Florence has long been known as the "Cradle of the Renaissance"

A street artist.

A view of the Ponte Vecchio from the Uffizi Gallery Photo: Li Yuting/GT

Florence has long been known as the "Cradle of the Renaissance," and is a must-see destination on any trip to Italy. Milan may speak for fashion and modern design, while Rome epitomizes the country's rich history and former empire, but it is Firenze that offers visitors a breathtaking glimpse of a unique culture and arts scene that dates back hundreds of years.

The very beginnings of the city, however, started in around 59 BC, and the 100-or-so-square-kilometer conurbation is today centered around a cluster of world-renowned heritage sites, ancient buildings, squares and churches. However, if you only have one day to visit the old city, it's important to schedule your route beforehand to make the most of your time. On the trip you can encounter the works and legacies of such brilliant minds as Dante, Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Sightseeing on foot

Arriving at Florence by train late at night gives you a feeling of being lost in time. Walking down the quiet streets, you are surrounded by buildings that are little changed in centuries.

Getting up early the next morning, it's a good idea to seek out the Arno River that divides Florence into north and south. The broad flagstoned walkway by the riverside offers expansive views of both sides of the city. From time to time, horse-drawn carriages roll past, and taking such a carriage is a delightful way to traverse the city. Be minded, though, that it will cost a whopping 50 euros ($66.48) for the ride.

Window shopping is another attraction while wandering Florence's boulevards. Italy is renowned for its leather-made products and there is a dazzling array of world-famous brands available, especially on the Via dei Calzaiuoli in the city's downtown. There is also a large number of fashion boutiques and jewelry stores clustered around the Via de' Tornabunoi.

While you're shopping stop off at a genuine Italian gelato store serving homemade ice cream. Prices are usually between 2.5 and 4 euros.

Hot spots

Just by the narrowest part of the Arno River lies one of the landmarks of Florence, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). It dates back to the time of the Roman Empire, and was the only bridge in the city that was not destroyed by the German army during World War II. Squeezing through the crowds to cross the bridge is one way to get close to this fascinating history, and looking from the three-story Galleria degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery), just one street away located by the Piazza della Signoria, at the bridge also affords a beautiful view.

Uffizi Gallery is one of the most prominent museums in the world, with a collection donated from the Medici family, one of the most influential and wealthiest dynasties in Europe from the 13th to the 17th Century. The museum houses some 100,000 works of art including Renaissance masterpieces by Da Vinci, Raphael and Rembrandt, as well as many noted painters and sculptors. It is quite easy to spend at least three hours seeing all of the museum's cultural treasures, but the time spent is definitely worth the effort.

Be warned though that there is an average half hour to one hour waiting time to get into the museum. The entrance ticket costs 11 euros, or if you want to bypass the queue, you can pay some extra euros for immediate admission. Alternatively you can also choose to reserve a ticket beforehand online which will also save time.

Take a walk up to the roof of the Uffizi, where there is a pleasant outdoor terrace serving coffee and snacks. And from here you have an amazing view of the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) where the Medici family once lived.

After leaving the visual delights of the Uffizi, the adjoining piazza has plenty of its own artistic landmarks to match, including a number of sculptures including a replica of David by Michelangelo, The Fountain of Neptune and Perseus with the Head of Medusa.

And if you fancy taking a look at the real David, it is on display at the Galleria dell'Accademia in the Via Ricasoli. Another attraction on the piazza is the buskers dotted around including musicians, painters and street performers.

If you keep walking towards the center of the city, you will pass the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo with its famous orange/red dome. Together with the campanile de Giotto (the bell tower) and the bittistero di San Giovanni (the baptistry) these are the three main attractions of this instantly recognizable building. It is free to get in (6 euros to access the dome), but the cathedral closes at around 4:45 pm.

Right by the cathedral there are two piazzas - the Piazza di San Giovanni and the Piazza di Duomo - where tourists can pick up souvenirs.

To round out the day, how about visiting the Piazzale Michelangelo on the south bank of the Arno River? Located on a small hill, this is the spot from which to overlook the whole city.

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