Jun 24, 2024
4 min read
The Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Florence
Rennaissance art, Chianti Classico, and Cavalli, oh my! What better city to explore Italian culture, design, and, of course, cuisine, than Florence? There's a lot of information out there, so we've pulled together everything you need to know about the best neighborhoods in Florence from the travel mavens we all know and trust.
Duomo / San Giovanni
The area surrounding the famous Duomo is filled with other landmarks and has great shopping.
"Also known as San Giovanni, the part of the centro storico that covers the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria is the very heart of the city. This area is packed with sites, including the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Repubblica, and the banks of the Arno." -
Travel + Leisure"The focal point of the area, the Duomo, is one of the most famous sights in all of Italy...The Ponte Vecchio [bridge] spans the Arno River and connects the two sides of Florence. Originally built in 1345, it still follows the very old tradition of containing shops. Since the 1590s, it has been home to goldsmiths and jewelers exclusively." -
US News"Fashionistas will find rich pickings among the designer stores of elegant Via Tornabuoni, and there are also lots of good shopping opportunities in the streets between the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio to the south." -
The TelegraphSanta Maria Novella / San Lorenzo
These neighboring areas in Florence are popular haunts for their distinct food, shopping, and sights.
"These two medieval parishes stand side-by-side, part of Florence’s ‘centro storico’, and take in a swathe of the city from the northwest bank of the Arno to the main train station and the San Lorenzo market. Stuffed with historic palazzi, museums and churches, both neighbourhoods nonetheless have a more earthy side." -
The Telegraph"Santa Maria Novella is the neighborhood where you’ll find the train station and basilica of the same name. The western part of the neighborhood beyond the train station is primarily residential, but the area around the basilica is home to some upscale hotels, restaurants, and bars." -
Travel + Leisure"...one of Florence’s most unique shopping experiences is Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella, which claims to be the oldest pharmacy in the world. Tracing its roots back to 1221, the shop is all dark wood and elaborate frescoes. The deliciously scented candles and lotions are not cheap, but makes for excellent presents." -
Time Out
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is home to many historical landmarks, has a unique shopping scene, and offers some cool nightlife.
"...Santa Croce is known for the Basilica di Santa Croce, which contains incredible frescoes by Giotto and the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. The neighborhood is home to the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, which, according to Gray, is a hidden gem." -
Travel + Leisure"It has a feel of ‘real Florence’ yet the main sights are only five minutes away on foot...At night, the square and surrounding narrow streets fill with partying students and late-night clubbers." -
The Telegraph"The piazza, also called Santa Croce, is located right outside and offers some of the best-liked restaurants in the city, plus writers say it's much quieter than the piazza around the Duomo. Attached to the church is the Sculo del Cuoio, the leather school...The surrounding area is well-known for selling handmade Italian leather goods..." -
US NewsOltrarno
Oltrarno is a hip area home to local shopping options, great food, and authentic culture.
"If you want to really experience local life in Florence, you’ve got to pay Oltrarno a visit. Just a short wander from the city’s centre, you’ll find this vibrant neighbourhood, full of artisanal boutiques, trendy eateries and plenty of people-watching spots. Culture lovers will admire the art galleries here, and nature people will find ample parks and gardens to explore." -
Time Out"...this zone lies on the south bank of the river and is the hipper quarter, the artisan epicenter, and the side of town where much of the classic Florentine soul still resides...independent designers, boutiques and craftsman workshops...buzzing cafés, live performers, and weekly themed markets are what defines the area." -
Vogue"...[it has changed] a lot over the past decade-plus; artisan studios and workers’ neighborhood trattorie are being replaced by generic Aperol Spritz spots and run-of-the-mill shops, but if you know where to look (and hint: it’s not where the long lines are), you’ll find Florentine traditions and long-standing independent shops quietly humming on.” -
Travel + Leisure
