Michelangelo's 'David', Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus', and the terracotta-tiled Duomo that looks like it's made of gingerbread - the Renaissance gave Florence incredible art and architecture, but there is more to this enchanting city than looking to the past.
The forgotten quarter
Buck the trend (and avoid the major crowds of tourists) by starting your visit to Florence in the Oltrarno district. While steeped in history – there are surviving parts of the medieval fort that once stood here, and squares dating back to the 14th century – this is an area that has recently been revived.
Filled with artisan workshops and a place where jewellery and ceramics were expertly crafted, it now also boasts boutique hotels and destination restaurants such as pizza place Berbere. The speck, gorgonzola, walnuts and acacia honey pizza makes a real change from the more traditional Margherita.
The big tickets
It would be strange to visit Florence without immersing yourself in the stunning art and eminently photographic buildings. The cathedral, Il Duomo, was started in the 13th century with Brunelleschi's dome added in the 15th century. For those who can brave heights, and some cramped corridors, a climb to the top of the cupola is worth it to see the dome up close.
The 13th century Basilica of Santa Croce is another feast for the eyes whose history spans many centuries. It hosts a relief by Donatello, Giotto frescoes and is where Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini are buried.
Bridge over troubled water
The Ponte Vecchio Bridge which spans the Arno River is famed for the shops that line it. These have evolved over the years from butchers to souvenir sellers, but there is still a real character to this storied bridge.
Attack the arts
Florence is a fantastic place to tick off some of the greatest artworks in history from your checklist. Gaze at Michelangelo's 'David' at the Accademia, while a visit to the Uffizi Gallery is almost overwhelming in its riches. Here you'll see Botticelli, Titian, Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci masterpieces.
Florence for foodies
One of the joys of visiting Italy is tasting the different cuisines in the 20 different regions. Tuscany has its own unique culinary heritage and Florence is famed for its 'cucina povera', a form of cooking that takes pride in elevating humble ingredients through care and attention.
Beans, bread and good olive oil are to the fore, while a fresh panzanella salad is the best use of stale bread you'll ever taste. Florence is home to both traditional and modern restaurants, pizzerias and gelaterias, and your palate will thank you for wandering away from the main tourist traps.
Florence is a timeless city whose appeal is obvious and rewarding. Car hire will let you see what lies beyond this sparkling Italian jewel.
