Standing on the famous Ponte Vecchio, over the River Arno, you could feel a little overwhelmed by the artistic and cultural riches around you. After all, Florence is the Italian city most closely associated with the Renaissance. If you're looking for a classy or romantic city break, you won't be disappointed with this Tuscan gem.
From world-class galleries like the Uffizi to the breath-taking Duomo cathedral, Florence offers a a heavenly collection of treasures, but there's more to the city than merely art. Enjoy its fantastic shops, restaurants and nightlife too.
From world-class galleries like the Uffizi to the breath-taking Duomo cathedral, Florence offers a a heavenly collection of treasures, but there's more to the city than merely art. Enjoy its fantastic shops, restaurants and nightlife too.
Sightseeing in Florence
The open-air Piazza della Signoria, with its famous Fountain of Neptune, is a key attraction but in fact, it's the Piazza del Duomo which draws the most visitors. The cathedral, known locally as the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the city's iconic landmark - its facades is in many ways more jaw-dropping than its interiors.
Art lovers should check out the city's main galleries, namely the Uffizi, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, the Bargello and the Accademia, which houses work by Michelangelo. It's worth booking tickets to one or all of the "big three" in advance in order to avoid the queques.There are numerous churches to visit - just take your pick.
To relax, take a walk to the ancient and beautiful Ponte Vecchio.Family attractions in Florence
Children will love the Parco di Pinocchio, the theme park dedicated to Pinocchio. Author Carlo Lorenzini was born in Florence in 1826 and the park includes a number of games and attractions.
Local families often head to the Parco delle Cascine, and it's easy to see why. You get 118 hectares of park, an open-air swimming pool, and an amphitheatre. Another popular attraction is the Zoo di Pistoia in Verginina. Your family will love the pine trees, lakes and superb zoo.
The open-air Piazza della Signoria, with its famous Fountain of Neptune, is a key attraction but in fact, it's the Piazza del Duomo which draws the most visitors. The cathedral, known locally as the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the city's iconic landmark - its facades is in many ways more jaw-dropping than its interiors.
Art lovers should check out the city's main galleries, namely the Uffizi, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, the Bargello and the Accademia, which houses work by Michelangelo. It's worth booking tickets to one or all of the "big three" in advance in order to avoid the queques.There are numerous churches to visit - just take your pick.
To relax, take a walk to the ancient and beautiful Ponte Vecchio.Family attractions in Florence
Children will love the Parco di Pinocchio, the theme park dedicated to Pinocchio. Author Carlo Lorenzini was born in Florence in 1826 and the park includes a number of games and attractions.
Local families often head to the Parco delle Cascine, and it's easy to see why. You get 118 hectares of park, an open-air swimming pool, and an amphitheatre. Another popular attraction is the Zoo di Pistoia in Verginina. Your family will love the pine trees, lakes and superb zoo.
Day trips around Florence
Head to Viareggio on the train or bus for a walk along the promenade or a swim along the beach. It hosts a rollicking carnival in late January or early February with dozens of colourful floats.
Join an excursion to the rolling hills outside Florence. They're dotted with Tuscan vineyards, olive groves, castles and pretty farmhouses. Tour the Chianti wine-growing region or visit nearby Pisa with its Leaning Tower, the elegant city of Lucca or the medieval cities of Siena and San Gimignano. Even day trips to Rome and Venice are possible from Florence.
Head to Viareggio on the train or bus for a walk along the promenade or a swim along the beach. It hosts a rollicking carnival in late January or early February with dozens of colourful floats.
Join an excursion to the rolling hills outside Florence. They're dotted with Tuscan vineyards, olive groves, castles and pretty farmhouses. Tour the Chianti wine-growing region or visit nearby Pisa with its Leaning Tower, the elegant city of Lucca or the medieval cities of Siena and San Gimignano. Even day trips to Rome and Venice are possible from Florence.
Eating out in Florence
The city is crammed with traditional trattorias, restaurants and pizzerias. Many of the delicacies come from all over Tuscany, including onions from Certaldo or bread from Mugello. The cheeses include provologne, seasonal pecorino and stracchino. Expect soups, grilled chicken, salamis, fresh fruit and vegetables accompanied by famous wines include Chianti and Morellino. The region also produces its own sweet dessert wine, Grappa.
If you want great views of the Ponte Vecchio, book a table at the riverside San Jacopa restaurant.
The city is crammed with traditional trattorias, restaurants and pizzerias. Many of the delicacies come from all over Tuscany, including onions from Certaldo or bread from Mugello. The cheeses include provologne, seasonal pecorino and stracchino. Expect soups, grilled chicken, salamis, fresh fruit and vegetables accompanied by famous wines include Chianti and Morellino. The region also produces its own sweet dessert wine, Grappa.
If you want great views of the Ponte Vecchio, book a table at the riverside San Jacopa restaurant.
Nightlife in Florence
Nightlife here is more laid back than other Italian cities, but head to Piazzas Santo Spirito and Santa Croce where most of the action can be found.
If you are after a fairly wild night head to Oltarno, south of the river, where a lot of students hang out. If you're after a quieter night then the Piazza della Signoria is for you.
In the summer, the city comes alive with outdoor music performances.
Nightlife here is more laid back than other Italian cities, but head to Piazzas Santo Spirito and Santa Croce where most of the action can be found.
If you are after a fairly wild night head to Oltarno, south of the river, where a lot of students hang out. If you're after a quieter night then the Piazza della Signoria is for you.
In the summer, the city comes alive with outdoor music performances.
Shopping in Florence
Designer brands are clustered around Via Roma and Via Tornabuoni, but bear in mind you can enjoy bargain prices if you go to the out-of-town factory shops such as the Prada outlet and The Mall housing names such as Gucci and YSL
Ponte Vecchio is lined with gold and jewellery shops but other gifts worth looking out for include leather and perfume.
Designer brands are clustered around Via Roma and Via Tornabuoni, but bear in mind you can enjoy bargain prices if you go to the out-of-town factory shops such as the Prada outlet and The Mall housing names such as Gucci and YSL
Ponte Vecchio is lined with gold and jewellery shops but other gifts worth looking out for include leather and perfume.
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