Want to visit the capital of Tuscany but wondering if there are areas to avoid and where are the best areas to stay in Florence?

Indeed, to choose where to stay in Florence (as in other European cities), it is better to identify areas to avoid or areas that are dangerous for tourists.

This is why I made this article on the districts of Florence accompanied by a map which allows you to locate different areas of the city.

This post is the summary of a lot of information collected on the dangerousness of the neighborhoods of Florence (economic press, local newspapers and statistics and web rankings).

Florence dangerous city?

NO Florence is not one of the most dangerous cities in Europe but it is not a 100% safe city either. Indeed, Florence is much less dangerous than Naples, Palermo ou Rome in Italy and that Lyon, Montpellier ou Paris in France.

However, according to the Annual Report produced in collaboration with the Regional Security Office of the United States Consulate in Florence, Florence has the 7th highest rate in Italy for violence against women and theft. In in the article « Italy's Most Dangerous Cities“Florence is one of the most dangerous cities in Italy. But it is mentioned that insecurity is decreasing in Florence.

On the other hand, in relation to other European cities, according to the last Numbeo ranking, Florence ranks 69th out of the 137 most crime-ridden cities in Europe.

Its crime index is in the low European average and therefore gives Florence a low level of dangerousness.

Is Florence safe for tourists?

YES: Tourists can visit Florence without risk. However, as in all tourist towns, visitors should remain cautious. Indeed, petty criminals target foreigners for crimes such as pick-pocketing, snatching, vehicle break-ins and scams.

So, as in most European cities, tourists should exercise caution around tourist spots, on public transport, at airports and at train stations.

Regarding the choice of the district for their accommodation, it is in the interest of tourists to avoid certain places and favor a safe part of the city.

Now let's see how to spot the neighborhoods to avoid in Florence.

Map of Florence neighborhoods

Florence is a small town that has only 5 counties. Each district includes several small neighborhoods:

• District 1 : Center (Centro Storico, Santa Maria Novella, Il Prato, Fortezza da Basso, Viali, San Jacopino, Collina Sud, San Gaggio)
• District 2 : Campo di Marte (Campo di Marte, Le Cure, Viali, Bellariva, Coverciano, Settignano, Collina Nord)
• District 3 : Gavinana-Galluzzo (Gavinana, Galluzzo, San Gaggio, Collina south, Sorgue, Bandino, Paradiso, San Marcellino)
• District 4 : Isolotto-Legnaia (Isolotto, Legnaia, Argingrosso, Cintoia, I Bassi, La Casella, Le Torri, Mantignano, Monticelli, Pignone, San Lorenzo a Greve, Soffiano, San Quirico, Torcicoda, Ugnano)
• District 5 : Rifredi (Statuto, Romito, Viali, Fortezza da Basso, Rifredi, Careggi, Castello, Collina nord, Novoli, Firenze Nova, Brozzi, Le Piagge, Peretola, Quaracchi, Ponte di mezzo).

To identify the neighborhoods to avoid and the best ones to stay in that I will present to you below, you can use this carte to locate them.

Are there very dangerous neighborhoods in Florence?

There are no truly dangerous neighborhoods in the city of Florence where tourists would face violent crime. On the other hand, there are areas where petty crime is more present. These are the areas that we will detail below:

Which neighborhoods to avoid in Florence?

All districts of Florence are generally safe except Scandicci, Le Piagge, Isolotto and Rifredi:

1. Scandicci : Located about 6 km from the historic center of Florence, Scandicci is considered an area to avoid due to its crime problems and reputation for being unsafe, especially at night.
2. The Piagge : Located about ten kilometers from the city center, in Quartieri 5, this district has always had a bad reputation.
3. Islet : Located west of Florence, Isolotto is not recommended for a tourist stay. Although there are quiet residential areas in this neighborhood, it is best to choose a more central and safe neighborhood for your stay.
4. Refrain : Located north of Florence, this neighborhood is known for its insecurity problems.

Best neighborhoods to stay in Florence

Not all districts of Florence have the same tourist interest. This is why I am going to show you the 2 areas that are perfect for visit Florence on foot. These two most touristy districts of Florence but also the two most beautiful are Duomo and San Marco.

Duomo district – Historic center of Florence

The Duomo area is part of the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, which is the historic center of Florence in District 1. View location of this neighborhood

This area is the most touristy in Florence. It houses the majority of the city's most beautiful monuments:

• The Duomo (Florence Cathedral) and its square
• The galerie des Offices
• The Basilica of Santa Croce
• The Galleria dell'Accademia
• The Museum of San Marco
• The Piazza della Signoria
• The Palazzo Vecchio
• The Ponte Vecchio

San Marco – Charming neighborhood

This pretty and small neighborhood adjoins the Duomo district. It is also a very touristy area with the Galleria del Accademia and the San Marco Museum. Full of history and heritage, there are magnificent palaces from the medieval and Renaissance times. See location of this neighborhood

This area is also ideal for visit the most beautiful places in Florence on foot.

And for those on a small budget, here is a good hotel in a great location and at the best value for money: