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Florence

Florence

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Some of the greatest Italian Renaissance achievements unfolded in Florence - which is why large swathes of the Tuscan capital seem more like an open museum than a lived-in city. Tourists cross oceans to visit Florence’s stunning museums, like the Uffizi, home to iconic works by Botticelli; or the Academia, where Michelangelo’s proud statue of David is interned.

They also come to observe Florence's urban fabric: medieval streets; feats of chance engineering like the shop-laden bridge, Ponte Vecchio; and masterpieces in Renaissance design like Brunellesci’s Duomo and the Church of Santa Croce. Still, there are pockets of Florence that are modern and lively and you can find them if you follow a Florentine peddling home on a typical oversized, antique bicycle.

The south bank of the River Arno has a lot of good restaurants and bars, and contains stunning attractions like the Pitti Palace and the famous hillside lookout, Piazzale Michelangelo, where tourists flock to snap panoramic photographs of Florence’s terracotta rooftops. But Florence is more than just museums and gilt gardens. The city is the base of many contemporary artists and designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, and home to hundreds of fine clothing boutiques and fine stationary shops, such as the world-renowned marbled paper artists Giulio Giannini & Figlio.

Travel Tips

  1. Tuscan dining is all about meat:T-bone steaks, fillets and stews. In Florence there are many food tours explaining Tuscany’s regional and even medieval cuisines. For rooftop dining with contemporary Mediterranean flare, foam, presentation, and colour, try the new Se Sto, at the rooftop bar and restaurant at the Westin Excelsior Hotel. It’s an excellent hideaway with stunning views and five-star meals.
  2. Finding the right hotel or self-catering accommodation in Florence is not as tricky as in cities like Milano and Rome. For the latest and chicest digs, check into Florence’s new St. Regis or Four Seasons hotels. Those wanting to keep a safe distance from the city centre with plenty of room and activities for children ought to check in at Il Salviatino in the Florentine suburb of Fiesole.
  3. In spring and summer when the weather is warmer, outdoor concerts and plays take place in the Roman Theatre in Fiesole. A 15-minute bus journey from Florence’s historic centre, this Roman theatre has outstanding classical and jazz concerts, and entertaining plays for adults and children.
  4. No trip to Florence is complete without a walk through the lush Boboli Gardens. Seated just behind the Pitti Palace, the gardens, lakes, fountains and 16th to 18th century sculptures that dot the landscape here are a cool and refreshing alternative for escaping tourist-clogged Florence without having to leave the city.
  5. Because of its compact size and intriguing urban design, Florence is an ideal city to tour by bike. This is especially the case in spring and summer when buses and cabs are full or hard to come by. There are many good bike rental places in the city, including Florence By Bike, which offers group deals and a wide selection of adult and children’s bikes.

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