For the cultural tourist, the birthplace of the Renaissance is the prime destination. This idyllic Tuscan city is renowned worldwide for its magnificent works of art, but also the graceful beauty of its streets, where pale stone buildings topped with iconic red rooves glow in the evening sun. The epicentre of Renaissance Italy, beautiful Florence lies on the River Arno, and along its world-famous landmarks, churches and masterpieces of art and architecture, this is a city that truly enjoys la dolce vita, whether you take your pleasure from visiting its eclectic boutiques, or charming restaurants and bars.
Top Florence Attractions
Europe's most significant artistic era is said to have begun when Brunelleschi put the finishing touches to the magnificent dome on the Florence cathedral in 1436. The splendid green, pink and white marble facades of this "Duomo", or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore as it's rightfully called, will leave you in no doubt about the Florentine love of beauty and elegance.
UNESCO estimates that one-third of the world's most important works of art reside in Florence, and a good many of them are housed in the famous Uffizi Gallery, where an audience with giants of the Renaissance such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Caravaggio cannot fail to inspire.
Although you will spot replicas of him all over town, you must visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to contemplate Michelangelo's original David in all his glory. This wonderful art gallery (expect queues whenever you visit) also houses great works by Botticelli as well as other 15th and 16th century works of art and a spectacular collection of valuable musical instruments.
Visit the Ponte Vecchio, the iconic bridge over the River Arno that remains intact from the 14th century. Lined with jewellers' shops, this famous Florentine landmark also houses the Corridoio Vasariano, a hidden corridor designed by Vasari in the 17th century and linking the Palazzi Vecchio, Uffizi and Pitti.
The 19th century gothic church Santa Croce reads like a who-is-who of Italian history, with its impressive line-up of celebrities; here you can find the tombs of Michelangelo and Machiavelli, a writer and statesman so notorious that his name has become a byword for cunning and deceit. In addition, here are the graves of the composer Rossini, medieval poet Dante Alighieri, Italy's greatest poet, and the astronomer Galileo Galilei.
Top Things to do
The city's political heart since the Middle Ages, Piazza della Signoria is still the hub of all the action, but avoid this square if you do not like crowds. Facing the Palazzo Vecchio and lined with many artworks (as well as touristy cafes and restaurants), Florence's most magnificent piazza also includes the famed Cellini sculpture of Peruses and the Mannerist Fountain of Neptune.
Hang out and haggle in the San Lorenzo market where there is an astonishing amount of good quality bags, belts and shoes on display; Florence is Italy's leather capital. Visit the delightful Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for amazing perfumes and pot pourris; this former convent makes smells and bells like you would not believe.
The Oltrarno is a fascinating district across the River Arno, housing traditional working class artisan shops and studios and the glorious Medici Palazzo Pitti, as well as the green lungs of the city, the lovely Giardino di Boboli, lined with cypress and citrus trees and dotted with ponds and fountains. In the evenings, lounge around the terraces and bars of chic Lungarno or Piazza del Duomo for more touristy street based entertainment. In the summer, Florence's glorious Piazza di Sant'Ambrogio comes alive with open-air concerts and recitals, and make sure you do it like the locals and enjoy a Negroni (a Campari-based cocktail) come aperitivo time.
Eating
Eating in Florence should be a pleasure, and it will be if you stick to the less obvious tourist establishments away from the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Typical Tuscan fare is fresh and sources local ingredients, whether you choose a casual Trattoria or more upmarket Ristorante. Booking is almost vital to guarantee a decent meal throughout the city, which traditionally sits down at 1pm for lunch and 8-9pm for dinner. Il Latini is a favourite with locals that serves up mouth-watering roast meats from rabbit to veal.
The area around Oltrarno, traditionally the furniture restoring district, has become quite the foodie destination; In Tavola offers the chance to cook and eat your own delicacies such as crostini and cantucci, washed down with a delicious Chianti. It is impossible to come to Florence and ignore the tradition that is gelato; Vivoli is a world-famous purveyor of the art, serving up candy-coloured confections to those in the know. Perchè No! has been a crowd-pleaser since it first opened its doors in the 1940s; try the delicious mousse-like semi-freddi that this gelateria is famous for.
Head south to the beautiful countryside of Chianti to appreciate the food, wine and natural beauty of Tuscany. Try a fabulous beginner's cooking course at Villa Rosa di Boscorotondo, or take a scenic drive to medieval Siena. It would be almost remiss not to take a wine tour of Chianti, the classic wine producing region surrounded by rolling hills and Romanesque churches; try a half day trip and sample delicious Classic Chianti, Chianti Reserve and Vin Santo accompanied by local Pecorino cheese and Cantucci di Prato (anise-flavoured biscotti). For lovers of designer bargains, Florence is a few hours away from the designer outlets and malls housing the holy trinity of Prada, Gucci and Armani.
Florence Accommodation
Hotels in Florence are plentiful and range from five-star luxury to smaller, more intimate and cheaper accommodation. If you choose one of the many establishments in this world-class destination, whether in the centro storico (historic centre) or overlooking the Arno or the hills of Chianti, you can pretty much guarantee yourself a room with a view. This is a city for lovers of art, culture and the finer things in life. However, on your strolls, you will enjoy the fact the city strongly retains the flavour and feel of its historical peak. Florence's hotels await your decision to indulge.