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!