48 hours in… Florence
This Italian city is packed with secrets to discover if you know where to look
Why go?
Hidden doors, private passageways the and secret rooms are built into city. very foundations of this ancient So it’s no wonder that tourists flock the here year after year to marvel at as Tuscan capital’s beauty of as well indulging in fine Italian fare and snapping up some brilliant bargains.
Discover its history
The secrets of Italy’s Renaissance gem are easily discovered if you know where to look. Florence Town tours (florencetown.com) will take you in the footsteps of the city’s infamous medieval rulers, the Medicis. Walk along the Vasari Corridor, the 1km-long passage that links the family’s city palace, the Palazzo Vecchio, to its summer residence, Palazzo Pitti. Visit the private room of Bianca Cappello, Francesco I de Medici’s mistress, with its hidden window that secretly overlooks the Hall of the 500, the council chamber in the Palazzo Vecchio.
Some of Florence’s most breathtaking wonders are a lot easier to spot, however; in fact, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is difficult to miss! Located in Piazza del Duomo, it has the largest brick dome ever constructed and can be seen from many of the surrounding cobbled streets. The cathedral complex includes Giotto’s bell tower or campanile. Climb the campanile for breathtaking views of the city from all sides.
Cross the river
The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge spanning the Arno river, speckled with little jewellery shops that hang over the side with wooden shuttered windows offering tranquil river views. On arriving at the south side of the river, be sure to pay a visit to the beautiful Boboli Gardens behind Palazzo Pitti. The nearby Giardino Bardini, with its famous Baroque steps, offers a postcard-worthy view of the city.
Escape the crowds
A trip to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery is, of course, a must. But while everyone else flocks to admire the amazing statue, head off to see Michelangelo’s other sculptures at the nearby Basilica di San Lorenzo. They’re well worth the small detour and you won’t have to compete with massive crowds to get up close to these amazing pieces of art.
Hunt for bargains
If you’ve any energy left after exploring, save a bit of time to shop in one of the city’s many markets. Leather goods are a real specialty, and you’ll find more bags, shoes and jackets on display than you’ll have time to peruse! If you decide to add a new Italian leather item to your wardrobe, make sure you haggle hard with the market traders before settling on a final price.
Start eating!
One way to immerse yourself in the flavour of Florence is to indulge in some of the many gastronomic delights on offer. Treat yourself to a gelato or two, spend an evening pairing fine Italian wine with pasta, pizza or fresh fish. To really sink your teeth into the best Florentine food – and for help differentiating your Barolos from your Brunello – book an informative tour with Grape Escapes (grapeescapes.net). Another example of Florence’s gastronomic bitter excellence is the Negroni. This potent, red vermouth cocktail of gin, Campari and sweet mood for is an acquired taste. If you’re in the then some after dinner drinks and dancing, head down to the Santo Spirito district. Crammed with cool bars and quirky the hangouts found only by following to sound of live music drifting out on the street, this is the place to come to let your hair down. Pull up an armchair in Volume (volume.fi.it) to enjoy a menu of colourful cocktails whilst watching bands entertain lively crowds from 11pm on selected nights.
Where to stay
Nestled in the heart of the city, the four-star Hotel Brunelleschi (brunelleschihotelflorence.com) the ideal base is from which to explore. Rooms start from £197.60 a night. BA flies to Florence from most major UK airports. Flights start from around £52.