Fabulous Florence has amazing art, architecture, food and shopping… plus ice cream to die for

NO matter where you go on holiday, Florence is up there as one of the prettiest cities in the world. It really is that lovely.

Even if you aren’t generally much impressed by old buildings, you will be here.

Everywhere you turn, there’s another corker.

The dome of Florence Cathedral towers over the city and has done since 1436.

To this day, no one is quite sure how the amazing dome was constructed, because mischievous designer and architect Filippo Brunelleschi destroyed his blueprints and drawings after completion. What a lad.

It’s free to visit and don’t be put off by big queues – they do move quite quickly and it really is worth seeing the inside of it.

But there’s more to Florence than just beautiful buildings, stunning though they are.

The whole city is compact and simple to navigate just by walking around it. It usually takes me a few days to get my bearings anywhere I go, but Florence was surprisingly easy to get to know.

Getting there was a dream. We flew from Edinburgh to Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport, then took one of the impressive high-speed trains to Florence. So much more hi-tech than our rolling stock!

However, a word of warning about getting through security at Bologna Airport. If you’re flying home from there, leave plenty of time.

We found it to be really chaotic and have heard from other travellers that it can often be that way.

If you love to shop, be warned – you’ll spend a lot in Florence! There are dozens of designer shops. You know the types. Even the thought of going in for a browse is intimidating. And you know you won’t be buying in there, anyway.

Savvy Italians head to the San Lorenzo market. It’s actually two markets – the indoor market, Mercato Centrale, sells all sorts of fabulous eats – think cheese, wine and fruit that’s bursting with flavour. Is it the sun, or the fact you’re on holiday, that means fruit always tastes a million times better than what we get here at home?

If you like ham and meat, head for Parini’s, which lets you try before you buy.

Upstairs in the market is a fabulous place to have lunch. It’s a regular haunt of locals, which is always a great recommendation.

We had pizza there and it was delicious. It’s also the perfect spot for people-watching – there are some expert hagglers there.

The second part of the market is outdoors and sells leather goods, clothing and souvenirs. It’s perfectly nice for a wander, but somehow lacks the character of the foodie section. Or maybe it’s just because I love to eat that I preferred that bit!

If you like to dine out and drink, Florence is a great choice. The whole area is packed with restaurants and bars. The square around the cathedral was packed with tourists when we were there and some of the restaurants are pricey. Having said that, the food was perfectly decent – it’s Italy, after all.

But do take some time to wander a bit off the beaten track.

Some of the restaurants just a few minutes out of the city are way better – cheaper, quieter and more relaxed.

Florence is crammed with art galleries and treasures.

Probably the world’s most famous sculpture, Michelangelo’s David, is here. If you want to see it, buy online before you go.

Prices start from about 12 euros. However, expect to pay more at peak times.

If you’re an arty type and are visiting Florence to visit lots of museums, you can buy a Firenzecard, which can cut the cost.

Whenever you are buying tickets online, make sure you use the official websites – there are other websites, some of which sound very official, which are simply a lot dearer.

There’s a lot more to Florence than all the arty bits, though.

A walk along the river can actually be quite relaxing. Just a few minutes out of the centre and you’ll feel like you’re in another world. And you can’t come to Florence without trying their famous ice cream.

Be sure to check prices before you buy, though. The first time we went for ice cream, we decided to have two scoops each. Well, it was hot and we were on holiday – we were feeling wild!

That craziness cost us almost 30 euros. And although I tried arguing – not easy when the extent of your Italian is “ciao” and “si” – the unsympathetic police nearby soon shut me up!

Good ice cream, though.