Florence's main cathedral and its most iconic sight, crowned by a vast self-supporting dome built from about 4 million stones without machines.

"Florence's main cathedral and its most iconic sight, crowned by a vast self-supporting dome built fr"

Florence's Old Bridge, busy with shoppers since before the Renaissance. It is lined with gold and silver jewellery shops, a centuries-old tradition.

"Florence's Old Bridge, busy with shoppers since before the Renaissance. It is lined with gold and si"

Florence's City Hall and former Medici palace, it towers over the main square. A copy of Michelangelo's David stands where the original once stood.

"Florence's City Hall and former Medici palace, it towers over the main square. A copy of Michelangel"

The former Medici offices, now holding the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere, spanning the 12th to 17th centuries. Highlights include works by Giotto, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael, plus Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera; booking ahead or using a museum pass helps skip the lines.

"The former Medici offices, now holding the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere, spanning"

Home to Michelangelo's original David, the centrepiece of a gallery that feels like a temple to humanism. The hall leading to it is lined with Michelangelo's unfinished Prisoners, which seem to struggle out of the marble.

"Home to Michelangelo's original David, the centrepiece of a gallery that feels like a temple to huma"

A historic gelato shop in Florence, the birthplace of gelato. It is known for its affogato-style crema gelato topped with an espresso shot, eaten at an old-school standing bar.

"A historic gelato shop in Florence, the birthplace of gelato. It is known for its affogato-style cre"

Palazzo Pitti was the chief residence of Florence's rulers. The Vasari Corridor links it to the town hall, and the Boboli Gardens lie behind it.

"Palazzo Pitti was the chief residence of Florence's rulers. The Vasari Corridor links it to the town"

This square was the political heart of Florence and the site of many historical events. It is surrounded by prominent buildings and sculptures and still hosts many events.

"This square was the political heart of Florence and the site of many historical events. It is surrou"

The indoor food market opened in 2014 inside an iron-and-glass building from 1874. Its several levels offer everything from local specialties to pizzerias.

"The indoor food market opened in 2014 inside an iron-and-glass building from 1874. Its several level"

One of the most important Gothic churches in the world, set on a beautiful square in Florence's historic centre.

"One of the most important Gothic churches in the world, set on a beautiful square in Florence's hist"

Centuries older than the cathedral, its interior glitters with 13th-century Byzantine-style mosaics of the Last Judgment. Its bronze doors are copies of Ghiberti's revolutionary Gates of Paradise, which pioneered perspective in art.

"Centuries older than the cathedral, its interior glitters with 13th-century Byzantine-style mosaics "

The cathedral's bell tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city.

"The cathedral's bell tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city."

Possibly the world's most famous sandwich shop. It serves huge schiacciata sandwiches like La Favolosa, The Inferno and Paradiso on crispy, airy bread, with several outlets along the same lane to spread out the long queues.

"Possibly the world's most famous sandwich shop. It serves huge schiacciata sandwiches like La Favolo"

The Medici family built this elevated secret passageway along the top of Ponte Vecchio. It connects the town hall to Palazzo Pitti.

"The Medici family built this elevated secret passageway along the top of Ponte Vecchio. It connects "

These former Medici gardens behind Palazzo Pitti are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that influenced garden design at other courts. Visitors can explore the greenery, fountains and statues.

"These former Medici gardens behind Palazzo Pitti are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that influenced ga"

Florence's religious centre and an unmissable sight. The square holds the cathedral, Giotto's Campanile and the Baptistery.

"Florence's religious centre and an unmissable sight. The square holds the cathedral, Giotto's Campan"

The district across the Arno, where the real Florentines live and work. Its back lanes are full of artisan workshops showing traditional craftsmanship like painting restoration, instrument repair and gilding, and the area is a good place for a Florentine steak dinner.

"The district across the Arno, where the real Florentines live and work. Its back lanes are full of a"

This church was consecrated in 393 and served as the city's cathedral for 300 years. Its complex includes a museum and a crypt holding the tombs of Cosimo de' Medici and Donatello.

"This church was consecrated in 393 and served as the city's cathedral for 300 years. Its complex inc"

The Medici family chapel within the San Lorenzo complex, recommended as a must-see.

"The Medici family chapel within the San Lorenzo complex, recommended as a must-see."

A hip, funky neighbourhood across the river. People sit on the steps of its piazza with takeaway pizza and enjoy the lively atmosphere day or night.

"A hip, funky neighbourhood across the river. People sit on the steps of its piazza with takeaway piz"

Florence's super-famous panoramic viewpoint, mentioned as the crowded alternative to San Miniato.

