In so many ways, Florence is a perfect short break destination, a heady mix of world-class art and culture, great food and wine, interesting shopping and all that golden Florentine light. And the modest size of its centro storico – swathes of which are now pedestrianised – means that you can walk almost everywhere. The city is on a bit of a roll at the moment, too, with a slew of new hotels , restaurants and cocktail bars , along with re-vamped galleries and museums.
Over-tourism is a problem, but you can get away from the crowds by avoiding the Big Hitters and seeking out lesser-known gems. And if you must see Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Primavera, book well in advance for a late afternoon slot when most visitors will be on their way out. So, without further adieu, here's how to spend three days in Florence.
All roads in central Florence seem to lead to the vast Duomo – dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore and one of the largest cathedrals in the world, so it’s as good a starting place as any. There’s not much to see inside – and the queues to enter are endless – but walk right round the green and white striped building to take in the sheer size of the thing. The views over the city’s famous terracotta rooftops from the 414-step Campanile are cracking, but claustrophobics should beware of the steep, narrow stairwell.
You can discover more about the building process, and see some of the artworks that once graced the façade of the Duomo itself, th.
