base for seeing the rest of Tuscany
Florence is superb and you may find it is not as busy in august as say june cos all the locals will be holidaying on the Tuscany coast but it will be very very hot and there is very little shade in the city centre where all the touristy sites are.
I didn`t get to see the Uffizi Gallery cos of the queues but if you go early morning you should be ok.
The Ponte Vecchio is very atmospheric but very expensive.Approx 8 euros for a beer in the centre.Pobably cheaper off the beaten track.
The Tuscany Coast is lovely mile after mile of sandy beaches and very flat.
Don`t forget the Chianti region for the vino---lovely.
There is just so much to see in the whole region.Great stuff.
Ciao.
I liked Pisa very much.The Field of Miracles is amazing - got the most amazing photos.
You have chosen a good base for seeing the rest of Tuscany
Florence is superb and you may find it is not as busy in august as say june cos all the locals will be holidaying on the Tuscany coast but it will be very very hot and there is very little shade in the city centre where all the touristy sites are.
I didn`t get to see the Uffizi Gallery cos of the queues but if you go early morning you should be ok.
The Ponte Vecchio is very atmospheric but very expensive.Approx 8 euros for a beer in the centre.Pobably cheaper off the beaten track.
The Tuscany Coast is lovely mile after mile of sandy beaches and very flat.
Don`t forget the Chianti region for the vino---lovely.
There is just so much to see in the whole region.Great stuff.
Ciao.
Whoops!!
Sorry just noticed you are going in June.Ignore the August bit.
I went in June 2003 .Temperatures of 40c.Whew you`ll need to pace yourself.
Sorry just noticed you are going in June.Ignore the August bit.
I went in June 2003 .Temperatures of 40c.Whew you`ll need to pace yourself.
Thanks to everyone so far, this is all great information, but lots more please if possible.
Sliema2
Sliema2
Hi there
We did an excursion to Florence when we were in Lake Garda. It was in May and exceptionally hot and exceptionally busy!!!
What I would say is check prices before you order as we got ripped off in a bar which was a good way from the centre. In fact we only called in there as I needed the toilet before we got on the coach so hubby thought he better order a beer. Anyway can't remember how much it was but it was about 8 Euros for a small beer!!
If you are into culture and history then Florence will be perfect for you. Sadly we are not so it didn't do a great deal for us.
Pisa is a lovely town, again only been there on a day excursion so no experience of where and where not to go. Lots of nice little shops down little narrow streets and just love the view when you cross the river and see all the houses.
We did an excursion to Florence when we were in Lake Garda. It was in May and exceptionally hot and exceptionally busy!!!
What I would say is check prices before you order as we got ripped off in a bar which was a good way from the centre. In fact we only called in there as I needed the toilet before we got on the coach so hubby thought he better order a beer. Anyway can't remember how much it was but it was about 8 Euros for a small beer!!
If you are into culture and history then Florence will be perfect for you. Sadly we are not so it didn't do a great deal for us.
Pisa is a lovely town, again only been there on a day excursion so no experience of where and where not to go. Lots of nice little shops down little narrow streets and just love the view when you cross the river and see all the houses.
Hi Sliema2,
Both Pisa and Florence have great places to visit, I would avoid the bars and restuarants in the main squares as they can be very expensive and if you do go into a bar to have a drink, then take it standing up as even the locals are ripped off when they sit down. The pizza/sandwich bars are quite good for a snack as Lesley74 said and if you are looking for a good restuarant ask one of the locals, but most are off the main tourist attractions. Whilst in Pisa no doubt you will go to the leaning tower and the momuments in the Piazza del Miracoli and if you are interested in art then go to the National Museum of St Matthew. In the early evening, take a walk along the banks of the Arno and enjoy the sunset. The beach is not too far away, a small bus ride which go quite regularly (I think every 10-15 mins).