"Florence's super-famous panoramic viewpoint, mentioned as the crowded alternative to San Miniato."

An open-air gallery on Piazza della Signoria that displays several prominent sculptures.

"An open-air gallery on Piazza della Signoria that displays several prominent sculptures."

This outdoor market has hundreds of stalls spread along several streets around the Mercato Centrale. It is known for Florentine leather goods such as bags, belts, wallets and jackets, and bargaining is possible.

"This outdoor market has hundreds of stalls spread along several streets around the Mercato Centrale."

A former wheat warehouse converted into a church, with sculptures by some of the most important Renaissance artists. Visits are by guided tour only, so book ahead.

"A former wheat warehouse converted into a church, with sculptures by some of the most important Rena"

This monumental fountain on Piazza della Signoria was created to celebrate the maritime ambitions of the Medici family.

"This monumental fountain on Piazza della Signoria was created to celebrate the maritime ambitions of"

The Medici library within the San Lorenzo complex, recommended as a must-see.

"The Medici library within the San Lorenzo complex, recommended as a must-see."

About 150 small wall windows across the historic centre where you knock or ring to order a glass of local Tuscan wine. They were created during the bubonic plague to serve customers without contact.

"About 150 small wall windows across the historic centre where you knock or ring to order a glass of "

A legendary, roughly 40-year-old Florentine restaurant serving a lavish spread of traditional dishes. Highlights include stuffed chicken neck, buttery roast beef and its namesake cibrèo of rooster offal in a lemon and egg-yolk sauce.

"A legendary, roughly 40-year-old Florentine restaurant serving a lavish spread of traditional dishes"

An archaeological crypt located beneath Florence Cathedral.

"An archaeological crypt located beneath Florence Cathedral."

A pizzeria run by guys from Naples that serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, and the hosts' favourite in Florence. The €6 Margherita is their go-to, and at night expect to wait 30 to 40 minutes.

"A pizzeria run by guys from Naples that serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, and the hosts' favo"

A historic market loggia, known as Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, where the century-old Porcellino tripe stall operates.

"A historic market loggia, known as Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, where the century-old Porcellino tripe "

Florence's oldest market, opened in 1873, full of fresh local products. It is a good place to try lampredotto, the city's traditional tripe street food.

"Florence's oldest market, opened in 1873, full of fresh local products. It is a good place to try la"

A quieter bridge with statues of the Four Seasons and a lovely view of Ponte Vecchio.

"A quieter bridge with statues of the Four Seasons and a lovely view of Ponte Vecchio."

The host rates its gelato among the creamiest in Italy. He recommends the Florentine buontalenti with mascarpone and the amarena with black cherries.

"The host rates its gelato among the creamiest in Italy. He recommends the Florentine buontalenti wit"

This medieval city has the striking Piazza del Campo and charming market stalls. The bus is recommended over the train because it stops closer to the centre.

"This medieval city has the striking Piazza del Campo and charming market stalls. The bus is recommen"

This fascinating 13th-century walled town near Siena has ancient walkways and kitschy little shops.

"This fascinating 13th-century walled town near Siena has ancient walkways and kitschy little shops."

Pisa is a popular day trip for the classic Leaning Tower photo.

"Pisa is a popular day trip for the classic Leaning Tower photo."

The host recommends Lucca as a wonderful and often overlooked Tuscan city.

"The host recommends Lucca as a wonderful and often overlooked Tuscan city."

The cathedral museum holds the originals of the cathedral's greatest treasures, including Ghiberti's panels, Donatello's choir balcony and his wooden Mary Magdalene. Its most famous piece is Michelangelo's late Pietà, in which Nicodemus is a self-portrait of the artist.

"The cathedral museum holds the originals of the cathedral's greatest treasures, including Ghiberti's"

A hole-in-the-wall loved by locals for its tasty sandwiches and wine sold by the glass. When you finish, you leave your glass on the rack outside.

"A hole-in-the-wall loved by locals for its tasty sandwiches and wine sold by the glass. When you fin"

A former monastery with a peaceful cloister, home to the greatest collection of Fra Angelico frescoes, including his sublime Annunciation and a meditative fresco in each monk's cell. Visitors can also see the cell of the firebrand monk Savonarola.

"A former monastery with a peaceful cloister, home to the greatest collection of Fra Angelico frescoe"

This is Europe's oldest foundling hospital and an early example of Italian Renaissance architecture. Its museum covers the building's history and the lives of the children who lived there, including a historical archive of their records.

