Florence is the city of art and artists.  Some of the world's treasures are housed in this magnificent city.  The majestic Duomo, designed by Brunelleschi, is art within itself.  Climb the stairs to the top of the adjacent Campanile, over 400 steps!  A great workout and what a view! The Ufizzi Gallery, my first face to face experience with Botticelli's work, and the first time I was moved to tears by a painting, Primavera, and there is so much more to see.  The Galleria dell' Accademia, where you can view the famous David by Michelangelo.  One of my favorites, The Bargello, built in 1255.  It used to be a prison and now house many Florentine Renaissance sculptures.  The Gothic church of Santa Maria Novella holds many important frescos, and the chance to shop at Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica for handmade perfumes, soaps, candles, etc that are made by the monks of the church itself.  The beautiful Piazza della Signoria, a unique outdoor sculpture gallery, the perfect place to wander, people watch, and have your daily gelato.  You will want to take a stroll over the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, built in 1345.  The shops that line the bridge specialize in antique jewelry.  Just over the river Arno, you find yourself in the Oltrano area where a tour of the Palazzo Pitti is in order and a chance to wander through the Boboli Gardens, all thanks to the Medici family who purchased the palazzo in 1550, all the Florentine rulers lived here at some point over the next 300 years. If you have the time, take the 2 mile walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, a perfect stroll in a park lined with copies of Michelangelo's famous statues, and breathtaking views of the city below.  A great afternoon of artistic discovery. 

David replica in the Piazza Signoria

Ponte Vecchio

Inside the Bargello

Santa Maria Novella

Hotels

Hotel De La Ville the perfect location in the city center, very comfortable rooms. But, the bar is the reason to stay, cocktail hour offers a full antipasti spread!

Torre de Bellosguardo a few miles outside the city center, this historic Florentine residence used to be home to Galileo Galilei. It's magical.

Hotel Monna Lisa charming, warm and intimate.

Restaurants & Bars

il Latini a unique experience, you may be dining with strangers at the same table, they just start bringing out the food, plates and plates of it, chefs pick for the day. Delisioso!

Bibo across the Ponte Vecchio, traditional Tuscan cuisine, dine al fresco and enjoy a beautiful view.

Cibreo Tuscan with a twist, a special night, but pasta is usually not on the menu.

Per Bacca wine bar and Jazz, nice combo.

Fuori Porta wine bar, restaurant, pretty courtyard.

Antico Noe trattoria and tavern serving typical Florentine and Tuscan dishes and wines.

Slowly really fun lounge and bar.

Travel Tips

Leather Shops abound! You can get some great deals, with a little negotiating.

City Center, cars are not allowed in certain areas and you can be ticketed, be careful to park in the proper designated areas if driving.