The best neighbourhoods in Florence
“Where to live better in Florence” has always been a debate among the
Florentines, while for the new comers, the idea of living in the beautiful historic centre of Florence is just too attractive to pass by.
Although Florence city centre is small, mass tourists always only stay around the sightseeing spots. This leaves the residential neighbourhoods undisturbed by constant noise.
Oltrarno, in Italian literally means “beyond the Arno (River)”, includes renown places like Pitti Palace and scenic Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s also the area most people choose to live in the historic centre. San Frediano is situated at the south side of Arno River. The heart of it is Piazza del Carmine, being the spot for locals to wander at the vintage markets, for kids to play football, for families and friends to chat after a mass at the church. Not to mention the Cappella Brancacci, a hidden gem of frescos created by the young talented Masaccio. The neighbourhood is dotted by boutiques, pizzerias, bistrots and some traditional craftsman’s business. During the past 5 or 6 years, it’s becoming the new trending area of Florence to live in.
It’s hard to draw a line between Santo Spirito and San Frediano areas. Indeed they’re mentioned together quite often. Comparing to Piazza del Carmine, Piazza Santo Spirito has a much more lively vibe. Three sides of the piazza are crowded with bars and restaurants. When night falls, people come here to have an aperitif or dinner. Candle light, smiles on people’s faces, and trees wobbled by summer breeze, build up the most appealing image of Florence. Piazza Santo Spirito is the location of a famous vintage market, which is held every second Sunday of the month. Although the area is very cool to hang out at, the night life noise makes it challenging to have a quiet sleep.
Going to the north side of Arno, passing though the ancient alleys near Duomo, we arrive at Santa Croce and San Marco.
Named after the Santa Croce church, the area is often visited by group tourists who get off the pullman nearby. Because of being close to a leather product school, there are a few leather shops nearby. Well, it takes a bit of insight to know the quality of leather and the making. The perk is being very near to “the centre of the centre”, the rent is not sky high.
San Marco is where the main part of University of Florence (UniFi) is. So the area is very welcomed by students, for restaurants and bars price slightly lower, plenty of libraries, book shops, art supplies easy to reach, etc… On top of that, San Marco area is full of culture. The San Marco church is actually a grand museum of art and architecture. Only a block away, the Santissima Annunziata church is a good and rare example of Baroque style in Florence. Accompanied by the archeology museum just next door, which is a treasure of Etruscan civilisation. These places all tell you stories of Florence and keep you amazed.
The neighbourhoods in Florence
“Where to live better in Florence” has always been a debate among the
Florentines, while for the new comers, the idea of living in the beautiful historic centre of Florence is just too attractive to pass by.
Although Florence city centre is small, mass tourists always only stay around the sightseeing spots. This leaves the residential neighbourhoods undisturbed by constant noise.
Oltrarno, in Italian literally means “beyond the Arno (River)”, includes renown places like Pitti Palace and scenic Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s also the area most people choose to live in the historic centre. San Frediano is situated at the south side of Arno River. The heart of it is Piazza del Carmine, being the spot for locals to wander at the vintage markets, for kids to play football, for families and friends to chat after a mass at the church. Not to mention the Cappella Brancacci, a hidden gem of frescos created by the young talented Masaccio. The neighbourhood is dotted by boutiques, pizzerias, bistrots and some traditional craftsman’s business. During the past 5 or 6 years, it’s becoming the new trending area of Florence to live in.
It’s hard to draw a line between Santo Spirito and San Frediano areas. Indeed they’re mentioned together quite often. Comparing to Piazza del Carmine, Piazza Santo Spirito has a much more lively vibe. Three sides of the piazza are crowded with bars and restaurants. When night falls, people come here to have an aperitif or dinner. Candle light, smiles on people’s faces, and trees wobbled by summer breeze, build up the most appealing image of Florence. Piazza Santo Spirito is the location of a famous vintage market, which is held every second Sunday of the month. Although the area is very cool to hang out at, the night life noise makes it challenging to have a quiet sleep.
Going to the north side of Arno, passing though the ancient alleys near Duomo, we arrive at Santa Croce and San Marco.
Named after the Santa Croce church, the area is often visited by group tourists who get off the pullman nearby. Because of being close to a leather product school, there are a few leather shops nearby. Well, it takes a bit of insight to know the quality of leather and the making. The perk is being very near to “the centre of the centre”, the rent is not sky high.
San Marco is where the main part of University of Florence (UniFi) is. So the area is very welcomed by students, for restaurants and bars price slightly lower, plenty of libraries, book shops, art supplies easy to reach, etc… On top of that, San Marco area is full of culture. The San Marco church is actually a grand museum of art and architecture. Only a block away, the Santissima Annunziata church is a good and rare example of Baroque style in Florence. Accompanied by the archeology museum just next door, which is a treasure of Etruscan civilisation. These places all tell you stories of Florence and keep you amazed.