"This is Europe's oldest foundling hospital and an early example of Italian Renaissance architecture."

A beautiful square in front of the Hospital of the Innocents museum.

"A beautiful square in front of the Hospital of the Innocents museum."

The old city walls protected Florence from intruders and were rebuilt several times. Surviving sections and gates can be explored on foot.

"The old city walls protected Florence from intruders and were rebuilt several times. Surviving secti"

Built in 1324, this is the only Florence city gate that has kept its original height.

"Built in 1324, this is the only Florence city gate that has kept its original height."

A 16th-century fortress built for the city's defence, described as one of the most beautiful of Florence's fortifications.

"A 16th-century fortress built for the city's defence, described as one of the most beautiful of Flor"

A fairytale-like artificial cave in the Boboli Gardens.

"A fairytale-like artificial cave in the Boboli Gardens."

An artisanal gelato maker that uses all-natural ingredients without preservatives, so the gelato is kept in covered canisters. Try the signature hazelnut, lavender, or the egg-based Crema Buontalenti.

"An artisanal gelato maker that uses all-natural ingredients without preservatives, so the gelato is "

A tripe stall that has operated for over a hundred years. It is famous for lampredotto served on a crusty bun with salsa verde.

"A tripe stall that has operated for over a hundred years. It is famous for lampredotto served on a c"

A family-run panini shop where Pino, his wife Antonella and their daughter Martina make sandwiches on focaccia for about €7. It is the hosts' favourite focaccia panini in the city and a classic among study-abroad students.

"A family-run panini shop where Pino, his wife Antonella and their daughter Martina make sandwiches o"

A steakhouse with four locations across Florence, known for bistecca alla Fiorentina from Chianina cattle grilled over wood fire and served on a hot stone. Prices start from about €85.

"A steakhouse with four locations across Florence, known for bistecca alla Fiorentina from Chianina c"

The famous bronze boar fountain where tourists throw coins and make wishes, with the coins collected for charity. The video shows people taking the coins from its basin.

"The famous bronze boar fountain where tourists throw coins and make wishes, with the coins collected"

Florence's large public park. The video describes it as notorious and unsafe at night because of drug dealing and violent confrontations.

"Florence's large public park. The video describes it as notorious and unsafe at night because of dru"

A highly rated and very popular brunch spot with a small menu of greatest hits like eggs Benedict and large cappuccinos. Almost every table orders its huge warm cinnamon buns.

"A highly rated and very popular brunch spot with a small menu of greatest hits like eggs Benedict an"

A popular, often fully booked restaurant known for tagliatelle tossed tableside in a flaming wheel of Grana Padano. The pasta is finished with black truffle.

"A popular, often fully booked restaurant known for tagliatelle tossed tableside in a flaming wheel o"

A restaurant with a still-functioning wine window, where you can order a glass the 17th-century Florentine way.

"A restaurant with a still-functioning wine window, where you can order a glass the 17th-century Flor"

A hilltop basilica with a panoramic view as beautiful as Piazzale Michelangelo's. It is one of the best examples of Florentine Romanesque architecture.

"A hilltop basilica with a panoramic view as beautiful as Piazzale Michelangelo's. It is one of the b"

A church halfway along the Vasari Corridor where you can peek into the corridor. The Medici used it to attend Mass unseen.

"A church halfway along the Vasari Corridor where you can peek into the corridor. The Medici used it "

Considered the oldest pharmacy in Europe and in business for more than four centuries. It keeps its historic elegance and still sells beauty products made on site.

"Considered the oldest pharmacy in Europe and in business for more than four centuries. It keeps its "

A church recommended because it is the burial place of the painter Sandro Botticelli.

"A church recommended because it is the burial place of the painter Sandro Botticelli."

The host names this part of the Oltrarno as one of his favourite areas of the district.

"The host names this part of the Oltrarno as one of his favourite areas of the district."

This wine bar is a relaxed place to sip Chianti. The host recommends its crostini, especially one topped with a buttery cured meat.

"This wine bar is a relaxed place to sip Chianti. The host recommends its crostini, especially one to"

This tiny, busy lunch spot is always packed with locals and tourists. It serves wonderful pasta and one of the best Florentine steaks the host has had.

"This tiny, busy lunch spot is always packed with locals and tourists. It serves wonderful pasta and "

This trattoria is reasonably priced and everything is good. The host's top picks are the pappardelle with duck ragù and anything with the truffle cream sauce.

