Luxury Holiday Apartments in Florence

Best areas to stay in on a luxury holiday in Florence

Staying in the right part of Florence on your luxury holiday ensures you are perfectly placed for everything you plan to do.

Duomo

At the heart of the city lies the Centro Storico. Staying near the Piazza del Duomo during your luxury holiday puts you within a few steps of Florence’s most famous monuments, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Campanile, and the Baptistery with its famous bronze “Gates of Paradise.” It is the ideal location for first-time visitors who want to step out of their luxury apartment directly into the magic of the Renaissance.

Oltrarno and San Frediano

Found across the Arno River via the historic Ponte Vecchio, the Oltrarno district has a more bohemian Tuscan atmosphere. Known for its traditional artisan workshops, antique stores, and lively wine bars, it is home to the majestic Pitti Palace and the elevated Boboli and Bardini Gardens. Staying in a luxury apartment here offers spectacular city views and a wonderfully authentic neighbourhood feel.

Santa Croce

Centred around the grand Franciscan Basilica di Santa Croce, the resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, this historic neighbourhood blends grand culture with a fabulous food scene. It is home to excellent local markets like the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and offers easy access to the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio.

Must-have amenities for your luxury holiday in Florence

To make the most of your luxury apartment holiday in Florence, choosing accommodation with tailored luxury features helps really enhance your holiday experience:

Luxury Florence apartments with private terraces and views

Nothing compares to sipping a glass of Tuscan wine on your own private terrace while taking in panoramic views of the Duomo or the Arno River. Many of our luxury apartments feature rooftop loggias and outdoor dining balconies high above the city’s famous terracotta roofs.

Apartment Torretta is a beautiful 2-bedroom luxury Florence apartment with incredible views of the nearby Duomo from its unique living space. Or choose Apartment San Frediano with its views over the River Arno from a private balcony.

Pet-friendly luxury apartments in Florence

Exploring Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside is a delight to share with your pets. Our pet-friendly luxury city apartments and countryside villas feature secure enclosures, private gardens, and easy access to green spaces like the Cascine Park or Oltrarno gardens.

Luxury apartments in Florence for large groups

Whether hosting an Italian family reunion or travelling with a group of friends, our spacious luxury apartments in Florence feature multiple en-suite bedrooms, expansive living areas, and grand dining spaces to accommodate everyone.

Penthouse Pazzi is a luxury Florence apartment sleeping up to 10 guests just steps from the Duomo.

Things to do on a luxury holiday in Florence

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Florence. Even if you had a week in the city, you couldn’t do it justice. So to help you make the most of your luxury holiday in Florence, here are some of our favourites:

Visit the Piazza del Duomo

A good starting point for any luxury holiday to Florence is its central square, or the Piazza del Duomo. This is home not just to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore but also to Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery, famous for its bronze doors. We recommend you head either to the top of the Campanile or the Duomo, as both offer incredible views over the city below.

Explore the museums and galleries

In total, there are over 70 museums in Florence if you include galleries, churches and private collections. Some of the most famous include the Uffizi, Museo dell’Opera, Palazzo Vecchio, and Galleria dell’Accademia. We would also recommend visiting the most stunning reading room at the Laurentian Library while on your luxury holiday in Florence.

There are a number of monuments and statues to admire outdoors, such as those in the Piazza della Signoria. And many of the churches in Florence are home to incredible paintings, frescoes and other works of art. Some of our favourites include the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and the Basilica di Santo Spirito.

Head to the Tuscan markets

As with any city, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy some shopping during your luxury holiday in Florence. Head to the markets in Florence to enjoy the best of Tuscan food and crafts. The Mercato Centrale is the largest. But there are many others, including the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and the Porcellino market. Or discover one of the markets that the locals use, such as the one in Santo Spirito.

Stroll romantic gardens and panoramic viewpoints

When you need to step away from the lively streets, enjoy a stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, home to a number of jewellery businesses. Or check out the designer stores on Via de’ Tornabuoni. Whatever you do, don’t miss a trip to our favourite pharmacy in the world, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which is also the world’s oldest pharmacy.

If the weather is nice, it’s also well worth visiting the many parks and gardens in Florence. The Boboli Gardens, the Giardino delle Rose and the Giardino Bardini are our favourites. The latter is particularly worth a visit for the views over the city thanks to its elevated position in the Oltrarno district.

Our Florence travel guide will provide more inspiration if you’re planning a trip to Italy’s most beautiful city, as will our 48 hours in Florence guide.

When to visit Florence for a luxury holiday

Just as there is no shortage of things to see and do in Florence during a luxury holiday, there is no bad time to visit the city either. After all, even if the weather isn’t on your side, there are plenty of things to do in Florence when it’s raining.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year in Florence:

• Spring (April to June): A magnificent time to visit. Temperatures are pleasantly warm, garden roses are in full bloom, and city sightseeing is exceptionally enjoyable before the peak summer crowds arrive.
• Summer (July and August): Peak season brings long sunny days and a lively outdoor atmosphere. High temperatures frequently exceed 30°C (86°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Crisp, comfortable weather makes autumn ideal for museum visits, wine tasting, and exploring local Tuscan harvest festivals. Queue times at major galleries are noticeably shorter.
• Winter (December to March): While cooler and quieter, the city shines with festive lights, cosy trattorias, and crowd-free access to its world-famous art galleries, proving there is truly no bad time to visit.

Frequently asked questions about booking a luxury holiday apartment in Florence

Do I need a car when staying in Florence?

No. In fact, we actively discourage you from hiring a car if staying in the city of Florence. The historic centre of the city is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Having a car will only cause you stress, not least because of the ZTL zone and parking restrictions. The bus and tram network can be used when you’re heading to the city outskirts. And if you fancy a day outside Florence, you can use the train to reach Pisa, Lucca or Siena in less than 90 minutes.

How far in advance should I book tickets for Florence’s major museums?

You can buy tickets for some of Florence’s museums months in advance. To avoid disappointment and ensure availability, we recommend booking at least 1-2 months before your trip if visiting in peak season.

How do I get from the airport to central Florence?

Situated just 4 km north-west of the city, taxis are readily available to transport you from the airport into the heart of the city in just 15 minutes for around 30 euros. Alternatively, take the T2 tram line for a fast 20-minute ride to the Santa Maria Novella train station for just a couple of euros.