Baptistery of St John (Battistero di San Giovanni)

This is the oldest building in Florence, sitting on the site of Roman ruins opposite the Duomo. The church dates back to the Renaissance period (11th century) and is a truly stunning example of period architecture. All those born in Florence were baptised here up until the late 20th century.

Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

This impressive 275ft-tall tower dates back to the 14th century and is a prime example of Italian Gothic architecture. It can be found in the main square, Piazza del Duomo, and was used to signal the beginning of any religious service or to warn locals of danger. It was designed by the artist Giotto but he died before it was completed and the remainder was overseen by Francesco Talenti.

Saint Maria Cathedral (Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore)

This cathedral was once the heart and soul of the city. Its central location suggests its importance in everyday life in Florence. It dominates the surrounding skyline and is visible from miles around. It took over 200 years to build and even today it remains the tallest building in the city, offering panoramic views from the top. Famous local artists have all given their input to the interior, which includes beautiful frescos and mosaics as well as impressive stained-glass windows.

Giardino dei Semplici

These stunning gardens can be found in the centre of the city and have been a focal point since the 16th century. There are a number of plants, trees and flowers here, many of which date back centuries. There is also a section for medicinal herbs and tropical plants. There is an on-site museum where visitors can learn more about the gardens and its plants.

Palazzo Strozzi

This Renaissance palace was built between 1489 and 1536 for a Florentine aristocrat. Today, it is a museum decorated as it would have been in the 15th and 16th centuries and containing much original furniture. It is three-storeys high and among the bedrooms, drawing rooms and bathrooms, visitors will find a number of famous works of art and a library containing some rare and much-sought-after editions.

Ponte Vecchio

This is one of Florence's oldest bridges, having been built across the Arno River in the 14th century. It is home to many shops and stalls selling a range of souvenirs as well as three large archways and a secret passageway. The views of the bridge illuminated at night from the banks of the Arno are superb.

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

This is a must-visit for any art lover. It details the history of art in Italy and boasts some rare masterpieces. It is one of the most important galleries in the world as it is home to the Medici art collection, which includes Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Michelangelo's Holy Family and Titian's Venus of Urbino.

Overview

Florence is one of the most important and influential cities of arts and culture in the world. It boasts historical churches and landmarks as well as a wealth of museums and art galleries, all of which are waiting to be visited. There are enough attractions to keep a culture buff interested for days on end. As well as these sights, there are also beautiful gardens and parks which offer an escape from the city.

Overview

Florence enjoys good weather for most of the year. There are many sporting activities to enjoy, although the passion of many Italians is football and this takes priority over most other things. Golf is also popular, with the city being home to a number of fine golf courses for visitors to take advantage of. The parks and gardens are ideal for taking a stroll or even going for a morning run, with their lovely scenery and many footpaths.

Football

Football is by far the most popular sport in Florence, and perhaps in the whole of Italy. The game is part of Italian culture and the locals come out in force when their local team is playing. AC Fiorentina, constant contenders for cups, is Florence's home team. Match tickets can be purchased at the Toto booth in Piazza della Republica.

Golf

The two major golf courses in the area can be found just outside the city centre and are: Montelupo at Fattoria di Fibbiana and Golino on via Chiantigian. The first course is a small one with eight holes while the latter is a full 18-hole course. Equipment can be hired when you visit. Both courses are open all year round and offer friendly service and beautiful scenery.

Fishing and rowing

There are many chances to enjoy either fishing or rowing while on holiday in Florence. The Societa Canottieri Firenze hires out row boats and canoes and fishing is popular along the Arno River, although permits are required. Permits are inexpensive and can be picked up easily from the Federazione Italiana della Pesca Sportiva.

Cycling

Touring the city by bicycle is very popular with tourists and is possible for the whole family. It is a great way to see the sights as well as the surrounding countryside. There are a number of shops across the city where visitors can hire bicycles and a number of trails to follow.

Swimming

There are a number of indoor swimming pools located throughout Florence, but one of the most popular pools - especially in the summer months - is the outdoor pool in Cascine Park. It is great for children and also for those who want to take time out from sightseeing to sunbathe.

Dining and shopping

Dining out in Florence is a truly enjoyable experience. The city is home to a wide range of eateries offering good food for a host of budgets. The choice includes: small snack bars selling pizza by the slice, family-run trattoria, a number of upmarket Italian restaurants, coffee shops, international establishments and of course, ice cream parlours.

If you are looking for something authentic, it is important to remember that price does not necessarily reflect quality. Many of the local restaurants serve up the best food in the city for a fraction of the price of some of the more expensive centrally located restaurants, which largely cater to tourists.

It is worth noting that the closer you get to the historic centre of Florence, the more expensive the restaurants become and many of the central establishments require advanced bookings. The majority of restaurants are Italian but there are also many eateries serving up European and international cuisine. Most tourists, however, stick to pizza, pasta and the other well-known delights found on menus across the city.

