What should not be missed if only in Florence for 2.5 days?

Difficult to say without knowing your interests . . .

Tell us why you chose Florence and what you plan to see there and we can help with the things you haven't mentioned that we consider "not to be missed".

My "do not miss" list encompasses at least a week so more information is needed from you as to your interests and reasons for choosing Florence as the only town in Italy that you're visiting.

Dinner at Buca Mario.

When are you going?

We are staying at Hotel Annabella-3 teenage daughters as well as my husband--different interests of course--we defintely want to see "David"--but would like to not stray too far from our "home" for the 3 days we are there just because of the short amount of time we are there we don't want to be spending it on a bus or train too much--much in that area of the hotel if anybody knows (within and hour)?
Thanks!

Jean-
we will be there July 24-27

It's likely temps will be high, so I'd plan on starting as early as possible each day. In the middle of the day, you may want/need to slow down or retreat indoors.

You might find some respite in Fiesole, a very short taxi or bus ride up into the hills above Florence, which is an interesting place in its own right.

Last time we were in Florence, we visited the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and its small chapel which has a beautiful mural on each of 4 walls depicting "The Procession of the Magi".

Another "must see" is the San Marco museum with its Fra Angelico frescos.

Make time for plenty of gelato and have a great time!

We enjoyed seeing the Duomo and the Batistry------ awesome mosaics. Years ago I walked up either the bell tower or in the church for a view of Florence, and it was spectacular. Only for the fit, though. No elevator. Enjoyed shopping in Florence and wandering throughout the town, lingering in cafes. Piazza Michaelangelo is supposed to be beautiful, but weather didn't cooperate when I had the time, and never took the oportunity to visit. Enjoy!

On my list for a not to be missed sight is the exquisite Annunciation by Fra Angelico in the Convent of San Marco. The convent itself is full of history. Before going you may want to read Hibbert's book on the Medici.

this thread has a lot of good suggestions
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...op-10-list.cfm

Probably 2.5 days is enough to cover many of these "top 10" sights

Art afficionados?
If so, the Uffizi may be on your must-see list.

http://www.uffizi.com/

Best to buy tickets ahead, to avoid long lines.

Uffizi Gallery
Accademia
Museum of San Marco
Mercato Central
Pitti Palace
Santo Spirito Church
Giotto's Tower
Duomo Museum
Duomo
Baptistry
Church of San Lorenzo
Medici Chapels (Chappelle Medicee)
San Lorenzo Market
Brancacci Chapel
San Miniato Church
Santa Croce Church
Leather School at Santa Croce Church
Church of Santa Maria Novella
Piazzale Michelangelo
Palazzo Vecchio
Medici -Riccardi Palace
Arno River - stoll at night