Archaeological Museum and Monumental Garden

If you are sick of the terribly long lines for some of Florence's top destinations the Archaeological Museum is a great alternative. The museum is being expanded and renovated but both old and new exhibits are compelling. The collection is good, and there is a particularly surprising Egyptian section. Well worth a stop and visit. This lion-sized bronze statue in particular was spectacular.

A palace built in 1620 now holds a collection of Roman, Etruscan, Egyptian, and Greek treasures. Among my favorite finds was a mid-7th century ivory comb with depictions of various fictional animals. I also loved the collection of Etruscan flabelli (large ceremonial fans).