"This trattoria is reasonably priced and everything is good. The host's top picks are the pappardelle"

This small Oltrarno eatery is run by a mother-and-son team. It is known for its ravioli, flavour-packed meatballs and tender beef stuffed with carrots and celery.

"This small Oltrarno eatery is run by a mother-and-son team. It is known for its ravioli, flavour-pac"

This Oltrarno osteria serves some of the freshest pasta in the city. Its sizzling cheesy gnocchi is a highlight.

"This Oltrarno osteria serves some of the freshest pasta in the city. Its sizzling cheesy gnocchi is "

The host says this is some of the best food in Florence, including homemade pici with sausage and kale ragù and special roasted meats. It is not cheap but is ideal for a date.

"The host says this is some of the best food in Florence, including homemade pici with sausage and ka"

The host names this very popular gelateria among his favourites.

"The host names this very popular gelateria among his favourites."

This is the host's favourite gelateria, on a side street near the Duomo. He especially likes the crema and stracciatella and praises its warm owners.

"This is the host's favourite gelateria, on a side street near the Duomo. He especially likes the cre"

This is the host's favourite park in Florence, a hillside garden with waterfalls and a wisteria-draped walkway. It offers some of the most spectacular city views.

"This is the host's favourite park in Florence, a hillside garden with waterfalls and a wisteria-drap"

This peaceful rose garden lies next to Piazzale Michelangelo and is good for a relaxing stroll.

"This peaceful rose garden lies next to Piazzale Michelangelo and is good for a relaxing stroll."

Go up to the fourth floor of this department store and climb the green stairs to reach a rooftop terrace. The host calls it one of the best spots in the city for a drink with a view.

"Go up to the fourth floor of this department store and climb the green stairs to reach a rooftop ter"

The rolling hills of Chianti showcase the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. A wine-tasting tour through the vineyards is recommended so you don't need a designated driver.

"The rolling hills of Chianti showcase the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. A wine-tasting tour thro"

A Tuscan town near Florence suggested as a day-trip option.

"A Tuscan town near Florence suggested as a day-trip option."

Chef Fabio Picchi's café, which sits at the heart of his restaurant group between his flagship restaurant Cibrèo and the Teatro del Sale. Phil meets Picchi here for an espresso.

"Chef Fabio Picchi's café, which sits at the heart of his restaurant group between his flagship resta"

Fabio Picchi's dinner theatre, where diners grab courses as chefs shout them out from a glass-walled open kitchen. After the meal there is a show, which on the night Phil visits is comedy by Picchi's wife, Maria Cassi.

"Fabio Picchi's dinner theatre, where diners grab courses as chefs shout them out from a glass-walled"

A historic café serving coffee since 1903, with live music on its terrace since 1911. Have a no-frills cappuccino 'al banco' at the bar.

"A historic café serving coffee since 1903, with live music on its terrace since 1911. Have a no-fril"

The big brownish Medici Palace, visible from the dome and close to the Accademia and Mercato Centrale.

"The big brownish Medici Palace, visible from the dome and close to the Accademia and Mercato Central"

A church near the train station, pointed out on the skyline from the top of the Duomo.

"A church near the train station, pointed out on the skyline from the top of the Duomo."

A stall inside Mercato Centrale dating back to the 19th century. It serves a simple, excellent porchetta panino for about six euros.

"A stall inside Mercato Centrale dating back to the 19th century. It serves a simple, excellent porch"

A lunch option especially recommended on weekends. Try the pappardelle with wild boar ragù.

"A lunch option especially recommended on weekends. Try the pappardelle with wild boar ragù."

A traditional Tuscan osteria recommended for eating close to the Uffizi.

"A traditional Tuscan osteria recommended for eating close to the Uffizi."

A classic Florentine street near Palazzo Vecchio, lined with places to eat, drink and get coffee or gelato.

"A classic Florentine street near Palazzo Vecchio, lined with places to eat, drink and get coffee or "

A spot on Via dei Neri with no lines and excellent food. Order a sandwich or a tagliere of cured meats with truffle.

"A spot on Via dei Neri with no lines and excellent food. Order a sandwich or a tagliere of cured mea"

A columned rooftop loggia with views over Santo Spirito, serving classic cocktails such as Negroni variations.

"A columned rooftop loggia with views over Santo Spirito, serving classic cocktails such as Negroni v"

Ranked among the world's top cocktail bars, with an elegant setting and a creative menu of cocktails inspired by Renaissance art.

"Ranked among the world's top cocktail bars, with an elegant setting and a creative menu of cocktails"