Areas to Avoid in Florence
Italy
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Florence. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Florence is generally Safe
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Duomo, Oltrarno, Santa Croce
Travel Insurance for Florence
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Florence are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Areas immediately surrounding the train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) late at night.
While generally safe, this area can attract petty crime and loitering after dark, and it lacks the charm of other Florentine neighborhoods.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Duomo
The beating heart of Florence, dominated by the iconic Duomo and bustling with tourists.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Florence
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Florence Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Florence on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Florence Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Florence with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Florence: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Florence's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Florence: Scenic Excursion
Escape Florence for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Florence Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Florence's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Florence
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Florence on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Florence safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Duomo
The beating heart of Florence, dominated by the iconic Duomo and bustling with tourists.
Very safe during the day due to constant crowds, but be aware of pickpockets; at night, it's well-lit and populated but can feel exposed.
Oltrarno
A more authentic Florentine experience with artisan workshops, trattorias, and a bohemian charm.
Generally safe, with good lighting and local presence day and night; exercise standard vigilance against petty theft.
General Safety Tips for Florence
At Night
Most central areas are well-lit and populated with people dining and socializing, making them feel safe. Stick to main streets and avoid poorly lit alleyways.
Solo Female Travel
Florence is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas and at night, as you would in any major city, but violent crime is rare.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Florence
- 1Overcharging at taxis (insist on meter or confirm fixed fare)
- 2Distraction theft (pickpockets targeting tourists in crowded areas)
- 3Fake police officers asking for passport/wallet checks
Travel Insurance for Florence
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Duomo
The beating heart of Florence, dominated by the iconic Duomo and bustling with tourists.
Very safe during the day due to constant crowds, but be aware of pickpockets; at night, it's well-lit and populated but can feel exposed.
Oltrarno
A more authentic Florentine experience with artisan workshops, trattorias, and a bohemian charm.
Generally safe, with good lighting and local presence day and night; exercise standard vigilance against petty theft.
Santa Croce
A lively neighborhood centered around the grand Basilica di Santa Croce, with a mix of local life and tourist amenities.
Generally safe, with good street lighting and pedestrian traffic; usual precautions against pickpockets apply, especially near attractions.
San Lorenzo
The historic market district, buzzing with activity from the Mercato Centrale and leather stalls.
Safe during the day due to high foot traffic, but watch for pickpockets in crowded market areas; at night, it's quieter but well-lit and generally safe.
Safety in Florence
SafeSolo Female Travel
Florence is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas and at night, as you would in any major city, but violent crime is rare.
At Night
Most central areas are well-lit and populated with people dining and socializing, making them feel safe. Stick to main streets and avoid poorly lit alleyways.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging at taxis (insist on meter or confirm fixed fare)
- 2Distraction theft (pickpockets targeting tourists in crowded areas)
- 3Fake police officers asking for passport/wallet checks
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