Hotel Stella d'Italia, a grand three-floor Renaissance palazzo, gives the feeling of staying in a fabulous private home right in the heart of Florence.  The brainchild of visionary hoteliers Matteo Perduca and Betty Soldi, each of its twenty-four rooms layers fascinating artistic detail and memorabilia that have shaped Italy's rich cultural history.  Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful salone, which boasts an 18th-century wraparound fresco and tables hewn from numerous colourful varieties of Italian marble. A lift to the top floor brings you to a breezy loggia terrace that is just the secret spot for an aperitivo as you take in views of tiled rooftops and the Tuscan hills beyond. 

Transport yourself back to the Renaissance with a visit to the Strozzi Palace. This centuries-old palazzo plays host to a great collection of classic art, imaginative workshops and unique contemporary pieces.

The bar where the Negroni was born, must we say more? Giacosa1815 is an historic venue with an impressive drinks list. Dress up and head over with your friends to sip the night away. 

It takes a bit of courage to step into this very local, very traditional restaurant. Steeped in authenticity and just really, really good food, it is hard not to expect every Florentine to be found here. Walk in like you know exactly what you're doing, and order the Ribolita, Brasciola alla Fiorentina, and a quartino di rosso della casa - or carafe of their house red wine.