10 Florentine gems

1 THE ODEON CINEMA

It’s an art deco building and a pleasure to see a film there – some are shown in English with Italian subtitles. Great outdoor bar, too!

2 STADIO ARTEMIO FRANCHI

Home of Fiorentina, Florence’s football team. Not a particularly outstanding venue, but if you’re a footy fan worth taking in a game to experience the atmosphere.

3 FIESOLE

A mountain village just a few kilometres from Florence, it’s a different world and the views are spectacular.

4 BUS TOURS

Tourist buses are a really good way of seeing the city. There are three routes, each offering something special, including trips to Fiesole.

5 JEWELLERY SHOPS

Florence has dozens of jewellery shops. Some are extortionate, but if you like Pandora charms, Tedora charms are the Italian version and can be picked up cheaply.

6 ICE CREAM

Some weird and wonderful flavours at Gelateria Santa Trinita, including black sesame or ricotta and fig.

7 CAMPANILE DI GIOTTO

With more than 400 steps, it’s quite a climb, so not for everyone. But if you manage it, you’ll be amazed at the views across the city.

8 MARIO LUCA GIUSTI

This crystal and glassware shop is worth seeking out just to see the amazing displays. Prices range from reasonable to sky-high!

9 VIA DE’ TORNABUONI

One of Florence’s main streets and crammed with designer shops. You might not spend much, but worth a wander for the window shopping and spotting chic Italian women among the tourists.

10 HIGH SPEED TRAINS

They feel fast – and they are. It’s great to experience them. However, the journey we took from Florence to Bologna was mainly through tunnels, not pretty countryside!