Every year, we welcome thousands of students and young workers who come to live in Florence. Above all, they arrive attracted by the beauty of the city and the quality of its schools and institutes.

If you come to live in Florence for study reasons, it will be useful for you to read this post. In fact, we will write about the different districts from the point of view of other students. This way, you will understand immediately which is the best area for you in order to focus your search for accommodation. 

So let’s discover the top 5 areas according to students’ choices!

First of all, if you live in Florence, this downtown side area is a pleasant escape from the city center crowds. In fact, the people of San Niccolò still live as a community.

San Niccolò is the part of Florence that has preserved its medieval atmosphere. Indeed, the massive 13th-century walls are still intact. For this reason the San Niccolò neighborhood resembles a small Tuscan village, yet it is extremely close to the center.

Full of unique artisan shops, art galleries, award-winning restaurants, and cafes. Thus, San Niccolò is a fabulous place for creative spirits. For example Clet, the Parisian artist who has lived in Florence for years has his studio here, known for his transformation of road signs.

In the first place, we must mention the famous walk to conquer the panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. Furthermore, the streets that rise from via San Niccolò up the hill are amazing examples of the quality of life of this district. In fact, here you will see villas in the countryside surrounded by olive trees and breathtaking views of the city gardens. Moreover, the Rose Garden, the Iris Garden (open in the flowering season), and the Bardini Garden can be visited in this area.

The Santa Croce district is named after the splendid basilica. It is a place full of typical products and handicraft shops, restaurants, bars, and pubs. Generally, this area is the top choice of American students who live in Florence.

When you live in Florence, it is very typical to make an appointment with a friend at the statue of Dante Alighieri. It dominates the side of the staircase of the basilica. In fact, a visit to the church and its artists’ tombs, the cloister, and the countless chapels is absolutely recommended.

In the lively “Via de ‘Neri” there are some food shops recognizable by the long queues of people at their counters. Particularly here, the Schiacciata, typical Tuscan bread, is stuffed with cold cuts, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables. In addition you can have a nice glass of wine, and the feast of taste can begin right in the middle of the street.

Above all, Santa Croce is known for its nightlife, chosen mostly by students and young workers. In fact, in this small area, there is a great variety of bars, restaurants, karaokes, and also discotheques. This is a pro if you like to party and meet new people, but can be a con for a quiet sleep.

From early morning until late evening this area is the beating heart of Florence, which has made traditions and craftsmanship its strong point. To begin with, here there is one of the most important markets in the city, where locals and also international people who live in Florence meet every day.

At the Sant’Ambrogio market you can find almost everything your heart desires to cook. For instance sweets, honey, cheeses, olives, meat, and ham. Also, fish, and seafood. They range from vegetables grown directly by vendors to used clothing stalls.

A stop at the Loggia del Pesce in Piazza Ciompi or in the square in front of the church gives you an idea of ​​what the Florentine spirit is in half an hour. Sit at a table in the bar that you like best and order a glass of wine, you will see men and women pass by, and children leaving school. For this reason, many Florentines take a break here with friends in their free time.

A genuine and residential neighborhood, it will make those who love genuine simplicity lose their minds

In the streets on this side of the river, you will frequently encounter typical Florentine people, with their picturesque aspects and dialect. If on the one hand the district of San Frediano blends its borders with those of Santo Spirito and maintains the charm of large squares and ancient churches (il Carmine, il Cestello), on the other hand, the medieval walls flank green areas and dining areas. First of all, the bistro Santa Rosa, particular attention to detail. There are numerous typical food shops with prices that are not inflated for tourists, and trattorias frequented by Florentines.

We have finally arrived at the Top 1 of our “where to live in Florence” ranking. The Santo Spirito district is the beating heart of the left bank of the Arno. It presents the relaxed and creative atmosphere of the bohemian environment. Here, time and history have remained suspended. You can totally immerse yourself in the Florentine air feeling part of this city.

Santo Spirito is also the headquarters of the artisans in Florence. Here you can find a labyrinth of workshops of many masters where manual skills, good taste, and creativity give life to unique works. In the same way, its streets are characterized by the presence of many academies, historic buildings, and countless churches. Also typical restaurants, traditional shops, and markets where it is still possible to discover the rhythms and colors of the real Florence.

Particularly popular and welcoming, it is the area where Florentines and foreigners who live in Florence have always mixed. Of course fascinated by the possibility of relaxing here, sitting at the tables with a wine to sip. Also around the fountain and its trees, or on the steps of the church.

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