What to see and do in Florence? Walk the historical centre (centro storico) of the city. Look at the architecture, wander the narrow streets and alleyways and always, always remember to look up. Visit the Duomo (Florence Cathedral) and the magnificent The Baptistery of St. John, walk Piazza della Signoria and see the sculptures, cross the Ponte Vecchio.... Visit some of Florence's many ancient churches: Santa Maria Novella (1420), Basilica of San Lorenzo (1470), Santa Croce (1443), Church and Museum of Orsanmichele(1404).....and more. Go to the tourist-popular San Lorenzo Market and/or Mercato Nuovo market...but don't expect to get a bargain at either and be careful about pickpockets. For bargains you're much better off looking in e.g. Sant'Ambrogio Market. Visit the Uffizi Gallery and/or the Accademia di belle arti and/or the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze and/or any of the many other museums and galleries.... Visit the Palazzo Pitti — Galleria Palatina or...if you don't want to go inside...just get a ticket to explore its wonderful gardens. Walk along the river Arno to see what you can see.... Take the bus or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a brilliant view over the city. While you're there, visit the fantastic and very ancient (1018) church of San Miniato al Monte. Take the bus up to Fiesole, up in the hills and just a 15-minute ride away. Enjoy the wonderful views of Florence, visit the Etruscan and Roman ruins, eat gelato, walk the narrow side-streets..... I've been to Florence 6 times but I won't recommend specific places to eat simply because a) best' is a matter of personal preference. Unlike e.g. the USA or the UK it's almost impossible to find a poor Italian restaurant in Italy as long as you keep away from obvious touristy places (e.g. those with 'hamburgers' or 'fries' on their menu) and places which are right next to major tourist sights & sites. Use your feet to wander into the side-streets and you'll find plenty of places serving very good Italian food at fair prices. Remember that you don't need to go a restaurant....cafes and many bars also serve excellent food. And make sure you try out gelato from lots of different places! :-)
