Florence lifestyle

With extensive shopping opportunities, Florence aims to please all, varying from cheerful flea markets offering good deals on attractive antique items, to designer boutiques at Via dei Tornabuoni for those with a touch more expensive taste. The preferred choice for tourists however are the open-air markets, offering a wide range of culture and tit-bits to bring back home.

Florentine food includes a wide range and occasionally unusual recipes, but is based on just four fundamental ingredients; lightly-baked plain bread, extra-virgin olive oil, grilled meat; mostly involving beef, boar, or rabbit, and of course, wine. These original recipes mixed with more recent extensive innovations make for a wonderfully individual cuisine. There a plenty of little cafes for a quiet meal or luxurious restaurants for a more lively night, all of which serve all Italian specialities.

With plenty of clubs, pubs and discos, nightlife in Florence is not disappointing. You will find most of the clubs and pubs situated in the centre of the city and around the Cathedral, and if you'd prefer a quieter glass of wine in a more subdued environment, then head for the other famous squares of the city. However, the bustling nights don't necessarily have to be spent inside, as you can simply stroll through the streets admiring the fantastic monuments being lit by beautiful illuminations. Also, there are plenty of artists, singers and street musicians who will keep you entertained along the way.