My husband and I just visited Italy (specifically, Rome) for the first time. We stayed in the Trastevere neighborhood and loved it. In the next year or two we would like to visit Florence and the surrounding areas and are wondering if there is a similar neighborhood there? What we most liked was how Trastevere looked and felt like a real "neighborhood" - although we know it was full of tourists just like us, it did not have the same feel as the more touristy areas. We loved being able to sightsee all day but return to the beautiful cobblestone streets and affordable restaurants at night. Any suggestions for something similar in Florence? All suggestions are welcome!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
It's called the Oltrarno. Wikipedia describes it thusly: "The Oltrarno is a quarter of Florence, Italy. The name means beyond the Arno (compare to the Roman quarter of Trastevere); it is located south of the River Arno. It contains part of the historic center of Florence and many notable sites such as the church Santo Spirito di Firenze, Palazzo Pitti, Belvedere, and Piazzale Michelangelo."
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2329 posts
And in my opinion, the best neighborhood in the Oltrarno is San Niccolo. It's an area with many fewer tourists. We found some of our best restaurants there (one is right inside Porta San Miniato). Take Via dei Bardi; its continuation is Via San Niccolo.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2329 posts
Oops - misspoke. The restaurant is just outside the gate (name of the place is "Fuori Porta").
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, OH, USA
6 posts
Thanks for the responses! I'm excited to start doing some research.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
After you cross the Ponte Vecchio, you are entering the Oltrarno.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
Something near Piazzale MichaelAngelo would be ideal.