Notching up more past glories than the average continent, Tuscany’s capital still leads from the front, between its fairy-tale squares, centuries-old churches and sprawling palaces run streets alive with energy, style and irresistible shopping.
The city centre is architecturally breathtaking, and compact enough to stroll in an afternoon; follow heart-stirring glimpses of the gingerbread-hued Duomo and its frosting-pale Campanile down narrow streets, and eat Italian soul food in a simple trattoria.
If there is a building which represents Florence the most, it is the Duomo. This magnificent example of Gothic architecture is one of the most famous churches of Italy and the fourth biggest in Europe. Prepare yourself to spend some of your time in line to reach the top of the cathedral, but once there you’ll admire the most terrific views over the rooftops of Florence.
The contemporary Gallery Hotel Art is a 4 star design and boutique hotel in Florence dreamed up by Michele Bönan, a refined Florentine architect, and offers a favorite local meeting place in the heart of Florence amongst fashion, art, and stylish people.
Set in a quiet courtyard near the Arno and Ponte Vecchio and close to Palazzo Strozzi in Florence. Enjoy a few quite moments in the inviting lounge-library, or indulge in culinary Eastern delights at the Fusion Bar & Restaurant.
No trip to Florence is complete without a tour on Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in town. It was the only bridge not destroyed during the bombs of the second World War and today is one of the most famous places to go shopping.
To admire Florence from the top, head into Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the most famous Italian belvederes. You can easily reach it by foot or with the bus n.12 and take some beautiful pictures of the town below.
Hidden below the Piazzale, there is a secret garden frequented mostly by Florentines. It is the rose garden, a nice green area to spend some time surrounded by flowers while admiring beautiful views over Florence without crowds.