Message: I am a 30 year-old female traveling alone in florence and cinque terre in june. I am going to be in florence 2 nights june 28/29th. I found a B & B- Residenza Cantagalli-(E90 for both nights with breakfast/private bath which really fits in with my budget) in the area of Santo Spirito-South side of the Arno by Boboli Gardens. Reviews on Venere are good, and say it's a 10 minute walk to Palazzo Pitti, and few more to heart of city. My concern is walking back alone in evening/dark from center. Do you think this will be a problem where safety is concerned? Also, for dinner and evening fun is there anything to do in this part of florence. Simply put, would you recommend this accomodation, or rather one more central for an alone female traveler? Thank you all.

Hi!

I think the Arno is a decent enough area, but personally speaking I don't think I would want to walk back to my hotel at night by myself. I am kind of paranoid about things like that so I may not be the best person to get advice from, but when we were in Florence in March that area was definitely kind of quiet and void of lots of people after hours. However, it will probably be more lively when you are planning on going so that may make a difference. If I had my preference I would stay closer to the duomo and the center of town. Easier access to everything and more than likely you'll be fairly close to your hotel at night. Someone who has stayed in this area previously will probably be able to give you better advice, but I thought I would give my opinion.

Thanks and best wishes!
Tracy

thanks Tracy. Any further advice would be appreciated.

IMO, while the price is nice, you are definitely too far from the City Center, if that is where you are planning on spending most of your time. Supposedly there are night spots on that side of town, but we have never ventured that far from the historic district in our three visits to Florence. Violent street crime is not common, but that area of town is definitely more residental. It will be a looooong walk back to your room at night. My advice is to splurge a little and find a B&B closer to the Duomo area, or on the banks of the Arno, near the Ponte Vecchio. Keep looking....Good Luck!

Hi jrun,

Your B&B is sort of off the beaten path.

However, it is just off the Porta Romana and is served by several buses, especially the 12/13 (to Pzza Michaelangelo)and the 37 (Pitti Palace and FSMN).

You can find bus routes and schedules at http://www.ataf.net/Default_EN.asp

www.multimap.com will give you a zoomable map of Florence.

Just a 10-minute (or less) walk from directly behind the Duomo is the Isttituto Oblate dell'Assunzione that might fit your bill. Centrally located, in a safe neighborhood, inexpensive (around the same price for Residenza Cantagalli), beautiful building and garden, elevator. Run by nuns of the order; very friendly and hospitable. Cash only; 11:30 curfew; reservations strongly encouraged. Recommended in "Bed and Blessings."