Public bus rides to see Florence

The best way to get around Rome is by using the city buses and the metro. It's a place you can walk yourself to death in.
But Florence is much more compact, and you can see most of it by foot.

I'd agree with David. Florence is so compact and there's so many places vehicles can't go that it's easiest to walk. We stayed 5 nights and didn't take any public transit at all. They do have a public bus system, though:

http://www.ataf.net/en/ataf.aspx?idC=2&LN=en-US

And you can purchase multi-day passes:

http://www.ataf.net/en/fares/tickets.aspx?idC=82&LN=en-US

And honestly? I'll say the same for Rome. Some of the more interesting corners can't be accessed by bus so one's feet are the best mode of exploration when at all possible.

There are not many interesting lines as larger buses are gradually being excluded from main piazzas.

The C3 minibus passes in front of many sights. Unfortunately at present, and still for a few weeks, works in via S. Agostino prevent it to pass in front of S. Spirito and Palazzo Pitti.

Also buses #12 and #13 have a scenic drive up to Piazzale Michelangelo.

I don't know Florence in-depth enough to have secret favorites. But Rick's guidebook will inform you about those Florence minibuses that tourists with tired feet might enjoy, and the bus service up a hill to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato church. The bus up a different hill to Fiesole is covered in the Florence city guide, but not the Italy country guide.

Sorry, one more post in case it's helpful? Some detailed info on the bus system in Florence (in English!)

http://www.firenzeturismo.it/en/informazioni-utili-2/arrivare-e-muoversi-2/2505-get-around-by-bus.html

Thank you all. Very helpful. John

Do take the bus up to Fiesole. It's not "secret" but it is lovely.

Once you get to Florence, you'll see why most other buses aren't useful. You'll be walking around the historic center, where most buses don't go.

The only buses I have taken in Firenze are the #12 to Piazzale Muchelangelo and a different bus to Fiesole. Otherwise very easy walking on flat streets.

The "D" electric bus follows an interesting route mainly through the Oltrarno and San Niccolo neighborhoods, passing both frequently visited and less visited sights. It starts it's route under the front portico of the SMN train station (right near the ticket windows).

If you take the #12 or #13 bus to Piazza Michelangelo, take the same number bus for the return so you get a complete circut. They run virtually the same route, but in opposite directions. It's difficult to complete the entire bus #12 or #13 route in 90 minutes while stopping at Piazza Michelangelo and San Miniato, so have a second ticket with you just in case.

If taking the C2 or C3 bus, consider stopping at the Sant'Ambrogio market, which is much smaller but in some ways more interesting than the Central Market. Keep in mind that it starts closing around 1:30 and is closed all day on Sunday. The neighborhood surrounding the market is also interesting to explore.

I second the suggestion of the not-so-secret bus #7 up to Fiesole. The San Francesco church and its small museum are worth a visit, and they're rarely crowded.

Thanks to all. Its clear that you share my fascination for "secret" sights off the tourist track.. I especially liked your suggestion of the smaller market....