#florence

#florence

I've been searching for a rental apartment for the first time in years, and one thing was immediately clear: the market has changed dramatically. The prices are much higher, options for long-term rentals are very limited, and scams are everywhere. At The Local Italy we've heard from many people who've been stung or had a near miss with scammers preying on people making an international move. We've reported how rental scams have increased in recent years.

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the best decisions of my life for a multitude of reasons-I lived like a true local, ate some of the best meals I've ever had, deepened my appreciation for art and history, learned Italian, and was able to travel to five countries and two continents in just three and a half months. But most importantly, it immersed me in a culture where personal style is second nature, quickly teaching me how to dress in a sophisticated, timeless,

Florence, like many Italian cities, is experiencing a renaissance in terms of hospitality. And it means that some of the most affordable hotels in Florence are also some of the best places to stay. Unlike Milan and Rome, where there has been a five-star luxury boom, this darling Tuscan city has unleashed a wave of smaller, cozy boutique hotels for bedding down that won't break the bank.

The Hoxton's new hotel in Florence offers a tranquil escape close to the city's main attractions, with a peaceful location in the north of the city.

I felt welcome in Florence, and meeting people was easy. In Italy, I was spoiled by the welcoming nature of the Florentines I met. From the start, I was getting approached by locals in bars, overjoyed to speak with an American.

It pays to follow insider advice before you choose where to eat in Florence.

The metal monster is being removed and Florence's dazzling beauty can finally return intact and unviolated. This marks the end of a long-standing blight.

Florence offers an impressive range of hotels providing personalized service, with new luxury openings addressing accommodation needs in a city grappling with over-tourism.

Stendhal syndrome, named after the 19th-century artist, describes the dizziness one experiences when overwhelmed by the beauty of Florence's art and culture.