Florence Guide

Other attractions include the Duomo di Firenze Cathedral which is the symbol of the city, being some major feat of engineering during the Renaissance – you can climb up the several hundred steps to its magnificent Dome (though be prepared to queue!); Giottos’s Tower, Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno River, Boboli Gardens and the Santa Croce church. For a trip out of town, the Chianti wine region is just south of the city too. There are plenty of great bars, cafes and restaurants for snacks and meals for all price ranges, though be aware that prices may differ if you sit-in or stand (if having a coffee for example).

Naturally, the priciest options will be around the tourist attractions in the old centre so if you want to eat where the locals so, try the Santa Croce district. Florence also has accommodation for all budgets too with plenty of hostels for independent travellers, through to comfortable B&B’s and mid-range hotels for under £100 per night. If you are splashing out then there are some serious luxury 5 star options costing several hundred pounds a night including the Grand Hotel Cavour, housed in the 13th Century medieval residence of Florentine nobility.