Florence Smart Splurges

It took seven years to convert the Renaissance-era Palazzo della Gherardesca, its 12-acre private park, and a nearby 16th-century convent into Florence's newest five-star hotel, but the results confirm that it was worth the effort. Guests of the hotel's 117 rooms (including 45 suites) are treated to all sorts of plush amenities including an outdoor heated pool, beauty and hair salon, spa, and fitness center. While all this might have been easily accomplished elsewhere, it's quite a feat that it could happen in such a historical setting, all within steps of the city's major landmarks.

Dating from 1903, this traditional Tuscan hotel was once home to Carrega Bertolini princes. Corridors lined with historic Florentine photos from the Alinari museum's collection provide a taste of Old World Florence.

Florence's oldest, most iconic bridge vies with the Duomo for favorite city landmark. The tiny shops lining the Ponte Vecchio were once home to the city butchers and fishmongers, who use to dump the rotting leftovers into the river. Because of the smell, in 1593 Ferdinando I de' Medici decreed that they should be replaced with goldsmiths, which remain to this day.

Built in 1565 by Vasari to link Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti for the convenience (and safety) of the Medici, this private passageway offers unusual views over the city and is lined with illustrious self portraits. It can only be visited by joining a scheduled guided tour: well worth it if you can afford around $145 for the privilege.

This is one widely regarded as one of Italy's epicurean temples, and the prices are in the same...more

The perfect place to round up a shopping spree on via Tornabuoni. Antinori is the equivalent of...more

Book one of the four tables on the tiny riverside terrace of this exclusive restaurant inside...more

Set in a prime position overlooking the pedestrian square before Palazzo Strozzi, Colle Bereto is a popular hangout from early evening till late night, especially Thursday through Saturday during the summer months. You'll need to book a table to mix with the designer-clad crowd in the upstairs VIP privé.

Francesco Pineider opened his first shop in Florence in 1774, and for more than two centuries the brand has been synonymous with hand-made paper, custom printing, engraved stationery, fine desk accessories, and luxury leather briefcases – a mix of style and quality that outlasts fleeting fashion trends.

The present business dates from 1612, but the friars of nearby Santa Maria Novella had been running an apothecary shop since 1221. Most of the perfumes and body care products still produced and sold here were developed in the 1500s for Caterina de' Medici.