Housing in Florence
Explore accommodation options for students, professionals and international residents.
Florence neighborhoods
Explore the best neighborhoods in Florence for your international stay
Compare central, residential and well-connected areas to find the part of Florence that best fits your university, workplace and everyday routine.
The right neighborhood depends on how you want to live, where you need to go and the type of accommodation you are looking for.
Photo: Ray in Manila / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · Cropped.
Finding the right area in Florence
Florence is compact, but its neighborhoods offer different daily experiences. Living in the historic center places you close to major landmarks and cultural activity, while residential districts may offer a quieter routine and different housing options.
Before choosing an area, consider the location of your university or workplace, public transportation, nearby services, housing conditions and how often you expect to travel across the city.
Neighborhood characteristics, housing availability and transportation conditions may change. Always verify the exact property address before booking.
What to consider when choosing a neighborhood
University or workplace location
Start with the places you will need to reach most frequently and compare possible routes from each area.
Transportation
Review nearby tram, bus and railway connections, as well as walking and cycling options.
Housing preferences
Consider whether you prefer a private room, shared apartment, studio or complete apartment.
Daily services
Check access to supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés, green spaces and other services important to your routine.
Atmosphere
Decide whether you prefer a central and active environment or a more residential pace outside the historic center.
Compare neighborhoods in Florence
Historic Center and San Lorenzo
- Area type
- Central
- General atmosphere
- Historic, active and highly connected
- May suit
- Students and residents who want to be close to central institutions and city activity
Santa Croce
- Area type
- Central
- General atmosphere
- Lively, cultural and social
- May suit
- Residents looking for central streets, cafés and cultural spaces
Santo Spirito and San Frediano
- Area type
- Oltrarno
- General atmosphere
- Local, creative and community-oriented
- May suit
- Residents interested in independent businesses, social life and traditional character
Campo di Marte
- Area type
- Residential
- General atmosphere
- Residential, active and connected to sports facilities
- May suit
- Residents seeking everyday services and a setting outside the busiest central streets
Novoli
- Area type
- Modern
- General atmosphere
- Contemporary, residential and connected
- May suit
- Students and professionals with activities in the northwestern part of the city
Rifredi and Careggi
- Area type
- Residential
- General atmosphere
- Local, practical and connected
- May suit
- Residents who need access to northern Florence, university facilities or the Careggi area
Central
Historic Center and San Lorenzo
The historic center places residents close to many of Florence’s cultural landmarks, academic institutions, shops and transportation connections.
San Lorenzo is known for its central location, markets and active streets. The area may appeal to people who want to experience daily life close to the center, although the atmosphere can be busier than in residential districts.
- Central location
- Historic surroundings
- Shops and services
- Active atmosphere
Central
Santa Croce
Santa Croce combines historic streets, cultural landmarks, cafés and an active social environment. Its central position provides access to many parts of the city on foot or through public transportation.
It may suit students and international residents who prefer to live close to cultural activity and central services.
- Central
- Cultural
- Social
- Walkable surroundings
Oltrarno
Santo Spirito and San Frediano
Located in the Oltrarno area, Santo Spirito and San Frediano are associated with artisan traditions, local businesses, public squares and a strong neighborhood identity.
These areas may appeal to residents who enjoy a creative atmosphere and want to experience everyday life on the southern side of the Arno.
- Oltrarno
- Local atmosphere
- Artisan tradition
- Independent businesses
Residential
Campo di Marte
Campo di Marte is located northeast of central Florence and is strongly associated with the city’s sports facilities. It also includes residential streets, green spaces and transportation connections.
It may suit residents looking for a more residential routine while maintaining access to the rest of the city.
- Residential
- Sports facilities
- Green spaces
- Transport connections
Modern
Novoli
Novoli is a modern district in northwestern Florence with residential buildings, university facilities, offices and public transportation connections.
The area may be practical for students and professionals whose university or workplace is located outside the historic center.
- Modern district
- University facilities
- Residential
- Public transportation
Residential
Rifredi and Careggi
Rifredi is part of a large northern district that extends toward Novoli, Peretola and the Careggi area. It combines residential zones, local services, green spaces and railway or public transportation connections.
It may suit students, researchers, healthcare professionals and residents who need regular access to northern Florence.
- Northern Florence
- Residential
- Local services
- Transport connections
Understand the areas of Florence
Loading Florence map
Choose an area based on your daily routine
Close to central activity
Explore the Historic Center, San Lorenzo or Santa Croce if being near cultural activity and central services is important to you.
Local and creative atmosphere
Explore Santo Spirito and San Frediano for public squares, artisan traditions and independent businesses.
Residential daily life
Consider Campo di Marte or parts of Rifredi if you prefer a setting outside the busiest central streets.
University or work connections
Consider Novoli, Rifredi or Careggi when your campus or workplace is located in northern or northwestern Florence.
These suggestions are general. The right area depends on the exact destination, housing availability and personal preferences.
Find housing in the right Florence neighborhood
Once you identify the areas that fit your routine, compare accommodation types, rental conditions and included services before booking.
Student Housing in Florence
Prepare your accommodation search for a semester, exchange program or academic stay.
Your move to Florence, connected
Floweal GO helps you explore accommodation, organize booking information and access mobility services and support throughout your international experience.
- Explore accommodation by destination
- Review important booking information
- Organize key moments of your stay
- Access mobility services and support
Explore more about living in Florence
- Available
Florence destination guide
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Housing in Florence
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Student Housing in Florence
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Cost of Living in Florence
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Frequently asked questions about Florence neighborhoods
What is the best neighborhood to live in Florence?
There is no single best neighborhood for everyone. The right area depends on the location of your university or workplace, preferred atmosphere, transportation needs, housing type and budget.
Which Florence neighborhoods are popular with students?
Students often explore central areas such as San Lorenzo and Santa Croce, the Oltrarno area around Santo Spirito, and districts such as Novoli or Campo di Marte. The best option depends on the location of the academic program.
Is it better to live in central or residential Florence?
Central areas provide easier access to cultural activity and many services, while residential districts may offer a different daily rhythm and housing environment. Compare the complete housing conditions before deciding.
What should I check before choosing a neighborhood?
Check the exact property address, route to your university or workplace, nearby transportation, grocery stores, services, housing conditions and expected monthly expenses.
Can I live outside the historic center?
Yes. Florence includes residential districts such as Campo di Marte, Novoli and Rifredi, each with its own services and transportation connections.
How can I compare housing in different areas?
Review the property type, complete monthly cost, included services, rental duration and transportation from each address to your main daily destinations.
Can Floweal help me find housing in Florence?
Floweal helps international students and residents explore accommodation and connect their stay with mobility services, important information and support.
Sources and local references
Neighborhood descriptions are intended as general orientation. Verify current transportation, services and property information before making a housing decision.
FeelFlorence — The official tourism website of the Municipality and Metropolitan City of Florence
Find the Florence neighborhood that fits your journey
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