Accommodation Tips for Florence

Everyone says avoid tourist areas for accommodation but Santa Croce neighbourhood is the exception. Yes it has major sights, but also genuine local life after 6pm when day-trippers vanish.

Book near Piazza Santa Croce itself - walking distance to everything but the square empties beautifully evenings. Local restaurants emerge, residents come for aperitivo, you get authentic Florence rhythm.

Apartments around Via de' Benci are excellent - Renaissance buildings converted to proper flats, not soulless hotels. Spent three weeks there last spring, felt like temporary local.