All the tips you need to visit Florence.

This capital of Tuscany lies in the heart of the region, with glorious foothills surrounding the city.

Visitors pour in to this popular location year-round to enjoy world-class Florence art that's found in many galleries and museums and to walk around the city, marvelling at some of the finest buildings in all of Italy; Florence is famous the world over for the iconic Duomo, a glistening cathedral that dominates the city skyline and sets the bar for true expression of Renaissance design. Take in the romance of the setting as you wander over the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge over the river Arno, and admire the art sellers and jewellery makers that call this bridge their home.

Must-see art in Florence.

There are many fantastic examples of Renaissance art throughout Florence, but there are a few that should not be missed during your trip.

Number one on that list should definitely be Michelangelo's statue of David, which can be found in the Accademia Gallery. Widely considered the most famous sculpture in the world, this marble statue was carved between 1501 and 1504, stands over five metres tall and is an absolute masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.

If you wander down to the east entrance of the Duomo Baptistry, you will notice a replica of Ghiberti's awe-inspiring Gates of Paradise. The originals are displayed just down the road in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and are a must-see for any lover of Florence art. These magnificent gilded bronze doors depict scenes from the Old Testament and are some of the finest examples of true early Renaissance work.

The biblical character of David is an important symbolic figure for the city, representing liberty and Republican ideals. Before Michelangelo, Italian sculptor Donatello cast a statue of this mythical figure in bronze. Although overshadowed by its more famous namesake, this statue is a titan on the Florence art scene and can be found in the Bargello Museum.

There is a rich history of art in Florence and something to see around every corner, but often it is better to book a tour and to relax knowing you are not missing out any important works or information. This is where a guide is a very welcome companion! When it comes to tours of Florence, there is a great variety available to choose from. From walking and cycle tours of the city to guided trips around galleries and museums, the information is invaluable in appreciating the complexity and beauty of Renaissance art.

Famous art galleries in Florence.

Some of the finest art galleries in the world are in Florence, and you should make time to visit a few of the best while you are there.

The most popular is the Gallerie Degli Uffizi, which is home to some of the greatest works by artists from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, including Leonardo, Michelangelo and Botticelli. Indeed, it is Botticelli's Birth of Venus that steals the show here. It is a glorious work, depicting Venus riding a seashell to shore with Zephyrus and Pomona flanking the central figure.

Head on over to the Via Ricasoli and you will find the famed Galleria dell'Accademia. Although it is best known for the statue of David, there are other important works of Italian art that should not be overlooked, including Prisoners (Or Slaves) by Michelangelo and many paintings by influential artists of the time.

Pick Gruppo UNA hotels for your Florence escape.

To enjoy Florence and its authentic nature - evolving history, tradition that lives, craftsmanship that becomes art - Leone Blu Suites | UNA Esperienze welcomes you with an exclusive collection of nine unique suites, born from the harmonious mixture of antique elements, like the wooden decorated roofs and the furniture from Brolio Castle, and contemporary details.

Sophistication and elegance are the key elements of the Ricasoli Palace, a historic house of the 15th century, a timeless place where Italian art merges with the finest works of the greatest craftsmen from Florence: blacksmiths, stonemasons and bronze artisans.

Looking for something more unusual? The eccentric UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze is a chic and modern hotel that is conveniently located close to public transport links and is the perfect base from which to explore Florence. This hotel was designed by celebrated Italian architect, Fabio Novembre, and offers warm Italian hospitality in a setting that feels elegant and charming. If you are feeling energetic, the hotel offers a bike rental service which makes travelling around the city a pleasure.