Before meeting up with family in Florence, I will have three nights and two days to wander up and down as many streets as I can both day and evening this September.
Museums will be visited when family arrives but I want this time to walk, get lost and get to see Florence.
Areas such as Santa Croce, including the area around the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio as well as
The Oltrarno seem appealing to explore and discover but I remain open to suggestions for both day time and evenings.
Thanks
Yes, the Oltrarno is definitely a great place to wander. Be sure to head up to Piazzale Michelangelo and to the steps of the Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte for spectacular views of Florence, especially at sunset.
I also recommend you take a bus ride to Fiesole if you don't plan to do that with the family.
Some great self guided walks in Florence.
https://www.visitflorence.com/itineraries-in-florence/three-walking-itineraries.html
You might check out this one too.
If you get the DK guide book to Florence; there are lots of walks in there that you can photocopy and follow around Florence.
Some take you on routes you wouldn't normally find.
Don't forget to sit and people watch and drink coffee, eat gelato!
Lane, the first respondent here had the best advice so far. I concur completely. The Oltrarno is a must see & the Micaelangelo, above the Boboli gives a great view from above. Also, +1 on his suggestion of a short bus ride up to Fiesole.
All that said... you can't go far wrong wherever you walk, it's Firenze.
I really enjoyed spending a good part of an afternoon wandering Boboli Gardens at Pitti Palace. It has terrific sculptures and fountains, and (even in peak summer tourism time), it was nice to have some quiet time amidst the plant life. Enjoy!
Thanks to everyone for such awesome advise and suggestions. I have taken an Airbnb in The Oltrarno and look forward to being up and out early.
The bus trip to the town near Florence sounds like a great idea.
Will do my research on where to pick it up.
Paul, there is so much to see and do in beautiful Florence, three days will quickly be full. As others have said, the piazza Michealangelo at sunset is really beautiful (walk up through the neighborhoods). Also, the bus to Fiesole is at Piazza San Marco (close to the Accademia). the bus there leaves every 30 minutes or so and you overlook the Florentine valley, absolutely gorgeous! Enjoy!
I would really get off the beaten path and wander over to the Porta San Niccolo area one evening for aperitivi and dinner.
Some things to watch for on your walks.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/florence-italy/places#geo-places-row-3