San Gimignano is a great place to visit, the medieval town is situated on a hill dominating the val d'Elsa with its fortified circuit of walls, its gates, fountains, houses and ancient tower-houses, narrow and shady little cobbled streets, a great day out and a good place to cool and get away from the heat. If you like wine then you could do some tasteing. Every time we return to Italy, we always take a trip to this place.
Florence there is so much to see, there is the Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore - the Cathedral of Florence. The Campanile di Giotto stands 82 metres high. The last time I was there it was open to the public to walk up to the top where you can admire the view (very tiring on the legs though). Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vechio where you will find one of the most beautiful monumental halls of Florence, then there is the Uffizi which houses one of the most famous art galleries in the world. Ponte vechio (The Old bridge) is one of the most famous bridges in the world with goldsmith shops on eitherside of the bridge. There is a large daily market called the Mercato di San Lorenzo in the centre which is quite expensive as its a tourist attraction. There are several markets in Florence during the week, but the best one is in the Parco delle Cascine on a Tues morning, this is a very large market and there you will find good bargins and you won't be ripped off.
If you have time take the bus to Fiesole, a small town situated on the hills above Florence, here you will have picturesque views over the city and the surrounding hillside. There is also a Roman Amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century B.C. The town was an important centre for the Etruscans.
On the opposite side of this hill is the:
Piazzale Michelangelo is a fabulous place and famous for its spectacular views over the city and hills, here I don't mind being ripped off for that drink or icecream whilst being sat looking at the view, especially in the evening.
Well I don't want to bore you too much as I could talk forever having lived there for many years and being married to a Florentine, I have seen and done many things.
hope this helps you.
PaulaS
Both Pisa and Florence have great places to visit, I would avoid the bars and restuarants in the main squares as they can be very expensive and if you do go into a bar to have a drink, then take it standing up as even the locals are ripped off when they sit down. The pizza/sandwich bars are quite good for a snack as Lesley74 said and if you are looking for a good restuarant ask one of the locals, but most are off the main tourist attractions. Whilst in Pisa no doubt you will go to the leaning tower and the momuments in the Piazza del Miracoli and if you are interested in art then go to the National Museum of St Matthew. In the early evening, take a walk along the banks of the Arno and enjoy the sunset. The beach is not too far away, a small bus ride which go quite regularly (I think every 10-15 mins).
San Gimignano is a great place to visit, the medieval town is situated on a hill dominating the val d'Elsa with its fortified circuit of walls, its gates, fountains, houses and ancient tower-houses, narrow and shady little cobbled streets, a great day out and a good place to cool and get away from the heat. If you like wine then you could do some tasteing. Every time we return to Italy, we always take a trip to this place.
Florence there is so much to see, there is the Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore - the Cathedral of Florence. The Campanile di Giotto stands 82 metres high. The last time I was there it was open to the public to walk up to the top where you can admire the view (very tiring on the legs though). Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vechio where you will find one of the most beautiful monumental halls of Florence, then there is the Uffizi which houses one of the most famous art galleries in the world. Ponte vechio (The Old bridge) is one of the most famous bridges in the world with goldsmith shops on eitherside of the bridge. There is a large daily market called the Mercato di San Lorenzo in the centre which is quite expensive as its a tourist attraction. There are several markets in Florence during the week, but the best one is in the Parco delle Cascine on a Tues morning, this is a very large market and there you will find good bargins and you won't be ripped off.
If you have time take the bus to Fiesole, a small town situated on the hills above Florence, here you will have picturesque views over the city and the surrounding hillside. There is also a Roman Amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century B.C. The town was an important centre for the Etruscans.
On the opposite side of this hill is the:
Piazzale Michelangelo is a fabulous place and famous for its spectacular views over the city and hills, here I don't mind being ripped off for that drink or icecream whilst being sat looking at the view, especially in the evening.
Well I don't want to bore you too much as I could talk forever having lived there for many years and being married to a Florentine, I have seen and done many things.
hope this helps you.
