A visit to the beautiful city of Florence is a must for anyone taking a tour of Italy. Florence is a melting pot of culture and history and has a wide range of world class art galleries and museums. Even if you are not a museum lover, just taking a walk through the center of Florence, and taking in the stunning architecture can be very enjoyable.

Whether you are in Florence for a day or for a week, there are some things that you cannot afford to miss.

1. The Duomo - Florence's cathedral is easy to spot with its huge terracotta colored dome. It is one of Florence's most distinctive sights and is the result of years of work spanning six centuries. Arrive early to miss the crowds and if you have the energy you can climb the 463 steps to the top of the cupola and be rewarded by a fantastic view over the city. Alternatively climb the 414 steps up to the top of the bell tower for a slightly different view.

2. The Uffizi - This is one of the most popular museums in Florence and a must for art lovers. The Uffizi is home to the finest collection of Renaissance paintings in the world and boasts around 1700 paintings and 300 sculptures, as well as a number of tapestries and other artifacts. There are 45 rooms containing works from famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci , Michelangelo, Botticelli, Dante, Titian and Rubens.

3. The Palazzo della Signoria - this lively square has lots of restaurants, bars and ice cream shops and is a great place to stop for a rest in an open air cafe. The square has been the political centre of Florence for centuries and is dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio with a copy of the statue of David by Michelangelo in front of the palace. Right next to the Piazza della Signoria is the promenade Via dei Calzaiuoli, a lively shopping street, connecting with the Duomo of Florence - a popular place in the evenings with locals and visitors alike. During the summer you can go on a romantic carriage ride through Florence, beginning in Piazza della Signoria.

4. Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens - This palace is a magnificent building and houses lots of interesting galleries and museums. It is also the entrance to the Boboli Gardens, which is a relaxing place to go to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is filled with statues and fountains and if you can make it all the way to the top of the hill, some beautiful views of Florence.

5. A wander along the Arno and over the Ponte Vecchio - A walk along the river Arno is a great way to end your day of sightseeing. The Ponte Vecchio crosses the River Arno and houses many goldsmiths, jeweler's shops and medieval workshops that overhang the bridge. The best time to view the bridge is at sunset, followed by a walk along the bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge reflect on the River Arno and everything seems almost magical.

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