Florence, Italy

Known as the Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence offers travelers a heady mix of world-famous art, interesting history, unique flavors, and postcard-perfect views. It's the kind of city you could spend a lifetime in and still have things left to discover, but it's also a place where the must-see attractions are close enough to one another that you can see them all in a well-planned few days.

The small historic center packs an enormous sightseeing punch that includes multiple works by the likes of Leonardo and Michelangelo and architectural marvels like the multicolored Duomo's iconic red dome. The major museums can make an art lover out of just about anyone. Everywhere you turn in the historic center, you'll see the influence of the powerful Medici family, who were generous patrons of the city's greatest artists while they ruled the Florentine Republic. And the many grand piazzas make for excellent people-watching, whether you're relaxing at a cafe table or sampling the city's finest gelato during an evening stroll.

Even when you're feeling peckish, you can't escape history in Florence. When you find an authentic local restaurant and tuck into some traditional Tuscan fare, you'll likely find a quirk of Florentine history at the table. The bread in Florence is made without salt, a legacy of the onerous taxes once imposed on salt — or of the river blockade by rival, Pisa, that prevented salt from making it to Florence. The stories vary, but the fact remains that the Tuscan capital surprises and delights at every turn, especially when you least expect it.