Covered in cohesive art and architecture, Florence, Italy may be one of the most idyllic cities in all of the country. Rusty red and creamy yellow cover every street in the city. With very few modern touches, Florence, for the most part, has remained just as it did when the Medici roamed its cobblestone streets during the Renaissance era.

From Michelangelo's David to the Duomo, there are enough famous attractions in Florence to make getting off the beaten path a pretty unattractive prospect.

Arts and Culture

Art lovers have a playground in Florence. L’Accademia holds the infamous David, one of the greatest works of Michelangelo. Lines stretch around the block to view the giant statue, so arrive early. The Uffizi however remains Florence’s most well known art museum, holding some of the greatest works of famed Renaissance artists such as Caravaggio and Sandro Botticelli. Reservations are recommended or face a lengthy wait, especially in summertime. On the other side of the River Arno, the Pitti Palace holds a large collection of artwork worth seeing. Walls in the palace are covered floor to ceiling with Renaissance and Baroque artwork.

Florence has some notable on-going exhibits in 2010. In Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a collection of 19th century Florentine art will be on display until the beginning of May. For the more science oriented, the Museo di Storia Naturale is holding an ongoing exhibit on the Tribuna of Galileo. The Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza is also hosting a science based exhibit of the physics in Florence during the 19th century.

Places to See

No matter the season, Florence holds plenty of free attractions. Without question, the Ponte Vecchio is the most beautiful (a big call in a truly beautiful city). Meaning “old bridge”, the Ponte Vecchio stretches across the Arno and is a delight for every pair of eyes, and camera lens. Built in 1345, the bridge was considered a medieval triumph. The Ponte Vecchio was even spared by the Germans during World War II, the only bridge in the city to survive. Today jewelers fill the Ponte Vecchio, selling mounds of glistening, golden trinketry. The best view of the bridge may be from its neighbor, Ponte Santa Trinita, especially when the sun sets on Florence.

The main Cathedral Santa Maria Del Fiore or “Il Duomo” is a knockout. Building began in the 12th century and was finally finished some 300 years later.The façade is truly impressive, but most eyes travel upward to marvel at the rusty colored dome designed by famed architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Today, travelers can reach the point at the top, after a few euros and 463 steps.

Shopping

Florentines adorn themselves with remarkable fashions. The neighborhood around Piazza Santa Trinita holds some of the most talented fashion designers of Gucci, Pucci, and Roberto Cavalli. Sleek sunglasses and a sophisticated outfit may be the required dress to roam these streets. The bi-annual fashion trade fair, Pitti Uomo 77, recently just ended, an event showcasing collections and previews for the 2010-2011 fall and winter seasons.

Dining

Aside from fashion, the Florentine cuisine fills stomachs and delights palettes. Heartier dishes in winter adorn most menus. Be aware that tourist traps can be found in the city center with mediocre food with high price tags, so asking a few Italians their favorite place to dine may be a traveler’s best option. One recommendation is Mario's (yep, really, Mario) in the street behind the Mercato Central. Dirt-cheap, huge servings and an occasional appearance from Mario himself, the only expensive dish on the menu is the steak – everything else is hearty, fresh, and delicately flavored.

Getting around

What makes Florence truly ideal is its size. Most attractions are all within walking distance. Buses do run, but going by foot allows for visitors to catch those moments of walking upon an unknown treasure. The city’s piazzas make up some of the best places to stroll. Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, and Piazza Della Repubblica are the most famous. Carnevale, also known as Mardi Gras, in February is most well-known in Venice, but Florence puts on a show. Piazza Signoria will fill with the costume clad, performing musical and dance numbers.

When to Visit

Set along the River Arno, the best time to visit Florence is in spring and fall, when the humidity and mosquitoes have not yet taken over the city.

Hotels

Hotels in Florence cover all price points. From the hostel level (US$25 per night in a shared room), to the great five star accommodations (US$400 per night an upwards), Florence truly has it all. Those that want to stay outside the city will find the Florence main train station, Santa Maria Novella, is a prime location, connecting travelers with daily trains to Lucca, Pisa, Venice, and the little towns of Tuscany.

Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Florence, Italy.

(Photo:Fotolia/nikkytok)

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