Living and Renting in Florence

Oh Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, language and culture. Oh, Florence, gorgeous Florence. Who hasn’t thought about moving to Florence at least once in their lifetime? I have, many times in fact, and maybe one day I will finally do it.

If you are an Erasmus student or a young professional moving to Florence, this article is for you!

Florence is a city of almost half a million people to which you should add another few million tourists who visit the city every year. I don't mean to ruin the surprise, let me just say that once you'll move there, you will instantly understand why the city attracts so many people from every corner of the world.

On top of being an incredibly interesting city, Florence is also strategically located in Italy and within the rest of Europe. In fact, from the main city of Tuscany, you can easily reach Milan, Rome, Venice by train as well as Paris, London, Madrid by plane. If this is your first time in Europe, rest assured that you’ll be in the perfect spot to explore it all. Suddenly, Europe will shrink around you as you'll hop on and off low-cost flights to basically anywhere from Florence.

But first, imagine yourself walking in those narrow streets of the hometown of Dante Alighieri. Or, during summer, enjoy one of the best ice creams of the entire Italian peninsula. And think about all those Instagram-worthy shots you could take from Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. Or popping in and out of the Ponte Vecchio’s artisanal shops. Getting lost at the Uffizi or falling in love in front of one of the many Botticelli’s or Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Well, let’s stop imaging here and let’s start planning your new life in Florence.

Moving to Florence

Yes, I know, Italy is famous for its monuments, pizza AND bureaucracy.  But I promise you, here are some simple rules which will help you to have a smooth and easy move.

If you are moving to Florence from a country outside the EU, you need to request a permesso di soggiorno (or residence permit). If you face any other permit issues, you can always check with the Immigration Office. When this is done, you’ll need a codice fiscale (tax identification number) with your passport/ID, and this completed form you can find here.

Renting in Florence

I’m not going to lie about this, finding a (good) apartment in Florence is hard. Given its relatively small size and the high percentage of homes rented for short-term rental, finding a good property isn’t easy. If you are a student looking for your new Italian home, make sure to avoid the local real estate agency which, aware of the local market, will charge you a high fee for an average apartment. Make sure to check our verified rooms instead!  This is why, renting your home in Florence through Spotahome can be the best idea.

All our properties are personally checked and verified by our local team. We take our own photos and video of each property, not relying on landlords. We open drawers and cupboards to really  show you every corner of the property. You simply visit as many homes as you like from the comfort of your sofa and then choose the right one for you to book. Additionally, if you face any issue, our international team can help you sort out any problems as we speak 8 European languages and deal with landlords every day.
And that’s it; the home is yours!  All you have to do when you arrive in Florence is collect your keys , sign your contract and start feeling at home!

Art, Culture and Fashion in Florence

If you love history, a walk around the city center will be like a true immersion in a past era, if you are more into art, a few weeks aren’t enough to explore the entire Uffizi. Florence is obviously and rightly so well known for its cultural and artistic heritage, but what not everyone knows is that Italian high fashion was born in Florence . People often think of Milan as the Italian capital of Fashion, but the history tells that haute couture was born at a parade organised  by the pioneer of Italian fashion Giovanni Battista Giorgini at Villa Torrigiani  in 195 1. Additionally, several of the most famous Italian designers and brands are from Florence, including Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo and Emilio Pucci and many others. If you are looking for something special, head to the commercial district of luxury, along Via de' Tornabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova and, in general, in the historical centre of Florence.

What about the Weather?
The climate in Florence is the typical  Mediterranean. Summers, from June through to September, can get very hot ( highs of over 30°C with little rain), while winters tend to be cold (between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius).

Transportation in and around Florence

The closest airport to Florence city centre is the Amerigo Vespucci International Airport which is only a 15-minute drive from the city by taxi. If you are on a budget, buses don't take much longer and run every half hour from the train station . Once you are settled in the city, you'll realise that the best way to get around is by foot, since the city is small enough that it is possible to walk from one end to the other. The other great option is by bike and if you are planning to stay in Florence for a few months, you can easily buy one from one of the many bicycles stores around the city.

If you live outside the city centre, buses are the best way to commute into Florence since parking is limited and quite expensive.

So, are you ready to move to Florence? If you have never moved abroad, the process will be quite overwhelming, and if you have, you know the burden that comes with an international move. So, leave the stress of finding a home out of the equation and simply get ready for one of the best experiences of your life.

Book your Florence home now!