PaulaS
Hi Paula, many thanks for taking the time to pen this for us, this is absolutely brilliant and just what we were looking for, we have just bought guide books for Pisa and Florence which we are busy scouring for all the information we can, but information such as you supplied is always important as you have actually experienced it, so many thanks once again, and if we can ever be of help with detailed info on Malta then please feel free to ask, and if anyone else wants to add to this topic then we will of course b every gratefull.
Regards
Sliema2
Regards
Sliema2
Hi Sliema2
No problems, its a pleasure to help and if you have any other questions you need answering, I will be happy to advise you the best I can.
PaulaS
No problems, its a pleasure to help and if you have any other questions you need answering, I will be happy to advise you the best I can.
PaulaS
Hi Sliema2,
We went to Tuscany three years ago. We booked everything on the internet including tickets to the Uffizi Galleries. It saved having to queue and guaranteed us a slot. If you're interested, have a look at http://www.tickitaly.com/xcart/home.php.
When we visited Pisa, the area around the Leaning Tower was heaving with hawkers and touts but if you got away from the touristy bits, the local bars and restaurants were charming and cheap. Same applied in Florence, just a couple of blocks away from the main squares and it's a different world.
If you have transport, I'd recommend an evening visit to Lucca. All the families go out promenading, having drinks and snacks at the many pavement cafes. Much less of a tourist trap than Pisa or Florence and consequently cheaper also.
Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll love it.
We went to Tuscany three years ago. We booked everything on the internet including tickets to the Uffizi Galleries. It saved having to queue and guaranteed us a slot. If you're interested, have a look at http://www.tickitaly.com/xcart/home.php.
When we visited Pisa, the area around the Leaning Tower was heaving with hawkers and touts but if you got away from the touristy bits, the local bars and restaurants were charming and cheap. Same applied in Florence, just a couple of blocks away from the main squares and it's a different world.
If you have transport, I'd recommend an evening visit to Lucca. All the families go out promenading, having drinks and snacks at the many pavement cafes. Much less of a tourist trap than Pisa or Florence and consequently cheaper also.
Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll love it.
Plenty of good useful info already on this thread but we stayed in Viareggio o the coast last year and visited Pisa, Lucca and Florence using the railway. The railway links between all are good and very cheap (about 11 euros return from Viarregio to Florence, Pisa and Lucca were much cheaper). Didn't feel ripped off anywhere, but things are a bit cheaper if you walk a couple of hundred yards from the main attractions, having said that, we sat in a cafe bar at the side of the Duomo in Florence and paid no more. If you like that sort of thing, visit the Uffizzi gallery in Florence, You have to queue and the art collection, in my pinion is not quite as impressive as the national gallery in London, BUT the building itself is fantastic! Lucca is well worth a visit, great little walled city and much less commercialised that Pisa and Florence, although they are both fantastic places tooo.
Many thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to contribute to this thread, we really appreciate all of your help and advice so far, but if anyone has any more info then that will be most appreciated also.
Best wishes to you all
Sliema2
Best wishes to you all
Sliema2
Hi sliema2
I hope you enjoy your stay in Tuscany, I am sure you will enjoy every minute.... I look forward to your report on you return.
If there is anything in particular you need to know, let me know and I can find out for you.
PaulaS
I hope you enjoy your stay in Tuscany, I am sure you will enjoy every minute.... I look forward to your report on you return.
If there is anything in particular you need to know, let me know and I can find out for you.
PaulaS
Hi Paula, thanks for that I am sure that we will have a fab time in Tuscany, we are starting to get an idea of the things we are going to do, so I will be delighted to do a full write up on our return, if I can think of anything in the meanwhile I will ask you, once again many thanks for all your help.
