I'll also be in Florence in September and this is absolutely perfect.

Now my only problem is narrowing down the must-sees.

To all of those who responded, I wish I could take you to lunch or send you flowers, but a heartfelt "thank you" right now will have to do.

There were so many wonderful things about Florence.

One of my favorite though was San Miniato. I loved the skyline of Florence from there. The San Miniato was such a contrast to the churches in Florence, that it was a nice change. Plus it was so cool inside after the hot hike up there. Be sure to stop in the gift store and purchase the herbal remedies and honey made by the monks. I brought to jars of honey back with me and it has such a delicate flavor.

I will also have to add the Medici Chapel, and I agree with the previous poster - all about the EGO of the Medici family, and the incredible sculptures by Michelangelo.

Another favorite was the Bargello.

I LOVE this thread. I am so baffled by those who travel to Italy and skip Florence or stay for just a day. On our past 6 trips to Italy, Florence is the common destination regardless of where else we visit. We always make time to return.

Florence is my favorite European city after Paris and I could stay for weeks! This post shows the reason why. There is so much to see and do and all the suggestions on this tread bring Florence to life for me. We must plan a trip soon.

You have a great list of the things to do while you are there. I hope you have enough time to do many of them.

our top 10:

1) The Duomo. The total experience: climbing to the top...The views of Florence and almost touching the frescoes in the inner dome were breathtaking.

2) Santa Croce Church.

3) Uffizi

4) David at Accademia

5) The view of the Duomo at dusk from Piazzale Michelangelo

6) The Oltarno district. Great art, workshops, eats and shopping.

7) Dinner at La Giostra. Memorable....a night to remember.

8) The gelato

9) The cool bicycles and scooters....everywhere

10) The energy. Grab a snack/drink at a cafe in a Piazza and people watch. ....Imagine the history that unfolded years ago.

Buon Viaggio.

bookmarking

I am going to be in Florence for a week May 5- May 12. We have eaten at Leo's on all our previous trips to Florence and it is my favorite restaurant there. I want to make a reservation for the 4 of us for dinner one night while we are there and I'm wondering if they have a website so I could make a reservation. We are renting an apartment so we don't have a hotel concierge to do it for us. Thanks for the help

Is it this restaurant ?

http://www.firenzerestaurant.net/

That's the one. Thank you so much for your speedy reply. I have e-mailed them for a reservation.

The cells of the San Marco monastery, each with a Fra Angelico (or Angelico-esque) fresco.

The Pontormo "Deposition" in the Church of San Felicita, just across the Ponte Vecchio in the Oltrarno. Someone told me it was the most beautiful painting in Florence, and I think he was right. This is an easy stop on the way to the Pitti Palace.

The Davanzati Museum is also wonderful, and usually empty.

Florence is my favorite city and each time I've gone I have discovered more and more. But if I had only two days and had never been before...this would be it.

1. Duomo from outside only but visit it's museum located behind it.

2. Santa Croce - spend time inside and then have pizza at Baldovino's that runs alongside the church.

3. Medici Chapel - not to be missed.

4. Ponte Vecchio at sunset.

5. Michaelangelo's David

6. Uffizi to see the masterpieces

7. Pitti Palace gallery (i would skip Boboli Gardens but this palace is extraordinary.

8. View of Florence from Piazzale Michaelangelo (take bus to save some time...it's quite a stroll)

9. Gelato every chance you get!

10. The markets (Central, San Lorenzo, Il Porcellino)

Pace yourself...soak up Florence as you stroll from place to place. You are going to fall in love with Florence as I did and this trip will only whet your appetite for more!

Why oh why did I not see David when in Florence. My biggest traveling mistake.

And David may be moving... I read in Newsweek recently that Florence may move him to a special museum out of town to help ease congestion in the historical center.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/112727

What a great list! Some new places for me to see as well on our trip this summer.

we enjoyed the gelato at Il Gelato at Vivolis icecream store but theyre not the friendliest people in town! so dont ask QUUUUUUUUUUUUESTIONS - the prices are written on the cups not on a menu board OOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!
haha
i wish we had climbed the 463 steps to the chapel domeat st marys of the flower ( i think thats where the dome is )
but we were on a tour and you know what thats like - frenetic pace and 'meet in 45 minutes or we will LEAVE you stranded!'
never ever doing a tour again unless im travelling single as a double amputee
and even then id rather roll myself than set foot on an organised tour of any country again!
just my humble point of view mind you

Thanks for this wonderful thread.

I'm headed to Florence in 2 weeks and I'll be bringing along many of the suggestions!

gruezi

keeper!!!

Wow, these are all marvellous suggestions. If any of you went to Florence with children and/or teenagers, what did they really enjoy doing?

Don't forget to eat wild boar, awesome.

Before you go, download the Rick Steves free audio guides to Florence. They really enriched my time there. . . the Academia, the Renaissance Walk (be sure to print out the pdf map), and the Uffizi. I also enjoyed rented audio guide at the Pitti Palace, but you have to ask for it when you buy your ticket - the only place to get it.

tagging for reading later...