Any suggestions for best part of town to stay in Florence? I won't have a car and don't mind walking. I am traveling alone so I want to be in a safer part of town.
Also, Lucca is small but I am sure there are better parts to stay in?
Posted by
California 🦋
5298 posts
I’d suggest staying within the walls in Lucca.
Last Fall when traveling solo, I enjoyed my stay at B&B La Romea in Lucca. The B&B is centrally located, my room was great, and the owners are lovely people.
I’ll let others give you ideas for Florence since it’s been a while since I was there.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5534 posts
Lucca - stay within the walls.
Posted by
OP
14 posts
Thank you. I will stay within the walls. Looking forward to my trip!
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
"Best" is subjective, as different people like different parts of town for different reasons. For example, I wouldn't stay in the Central Market area because I think it's too noisy, but others might think it's vibrant and fun. I always stay at Il Bargellino, which I find convenient to both the train station and city center. All of central Florence is safe by US standards. You might want to get Rick's Florence and Tuscany regional guidebook, either from Amazon or as part of your tour kit order, and then ask about areas of town or places to stay that look appealing. The regional guidebook also covers the other places in Tuscany you plan to visit, and often in more detail than the Italy guidebooks.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7952 posts
For Lucca, I stayed solo this year at the B&B Anfiteatro - nice and roomy and nice bathroom. The owners run the restaurant next door, and they give a discount when you eat there. I would say they’re more interested in their restaurant than being friendly hosts, but the location and stay were great. (If they don’t answer the B&B door, just go to the restaurant to check-in.). It’s located on the backside of the Anfiteatro, so easy to find. I felt very safe staying there.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7952 posts
If you need an activity while in Lucca, I participated in the cooking class, Extra Virgin Cooking Class, and it was excellent!
Posted by
OP
14 posts
oh my gosh. i just looked up the Lucca cooking class. I am so doing this! I just submitted my online request for my March trip. Thank you soooooooo much for the advice!
Posted by
8 posts
We always like to stay within walking distance of the things we want to do/see and that means the centro storico/historic center in both Florence and Lucca.
In Florence we like Hotel Perseo located about a short block from the Duomo about a five minute walk from the train station. It's owned and run by an English speaking Italian man and his wife from New Zealand who are a wealth of helpful information about everything. Nice clean rooms, some with a view of the Duomo, good breakfast, reasonably priced, and within walking distance of everything you want to do in Florence. Hot tip: The Bargello, an underrated and uncrowded wonderful museum.
In Lucca, one of our favorite towns, we stay in B&B Arena di Lucca in the heart of the walled city about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the train station or a five minute walk from long term parking just outside the city wall. on our first trip there we couldn't find the parking and called Alex and he talked us in on the phone. Every room overlooks the Piazza Anfiteatro and it's about a half block from Via Filungo. Alex, the owner, and Livia, his trusty assistant, both speak English and are very helpful.
For the best price skip the booking services, google the hotel names, and go to their websites and book directly with the hotels. Hot tip: Ask Alex or Livia dierctions to "Pasquale da Pasquale/Mondo Vino", a small restaurant with serious Italian food and wine. We've had some of our best meals there.
J&J
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2427 posts
hey hot.mommie
check luccatours.com, intro to the city. a tour to barga and devils bridge and other tours. maybe a visit to a winery fattoriaaldotto.it
in florence: casarabatti.it, check bedandbreakfast.com.
look at eatingeurope.com for some food tours, eatwith.com, withlocals.com. check out mercato centrale with lots of shops and food and other things.
have a great trip and enjoy
aloha
Posted by
OP
14 posts
I booked my room with the lovely 'Livia'...balcony room at the B&B Arena di Lucca. Thank you for the wonderful advice! The reviews on this B&B is 5.0 out of 5.0 stars. People couldn't say enough nice things about Alex and the fresh squeezed orange juice (ha). Everyone absolutely loved their stay! And I am sure I will add to the list of happy travelers! Thank you again!
Posted by
8451 posts
Hotel Balesteri in Florence. It is in a great location on the Arno.