Duomo

This neighborhood is about as central as you can get. The Duomo is halfway between the two great churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce as well as at the midpoint between the Uffizi Galleries and the Ponte Vecchio to the south and San Marco and the Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo`s David to the north. The streets south make up a wonderful medieval tangle of alleys and tiny squares heading toward Piazza della Signoria.

Uffizi and Palazzo Signoria

If you want to be in the city`s civic heart - and on the doorstep of such sights as Brunelleschi`s magnificent dome, the ancient Baptistery, medieval Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Galleries - this is where you should stay. This is also the best area for museum enthusiasts where it is possible to fully taste the talent of the best artists who animated Florence over the centuries. Every visitor coming to Florence for the first time will immediately identify with Uffizi and Palazzo Signoria. This is a well-polished part of the tourist area that still retains the narrow medieval streets where Dante grew up.

The entire neighborhood can be quite crowded in summer, but in those moments when you catch it empty of tour groups, it remains the romantic heart of pre-Renaissance Florence. As with the Duomo neighborhood, you need to be very choosy when picking a restaurant or even an ice cream around here.

Tornabuoni

This is the most fashionable area of Florence where you can admire interesting architectural sites with many historical buildings. The street that connects Antinori square and sant Trinita bridge is famous for the many boutiques of luxury brands, such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna, Tiffany, Montblanc, Giorgio Armani, Dior, among others. Just a few steps of Ponte Santa Trinita, Ponte Vecchio, Duomo and the train station Santa Maria Novella, Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni. Along the street there are Palazzo Strozzi, where you can admire important art exposition and the Church of Santa Trinita, which contains a beautiful chapel decorated with a fresco representing the life of Saint Francais by Ghirlandaio, an important master of the Renaissance.

San Lorenzo

If you want to be in the middle of it all, with many people about, we highly recommend staying near Piazza San Lorenzo: with the daily market on the streets surrounding the church and the main food market a short walk away, you will find lots of activity and chances to shop! It`s a colorful neighborhood, blessed with a range of budget hotels and affordable restaurants, but not the quietest.

Santa Croce

This eastern edge of the centro storico runs along the Arno with the art-filled Santa Croce Church being the focal point. This church is full of famous Florentine art and famous dead Florentines. This neighborhood is one of the most genuine areas left in the old center. Few visitors roam too far east of Piazza Santa Croce, so if you want to feel like a local, stay here. The western edge abuts the medieval district around Piazza della Signoria and Via de` Bentaccordi/Via Torta actually traces the outline of the old Roman amphitheater. This neighborhood also boasts some of the best restaurants and bars in the city, which makes for a great nightlife scene. Aperitivo hour is vibrant along Via de` Benci, and there is always something going on along Via Panisperna and Via de` Macci.

San Marco and Santissima Annunziata

This neighborhood is located on the northern limits of the centro storico. Piazza San Marco, now a busy traffic center, and Piazza Santissima Annunziata, are amongst the most beautiful in the city. The neighborhood is home to the university, Michelangelo`s David at the Accademia, the San Marco monastery, and long, quiet streets with some real hotel gems. The daily walk back from the heart of town up here may tire some, but others welcome being removed from the worst of the high season tourist crush.

Santa Maria Novella

Located on the right bank of the Arno River, west of the San Giovanni district, lies the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, the first stop for visitors disembarking at the area’s namesake railway station, accessible via train or tram (line 1). Serving as a crucial link between the historic center and the Scandicci region, as well as the convenient Costanza parking area, this location offers excellent exploration opportunities.

At its heart, the neighborhood boasts the city’s primary exhibition hub, comprising the Palazzo dei Congressi, the Palazzo deglie Affari, and the Fortezza da Basso, renowned for hosting prestigious global events. Moreover, the area has a rich offering of religious buildings, including the esteemed Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the Santa Trinita Basilica, and the Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano. Art aficionados will enjoy its array of museums, from the contemporary wonders of the Museo Novecento to the timeless allure of the Marino Marini Museum and Palazzo Strozzi.

Dotted around the area to the south between the church of Santa Maria Novella and the river are a plethora of shopping options, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to more affordable stores, alongside a diverse culinary landscape catering to various tastes.

Venturing northward from the station plaza in the immediate area of the train station, there’s an array of hotels that tend to be bustling and occasionally noisy. While budget-friendly accommodations abound, the immediate area is more removed from major attractions, rendering it somewhat less enticing for some visitors.

Porta al Prato

Florence Porta al Prato is a residential area located within few minutes walking from SMN central station. In the area there are theaters, restaurants and clubs. It does not have the safest or the most interesting reputation. It`s also either at the edge of the centro storico or just outside it, and the walk from Porta al Prato isn`t terribly visually stimulating. On the other hand, if you want a slice of Florentine life, you`d certainly have it here, because mostly the people who venture to this part of town are those who live here.

