Florence Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Viewpoint

Climb the 414 steps to the top of the Campanile, or up the Duomo itself for a 360-degree view of Florence. Drive up to Fiesole and look down across the entire town.

Arts and culture

Sixty per cent of the world’s most important works of art are housed in Italy and half of these are in Florence. The Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, aka the Duomo, was built in 1434, and its dome is a celebrated feat of engineering. The Bargello contains an unrivalled collection of Renaissance sculptures (www.sbas.firenze.it/bargello). The famous Uffizi houses Botticellis, Michelangelos and da Vincis; reserve tickets (www.polomuseale.firenze.it).

Something for nothing

Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio; gaze at Michelangelo’s David.

Shopping

The Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo is a huge covered food market crammed with every kind of local speciality. The market on Sundays around Piazza San Lorenzo is a little disappointing; try the fleamarket at Piazza dei Ciompi instead. For designer clothes, Luisa Via Roma on Via Roma is a high-fashion multi-designer boutique. Universo Sanchez on Via il Prato is a lifestyle shop with clothes, a bar and a barber. For interior design, try Flair on Lungarno Guicciardini.

Daytripper

Just under two hours' dive from Florence, Modena is not only home to some of the world's finest balsamic vinegar, it also houses the Umberto Panini collection, the biggest collection of Maseratis on the planet. The farmhouse on Via Corletto Sud is not open to the public, but if you call in advance (+39 059 510 733), Umberto's son Matteo will let you in talk you through each model, as well as the tractors and motorbikes. Don't forget to pick up some organic parmesan before you leave – it's made on site.

Children

Book a private tour with Florence Guides, who have tailormade sessions for art-quisitive kids: (www.florenceguides.com).

And...

Tea on the outside terrace of the Villa San Michele hotel in Fiesole. A romantic day out to San Gimignano, a mediaeval town with towers, cobbled streets and very romantic views.