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Must See

Michelangelo’s huge statue of David occupies pride of place in the Accademia Gallery, carved from a single block of marble.
Brunelleschi’s gravity-defying Duomo which dominates the Florence skyline.
The world-famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, the oldest bridge in Florence, which has housed tanners, butchers, blacksmiths and, finally, the goldsmiths’ shops that still line it today.
See Italy's most important collection of art, the Medici collection, housed in the Uffizi Gallery.
The city at its most beautiful at dusk, admired from the Oltrarno.

Must Do

Marvel at the frescoed ceilings of the Baptistry and the Duomo.
If you are not afraid of heights, ascend the 463 steps to the summit of the Duomo, which provides a new perspective on Florence.
Visit Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in Italy, reputedly founded by St Francis himself.
Spend some time away from the bustle of the city streets and make your way up to the cool, cypress-lined Boboli Gardens.
Take some time out to enjoy a refreshing drink or a gelato and admire the medieval setting of the Piazza della Signoria.

Food and Drink
Try schiacciata, a type of Tuscan flatbread, for a snack or a light lunch, or sample the fare of the many fiaschetterie around the city for a plate of crostini, salami, and pecorino cheese accompanied by a glass of wine from the Chianti region. The traditional bistecca fiorentina, the Florentine T-bone steak, is a must if you enjoy a hearty portion of meat, whilst the delicate fresh courgette flowers stuffed with ricotta cheese are not to be missed.
Gilli is one of the city’s finest cafes, on Piazza della Repubblica, and ideal for an aperitif before heading off to dinner. The famous Obika mozzarella restaurant on the Via Tornabuoni is worth a try if you are keen on the lovely soft milky cheese, or for a typically Florentine experience try one of the small and cosy trattorias around the Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
The region is popular for the full-bodied red Chianti wine, though there are many Tuscan white wines, such as Vernaccia, from San Gimignano, which are well worth sampling.
Shopping
Piazza San Lorenzo has a daily morning market that’s a great place to pick up some bargains and traditional gifts. Good buys in Florence include baskets, leather gloves, jackets and handbags, beautiful paper goods, silk and lace. Food and drink are also good buys: bottles of herb-infused olive oil, dried porcini mushrooms and dried pasta in all shapes, sizes and colours all make welcome gifts. As you would expect, all of the designer shops are here, from Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, so whether it is a special purchase or simply some window shopping, the Via Tournabuoni is where you need to be. For a souvenir with a difference, visit the ancient Dominican apothecary of Santa Maria Novella, housed in a 14th-century chapel and stocked with a range of antique perfumes and soaps.
Where To Stay
Florence is quite a small city and most of the hotels are within easy walking distance of the main sights and attractions. For stunning views choose one of the hotels located on the banks of the river Arno, which boast rooms with superb river views. The area between the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio bridge is perfect for a stay right in the heart of historical Florence, whilst the area around the Santa Maria Novella church is convenient and close to Florence’s highlights.
Things To Do

CITY TOUR Includes the main cultural and historical sights of Florence, such as the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Accademia Gallery, the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistry.
VISIT TO SIENA AND SAN GIMIGNANO Drive through Chianti, visit San Gimignano with its 13 medieval towers. Continue to Siena with its beautiful shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, and after a guided tour, some free time for lunch and shopping.
VISIT TO CHIANTI WITH WINE TASTING Travel through the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside before visiting a wine estate for some wine tasting and a tasty snack of crostini toscani.
CINQUE TERRE TOUR Explore the five picturesque villages that make up the Cinque Terre, including Vernazza, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Suspended between sea and land, hanging from sheer cliffs surrounded by hills and vineyards, this is a spectacular scenic day out. Includes lunch.

Insider Tip
Perhaps the best views of the city are to be had from the Piazzale Michelangelo, reached by following the quiet lanes from the Ponte Vecchio along the city walls rising towards the San Miniato church.
Celebration
Why not treat yourself and upgrade to a room with a view in the city that inspired the E.M. Forster novel - you are spoilt for choice in Florence.
Alternatively, reserve a romantic candlelit table by the side of the Arno overlooking this beautiful city.