Help! -- Anything "fun" to do in Florence?

You might get more helpful responses if you define "teenager". Although it was a long time ago for me I know there's a world of difference in interests between 13 and 19.

Good luck.

It's so hard to help without knowing what interests her. I've been a foodie ever since i was little, so i would have loved the Mercato Centrale, and also the surrounding San Lorenzo market just because it's full of fun tchochkes. even if you don't buy anything they're fun places that I would've enjoyed as a teenager but I don't know if everyone would've. She also might like having lunch at a place like da Mario, right outside the Mercato Centrale - it's quite a lively type of place with communal tables.

If you have a really free day and are bored in Florence, you could always hop on a bus to Siena. not that there are exciting things for kids there specifically but at least it would be somewhere different.

Why don't you hand her the guide book, your laptop, and let her plan a day, or at least part of one? You'll quickly learn what she's excited about doing.

And just as an aside, although I often felt dragged / hauled / forced through many a museum as a teenager, I am VERY thankful to my parents for making me do it because I now love and appreciate that aspect of travel. She may be bored, but it's sinking in (hopefully).

Thanks for the suggestions. She's 17 and I think needs some independence so we'll plan some time to each "do our own thing" and meet back up later. Didn't feel okay to do that in Rome. I was much more independent at her age and more interested in the culture and history than she is, but trying to make it "her" trip too.

If she's the least bit nerdy, the science museum is worth a few hours. I think they may have changed the name to the Galileo Museum. But it's down by the Arno, which is a nice place for an evening stroll, too.

It might be a bit pricey, but for our upcoming trip we've reserved a day-long bicycle tour around the Greve in Chianti region (it starts and ends right in Florence.) Its 76 euros per person but it includes lunch, a wine tour (you could drink her share)and of course all the equipment. www.florencebybike.it,, phone 055-4889-92. Good luck!!

A few years ago, I took a bike excursion that went out into the countryside surrounding Florence. It was relatively inexpensive and lasted 2-3 hours. Don't recall the name of the company (it was in Rick's book at the time), but maybe your hotel would know. If your daughter isn't shy, she could also ask some local girls for ideas. They would probably love to practice their english and chat with someone their own age.

There are tours of Florence that you can take on Segway and bicycle; not sure if there is an age restriction. Looks like fun!

http://www.segwayfirenze.com/

Also, have you been to the top of the dome at the Duomo?

The famous Ferragamo Shoes has a museum in FLorence. they trace the history of this famous maker and clients. Sometimes they close for part of summer to ck website first. Santa Maria Novella (was a convent)nr train station is an interesting place to visit historic beautiful interiors and soaps etc to die for, sampling allowed.

How about SHOPPING!

Hi Andrea, did a google search and found this - "Horseback riding around Florence – Arrange for an excursion in the countryside on horseback. Contact Centro Equitazione Vecchio Texas (055 959126), Axienda Agrigola Sportiva il Paretaio (055 8059218), Centro Ippico di Bracciatica (055 8729223)."

This is one of the funnest activities my group of friends did in Florence:

http://www.500touringclub.com/default.aspx