Would anyone have the correct address for the Florence train station?? We are staying at Borgo Pinti, 15. I'm not sure if it is close enough to walk (pulling our suitcase) or if we'll need a taxi. If I have the address of the station thought I'd print out a map and see what kind of walk it would be. <BR>Also...does anyone have a favorite wonderful restaurant ( not expensive, but delicious ) in Florence?? THANK YOU!!

If you look at any map of Florence you'll be able to see the train station prominently marked, typically in the upper left side of the map. Borgo Pinti looks like a bit of a hike from the train station if you've got luggage, but I haven't been to Florence in years so can't say for sure.

Using my "Streetwise Florence" map which has the Mona Lisa Hotel at #27 B. Pinti, it's exactly 1mi (~1850M) from the front door of the station to that hotel "as the crow flies". HTH Regards, Walter <BR>

Of the 4 dinners we had in Florence (all good), the best was Baldovino's: foccacia caprese; risotto with asparagus; gnocchi; rabbit with onions; apple tart with pine nuts, raisins, and custard, liter of house wine: 95,000 ITL for 2.

Hi Mary <BR> <BR>We're staying at the same address in October! Stayed in that neighborhood on a previous trip and if it's your first trip to Florence, I'd definitely take a taxi (15,000 lire in 1999). Pulling your luggage over the cobblestones would not be fun! <BR> <BR>Oh please do a trip report when you return. <BR> <BR>Buon Viaggio

Mary <BR> <BR>I'd be especially interested in knowing two things: Is the curfew strictly enforced and is breakfast served? <BR> <BR>Oh that reminds me of something--there's a wonderful little coffee shop not far away by the name of Cosi. It's south of the convent and you have to turn left. Sorry, I don't remember the name of the street. It's an untouristed little hole-in-the-wall where you'll stand up and have your coffee with people going to work. Best cornetto con crema anywhere, warm from the oven. Don't miss it. <BR> <BR>Vivoli's, famed (rightly so) for its gelato, is not far away from the convent. <BR> <BR>Buon viaggio.

Can anyone give me an estimate as to what it would cost to take a taxi from the Florence airport to our hotel, fairly close to Piazzale Michelangelo? I'm trying to make the bus/taxi vs. just taxi decision.

Mary, <BR>We ate at a great restaurant last summer, the Buca dell Orafo. It is down a flight of stairs near the Ponte Vecchio and across from the Hotel Hermitage. Two men own and run this little restaurant--the food is fabulous and fairly inexpensive!!!! We loved it so much that we ate there everyday for the entire trip-- they got to know us so well that they treated us like part of the family. Enjoy Florence and eat well!!! <BR>Mary

Mary-We just arrived back from Florence Sunday and we were staying at the same place on Borgo Pinti 15. You are definitely going to want to take a taxi from the train station-it is only about US$7.00 at most. The place does not include breakfast and is centrally located but not high on ambience-clean, close and cheap though. There is a wonderful tobacco shop that serves cappachino and fresh pastry for $1.50 (3000 lire) out the door of the convent take a left and it is on the right hand side close to Alfani street-a lot of locals and very friendly. An excellent restaurant is out the convent and to the right- La Giostra, three of us ate for under $100-the food was devine. Have a great trip!!! Buena serra

Mary, another vote for Buca dell'Orafo. Great food, best salad in Italy, not expensive, family atmosphere. Also Cianghale Bianco (White Boar) across the Arno from Buca, and to the right a couple of blocks from Ponte Vecchio. Also family owned and operated.

Just wondering if anyone has contact information for this hotel - a friend and I will be in florence for 3 nights in July and want to book our hotel this week. Also, what is the going rate for a double? Thanks!

I like the "Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco"(Borgo San Jacopo 43r) too.:alla Vecchia Bettola(32-34r,VLE Ariosto) is another family run (the family run a food stall in Mercato Centrale)good and cheap restaurant,always packed with locals, everyone sitting togather on lond wooden tables,but, you have to double check the bill.