Florence is filled with fantastic food and staggering art; much is still the same hundreds of years after the masters lived and worked here. From the top of the startlingly huge Duomo, the city seems quiet and calm but, down on the cobbled streets, tourists flood the cafes and galleries, everyone eager to get a glimpse of authentic Italian life and history. Everything is within walking distance and in just one weekend I managed to see many of the main attractions, and tried at least six gelato shops!
To stay
Residenza d’Epoca in Piazza della Signoria: this charming little B&B is perfectly located for a weekend of sightseeing… just at the corner of Piazza della Signoria. The rooms are spacious and grand, bathrooms are filled with Etro toiletries and breakfast is served at a lovely communal table with the other guests.
Il Salviatino: this heavenly five star hotel is just outside the main city, but is so worth the fifteen minute drive. A 15th century villa perched on a hilltop – the views are beautiful and the facilities are divine. Memorable and magical.
JK Place: this is the ideal small boutique hotel for those hoping for a place with both five-star luxury and character. A few minutes walk from the main train station and the main attractions, it is as convenient as it is lovely.
To eat
Il Palagio, Four Seasons: The hotel is in the Santa Croce area slightly removed from the main city centre. It is one of the most special Four Seasons I have ever visited, with huge private garden and a top notch Michelin star restaurant serving wonderful Italian dishes and wines.
Il Pizzaiuolo: hands down the best pizza in town, this little eatery is always packed. Locals and the odd tourist huddle round tables gorging on the freshest Neapolitan pizzas. Opt for a glass of Prosecco to wash it all down.
Ice-cream at Grom, Perche No! and Emporio: we tried all the gelato we could find, indulging in several cones a day. Every shop is slightly different, offering their own special flavours and using particular secret techniques. For luxury creaminess Grom is the place to go, Perche No! offers incredible flavours and Emporio is a lovely stopover on the south side of the river.
To drink
Rivoire: this busy café is a landmark chocolatier and pasticceria. Enjoy your coffee while watching the chaos of Florence’s most popular square, Piazza della Signoria.
Volume: sit at the bar and observe the weird and wonderful surroundings while enjoying a fruity cocktail or a calorific crepe. Located in the hip area of Piazza Santo Spirito.
To see
Michelangelo’s David – housed in the Academia, expect giant queues for this famous statue. For express entrance invest in a Firenze card which will get you in super fast!
The Uffizi: holding perhaps the most famous collection of art in the world and it should be the first stop on your Florence to do list. Room 10 holds the most familiar paintings, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera.
To do
Climb to the top of the Duomo: You will be quite taken aback when you first see the great Duomo, an amazing architectural feat. Climb to the top (prepare for several hundred steps) and enjoy the views of Florence.
Wander across the Vecchio bridge: The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone “closed-spandrel segmental arch” bridge over the Arno River. Try to visit early in the morning to avoid the painfully slow dawdling tourists, and grab a bargain from one of the numerous gold jewellery shops. If you are very lucky you may be able to arrange a walk though the special passageway from the Duomo across the bridge.
Take a photo: much to my delight we stumbled across this vintage black and white Fotoautomatica machine on Via Dell Agnolo. For just 2 euros you can take four different shots, which appear a few minutes later in retro black and white. Strike your best Italian pose!
To shop
Mio Concept Store: this shop is designed by Lenotta Studio and sells a fun collection of bits and bobs, ranging from designer gifts and jewellery to unusual kitchenware.
Il Papiro: is the one of the oldest stationery shops in Florence and is so popular with British tourists that they are soon opening a branch in London. Offering personalised alphabet stationery and beautiful hand marbled paper, it is very easy to spend a fortune in this beautiful shop.
Pharmaceutia: Opened in 1612 by Dominican friars this pharmacy is certainly one of a kind. Here you will find ornate bottles of colognes, oils and elixirs all concocted from historic formulae. If you want one souvenir I’d recommend the Acqua della Regina perfume.
To visit
Gucci Museum: A stylish and slick alternative to the work of the great masters, for fashionistas this museum is a must. See all the fashion triumphs and admire the leather bags, gorgeous accessories and Gucci frocks, all arranged beautifully.
Museo di Palazzo Vecchio: This massive, Romanesque palace is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo’s David as well the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi, it is one of the most significant public squares in Italy.
San Marco Monastery: This lovely convent is free to see but is open at odd times. Admire the Madonna and Child alterpiece by Fra Angelico and light a candle for a loved one.
Out of Town: Conquer two cities by flying in to Pisa and pop over to see the leaning tower before travelling home.