Dh and I are debating about stopping in Florence for 2 days during our September (3rd time) trip to Italy. Friends have told us, "but you must see Florence!" when we explain that we prefer towns and villages (we're spending a week at an agriturismo). We tend not to tour museums and churches, but prefer the outside architecture, sitting at cafes, walking through neighborhoods - so what is there to do in Florence besides visiting churches and museums? walking tours? cooking classes? Thanx for your suggestions!

Florence is not spread out like Rome or Milan. You can walk across the city from one end to the other in about 30-40 minutes. Take the bus or taxi to Fiesole to escape the crowds, take in some beautiful views, and see the ruins of an ancient Roman theater. Walk or taxi to Piazzale Michaelangelo (preferably at sunset) for probably the best view of Florence.

Some churches are worth seeing for their architecture. We find it fascinating to climb the Duomo to the top to see from the inside how the dome was constructed and to view the interior ceiling of the dome from close up. Walking into the Baptistery is, to me, like stepping into a jewel box. Other buildings, like the Bargello (former prison) and the Palazzo Medici Riccardi have been re-purposed as museums but are interesting for their architecture.

IMO, you'll have no trouble filling two days with excellent eating, cafe sitting, neighborhood walking, a little shopping and, yes, briefly visiting a couple of churches and museums. If architecture is of particular interest, then I'd look for a walking tour that focuses on the architecture.

We had a wonderful site/sight seeing 1/2 day on the Hop On/Hop Off bus..It takes you outside the center and the surburban areas are lovely. If you do the bus your ticket is good for 24 hours,,ie. afternoon ride and next morning ride..It is a great look and see bargin in every city we've been fortunate enough to experience them.

We had a wonderful site/sight seeing 1/2 day on the Hop On/Hop Off bus..It takes you outside the center and the surburban areas are lovely. If you do the bus your ticket is good for 24 hours,,ie. afternoon ride and next morning ride..It is a great look and see bargin in every city we've been fortunate enough to experience them.

Make the walk up to San Miniato for the experience and the views.

Enjoy the local wine bars scattered about the city.

Visit the public markets, buy some local delicacies and enjoy.

Wander into one of the bakeries early in the morning and pick up bread while it is still warm.

Enjoy the passagiata.

Walk everywhere, especially places off the main tourist grid. Stop in at the local food stores if you are a foodie - they are wonderful.

IMO there is no need for a bus when visiting Florence. It is compact and best experienced on foot.

I am a Florence fan and have spent weeks there over the course of many years and those are some of my favorite things to do.

"... but prefer the outside architecture, sitting at cafes, walking through neighborhoods"

Then Florence is for you.

walk, walk, and more walk. It's a delicious place! If you decide to wander, take the bus to Fiesole which overlooks the city and you'll see why it's everyone's favorite!

thanks all...I'm going to use this advice too!

We walked across the river on one of the beautiful bridges and the area was very interesting to us. Not many tourists about, nice, quiet cafe's, etc.

Lots of shopping: Mercato, Ponte Vecchio and everywhere else.
The gardens of the Pitti Palace (cross the Ponte Vecchio). The "keep up with the Medicis" mindset of Pitti Palace builder was interesting.
Also, many tours originate in Florence. I would be happy to have someone else drive for a wine crawl.

Mercato Centrale is an incredible food market experience. As people mentioned before...walk, walk, walk.

Try to ignore the grafitti, too. I agree with the others there is plenty to see and do OUTSIDE the many churches, museums, etc., in town BUT BUT BUT..what are your alternative spots in the event you AREN'T going to Florence?????

I agree with the above and would definitely add the Santa Maria Novella Profumo-Farmaceutica!

http://www.smnovella.it/

Thank you all for these suggestions! DH and I will keep Florence on our list.
Now, does anyone have suggestions for where to stay: area(s) of Florence and/or specific hotels?

Dukey1 - we would have picked up the car sooner and then researched villages to explore.

We had a car while there and stayed out of towm at the Hilton or Sheraton ?? (senior moment here) the parking was free and the shuttle into town was super convenient. The hop on hop off goes to Fiesole along with a score of other places. There us a pretty little della Robbia museum in Fiesole. Pretty little side trip. Walking along the Arno river is off the tourist track and interesting.

We liked the Relais Cavalcanti, which is in a great location in the center of Florence.

Kelly, we are staying in March (for the 3rd time), at the Hotel Casci. Great rates, discount for cash. All new updated bathrooms (lovely and big!); clean spacious rooms. Incredible breakfast spread and amazing hosts. Family owned. 2 minutes to the Duomo. Highly recommend it:

http://www.hotelcasci.com/?gclid=CLC...FdVf2godFQirJw