We used Patrizia's flat as a base for visiting the Accademia Carrara, just round the corner, and the old city (walking distance 25 minutes uphill, for good walkers or you can take public transport but it is not direct from the flat) we also used the flat as a sleeping base to visit the lakes and the mountains. There are a lot of coffee shops and an excellent pasticceria and restaurants in Via Santa Caterina which is only few minutes walk from the flat, there is a take away pizzeria called Amalfitana on the left hand side 2 minutes walk from the flat with the best pizzas we have ever ate with wholemeal flower. It is located near the city Stadium but it is safe with private parking and all the resident are very respectful and we found it quiet. We used the free internet to keep in touch with the office. We only cooked once because we mainly ate out but the kitchen is well equipped and it has a kettle. The lift was useful, we were traveling with bulky luggage and the pair key bunches that Patrizia left were also useful so we were totally independent. There is also a small park (Parco Suardi) with mature trees, ideal for young children very near the flat.