Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence

Piazza Michelangelo offers one of the best views possible over Florence. It's a bit like the Primrose Hill of North London, offering an unmatched panorama of the entire city. The picture above was taken from the piazza.

The main piazza is approximately 100 metres square with the largest part used for the cars and coaches that bring tourists to this amazing viewpoint. The piazzale usually has market traders offering a variety of items from designer bags (be careful about what you think you're buying!) to tourist trinkets and gifts.

If it's a clear day you MUST go to Piazzale Michelangelo because the view is unique to Florence. Once you've arrived, check for a local bus or brave a walk that will take you up a fairly intense ascent for a good half an hour, steps from the main Piazza will lead you to a natural viewpoint where you can savour the view in its magnificence. You'll also find a cafe in the prime 'overlooking' position to take a Cappucino with a difference.

During the evenings - be especially vigilant against pickpockets - more market stalls appear and you might also find local artists selling their works. The view during the evening is still very exhilerating but it's during a clear sunny day that this small excursion comes into its element..

As a bonus:from the same side as the 'glorious view' you can see the remains of the old wall that used to surround the city. Giving the visitor the impression of a fairly intense greeting to anyone trying to enter the city without permission.