Marco Polo - Florence. Travel with Insider Tips

Almost all roads lead to the cathedral dome which dominates the city skyline )

Legendary art treasures and a rooftop caf with a fabulous view

The city has been ruled from this fortress-like palace for over 800 years

A walk across the Old Bridge lined with jewellers shops is a real treat at sunset

A unique ensemble of sculptures awaits in a palace once used as a prison )

Nigh on all noteworthy sons of the city are buried in this Gothic church. The monastery courtyard is also the site of Brunelleschis architectural gem, the Cappella dei Pazzi

Behind the Palazzo Pitti there is a magnificent park with hundreds of marble statues and charming fountains

Quintessential Romanesque architecture with a breathtaking view over the city

Culinary potpourri for every palate and budget but youll search in vain for the pasta

Not a place for vegetarians, but perfect for fans of bistecca

Youll come across hordes of tourists at the outdoor market, but not in the market hall, where Florentine housewives and stallholders haggle over prices )

Red velvet, crystal chandeliers and gold leaf characterise this 18th-century theatre )

In the 16th century, monks housed their visitors here. Today, guests of this hotel can sense the aura of history in its rooms )

Older, on higher ground and, in art historical terms, just as interesting as Florence

International music and ballet festival with world-famous performers

The golden glow of the Byzantine mosaics in the octagonal baptistery of San Giovanni is second to none in Florence

In the renowned Opificio delle Pietre Dure, an academy for art restoration, you can watch the students at work

Elegant Florentines have taken their aperitif at Procacci since 1885: against this historic backdrop, scarcely one bite into your panino tartufato and youre lost

The former salt store transforms itself each evening into an extraordinary restaurant with theatre show

Florentine summer nights after a ballet performance under the starry skies at the Teatro Romano in Fiesole are an unforgettable experience

At Perinis in the covered market, the Mercato Centrale, you can try the delicacies before giving in to your epicurean desires

In Florence, a rarity: driving your car in the garden of the city-centre hotel Royal and leaving it there

Theyve been distilling the delicate Acqua di Rose at the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, part of the former monastery, since 1381

It was a brave step for this highly tradition-conscious city to locate a modern museum in a Romanesque church. Marino Marinis sculptures have found a permanent home here

Between fragrant peonies, lemon trees and roses, craftspeople demonstrate their art on one weekend in May

This famous view down over the city has been painted, filmed and photographed countless times. Now, you can see it with your own eyes

Following restoration work lasting 10 years, Giottos famous crucifix is once again on display to the public

A visit to the Odeon Cinehall has an air of Hollywood about it. You sit in deep, plush seats, in the middle of this genuine 1920s cinema theatre. Films are shown in the original English three times a week