The first step to a perfect holiday in Florence is choosing the right place to stay. With Italy Perfect's carefully selected vacation rentals in the city's most desirable neighborhoods, you'll be perfectly positioned to experience the art, history and vibrant culture of this Renaissance gem.
Florence is a city that seamlessly blends its rich Renaissance heritage with modern Italian life, creating an unforgettable destination for travelers. Compact and wonderfully walkable, Florence's Centro Storico (historic center) makes it easy to explore the city's iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Santa Croce and the Uffizi Gallery, no matter where you choose to stay.
While Florence's size means everything is close, each neighborhood offers its own unique atmosphere, from lively piazzas to quiet streets filled with artisan workshops. Choosing the right area adds a special touch to your experience, whether you're drawn to art, history or local culture. Use our neighborhood guide to help you find the perfect base for your stay in this Renaissance treasure.
Experience the historic heart of Florence in the Duomo neighborhood, home to the city's most iconic landmark, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. The Duomo, with its striking brick dome designed by Brunelleschi, dominates the skyline and is a must-see, along with the remarkable freestanding 12th-century Baptistery. The bustling piazza surrounding the Duomo is filled with cafés, restaurants and shops, making it the perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying the city's atmosphere.
Staying here puts you right in the center of the city, with easy access to other major attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell'Accademia and the Ponte Vecchio. Don't miss climbing the 463 steps to the top of the dome for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Florence!
For a more relaxed and local experience, head to the Santa Croce neighborhood. Home to the stunning Basilica of Santa Croce, this historic church is the final resting place of some of Italy's most famous figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Often described as an art museum in itself, the basilica is filled with masterpieces, including frescoes by Giotto and an array of remarkable sculptures.
The neighborhood has a laid-back vibe, with plenty of cafés, pizzerias and an abundance of tempting leather shops. It's a popular area for locals, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Florence. The square often features street musicians, adding to the area's romantic atmosphere. Staying here means you're just a short stroll from the Uffizi Gallery and the lively Piazza della Signoria, making it a perfect base for exploring Florence's cultural and artistic treasures.
Art lovers will feel right at home in the Uffizi neighborhood, one of Florence's most culturally rich areas. Staying here places you just steps from the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, where you can admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. But the artistic treasures don't stop there - the nearby Bargello Museum offers a stunning collection of sculptures, including works by Donatello and Michelangelo.
The neighborhood itself is steeped in history, with narrow streets that have retained their Renaissance character. Nearby, take a walk over the iconic Ponte Vecchio lined with jewelry shops. Be sure to visit Piazza della Signoria, which has served as a stage where Florence's history has unfolded for centuries. This lively square is like an open-air museum, showcasing striking sculptures in the Loggia dei Lanzi and a replica of Michelangelo's David in front of the historic Palazzo Vecchio.
The Piazza Santa Trinita neighborhood offers a blend of history, culture and refined luxury. Located near the Arno River, this area is home to Florence's most elegant shopping streets, including Via de' Tornabuoni, where you'll find high-end boutiques and designer stores. The neighborhood takes its name from the Santa Trinita Church, known for its stunning frescoes by Renaissance master Ghirlandaio.
Staying here means you'll be surrounded by Florence's finest architecture, including the impressive Palazzo Strozzi, a masterpiece of Renaissance design that frequently hosts world-class art exhibitions. Just a short stroll away is Piazza della Repubblica, a large square steeped in history and lined with charming cafés - perfect for soaking up the lively atmosphere. With its central location, you'll also be within easy walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery.
Discover Florence's artistic and creative side in the Oltrarno neighborhood, named for its location "beyond the Arno." Conveniently located just across the Ponte Vecchio from the Uffizi and Florence's most iconic sights, the Oltrarno is cherished by locals for its artisan workshops, charming piazzas and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The neighborhood is home to the historic Pitti Palace, once a grand Medici residence that now houses an impressive collection of museums, as well as the breathtaking Boboli Gardens, a masterpiece of Renaissance landscaping. Its narrow streets are lined with unique shops, inviting cafés and excellent restaurants, offering an appealing blend of tradition and contemporary flair. The Santo Spirito and San Frediano areas within Oltrarno add to its creative energy, with traditional markets, independent boutiques and a thriving cultural scene.
On the western edge of Florence's historic center, the Borgo Ognissanti neighborhood offers a peaceful stay without sacrificing convenience. Named after the beautiful Ognissanti Church, which houses stunning works by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio, this area is steeped in history. Nearby, the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella stands as a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with its striking marble façade and frescoes by artists like Masaccio and Ghirlandaio. Close to Florence's main train station, Borgo Ognissanti provides a quieter setting that's ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring the city's cultural treasures.
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