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The cradle of the Renaissance and capital of beautiful Tuscany is better suited to strolling, discovering and wandering than any other city in Italy. Thanks to its manageable size, Florence can largely be explored on foot. And you can have a fabulous day even without a plan, as there's something new to marvel at around every corner. Just keep your nose to the grindstone, because you certainly won't get lost here.

Palazzo Vecchio is the pulsating city center of Florence © Getty Images

Apart from its spectacular boutiques and excellent restaurants, the city is of course world-famous for its cultural relevance. As early as the 15th century, artists were supported by influential families, above all the Medici, who still shape Florence today. From the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the San Marco Museum and the Basilica di San Lorenzo to the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, the influence of the patrons is unmistakable. Numerous portraits of the Medici can be seen in the Uffizi Gallery, as well as some of the most important works in art history. For example, by Sandro Botticelli (it's worth waiting during peak times just for “The Birth of Venus”!), Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio - and, of course, Leonardo da Vinci.

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In fact, the latter completed his early work “The Annunciation” here in Florence when he was an apprentice to Andrea del Verrocchio. It can be seen alongside some of his other creations in Hall 15 of the Uffizi, which is dedicated to his work. However, Da Vinci's traces in Florence go far beyond mere works of art. His scientific genius is immortalized in his own museum, where you can marvel at working models of his mechanical inventions.

Reborn

Villa Cora, one of the best hotels of the city © provided

Aside from its groundbreaking culture and rich history, Florence is also quite simply a center of the good life. If you want to change your clothes from head to toe, you're in absolute paradise here. In addition to exclusive boutiques of top fashion brands, Luisaviaroma and Rinascente are absolute temples for fashion and luxury lovers.

Gucci Osteria © provided

For gourmets, Florentine cuisine also has a few surprises in store. In addition to the typical fare that can be found throughout Italy, Florence has a range of great specialties of its own - such as ribollita, fagioli all'uccelletto or crostini neri. 

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