Oltrarno and Palazzo Piti

Get off the beaten path in Florence without even leaving the historic center! Just walking across the River Arno from the historic center brings you to a great neighborhood in Florence: the Oltrarno. (The name means `beyond the Arno.`) The area offers plenty of bars, churches, museums, parks and workshops worth seeing. In addition to its extraordinary historical treasures, the Oltrarno has another advantage: it`s far from Florence`s busy central and eastern quarters. This means you`ll find a calmer, more authentic and professional area, full of artisan studios boasting centuries-old traditions and crafts, not to mention the number of antiques stores, friendly bars and small, family-run restaurants.

Piazzale Michelangelo

The Piazzale Michelangelo was built on the hills located south of the Florence`s historic center following the design of the architect Giuseppe Poggi. The Piazzale Michelangelo offers a beautiful panoramic view of Florence and the Arno, and welcomes an endless number of tourists every year. Seeing how the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo (Square of Michelangelo) over the city of Florence and over the Arno River, is absolutely stunning. Michelangelo`s square or better known in Italian as Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best viewpoints in Florence.

At the foot of the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Bardini Museum is an interesting museum with great ceramics, Greek and Roman artifacts and some works by Donatello. A short distance from the Bardini Museum is also `Casa Buonarroti` (House Buonarroti). This museum dedicated to Michelangelo is located in the palace of the Buonarroti family, on the corner of Via Ghibellina and Via Buonarroti.

Fortezza da Basso

Located just outside the city center, The neighborhood of Fortezza da Basso (Fortress of Saint John the Baptist) offers a blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. The imposing fort itself, a Renaissance-era structure, brings a unique character to the area. It is surrounded by tasteful architecture and winding streets, a reminder of Florence’s past. The fort is now the most important exhibition center in the city, hosting events, exhibitions, conferences and different national and international events.

Fortezza da Basso is easily walkable to famous sites such as the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. And while the area is conveniently located to bustling attractions, it also brings an authentic feel that you’ll find in the trattorias, cafes, and shops, all which brings a glimpse of everyday Florentine life. It is a nice area to experience history, convenience, and local charm.

Sant'Ambrogio

The neighborhood of Sant'Ambrogio is a step outside of the standard touristy areas in Florence that offers a vibrant and authentic feel with plenty of things to see, taste, and shop. The area is at the eastern end of the historic center roughly extending from Via Pietrapiana to piazza Beccaria, and encompasses some of the streets and squares jutting out from these main streets.

Its biggest highlight is the Sant’Ambrogio market, a historic go-to spot for neighborhood shoppers stocking up on meats, cheeses, fish, fresh produce, and more. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in daily life and pick up some fresh local goods. Although this neighborhood does not have many famous landmarks, there are some noteworthy cultural sites such as The Church of Sant’Ambrogio, Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Gallery. Overall, Sant’ Ambrogio has an authentic feel where you’ll see locals going about their daily routines. There’s a variety of trattorias, pizzerias, and wine bars to enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine, as well as local galleries and workshops throughout the area. Overall, the Sant’Ambroigio neighborhood offers a quieter alternative to the bustling city center while still being a convenient location.

Piazza della Libertà

Piazza della Libertà is in the northernmost point of the historic center of Florence. The piazza was built and rebuilt many times up until the 19th century and ring roads were created, where 7 roads and 3 avenues meet. After 1865, the square was demolished and finally rebuilt with a new design by Giuseppe Poggi. Today, the square is surrounded by several elegant Florentine buildings. In the middle of the square is the Triumphal Arch of the Lorraine, reminiscent of the ancient Roman architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Various restaurants and cafes also line the square.

The area of Piazza della Libertà is primarily residential, providing a quieter atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of the city center. You’ll find charming cafes frequented by locals, as well as local markets and boutiques where you can browse for souvenirs, clothing, and artisanal goods. This is a great neighborhood to experience everyday life in Florence and interact with locals. The area is also well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to explore other parts of Florence, you can catch buses and trams from the square, providing convenient access throughout the city.

Bellosguardo

Bellosguardo (meaning "beautiful view") is located in the southwest of Florence perched on a small hill with a stunning view of the historic city center and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The neighborhood is a residential area characterized by elegant villas, luxury homes, and manicured gardens. It offers a sense of exclusivity and tranquility, a true retreat from the city center. While the area is primarily residential, it is within close proximity to cultural attractions such as the Boboli Gardens and the Palazzo Pitti. The neighborhood also offers upscale amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.

Firenze University and Gardens

The area around Firenze University in Florence and Gardens is vibrant, youthful, and culturally rich, reflecting the bustling academic hub, with many students that contribute to the lively atmosphere. Here you’ll find a variety of international restaurants, cafes, and cultural events catering to different tastes and interests. While the university itself is relatively modern, the surrounding area is steeped in history. You’ll encounter historic buildings, churches, and landmarks, providing an excellent blend of old and new. The neighborhood also offers art galleries, street art, and creative spaces where students and local artists showcase their work. The area offers pockets of greenery, gardens, and piazzas where one can relax and unwind. When it comes to nightlife, there are plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs to take in the live music or dance the night away. The location is also conveniently located to supermarkets and public transportation.