Apartments in Florence -- Affordable Vacation Rentals
Florence has a special kind of romantic charm that draws in millions of visitors every year. Its classic, Renaissance architecture and scenes provide the perfect backdrop to a cultural city break. It's also a haven for art lovers, with its collection of top-notch museums showcasing some of the most famous works from around the world. But it's not just art that characterises Florence, it's also a city dedicated to creating delicious Italian dishes paired with the freshest of wines, and it's narrow, winding streets offer an intimate experience in a big city. For the perfect place to stay, book one of our apartments in Florence, which span the entire city -- from hidden, cobbled alleyways, to wide boulevards overlooking the city's main attractions, we have a boutique short term rental or cosy studio for you.
Lesser-Known Museums in Florence
Florence is, without a doubt, one of the biggest bastions of art in Europe -- maybe even the world. It's full of famous museums that showcase incredible art and sculptures by some of the world's most famous names. But there are also a number of lesser-known museums that are well worth a visit. The Bargello Museum , situated in the old prison barracks, boasts an important collection of Renaissance sculptures, whilst the Gucci Museum and the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum are must-visits for fashion-lovers.
Want to explore off-beat Florence? Book one of our cheap apartments in Florence for an affordable and intimate way to get to know the city.
Classic Cathedrals and Sculptures - Things to do in Florence
- Florence Cathedral -- Also known as Il Duomo di Firenze, this Gothic-style cathedral boasts breath-taking architecture designed by Arnolfo di Cambio.
- Uffizi Gallery -- Art lovers should visit this world-famous museum which is one of the oldest in the world and showcases work by some of the top creative names in history.
- Ponte Vecchio -- A familiar scene in Florence, this medieval stone bridge is a firm favourite on postcards. It houses a number of quirky shops along its length, though the intricate design alone is worth a visit.
- Palazzo Vecchio -- The town hall of Florence and named one of the most impressive of its kind in Tuscany, this ornate building was designed in a Romanesque style.
- Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence -- This is the main Franciscan church in the city and is situated in the heart of the city on the Piazza di Santa Croce. It's an impressive feat of architecture with intricate detailing and a high-ceilinged interior.
- Piazza della Signoria -- One of Florence's best-know squares, this Piazza is surrounded by incredible architecture and typical Italian cafes.
- Piazzale Michelangelo -- Named after the famous Italian artist, this square offers breath-taking views across Florence, taking in the gold-domed roofs and magnificent architecture.
- David -- Perhaps the most famous sculpture in the world, Michelangelo's David is located in the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, and is a must-see sight for art and culture enthusiasts.
- Palazzo Pitti -- This large Renaissance palace sits on the banks of the River Arno, close to the Ponte Vecchio.
- San Miniato al Monte -- A grand basilica that overlooks the city, the San Miniato al Monte is known as one of the best Romanesque buildings in the whole of Tuscany and boasts elaborate frescoes and intricate carvings.
- Florence Baptistery -- This quirky Baptistery (also known as the Baptistery of Saint John) is an important religious hub in Florence and is now considered a minor basilica.
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella -- Another of Florence's quirky religious buildings, this basilica was the first to be built in the city and is the principal Dominican church.
- Boboli Gardens -- Take some time out from visiting religious edifices to stroll through the greenery of this central city park. Here, you can explore the collection of 16^th^ Century sculptures and the colourful, manicured gardens.
- Bargello -- Also called the Palazzo del Bargello, this simple, Romanesque-style building was once a prison and barracks, but is now an art museum showcasing some of Italy's finest works.
- Loggia dei Lanzi -- Set in the Piazza della Signoria, this series of wide, elaborate arches are a prominent scene in Florence.
- Piazza del Duomo, Florence -- An ornate, fairytale square surrounded by charming Italian architecture and is one of the most-visited hotspots in the world.
If you're looking to stay in the centre of the action, we have a huge range of Florence apartments for you to choose from.
Finding Florence -- Getting to the City Centre
Florence's main airport is the Vespucci Airport, though this is a small hub and mainly reserved for domestic flights. Most visitors actually arrive in Pisa, at the Galileo Galilei airport which lies 80 minutes from Florence and can easily be reached by a direct train. You can also grab a flight into Bologna, which is predominantly serviced by low-cost airlines, and connects to Florence in the south by train. Visitors can also arrive in Florence via the Italian rail network from Rome which is just an hour and a half away and other major Italian hotspots, as well as neighbouring countries via the cross-country services.
Getting around Florence is easy with its tourist-friendly public transport including several bus and tram services that travel to all the major attractions, as well as a reliable and efficient train service which connects the city to nearby towns and destinations. The best way to get around, though, is by foot, with all the major landmarks within easy reach of each other.
Florence Accommodation
The cultural vibe of Florence stretches to its accommodation option, too, proffering a menu of Florence accommodation that is full of heritage, history, and stylish Italian flair. Luxury hotels are peppered throughout the streets, offering a glimpse at the Italian high life, whilst upmarket hostels and budget B&B give guests the chance to get to know Florence on a local level. Alternatively, there are numerous affordable apartments placed all over the city, providing easy access to authentic restaurants, world-famous museums, and sprawling piazzas.
Markets and Artisan Shops -- An Authentic Way to Explore Florence
Florence is a tourist hotspot but there are still ways you can turn your trip into a local experience. Wander through the numerous open air and covered markets that sell a range of fresh produce -- grab some cheese, Italian meats, and a bottle of wine and head to the nearest park. Afterwards, stroll from the Palazzo Pitti to Santo Spirito and dip into the quirky array of artisan shops that you can find along the way, from textile shops to local studios. You can even watch some of the artists at work. Then, grab a tripe sandwich from one of the tripe stalls dotted throughout the city -- the authentic taste of Florence!
