Top City Breaks
2012 Special Events
Vienna Philharmonic Sea & Music Cruise - July 2012
London Olympics 2012
For ticket information please click here.
With its location on the River Amo and its importance in the Middle Ages, Tuscany's capital is not only a city rich in culture but also in arts as well as in architecture. Florence is known as the "Jewel of the Renaissance" and was declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. As the beautiful town is considered one of the most wonderful cities in the world, it is no surprise numerous tourists visit the town each year.
On the other hand it is a city which bustles with industry, craft and commerce beside culture, art and science. The Chianti area which is between Florence and Siena, is one of the most beautiful countrysides in Italy and a famous wine production area.
Due to Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci all having made a major impact on Florence, the city boasts a great variety of collections of art and plenty of museums. A wide range of elegant squares, parks, churches and monasteries contribute to the authentic Tuscan feel, rounded down by the delicious regional food and relaxed lifestyle.
The exclusive Via de' Tornabuoni boasts various boutiques and shops displaying international luxury brands. Also the surrounding streets of Via della Vigna Nuova will seduce you with the stylish and modern fashion.
If you are seeking a more colourful and vibrant shopping opportunity, head to one of the local markets, such as the San Lorenzo street market, where you will find antiques, jewellery, artisans, leather goods and other traditional items.
This place offers a splendid menu, with fresh fava beans with pecorino, sautéed squid with asparagus and cherry tomatoes, involtini di vitello con pecorino fresco, melanzane e funghi (sliced veal wrapped around fresh pecorino, eggplant, and mushrooms), tortelli ripieni di radicchio e ricotta con melanzane ed olive (radicchio-stuffed tortelli, with eggplant and olives) and a great variety of mouth-watering desserts. Enjoy a delicious dish while dining in company of both locals and tourists!
If you want to know what sharing a meal with a lively stranger is like, definitely visit this superb place. The staff skillfully mix parties together at the communal tables, so that you will get to soak in a really traditional ambience with fresh prosciutto ham hocks hanging from the ceiling and a waiter suggesting dishes themselves instead of handing you the menu. Mouth-watering platters, such as ribollita and pappa al pomodoro or penne strascicate (in a ragù mixed with cream), roast meats and other delicacies entice you by the simple sound of it.
This restaurant serves traditional Italian food, including dishes such as crostini misti, ravioli di brie con carciofini Morelli (ravioli stuffed with brie and dressed with artichokes), homemade taglierini with white truffles, nodino di vitella ai tartufi bianchi (veal slathered in egg white truffle sauce with fresh truffle grated on top), platters of spiced meats accompanied by great salads and other delicacies.
If you fancy light snacks with a refreshing Chianti wine during the day or early evenings this place is a the right spot for this. Or relax in the heart of Florence with a cup of coffee and sweet pastries.
You get really delicious food on a handwritten menu in this cosy Trattoria. The cheerful athmosphere makes it to one of the best places in Florence to go out. Good to remember: Friday is fresh-fish day but the restaurant doesn't accept credit cards.
This restaurant is famous for its pizzas! Come in summer and enjoy the athmosphere on the pavement terrace, if you can find a seat!
In 1982 Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 and attracts millions of tourists each year.
Once in Florence, the first thing many visitors do is head to the Duomo di Firenze, the city's stunning cathedral which dates back to Renaissance times. Climb up to the dome and enjoy a marvellous view over Florence and the wonderful Tuscan countryside.
If you would like to enjoy a beautiful view over the Duomo and the city and surrounding areas, go up the steps of the great Giotto's Tower - located right next to the Duomo.
The Baptistery: This building has a stunning interior, with a vault beautified with 13th century mosaics and famous bronze doors by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti, dating back to the 14th and 15th century.
The symbol of the Commune of Florence, the famous replica of Michelangelo's 'David' is situated outside the Palazzo Vecchio - the old city palace, decorated with fine art. The palace also hosts a renowned collection of Renaissance sculptures and paintings by artists such as Verrochio, Giorgio Vasari and Leonardo da Vinci.
Sit outside the hilltop café located in the beautiful Boboli Gardens and soak up the lovely atmosphere while enjoying an enchanting view over Florence and inspect the numerous sculptures.
La Galleria dell'Accademia is world famous for its Michelangelo collection, including the famous statue of David.
The main cathedral church of the city.
The Uffizi Gallery is located in the Palazzo degli Uffizi and is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. Our insider Tip: Buy your ticket online to avoid the queues!
Located in the heart of Florence, the Piazza della Republica offers you cultural cafes and bourgeois palaces.