It was a real treat to stay in Cristina's beautiful apartment. We felt as if we were real Florentines living right in the heart of the city. You only have to step out of the front door to see the Duomo in the distance (5 minutes walk if that) but despite being so immersed in downtown Florence it is amazingly quiet and relaxing once inside. A beautiful sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of other not so fortunate tourists. : ) It is close to a Carrefour, grocery store, and great coffee and pizza shop (Pugi) just around the corner near the bus depot. The pastries at the coffee shop are amazing and half the price of coffee and pastries closer into town.