The impact of entering Florence by car only evokes a sense of large cityness. Not until we hit the streets and saw it close up did the atmospheric and pleasant surroundings become exciting.

Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had been eclipsed on the political and economic fronts, Florence with its russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque.

Home of the Renaissance, capital of art, Florence is one of Europe's most beautiful and walkable city centers - and the capital of Tuscany. The city contains some incredible buildings and a definite Renaissance feel - if you can ignore the traffic, scaffolding and the other tourists.

Florence is one of those cities that is so packed with sights that we didn’t even try to absorb it in our two days there. Had I tried to soak up more, I would have been traumatized and would never be able to look a gilded cherub in the face again.

There are many touristy type restaurants. At those we got poor value, poor quality food. For decent meals we looked for places where locals are eating and ate traditional dishes – they were more decently priced as well.