The duomo is much better to get a 360 degree view of the city. The bell tower is slightly lower so you are basically seeing the cathedral itself from higher up, plus a partial view of the surrounding area.
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We are also hoping to get across the river for view from Piazzle Michelangelo (maybe in combo with a dinner outing). That is something we can all enjoy, even if not willing/able to climb a tower.
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We did drinks on our 30th anniversary there. 
We went to a bunch of churches in Spain and Portugal this summer. All of them had the dress code clearly printed on huge signs but 90% of people were not in compliance. We didn’t see anyone turned away anywhere.
That said, IMO, it’s probably good to follow the requested customs. I carried a very light weight wrap in my bag so I could cover my shoulders as needed.
Agreed.
I have a nice scarf I can use if wearing sleeveless top (not common for me). On paper, a tasteful skirt a bit above the knees does not comply as well as spandex capris etc… that is the awkward part.
We visited a Da Vinci museum in Florence and found it to be a nice break from art overload. That being said, however, I would not miss the Uffizi or Accademia as a first-timer.
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I know you said that you are afraid of being overloaded with museums, but I will put a plug in for the Galileo museum. Small and quieter and science rather than art. Nice change of pace.
Also, before I forget, I ate gelato every day, sometimes twice a day, and can say with some authority that the best gelato is LaCarraia on the other side of the Arno just across the bridge from the big museums. Near the Ponte Vecchio. We got our gelato, had two bites and got back in line for another.
https://www.gelaterialacarraia.it/en/ice-creams-flavours-florence/
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Unless you really dislike museums, then do not skip Uffizi. So many masterpieces! Do the audio tour and prebook tickets. You can spend a very short amount of time at Academia to see David but I wouldn’t skip that either! You’re going to have such a great trip!
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I’m open to all suggestions, especially if they can be done spur-of-the-moment. Trying to avoid too many pre-booked tickets, and I like the fact that with Viator (tickets & tourguide for Uffizi, Academia) we can do cancellation up until 24 hours prior.
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Enjoying Florence! View from our bedroom below. Very walkable here, but since one in our group has back issues and tires on long walks with the tricky cobblestone footing the taxi shortage is a challenge. Hopefully when we really need to get to airport (to pick up rental car) there will be one available to come to the hotel.
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Looks beautiful! RE: taxi, ask your hotel concierge to order you one at whatever time you need and then you’ll know you have it! This helped us get from Florence to Greve.
Enjoy and buona sera!
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Gorgeous!
We had hotel pre-order taxi also. I made sure to get phone number of taxi company just in case there was an issue.
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Have your hotel order the taxi. We flew home from Florence and the hotel arranged for the taxi no problem.
Yes, normally we’d ask hotel desk to get our taxi. One said no problem, but others here (and elsewhere in Florence) have told use that there is a taxi shortage, and most taxis opt to go to queue at the train station. Last night there was a long line at the train station, but at least we got one - and yay… it was big enough for 4 of us and luggage.
We are at Palazzo Dei Ciompi (near to Santa Croce)… nice but not luxurious.
Note: Back in Amsterdam, having the front desk order our taxi worked perfectly.
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We are not alone - “You can’t get a taxi for love nor money in Florence,” says city resident Nick Farraway.
from https://www.thelocal.it/20230804/ive-given-up-how-hard-is-it-to-get-a-taxi-in-italian-cities
After our cooking class, the manager worked very hard to get a taxi for our ride home. The cost is quite reasonable (especially split across 2 couples)…. once you get one.
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There is also a local train/tram that goes to the airport, which I think leaves from Santa Croce or in the vicinity; perhaps the hotel front desk could help with that (unless there is a lot of luggage involved).
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Yes, hotel mentioned that to us too - a trolley or something that took you from hotel to airport!
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Tell us what all you’ve done, @Colorado_mom !
Yes, I want to be back in Florence and live vicariously through you. But at least it’s only in the 89s here today.
Usually I stay mostly unplugged on vacation, so when back home I’ll give more info (and links if folks have interest).
Today we had guided tour of Ufizzi - splendid! We walked over, about 15 min on Google but we took slower pace (or travel mate needs to be especially careful on the uneven pavement). Had coffee and pastries next door to the meeting place, Florence City tours. The rep kindly called us a taxi afterward, no problem this time.
Yesterday was a 5 hour cooking class, including an interesting market tour.
Favorite part of our budget apartment is the private terrace, a fun bonus. (The dome you see is for nearby synagogue, not THE famous Duomo)
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THE Duomo. @Youdon_tsay - If you have not already done so, try to watch “Medici” series (Netflix, 3 seasons).
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