But if the apertivo does not fill you up, head over the Arno River to the Oltrarno.

BBC: Florence for foodies

Sto lounge bar and restaurant at the Westin Excelsior hotel sits right on the Arno River.

BBC: Florence for foodies

High above the Arno River, Poppi Alta is the upper section of the town of Poppi, and is crowned by the narrow, 13th-century Castello dei Conti Guidi.

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The opulent 100 rooms and suites have canopied beds, crystal chandeliers and balconies with views of the Arno River for the most pampered principessas (not to mention the butler service).

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Recently, hip denizens have been flocking to the districts along both banks of the River Arno, where new osterias (a casual eatery), restaurants and rooftop bars with views of the river and cityscape attract a good-looking crowd.

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