Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s also the birthplace of the Renaissance and attracts a staggering 15 million visitors every year.
The city has a long history, it was founded roughly 3,000 years ago as a Roman military colony and has been a republic, a seat of the Duchy of Tuscany, and, at one point, it was even the capital of Italy.
Florence is well known for its arts and culture. It’s where you go to see Michelangelo’s David. You also must see the famous cathedral of Florence, referred to as the Duomo.
Of course, to make the most of your visit, you’re going to need to look at tours in Florence. The exact tour you choose will depend on the sights you are most interested in seeing. After all, while the culture and architecture are amazing, there is something special about a Florence cooking class and off-road wine tour.
Florence tours are designed to help you see all the best-known sights and tourist features. The good thing about Florence tours is that you do not need to book accommodation in the heart of the city. In fact, you can avoid certain areas of Florence, stay in a charming local residence and make the most of your time.
Popular Areas To Stay
If your stay is short and you want to enjoy the city to the fullest, then you need to stay in the Centro Storico. This is where the most popular and famous places in Florence are located. All the tours of Florence, along with millions of tourists, pass through this area.
In short, it is very busy in high season but offers great access to everything.
Families, those with more time on their hands and people who prefer a relaxed atmosphere can avoid staying in the Centro Storico and choose the San Lorenzo district. It is much quieter, has slightly fewer tourists and offers a more authentic experience of Florence.
Foodies might prefer the Sant'Ambrogio district. This is a quieter setting that offers an impressive selection of food and provides access to the lively nightlife of the surrounding areas. It borders Santa Croce, known for its unique pizzas and friendly people.
San Marco offers a nice blend. You’ll definitely pass through this area when on any of the Florence tours. It’s where you’ll find the Leonardo da Vinci Museum and the Galleria dell’Accademia.
Those in search of romance should consider the Santa Maria Novella neighbourhood. It is a wonderful location with easy access to all the city's major sites. Above all, it is a lively yet romantic district, making it a perfect destination for all types of travellers, but especially for those in the mood for love.
Areas You Should Avoid
The good news is that Florence is generally regarded as a safe city. Crime rates are surprisingly low, although there is an issue with pickpockets. This is true for most cities but you’ll want to be on your guard while traveling around the city.
As part of a tour, you’re more likely to attract attention. However, pickpockets will often struggle to move through a tour group. That doesn’t mean you’re safe, just make sure that you keep an eye on your bags. Most importantly, don’t draw attention to your valuables. Keep your phone in your pocket or your bag. It’s not a good idea to walk around with it in your hand or to have it sticking out of your back pocket.
Two areas that you should avoid are the Santa Maria Novella train station at night, and the Piagge area.
The Santa Maria Novella train station is closed between 1.30 am and 4.15 am, that’s when no trains are running and you won’t be able to get inside. This isn’t a dangerous area. It’s best described as seedy, although this is only late at night.
However, during the daytime, it’s generally full of police. You simply need to be aware that there are people trying to scam you. While their stories may be endearing, don’t fall for it!
The Piagge area is in the northwest of Florence. Unfortunately, this area has a high unemployment rate and an associated high level of poverty. There is also some gang activity. It can make travellers feel unsafe, especially if you’re travelling by yourself.
However, there is a significant police presence, a vibrant local community, and efforts are being made to ensure everyone stays safe in the area.
While it’s not a recommended area to stay, it is a good choice for those on a tight budget.
Additional Tips To Make The Most Of Your Stay In Florence
Every city has more dangerous areas, and Florence is no different. The following tips will help you to stay safe and enjoy your visit, regardless of where you choose to stay.
That means, all you have to do is decide which area is closest to the sights you want to see and offers ease of access to any tour meeting points. Florence’s excellent transportation system will help you reach any destination.
- Always be aware
This applies to everywhere you visit. The key to staying safe is to always be aware of your surroundings. This will help you spot potential criminals and con artists before they target you.
Pay particular attention to what is going on around you when you’re in tourist places and anywhere that is poorly lit.
- Keep valuables safe
The best approach is to keep valuables in the hotel safe and carry just what you need with you. That means a little cash and perhaps one bank or credit card. If you don’t have your valuables with you, it’s much harder to lose them.
- Use reputable transport
When using taxis and other transport, always choose a trusted company. This will ensure your fare is reasonable and you get safely where you need to go.
- Common sense!
Finally, it’s easy to let your guard down and forget your common sense when on vacation. You can’t afford to do this. Use your common sense, and avoid accepting drinks from strangers or meeting people somewhere you don’t know.
Summing Up
The good news is Florence is considered a safe city. Even the two areas we recommend you avoid staying in are not excessively dangerous. Keep your wits about you, book one of the stunning Florence tours, and enjoy your visit.
