Beauty and bustle; There's much more to the historic Italian city of Florence than magnificent works of art.

Byline: By Maire Bonheim

FLORENCE isn't only home to some of the most famous Italian art in the world, it's also a stunning, bustling city with gorgeous cobbled streets, delicious food, mountains of luscious ice cream, breathtaking scenery and streets bursting with markets, pavement artists and performers.

The centre point of Florence, dominating its skyline, is the famous dome of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. It's a stunning marble cathedral begun in 1296, and the soaring Duomo, impressive facade, opulent gothic interior, stained glass windows, art and creepy crypt certainly warrant a visit.

Entrance to the cathedral itself is free, but you do have to pay a small fee to get into the dome and crypt.

If you're feeling energetic, you can also climb the dome or the 414 steps to the top of Giotto's bell tower for fantastic views.

From the Duomo, head to Piazza della Signoria, decorated with an open-air museum of famous statues - including a copy of Michelangelo's David. It's also a bustling city square where you can sit on the steps outside and watch street performers, or have a coffee and people-watch.

For art lovers though, the first port of call will always be the Uffizi art gallery, located next to the Piazza della Signoria. It's home to paintings like Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Titian's beautiful Venus of Urbino and Caravaggio's Bacchus.

Moments from the Uffizi, another must see is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge across the River Arno, laced with opulent jewellery shops.

It's teeming with tourists, though, and arguably prettier and more relaxing to watch from another bridge.

The city's also a shopper's paradise. Besides the deliciously kitsch souvenirs (matching aprons with the naked David and Venus anyone?) and the obligatory stalls selling fake designer sunglasses and handbags, Florence is fantastic for leather and clothing.

Markets like San Lorenzo are also great for leather jackets and handbags, at cheaper prices than the shops.

It's also fun to visit a food market, such as the Mercato Centrale, housed in a huge double storey building near the San Lorenzo Basilica, right in the old city centre.

Florence offers some of the best of delicious Italian food, but steer clear of the overpriced eateries right on the main tourist squares and venture into the scenic side streets to find a local trattoria.

There isn't a bad time to visit Florence, but it's best in May, early June, late September and October - still warm but fewer crowds than high summer.

Getting There

B&B for two at the 4-star Grand Hotel Baglioni (00 39 055 23580, www.hotelbaglioni.it) from EUR100; doubles at the 3-star Hotel Colomba (00 39 055289139, www.hotelcolomba.com) from EUR90; B&B at 3-star Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (00 39 055 660241, www.hotelmediterraneo.com) from EUR150; B&B at Hotel Corona d'Italia (00 39 055 261 501, www.hotelcoronaditalia.com) from EUR90; B&B at 4-star Atlantic Palace Hotel (00 39 055213031, www.atlanticpalace. it) from EUR109pn. Fly to Florence via Pisa from Manchester with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from pounds 30 one way, and Jet2 (www.jet2.com) from pounds 46. From Pisa it's just over an hour's train journey, costing less than pounds 5. See www.travelconnect.co.uk for more destination details.

CAPTION(S):

The Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge across the River Arno, is one of the must-see attractions of Florence.; The Duomo dominates Florence.