Your holiday: Florence

Get your fill of art, architecture, fashion and food for your own slice of la dolce vita…

1Sky-high views! Il Duomo di Firenze is famous for its massive dome. Climb the hundreds of stairs to get one of the best views of the city. Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower) offers another incredible view.

2Take a stroll… Florence’s historic centre is small and perfect for exploring on foot. Away from the bustling centre, visit the Boboli Gardens. They are behind Pitti Palace, which is home to many museums.

3Learn your leather Florence has a long tradition of manufacturing leather, but you have to know your stuff to tell the real deal from imitations. Visit the Leather School at Santa Croce to learn about the process. If you’re buying, haggle with traders before settling on a final price.

4Snack like a local Go to the covered food market for local delights. Butchers, cheesemongers, bakers and fishmongers display their wares. Plus there’s olive oil, honey, spices, salt, balsamic vinegar, truffles, wine and much more. Barter before you buy any treats!

5For art’s sake Artists use Florence’s streets and palace walls as ‘canvases’. With notable street artists like Clet Abraham adding comic alterations to street signs and installations.

6Pedal power! Cycle paths wind through Florence’s scenic neighbourhoods. There are over 90km (55 miles) of bike paths in Florence. Rent a bike from one of the stands outside the Santa Maria Novella train station for €10 a day.