Regards
Sliema2
Regards
Sliema2
I am booked to stay for a week in Pisa in May. intending to visit Florence. On reading some forums etc, it has been suggested that staying in Florence and visiting Pisa for the day would be the better way round. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Hi chix1,
I don't think it really matters whether you stay in Florence or Pisa, they are both nice cities with a lot to do and see. Pisa has its own coast...if you are interested in lying on a beach somewhere, then Pisa would be the better option, as Florence is a good hours drive from the coast and I think you will find accommodation that little more expensive, especially in the city itslef. It really all depends on what you are looking for in your holiday. I lived in the Florence area for 12 years...so I know it pretty well and also worked in the city itself for at least 10 of those years. If you need any information, I will be happy to help.
Paula
I don't think it really matters whether you stay in Florence or Pisa, they are both nice cities with a lot to do and see. Pisa has its own coast...if you are interested in lying on a beach somewhere, then Pisa would be the better option, as Florence is a good hours drive from the coast and I think you will find accommodation that little more expensive, especially in the city itslef. It really all depends on what you are looking for in your holiday. I lived in the Florence area for 12 years...so I know it pretty well and also worked in the city itself for at least 10 of those years. If you need any information, I will be happy to help.
Paula
Well you say that you are already booked to stay in Pisa. Why change! In May there is the classical music festival in Florence, so you'll find accommodation very hard to get, and prices astronomical to boot!
Why not plan to visit Florence in small doses - and get the train. You should decide what to see, and try to plan it as a walking tour. You will certainly need to apply ahead of time (like NOW) for visits to the Uffizi art collection - timed tickets only - and take it easy, so as to avoid too much culture at once (the brain can't take it all in) and overspending on food and drink!! Say 2 or 3 day trips in a week, and save the rest for Pisa ... or Viareggio if you want to spend a day by the sea. Enjoy yourself, and take plenty of water, suncream, a sun hat and sunspecs!
Why not plan to visit Florence in small doses - and get the train. You should decide what to see, and try to plan it as a walking tour. You will certainly need to apply ahead of time (like NOW) for visits to the Uffizi art collection - timed tickets only - and take it easy, so as to avoid too much culture at once (the brain can't take it all in) and overspending on food and drink!! Say 2 or 3 day trips in a week, and save the rest for Pisa ... or Viareggio if you want to spend a day by the sea. Enjoy yourself, and take plenty of water, suncream, a sun hat and sunspecs!
Thanks Paula and Alsacienne. I will leave my booking as it is. I am not interested in the beach, I just want to see as many places of interest as is possible without overkill. I would appreciate it greatly if you could tell me what would be feasible in 1 week, taking in the most popular attractions. I am happy to be out every day, all day.
Another question, will it be very warm the last week in May and do people wear shorts around the cities. I HATE shorts and always feel underdressed when I am in Italy.
Julie
Another question, will it be very warm the last week in May and do people wear shorts around the cities. I HATE shorts and always feel underdressed when I am in Italy.
Julie
Totally know what you mean about short/being underdressed in Italy.
In cities I haven't seen many people in shorts, although I did wear them one day in Venice 2 years ago in July. We travelled around italy for 2 weeks last June, and I only wore shorts in Rimini (seaside town). In Florence and Rome I wore 3/4 trousers with little vests etc, and had some 'shoulder cover' with me at all times, for visiting churches etc.
In cities I haven't seen many people in shorts, although I did wear them one day in Venice 2 years ago in July. We travelled around italy for 2 weeks last June, and I only wore shorts in Rimini (seaside town). In Florence and Rome I wore 3/4 trousers with little vests etc, and had some 'shoulder cover' with me at all times, for visiting churches etc.
Post a Reply
Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.
Similar Topics
-
Pisa to Florence
Posted by Awol.again in Italy, Rivieras and Islands Discussion Forums
-
Pisa airport to Florence
Posted by carol47 in Italy, Rivieras and Islands Discussion Forums
-
Florence, Pisa and Siena
Posted by gfplux in Italy, Rivieras and Islands Discussion Forums
-
train services between Pisa and Florence
Posted by musicmaker in Italy, Rivieras and Islands Discussion Forums
- Hi ideas please for a day trip at naples & florence pisa...