I am looking to rent an apartment off of Via Guelfa and Via Nazionale for a few days.
I was reading Rick Steves Florence and Tuscany 2016 book and in his chapter on "Nightlife in Florence," he made the comment that there are a few areas that feel creepy after dark and that he would skip the seedy area north of Mercato Centrale. Looking at the map, that looks like the area where the apartment is.
If anyone could tell me if the area I am looking at is safe, that would be great.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1776 posts
The area is safer than a US high school, but looks creepy. The worst streets are via Panicale, piazza del Mercato Centrale, via Chiara. Said in other words: you won't get killed, but there are many nicer places in Florence.
You could have a look on google maps/street view. Consider that in real life most road in the zone are not as wide and as sunny as they look on street view.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
The only place in America that is safer than the city center of Florence is inside a US Marine Corps base.
The only reason why I would avoid Via Nazionale is because of the traffic, certainly not safety.
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
Every visit to Florence I stay on via Faenza which is just north of via Nazionale and the Mercato Centrale, no worries there what so ever.
Posted by
OP
Dallas, Texas
35 posts
Lachera and Roberto,
Thank you again for answering my question. You have both helped me previously in planning this trip!
JKC: Thank you for the additional information!
Posted by
616 posts
I also stayed once via faenza, hotel faenza, nice breakfast.
No safety problem but very busy area. A bit noisy if you do not sleep easily.