Home › Destinations › National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, United States of America - Things to Do in National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Things to Do in National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Florence stands as one of the world's greatest art cities and the birthplace of the Renaissance. This enchanting Italian destination captivates visitors with its extraordinary concentration of masterpieces, from Michelangelo's David to Botticelli's Birth of Venus, housed in world-renowned museums like the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia. The city's compact historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds like an open-air museum with its iconic red-tiled roofs, medieval bridges, and magnificent cathedral dome designed by Brunelleschi. Beyond its artistic treasures, Florence offers an intoxicating blend of Renaissance architecture, vibrant local culture, and exceptional Tuscan cuisine. The city's artisan workshops continue centuries-old traditions of leather crafting, jewelry making, and bookbinding, while its bustling markets and authentic trattorias provide glimpses into daily Florentine life. With the rolling hills of Chianti just a short drive away and other Tuscan gems like Siena and San Gimignano easily accessible, Florence serves as the perfect base for exploring one of Italy's most beloved regions.

Top Things to Do in National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Explore Renaissance Art Museums

Immerse yourself in the world's finest collection of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery and see Michelangelo's iconic David at the Accademia Gallery. These museums house masterpieces that defined Western art, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio. The experience offers an unparalleled journey through art history in the very city where many of these revolutionary works were created.

Booking Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets well in advance, especially during peak season (April-October). Expect to pay €20-25 for Uffizi and €16-20 for Accademia. Consider guided tours (€45-65) for deeper insights, and book morning slots to avoid crowds.

Climb the Duomo Complex

Ascend Brunelleschi's magnificent dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore for breathtaking panoramic views over Florence's terracotta rooftops. The climb involves 463 steps through the narrow corridors between the dome's inner and outer shells, passing close-up views of Vasari's Last Judgment frescoes. The experience also includes access to the cathedral, baptistery, and bell tower.

Booking Tip: Reserve timed entry tickets online in advance (€20-30 for dome climb). Choose early morning or late afternoon slots for best lighting and fewer crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for narrow, steep passages - not recommended for claustrophobic visitors.

Wander Through Historic Neighborhoods

Explore Florence's charming districts like Oltrarno, known for its artisan workshops and authentic atmosphere, and the medieval streets around Santa Croce. These walking tours reveal hidden courtyards, local markets, and family-run businesses that have operated for generations. You'll discover the real Florence beyond the tourist sites, including traditional craft workshops where you can watch artisans at work.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily (tip-based, €10-15 suggested), while private guided tours cost €150-200 for half-day. Book small group tours (€25-35 per person) for a good balance of personalization and value. Morning tours are ideal for visiting artisan workshops when they're most active.

Experience Tuscan Food Culture

Dive into Florence's culinary scene through food tours that combine market visits, wine tastings, and traditional cooking classes. Sample local specialties like bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita soup, and gelato while learning about Tuscan ingredients and cooking techniques. Many experiences include visits to the historic Mercato Centrale and local wine bars for authentic regional wines.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from €65-120 per person depending on duration and inclusions. Book tours that include 4-5 tastings plus wine pairings for best value. Cooking classes cost €80-150 and often include market shopping and full meal preparation with recipes to take home.

Take Day Trips to Tuscan Countryside

Escape to the picturesque Tuscan countryside with visits to medieval hill towns like San Gimignano and Siena, or explore the renowned Chianti wine region. These excursions showcase the region's stunning landscapes of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and ancient vineyards. Many tours combine sightseeing with wine tastings at family-owned estates and traditional Tuscan lunches.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost €75-120 per person including transportation and some tastings. Small group tours (8-16 people) offer better experiences than large bus tours. Book tours that include 2-3 destinations and at least one winery visit for comprehensive Tuscan experience.

Getting There

Florence is easily accessible by air through Florence Airport (FLR), located just 4km from the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and connecting flights from worldwide destinations. The city is also exceptionally well-connected by high-speed rail, with frequent trains from Rome (1.5 hours), Milan (2 hours), and Venice (2.5 hours) arriving at Santa Maria Novella station in the heart of the historic center. For those driving, Florence sits at the intersection of major highways A1 and A11, though be aware that the historic center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL) requiring special permits.

Getting Around

Florence's compact historic center is best explored on foot, as most major attractions are within a 15-20 minute walk of each other. The city offers an efficient public bus system (ATAF) for reaching outlying areas, with single tickets costing €1.50 and day passes at €5. Taxis are available but can be expensive and are restricted from many historic center streets. For exploring the surrounding Tuscan countryside, consider renting a car or joining organized tours, as public transportation to rural areas is limited.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (Duomo area)
Santa Maria Novella
Santo Spirito/Oltrarno
Santa Croce
San Lorenzo
Porta Romana

Food & Dining

Florence's dining scene perfectly balances traditional Tuscan cuisine with innovative contemporary interpretations. The city is famous for its bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), hearty ribollita soup, and exceptional gelato from historic shops like Vivoli and Grom. For authentic experiences, seek out family-run trattorias in the Oltrarno district, visit the bustling food halls at Mercato Centrale, or enjoy aperitivo culture at local wine bars. High-end dining options include several Michelin-starred restaurants, while budget-conscious travelers can enjoy excellent panini from All'Antico Vinaio or pizza al taglio from local bakeries.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Albuquerque

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

66 Diner

4.5 /5
(5247 reviews) 2
bakery store

Sawmill Market

4.6 /5
(4916 reviews) 2

Seasons 52

4.5 /5
(2781 reviews) 2
bar meal_takeaway

Vernon's Speakeasy

4.7 /5
(2281 reviews) 4
bar

The Grill on San Mateo

4.7 /5
(1983 reviews) 1

Farm & Table

4.5 /5
(1334 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Florence is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October, when weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and accommodation prices are reasonable. Spring offers blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures (15-22°C), while early autumn provides warm days perfect for walking and outdoor dining. Summer (June-August) brings hot temperatures (up to 35°C) and peak crowds, making museum visits more challenging, though longer daylight hours allow for extended sightseeing. Winter (December-February) offers the fewest crowds and lowest prices, but some attractions have reduced hours and weather can be cool and rainy.

Insider Tips

Visit major museums on first Sunday mornings when many offer free admission to EU residents, or book late afternoon slots when crowds thin out
Cross the Arno River at sunset from Ponte Vecchio or climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning golden hour photography opportunities
Shop at the Sant'Ambrogio market instead of the touristy San Lorenzo market for better prices and authentic local atmosphere

Explore Activities in National Museum of Nuclear Science & History