cianadoll

Hello all,

I am planning a trip to Italy, with a group of friends, in late April. A group of NYC women in our mid-30s and all, but myself, are first-time travelers to Europe (if this helps your response to my inquiry). We initially started our search considering tours, then travel packages, on to hotels and now I am interested in the idea of apartments.

To begin my search of apartments, I'd like to know which neighborhoods are ideal for each city. My preferences are (1) neighborhoods which would have us in or close to the city centers allowing us to walk to most sites or at least accessible to public transportation if we cannot walk. (2) We'd like the neighborhoods to be safe, obviously. (3) And neighborhoods which offer some local culture - eateries, markets, etc. I am realistic. I imagine I may not always get everything in one neighborhood - safety and accessibility are my top priorities.

The cities we will be visiting are: Venice, Florence and Rome.

If you have any SPECIFIC apartment recommendations to go along with your neighborhood recommendations, that would be even better.

TIA.

DRJ

Take a look at Residenza il Carmine, Florence. In altrarno and ground floor apartments. We've stayed there twice. The price is right and its very quiet and private. Run by a charming young woman who knows her way around the city.

DRJ

I should also refer you to Slowtrav.com for their listings of apartments

Also, while I haven't stayed there, I surely would consider VRBO.com #195616 near Piazza Navona in Rome.

cianadoll

Thank you, DRJ.

Ncz

We stayed by Ponte Vecchio in Florence and found this to be conveniently located. We walked everywhere. The only place that was not walking distance that we wanted to check out was the Piazalle Michelangelo.

vincenzo32951

Venice: Hard to go wrong, as far as location. We stayed at an apartment about a 10-minute walk west of San Marco, between the campos of Santo Stefano and San Maurizio. Good location. Easy access to most of the places you'd want to see. Some people like the Dorsoduro area for its neighborhood feel. I would discourage you from staying on Giudecca or Lido. You can get some deals there, but you're far from the action.

Florence: Take a look at the neighborhood near Via della Pergola, near the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital. It's a good spot that's walking distance to most areas (central Florence isn't all that big) such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the museums. I think we walked everywhere except to Piazzale Michelangelo. The Oltrano is OK, but be aware that you'll be a little ways and across the river from the central area.

geetika

The Piazza Navona/Pantheon area in Rome would be ideal, most of historic Rome is within walking distance. As for Venice, you don't want to be in Mestre/Lido, maybe something in San Polo or the Dorsoduro areas, not too close to San Marco but still close enough. IMO in both cities you want to avoid being near the railway station.

Take a look at VRBO/Homeway, TripAdvisor also has a lot of vacation rentals. Check out Slowtrav.com for reviews of the apartments you like, though obviously not all are reviewed.

rialtogrl

How many bedrooms do you need?

In Venice I like to stay in Cannaregio - lots of great restaurants, easy to get over to the Rialto fish and veggie market, and pretty easy to get all over by walking or vaporetto. But San Polo and Dorsoduro are nice too.

cianadoll

2 or 3 bedrooms, rialtogrl.

Thank you for all of the replies.

rialtogrl

I recently posted this apartment on another link -
http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p811212

It is very centrally located and it is a VERY nice apartment. There are 2 bathrooms too which comes in very handy with a group of friends.

Do check the reviews on slowtrav too because there are lots of places with 2 and 3 bedrooms reviewed there.

Happy planning -

Cecilia_br

I visited Florence in May. The Oltrarno side is beautiful...quaint antique shops, clothes boutiques, markets selling fresh produce. It's much quieter than the areas around Santa Croce, Duomo but it depends on the apartment you choose too. The Oltrarno is right next to Pontevecchio and the Pitti Palace so you are right in the centre. There are some lovely inexpensive restaurants too. I stayed in a hotel close to the station, not so comfortable. In september i stayed in an apartmen in Paris with Halldis http://www.halldis.com/ and it was a great experience! I kwow they manage apartments also in Florence, you can take a look at it!
I hope this will help you!