I would say that it is as good for those things you are interested in as any OTHER city in Tuscany. But your outlook and question makes me wonder WHY you decided on Tuscany in the first place. There are a lot of other cities and smaller towns not to mention the countryside itself to see. And there are other places you can start out in, too.

Hi pg,

we spent a week in florence with our kids who aren't big on art galleries and museums, and we had a great time.

even if you aren't thrilled by hours looking at works of art, half a day in the Uiffizi plus an hour or so in the Accademia are well worth it, there's the campanile and/or Dome to climb, Oltrarno to explore, the markets [try Santa Croce and the nearby market of san Ambrogio] lots of interesting little shops and workshops [mainly but not exclusively in Oltrarno] Piazzale Michelangelo and the nearby churches, the odd garden in the right season - is that enough ti whet your appetite?

Even without stepping foot inside either the Uffizi or the Accademia, i managed to fill 2 1/2 days last May, and i could have managed at least another day.

so i would definitely recommend it for a 2-3 day stay; i suspect that you would be pleasantly surprised.

Florence is a lovely city with plenty to see and do. I thought the food there was fabulous! There are some great outdoor markets as well as other shopping. Lots of interesting architecture and churches. Of course, there is some really fabulous art and great museums but that isn't all that Florence has to offer. I loved it there and would like to go back. Have a great trip!

I put architecture into the art category so I think you like some art. Florence would be a good place for you. There's tons of architecture as mentioned above plus you could spend time gazing at the Baptistery doors (which I put into the architecture grouping). Go early so you can really see them.

I thought the Bargello was interesting for the architecture - ignore the art and I loved Santo Spirito church. And the Medici Chapel and Laurentian Library.

How do you feel about science? There's a science museum.

There's tons to see in Florence.

I forgot the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

Two years ago we spent 10 days based in Florence. We did daytrips on 6 days but spent the rest of the time in and around Florence.

The only museum we went to was the Accademia and it was a great visit. You can call and researve tickets in advance to avoid the massive line.

If your going to Florence remember that near the major historical sites it has restricted access zones for vehicles if you are driving. Climb the bell tower (400ish steps- ancient stair master) it has an amazing view. You should make an effort to go to Cinque Terre. Walk About tours is what we took from Florence for hiking.

I agree with those who say you will find plenty to do even if you only want to spend a half day or so in art museums. For architecture buffs I would recommend climbing the Duomo dome.

You might want to take a trip to Fiesole which is basically a suburb easily reachable with a short bus ride. Fantastic views, Etruscan and Roman ruins.

Look over this thread with lots of great suggestions
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/florence-top-10-list.cfm

Thanks to everyone for the replies and sorry for the delay in responding. Much to think about!!

Well I will be the one to disagree. I find Florence one of the less ageeable cities in Tuscany as I dislike the tour troops, the large numbers of American students and the narrow pavements on which we all collide. The architecture tends toward the monolithic and can feel oppressive. If I were not interested in art, I would not have visited Florence so many times. Why not go as a daytrip from some place like Siena?

I agree one hundred percent with Tarquin for all the same reasons. I cannot imagine why anyone would spend more than a day and a night in Florence without a compelling interest in art and architecture. I do love art and architecture, and I know exactly what I want to see when I next go back.

It can also be breathlessly hot, with few breezes because of the maze of streets. The drinking water is perfectly safe but tastes nasty. Owing to traffic restrictions AND heavy traffic in and around the city, it is a lousy base for touring the countryside by car (though not necessarily by train or bus). Moreover, I personally find the part of Tuscany near Florence to be less attractive than the parts near Siena, but your mileage may vary.

Not that I have a strong opinion, you understand

Let's get back on track here. I love Florence, it is our favorite city in Italy and we have visited on every trip (7 to date) to Italy.

Each trip we find wonderful things to see and do, many involving art, many not. Our last trip we did not visit the Uffizi and probably will not again. The architecture is interesting - be sure to visit the Santa Croce church and to sit in the Piazza della Signoria with a glass of wine, admiring the surrounding buildings.

The food is wonderful and at least one gelato a day mandatory.

Don't use it as a base for touring the countryside. Spend two or three days in Florence, rent a car and move to the countryside. With 3 weeks you have ample time to see much of Tuscany.

I had understood from the original post that the plan was to start from Florence and "loop from" there, not to spend the whole time in Florence taking side trips.

Well I guess I could also loop from Pisa/Lucca as well, down to Chianti + Siena + hill top village and finish with some beach time on Elba.

I'm confused over Florence now!! Thanks guys!!