FLORENCE is a fabulous cultural city stuffed full of Renaissance gems.
But you don’t need to be able to afford a piece of posh artwork to go there for the weekend.
Here’s why you need to visit the capital of Tuscany.
WHY SHOULD I GO?
THERE is no better place to go for art lovers, with Florence being home to famous works from Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci.
You can also dine like a king, with slices of pizza for €1.50 (£1.29) and pasta dishes from €5 (£4.29).
And the Italian city is now easier to get to.
Earlier this year, British Airways launched new daily flights from Heathrow and Florence.
With far greater crowds in the summer, you’ll get cheaper flights and calmer streets in the autumn and beyond.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
BIKES and scooters can be rented but with crowds and cobbles, it’s best to explore the city on foot.
The historic centre is a UNESCO Heritage Site, so you’ll feel like you’re in a film set while roaming around the ancient buildings.
All of the major attractions are a short walk from each other although if you really need a break, you can book an electric golf-buggy eco-tour that traverses the narrow roads.
ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?
THE Duomo di Firenze cathedral and the 14ft marble statue of David by Michelangelo are two must-sees.
The former is free to visit although paying to climb its bell tower is well worth it for the views. Pre-booking both is a must and expect queues during the peak season.
And to see both Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s Annunciation, you’ll need to head to The Uffizi Gallery, which is free on the first Sunday of the month.
Something unusual to keep an eye out for is Florence’s wine windows.
Ordering a glass of vino through a tiny hole in the wall was created as a way to socially distance during the plague in the 17th century.
One of the most popular ones is at restaurant Babae and you get a choice of orange, rosé, white and red.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
IT’S almost impossible to find bad pasta and pizza while in Italy.
But definitely head to Beccafico, a trattoria underneath the brick arches south of the river.
Gorge on rich dishes including a unique pistachio cream gnocchi and porcini mushroom carpaccio from the rotating seasonal menu.
For a quick bite, make a pitstop at the tiny Semel which has delicious sandwiches (as well as €1 glasses of wine).
Just remember the ultimate rule according to locals — no cappuccinos after midday and avoid the shops with towering piles of ice cream.
And for your gelato fix, head to Vivoli, the city’s oldest gelateria dating back to 1929, for a classic affogato.
FEELING THIRSTY?
IT isn’t easy to find, but Rasputin bar is worth the hunt.
The Prohibition-style secret spot remains a secret thanks to a gentle request to avoid taking pictures of the place (cocktail selfies are allowed).
The tiny underground establishment has few tables but also has a list of cocktails, many of which are whisky and bourbon-based.
For something lighter, try the gin-based Taxi Driver, made with mint, raspberry and cocoa bitters.
If you’re after a classic negroni, you can find them at almost any bar in Florence, although for one with a view, head to the Divina Terrazza rooftop bar at Grand Hotel Cavour.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Florence is home to a number of boutique hotels and B&Bs.
And Hotel Calzaiuoli has both location and staff friendliness boxes ticked.
With four floors of rooms, you’re right in the middle of it all.
But the highlight is room 411.
The most requested suite in the hotel, it has direct views of the Doumo, peeking through the buildings.
Stay for breakfast — they do a fabulous coffee and pastry selection — or venture to the reading room for some peace and quiet.
GETTING THERE: Flights from Heathrow to Florence start from £69 each way with British Airways.
See ba.com.
STAYING THERE: Hotel Calzaiuoli has doubles from £142 a night, including breakfast.
