In which area house in Florence?

Enjoy the charms of Tuscany by staying in the best area of Florence, for a guaranteed romantic stay!

Capital of Tuscany and eighth city of Italy, Florence has everything to seduce visitors. A charming, romantic, history-filled city with a breathtaking cultural and gastronomic heritage, so it’s almost naturally that you chose your destination: Florence, the third most visited city in Europe – with 16 million visitors a year – and its great artistic and cultural wealth.

But then in which area to stay in Florence? With its 380,000 inhabitants, the Florentine capital is cut into about 15 neighbourhoods. From the Oltrarno to San Lorenzo, from the central station to the famous Pont Vecchio, you will have different ambiances to stay in Florence, including a glimpse.

San Lorenzo and San Marco, between tourism and charm

Not far from the central station, this neighborhood close to the main market of the city has a relaxed atmosphere, and houses the oldest church in the city – built in 1424! -, the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Donatello, Lippi and Michelangelo helped build this building, which was almost 700 years old. Inside, visit the frescoes of Brunelleschi, Donatello and Michelangelo. To be seen in this neighborhood:

• Spring and Birth of Venus from Botticelli,
• Many works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael,
• The famous San Lorenzo market,
• The San Marco Museum and the convent,
• Plaza de la Santissima Annunziata.

There is no exhaustive list of places of visit, but this neighbourhood is a true cultural pilgrimage in the footsteps of an anciently powerful Italy. San Marco is worth a look, because it tends to be deserted by tourists. Here you will find the Galerie dell’Academia , the Orto Botanico and its tropical plants, or the Pergola Opera Theatre. If you are looking for visits away from the tourist processions, go for a tour, it is also a privileged place by artists and designers. But don't get them: finding accommodation in this neighborhood will be expensive!

Duomo, the old tourist town

Florence’s most central area is also the most frequented, the most visited, the most expensive. You can visit many churches as well as authentic picturesque streets of a typical Italian Renaissance architecture. When you swing in this neighborhood, you’ll almost always have eyes in the air. Why? Because there are majestic monuments, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, Piazza del Duomo, the most important tourist square in Florence, Palazzo Vecchio and its tower, on the piazza della signoria (grow at the top of the tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city!). In addition, the Office Gallery and the Medici Palace. This part of the historical heart – which marked red iron with the development of the arts and architecture in Italy, then in Europe – is very likely to be a bit loud for your nights. If you are looking for a neighborhood where to stay in Florence cheap and quiet, decentralize!

Santa Croce

To be seen in this neighborhood east of the historic heart, the Basilica Santa Croce . Built under the aegis of architect Arnolfo Di Cambio in 1294, it houses works of great artists such as Donatello, Giotto and Cimabue. Michelangelo and Galilee are buried there. It is a neighborhood where it makes good to stroll through its ancient streets, sprinkled with chic bars and restaurants, clubs lounge and traditional boutiques of craftsmen and goldsmiths. A pleasant area to stay in Florence, not far from the historic centre. Do not forget to visit the National Library.

Santa Maria Novella

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is emblematic of the district. Here we are in the northwest of the city centre and this is the place to go to find luxury boutiques to bring back chic and refined memories. Where? By the streets Tornabuoni. If you only have a weekend, or only a few nights in Florence, prefer this area because it has the advantage of being close to the central station. We can get lost in the old streets, and contemplate the Place de la République, famous for being the foundation of the city by Rome 2200 years ago! If you have the basilicas and churches, relax at Giardino di Valfonda, the only park in the neighborhood.

Oltrarno

On the southern shores of the Arno, you can’t miss the immanquable Ponte Vecchio – built between 1335 and 1345 – which is the oldest and most emblematic merchant gallery in the city. Not to mention Place Santo Spirito, which brings together local markets and affordable hostels, a good solution to stay in Florence, given the prices on the north shores of the river. So much to warn you, this neighborhood has retained its charm of ancient times and its tranquility but there is no less a high tourist place in the city. And for cause: the Michelangelo esplanade offers a panoramic view of the city, probably the most famous view of the city!