Local specialities in Florence include: fegatini (a creamy chicken liver spread) and ribollita (minestrone soup served with bread, beans and olive oil). Beef is found on many menus and for those with a large appetite, the enormous bistecca alla fiorentina (a 900 gram T-bone steak) is a must. Oven-baked pizzas and a wide variety of pasta dishes can also be found here as well as excellent cold meats and cheeses.

Locals tend to frequent wine bars after a hearty meal for a glass or two of local Chianti and for the children and those with a sweet tooth, the local gelato (Italian ice cream) is very popular. There are ice cream vendors throughout the city offering an enormous range of flavours and toppings.

Florence is a great city for shopping; in fact, it is one of the best cities in Italy for designer and high street goods. There are a number of shopping districts located across the city, each boasting shops selling: fashion and jewellery, antiques, books, leather goods, art, furniture and souvenirs.

Florence is a magnet for those looking to purchase designer labels due to the large number of high class shops and shopping centres. Many of the city's affluent residents can be seen wearing the latest trends straight off the catwalk. The city centre is home to many trendy boutiques selling designer wear.

If it is jewellery you are after, Ponte Vecchio is the best place to head as it is home to street stalls and jewellers selling everything from costume jewellery to diamonds. If you are looking for an antique to take home, Via Maggio houses a number of dealers all willing to offer their knowledge to help you find that perfect buy. Leather goods and more designer labels can be found along Via dei Tornabuoni.

If you are on a tight budget, the city hosts many open-air markets selling local food products, clothing, souvenirs and a wide range of other goods. The New Market and the Flea Market are regarded as being the best ones.

Florence is home to a number of excellent restaurants offering dishes in a range of prices. There is something to suit everyone and while most restaurants are Italian, there are also some international ones scattered around. Be sure to visit an ice cream parlour and traditional pizzeria while you are here. Some of the most intimate places to eat are the local family-run establishments where you will find a whole host of local specialities and a chance to mix with the locals.

Overview

The main gateway to Florence is the city's international airport, although services are limited to domestic destinations and a selection of European cities. There are national and international trains and buses offering good value travel in reasonable comfort. However, these journeys do take longer than flying; especially on the bus. Once in Florence, most people choose to walk around the city although there is a local bus service and taxi ranks all over the city. Hiring a car is another option and gives visitors the freedom to come and go as they please.

Airports

Amerigo Vespucci International Airport is the main gateway into Florence. It sees over 1.5 million people pass through its gates every year from cities all across Italy and Europe. It is a small facility receiving mainly domestic flights but also some short international flights from major European cities such as Paris, London and Frankfurt.

For more international destinations, passengers usually travel to or from nearby Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport. There is a connecting train service from Pisa to Florence as well as buses and internal flights. The main hubs of Rome and Milan provide the most connections in and out of the country and there are many daily flights available.

Despite its small size, Florence's airport boasts a good selection of amenities. There are banks, ATMs, bureaux de change, souvenir and duty-free shops, bars, cafés, coffee shops and information desks. Disabled passengers will find a number of facilities to help them with their travel and there are many staff on hand to offer assistance if required.

The airport is just three miles north of the city and because of this, taxis are the most popular option for ground transfers. There is a taxi stand outside Arrivals and there is also a bus station. Buses take longer than taxis, but they are regular, reliable and cheaper. Car hire is available at the airport and if you choose to drive into the city, you will simply need to follow the signs along Vialle Alessandro Guidon. Driving time is approximately 15 minutes, with buses taking slightly longer.

Public transportation

Reaching Florence overland is very easy if you are already in Italy. The main train station is in the centre of the city and receives many services from all across the country on a daily basis. There are four services from Rome everyday, with the journey taking just 90 minutes. International routes are also available, with services to and from Switzerland and France. The main railway station is Stazione di Santa Maria Novella in the centre of the city.

Travelling by bus to Florence is also an option, but is not very popular because of the reliability and comfort of the train. Eurolines offer services to Florence from many European cities and there are many national routes which will take you through some of Italy's beautiful countryside. There are express services from Rome which take 4 hours, 30 minutes. The city's main bus station is located next to the main train station.

Hiring a car is a popular choice as this gives visitors the freedom to explore what they want and when they want. The roads throughout Italy are very good with the A1 being the major route from Rome and Bologna. Driving in the city centre itself is slightly more problematic due to the number of cars on the road and limited parking options.

Once in Florence, most visitors choose to explore the city on foot as many of the sights are located close to one another. There are many pedestrian-only areas which makes walking a lot more pleasurable. If your feet get tired, however, there is a very good local bus service offering routes across the city and surrounding districts. It is possible to pick up daily, weekly or monthly passes which offer unlimited travel for a fixed price. Taxis are also available but can be expensive for long journeys.