Florence, Italy

Visitors have been drawn to Florence's architectural and artistic treasures for centuries – and for good reason. But, with an historical center of only half a square-mile, it can be hard to see the sights through the crowds. The throng on the Duomo steps, the lines for the Uffizi and the jostling for photos on Piazzale Michelangelo all require a good dose of patience. Fortunately, early evening offers a respite; the quieter streets and softer lighting at that time bring out the colors of the marble-clad cathedral topped by Filippo Brunelleschi's archetypal dome, the sheer immensity of the Palazzo Vecchio and the charm of the medieval Ponte Vecchio, with its shops latched shut for the night. But avoiding the lines when you enter the buildings and museums takes some preparation. With too many attractions to take in on one day, explore Florence by quarter with these four city walks. The first takes you around the historical center, with visits to the religious attractions on Piazza del Duomo, the civic monuments on Piazza della Signoria and a tour of the city's best-known art gallery, the Galleria degli Uffizi. The second itinerary visits the quarter of Santa Maria Novella and includes the luxury shopping street of Via dei Tornabuoni as well as some of the city's most attractive palazzi and churches. It naturally leads onto the third walk, a tour through the Medici-rich quarters of San Lorenzo and down past the city markets to the vibrant Piazza Santa Croce. The final route is across the Arno River, in a district known for its artisan heritage and trendy nightspots. In the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, it also includes some of Florence's most-visited sights. For those that don't have the four days to spend in the city, this last tour can easily be picked up from the Galleria degli Uffizi for a pleasant evening stroll at the end of the day. All the details you need to know are in this guide – what to see, the history, how to get around, where to stay, where to eat, activities of all kinds. It's all here.