Begin holidays in Florence by leisurely strolling through the city's Centro Storico and its many piazzas and enjoying the finest espresso and antipasti in the sunshine at outdoor cafés. Later, find your way to Florence's Piazza della Signoria to marvel at the architecture and Michelangelo's David, or browse Florence's famous open-air markets, such as the market at San Lorenzo. For a taste of Italian high fashion on your Florence holidays, have a stroll down Via de' Tornabuoni on a shopping trip to Florence - with outlets including Versace and Gucci - and just try not to be tempted.
It's hard to miss the Santa Maria Novella Basilica fresh off your flight to Florence, but don't dawdle long as there's plenty to see in the renaissance city. Begin your holidays in Florence by making tracks to Piazza del Duomo, where you'll find the Florence Cathedral, the fourth-largest church of Europe, to appreciate its stunning gothic structure and red-brick dome. Explore its interior to discover the most magnificent murals, busts and paintings in Florence.
Tourists enjoying holidays in Florence can then head across the River Arno via Ponte Vecchio, one of the world's most famous bridges, which houses a number of shops along its pathway.
Visiting San Lorenzo on shopping holidays in Florence is a must. Florence's highly regarded open-air market features many stalls where you can find high-grade apparel, such as leather, cashmere and silk - as well as holiday souvenirs - at a reasonable price. The unique, handcrafted jewellery of Ponte Vecchio is stunning, and could make the perfect gift on a romantic holiday break in Florence. After a day's travels, those on holiday in Florence can treat themselves to a luxurious experience at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a Michelin three-star restaurant in the city centre. A Florence holiday would not be complete without sampling a range of Florentine cuisine at Olio & Convivium, an establishment whose signature dishes some consider worth the flight to Florence alone.
Night owls on holidays in Florence should view the city by moonlight from Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a panoramic overview of the central area. Moving on from there, holidaymakers in Florence may be beckoned by the city's many fashionable bars in the Centro Storico. To get in on the club scene, visit the trend-setting Central Park on the fringe of Florence or the exclusive Dolce Zucchero and dance the night away.
