We will be traveling to Florence in October 2026 staying there for almost two weeks. I would like recommendations for good restaurants with a classic Italian cuisine that has a nice Italian atmosphere that aren't outrageously expensive.
The first part of our trip we will be staying in the center of Florence but the second week we would like to stay outside center, maybe in Oltrarno. Any favorite Florence areas, hotels to stay at?
Thanks for the help!
Posted by
new york
1449 posts
I might have some restaurant ideas but will wait until after you settle on your hotel.
There is no use staying in the center and then in the Oltrarno, as the two are walkable even at their most distant points in about a half hour at most.
What budget for the hotels??
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17666 posts
The Oltrarno is in the city center, it’s just on the south bank of the river, but still city center.
From Piazza Pitti (Oltrarno) to the Duomo, is a 15 min walk, to Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi, less than 10 minutes walk. So why do you need to change accommodations? That is extra effort that requires time too (check in, unpack, repack, check out, move to new accommodations, check in again, unpack). Choose one location and stay put.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
2114 posts
Did you see this recent post about where to stay and eat in Florence? https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/florence-areas-to-stay
From the Porta di San Frediano (i.e. pretty far west in the Oltrarno) it's a 15 minute walk to the train station, 21 minutes to the cathedral, and 18 minutes to the Uffizi.
Look for local Florentine cuisine or Tuscan cuisine rather than generic Italian.
I can see how it's tempting to stay in two different neighborhoods in the same city because I've been tempted to do it myself, but I've never been tempted to stay in the heart of the most heavily touristed part of Florence.
Posted by
Atlanta
5663 posts
We like to stay at The Hotel California. Yes, that is the real name. Can walk to just about everywhere from that location.
Two of the places we like to eat in Florence are:
Giglio Rosso located at 35 via Panzani.
Olio & Convivium Gastronomia Restaurant. It's on the Pitti Palace side of the river on Via di Santo Spirito. Wonderful atmosphere, excellent food, and good wine. A bit pricy, but well worth it.
You should be able to check all of them out just by googling them.