Santa Trinita is famous for its Sasetti Chapel that contains Domenico Ghirlandaio's works. The most notable of which are the beautiful frescoes. This 11th century church was designed by Bernardo Buontalenti. There church has undergone several reconstructions to preserve its structure.

In the old days, Santa Trinita was patronized by the affluent families in Florence.  

The church is your typical late renaissance style building -- mosaic floors, art decos, paintings, stonework and so on. 

Like most of the churches in Italy, the Santa Trinita is a must-see. 

The Piazzale Michelangelo is best-known for its breathtaking views of Florence and the Arno valley. It was Giuseppe Poggi who designed the major restructuring of the site. He also created a monument to pay tribute to Michelangelo's works. Today, the museum is now a restaurant.

This place is teeming with locals, tourists and vendors. 

A bronze replica of Michelangelo's David is seen here in the Piazza.  

It's a nice place to traipse around Florence. 

The San Lorenzo Market is a buyers haven. The items being sold are a lot cheaper from the shops. The are plenty of stalls selling different goods such as handbags, leather goods, belts, clothes and souvenirs. The place is always crowded so careful with your belongings. 

I was able to buy some pashmina and silk scarves. My partner got a good deal on a suede jacket for only $40. You can haggle on the prices. Also, check the quality of the stuff you bought from here. Some are in good condition and some are mediocre.  

Santa Maria del Fiore is an architectural masterpiece designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. The intricate exterior is Gothic-themed; the faced is decorated by green and pink shades of marble. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and the largest brick dome ever constructed.

The interior space is vast. It also contains paintings spanning centuries; stained glass windows depicting the old and new testament; busts of Giotto and Brunelleschi; statue of Niccolo da Tolentino and funerary monument of of John Hawkwood. 

The church is a 5-minute walk from our hotel.  We attended mass here and it was a unique experience, I must say.

Hotel Accademia is a 14th century building right at the heart of the city in Via Faenza. It's a short walk from the San Lorenzo Basilica and the Santa Maria Novella Station. The hotel used to be the home of Bernardo Cennini, the famed goldsmith and sculptor who created St John's Baptistry. 

Our room has that unique Florentine flair -- it's elegant, large windows and coordinated colors from the linen, curtains, etc. We booked the double and it cost us less than a hundred Euro per night.  There are beautiful interior terraces where guests can relax. Breakfast was served buffet style. 

The location is perfect for tours. The hotel is minutes away from touristy places.