'''Prato''' is a town in Tuscany, Italy immediately to the west of Florence. It contains a pretty duomo. The Medici villa of Poggio a Caiano, which features frescoes by Pontormo, is also within the city limits of Prato.
Understand
Prato is the low-profile cousin of Florence and Pisa in the Central Italy region of Tuscany. Not as mobbed with tourists and without the typical tourist ripoffs it is nonetheless rich with history, art, and great food. It's a great place to stay and save a few dollars while doing day trips to Pisa or Florence.
Get in
By Air
The nearest airport is Florence, however very few flights arrive in Florence. The largest nearby airport is Pisa's which many airlines serve. Getting to Prato can be tricky as the nearest large destination for most coach and train trips is Florence.
By Car
Driving in Italy is not for the faint-of-heart and Prato is no exception especially in the old center of the city where the city walls, narrow streets, and ubiquitous pedestrian zones make navigating and parking particularly difficult.
By Coach
By Train
Get around
See
Do
Learn
Buy
Eat
'''Don Chischotte''' [http://www.idonchisciotte.it/donchisciottemercatale.htm] This quixotic pizzeria on Piazza Marcatale, the largest piazza in the old city, serves a wide selection of the dishes you would be looking for including a very long list of pizzas to choose from.
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
'''Hotel San Marco''' [http://www.hotelsanmarcoprato.com], Piazza San Marco, 48. +39 0574 21321 Offers reasonably priced accommodations as low as 60/night during the summer not including breakfast. Small but very comfortable rooms. In an excellent location in the old city and near most of the old buildings of Prato. Airconditioning, good free wireless.
Splurge
'''ART Hotel Museo''', Viale della Repubblica, 289, [http://www.arthotel-museo.it/en/index.htm]. The Art Hotel Museo welcomes its guests with elegant and functional surroundings, only a short trip from Florence and the historic center of Prato.
Get out