Florence 1-day itinerary

Start at the Duomo — Brunelleschi's dome is still the largest masonry dome ever built. Climb the 463 steps (€30 combined ticket, pre-book) for close-up views of Vasari's Last Judgment fresco and a panorama over terracotta rooftops. The Baptistery's Ghiberti bronze doors (Gates of Paradise) are extraordinary. Walk to the Uffizi Gallery (€20, book ahead) for Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera.

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio — the medieval bridge lined with jewellers' shops hanging over the Arno since 1345. Cross into the Oltrarno — Florence's artisan quarter, less touristy and more authentic. The Palazzo Pitti (€16) and Boboli Gardens (€10, or €22 combined) are worth the splurge. Lunch at Trattoria Mario (shared tables, Florentine classics, mains €8–12, cash only, queue early).

Walk (or bus 13) up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the definitive Florence sunset — the entire city, the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno bridges spread below you with the Tuscan hills behind. Bring wine. Return to the San Lorenzo market area for dinner — the Mercato Centrale food hall upstairs (mains €8–14) has excellent quality. Drinks at the piazzas — Santo Spirito in Oltrarno buzzes.