Weekend Guide To Florence, Italy

Why not spend a few days in Florence this spring? Jet there just before the flock of tourists do and soak up the newly warm weather, the romance of the city on the Arno, and, of course, some fantastic Italian food.

Over the past couple of years, small, stylish boutique hotels and guest houses have opened up alongside the opulent old-school gems and chain hotels. The Lungarno Collection from the Ferragamo family focuses on service with reasonable prices and of course... style. The Riva Lofts are a hit for modern design enthusiasts and provide a bit of intimacy along the Arno. And for a luxurious home-away-from-home splurge, JK Place is awaiting your arrival.

Creating a buzz with locals is Zeb, the eatery of a mother and son duo who converted a family grocery store into a small, non- traditional Italian restaurant serving a modern twist on Tuscan classics. More popular now due to its new location, Ora d'Aria is a good choice for local fine dining, and if you're looking for something more sleek and stylish, iO Osteria Personale is a contemporary twist on the classic trattoria. 

Don't miss a stop at Le Volpi e L'Uva, one of the best enotecas in the city specializing in boutique wines from Italy and France. Take in some of the best views of the city, a cocktail in hand, on the terrace at the Sky Bar.