How to Spend a Week in Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, is the largest city in the region of Tuscany, an area popular for its wine, food, and culture. Once the home of some of the world's most famous artists, Florence is a popular tourist destination for travelers of all tastes and ages. Whether you're looking for good food, great art, or simply a genuine Italian experience, Florence is sure to please.

Instructions

1. Experience the art. Florence is home to some of the world's great works of art, including Brunelleschi's Duomo and Michelangelo's David. It also boasts the massive Uffizi Gallery, which houses countless works of art by great painters worldwide. The Acaedmia Gallery is home to the David, Michelangelo's unfinished sculptures, and a host of other paintings and statues. The Pitti Palace, the Bardini Musem, and Santa Maria Novella also offer excellent art viewing options.

2. Walk around the city. Resist the urge to take buses and taxis, and experience the city on foot. Most of Florence is easily accessible by walking, and you will come across enchanting side streets, small markets, and other unique sights that are not on the normal tourist trail. Walking in Florence enables you to see the city on a more personal level--and also a way to work off the excellent Florentine food!

3. Sample the cuisine. Florence is home to some of the best Tuscan food available. It offers countless restaurants and markets for all budgets and tastes. Try street food, pizza a taglio from a small cafe, or hearty Tuscan pasta from a corner bistro. And don't forget the gelato. This Italian take on ice cream comes in countless varieties, and is available on every corner. For excellent selection and cheap prices, try the small Gelateria la Carria at the end of the Ponte alla Carria.

4. Head into the hills. Florence is an excellent base location for day trips into the Tuscan hill towns. Choose a cheap regional train and head for Siena or San Gimignano for a medieval experience, or Cortona for the food and architecture. Pisa is a short train ride away, as are Lucca, Perugia, Assisi, and the stunning Cinque Terre region. Tuscan towns offer stunning architecture, friendly people, and unmatched scenery. Be sure to stop in small restaurants and have an espresso with the locals at the nearest pub.

5. Soak up the Italian experience. Florence is awash with tourists, native Florentines, and travelers from other parts of Italy. It is the perfect location for people-watching and an ideal place to see Italian culture. Head to a corner cafe in a quiet part of town and settle into the Italian pace of life. Or, try for a table at one of the outdoor restaurants on any of the major piazzas for a cross-section view of world travelers.

6. Take in the view. Florence offers several locations with stunning panoramic views of the city. Climb the Duomo of the Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore and enjoy a 360 degree vista. Head for the Piazzale Michelangelo for a view across the river. Or, try more localized settings and watch rowers on the Arno River or Italians shopping at markets.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch out for pickpockets