The city of Florence has a small historical centre, an Italian city revered for its culture and notorious for crowds, the pandemic presents a possibility for reinvention.
The city’s top tourism project, Feel Florence, includes an app that gauges crowd levels at various sites and a digital platform aimed at improving how future travelers experience the city.
Florence, compared to cities like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, has a small historical center. That alone makes planning much easier since you shouldn’t be too nervous about staying in the “wrong side of town”. As a rule of thumb, if you are within 15 minutes walking distance of Ponte Vecchio you are in good position.
It is not easy to suggest the “perfect” location in Florence because it really depends what would you like to see from your windows. We will describe each neighbourhood so you can choose the one that matches your travel style.
Santa Croce Location
The Santa Croce neighborhood in Florence is named after the minor Basilica of Santa Croce. The area is the burial ground to famous historical figures of the renaissance and pre-renaissance eras such as Michelangelo and Galileo but also has funeral monuments dedicated to many of Florence greats. Located along the Arno river this beautiful neighbourhood is large and we include the area from Ponte Vecchio to Ponte Amerigo Vespucci to Via della Scala. It is a small section of the neighborhood that is super posh and relaxing.
It is right next to all of Florence’s attractions but surprisingly calm and relaxing. This is the reason why it is my neighborhood of choice for a romantic stay in Florence.
Why I Love Santa Maria Novella:
- It has beautifully paved wide streets that give it a cleaner and more relaxing feel.
- Fancy restaurants and rooftop bars that I really enjoy.
- Close proximity to all the attractions
Attractions In Santa Maria Novella
- The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
- Ponte Vecchio
Where to Stay:
Camerata Fiorentina
La Camerata Fiorentina is a luxury apartment for rent in Florence right inside the antique and elegant Palazzo Bardi, built in 1420 by Brunelleschi, located in via dé Benci 5. It is set right between the Arno river, the Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce.
This Palazzo is considered the model that represents the beginning of Renaissance architecture in Florence.
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Santo Spirito & Oltarno Neighbourhood
Bohemians, Foodies Lovers of Nightlife
Located across the Arno, Santo Spirito makes it the perfect for contrarians who like to escape a bit. In this area there are great restaurants with access to the Florence’s famed Piazzale Michelangelo for great views.
Why we love it:
- The Arno river separates it from the main attractions which give Santo Spirito a more local feel.
- near to Piazzale Michelangelo where to enjoy the best sunsets.
- One of the best, if not the best, food scenes in Florence.
Attractions In San Spirito & Oltarno:
- Pitti Palace (Medici Palace)
- Boboli Gardens
- Basilica di Santo Spirito
- Giardino di Palazzo Frescobaldi
- Ponte Vecchio (Shared with S.M. Novella)
Where to Stay:
Apartment FlorenceThe recent makeover and refurbishment of Florence was assigned to the wise hands of an on-trend Florentine designer, who transformed this old apartment into a stylish luxury residence. This chic apartment exudes comfort, thanks to two spacious dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, and a well-designed bright living room with access to a balcony that overlooks one of Florence’s major piazzas.
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Florence Cathedral/Duomo Location
Center of Everything
The Florence Cathedral, aka il Duomo, is without argument the center of Florence. Like the Medici would say the Cathedral is the beating heart of the city and this is very correct to say.
Unique and very special, this area of Florence will give you access to the best neighbourhoods.
Why I Love The Duomo Area:
- It is the center of everything in Florence.
- Walking distance from all of Florence’s attractions.
- Close proximity to other neighborhoods so you can see them all!
Read Also Florence: A Travel Guide to experience the Best of It
Attractions Near The Duomo:
- Basically everything
- The Florence Cathedral / Il Duomo
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- The Baptistery of St. John (Bronze Doors)
- Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)
- Uffizi Gallery
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Piazza Signoria
- Loggia dei Lanzi
- The House of Dante
- Piazza della Republica
- Tons more
Where to Stay:
Terrazza Buontalenti
One of the unique luxury apartments for rent in Florence on the second floor of Palazzo Tornabuoni, in the center of Florence
Enriched by unique fifteenth-century frescoes, Terraza Buontalenti Apartment offers guests a great opportunity to discover the city while immersing into the Florentine atmosphere created through the design and privileged location with views of Brunelleschi’s cathedral dome.
Read more and book https://hauteretreats.com/luxury-rentals/luxury-apartment-terrazza-buontalenti-florence/
Visit Haute Retreats to inspire your next luxury holidays and book a dream villa in one of these incredible destinations. Visit https://hauteretreats.com/city/florence/ for our selection of luxury villa rentals in Florence and nearby.
