The Gallery Hotel Art in Florence was the first design hotel to open in Italy's fashionable district.

Offering exactly what one would expect from a hotel with the word art in its name, the building is adorned with chic, ultra-modern designs, and pieces of art fill the walls in an otherwise minimalist setting.

In ideal surroundings just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, tourists can revel in the luxurious accommodation, popular with local fashionistas.

There are 74 rooms in the hotel, each decorated with art work echoing scenes from Florence.

And the Fusion Bar is a trendy restaurant frequented by guests and locals alike, and has been noted by the Gambero Rosso guidebook as one of the best bars in Italy. Food such as foie gras sushi and ma-cha tiramisu is served, staying true to its fusion title.

Florence has a huge amount to offer tourists, especially those that appreciate art. Highlights include the domed cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and The Accademia dell'Arte del Disegno, where the colleciton includes Michelangelo's David.