Historic center Palace – Huge 4 bedrooms Santa Croce apartment – By LikeHomeFlorence

You know what really hit me about this place? The moment I walked through the entrance on Via dei Benci, I could practically feel the history in those thick stone walls – but somehow it didn’t feel stuffy or museum-like at all. This is one of those rare finds where you get the genuine Florentine palazzo experience without sacrificing modern comfort, and honestly, the four bedrooms make it perfect if you’re traveling with family or friends who actually want to spread out instead of tripping over each other.

The location is just ridiculously good – I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Basilica of Santa Croce (hence the neighborhood name), and the leather market at Sant’Ambrogio is right around the corner if you know where to look. What I love about Via dei Benci is that it feels authentically residential rather than touristy, so you’ll hear actual Florentines chatting from their windows in the morning instead of just tour groups. The street can get a bit lively on weekend evenings – nothing crazy, just that pleasant buzz of locals heading to aperitivo – but the apartment’s windows are solid enough that it never bothered me. Parking is… well, it’s Florence, so forget about driving here, but the Santa Maria Novella train station is walkable, and honestly, once you’re settled in this neighborhood, you won’t want to leave anyway.

The LikeHomeFlorence team really knows what they’re doing – check-in was smooth, and they actually gave me useful tips about which bakery has the best cornetti (hint: it’s not the obvious one on the main street). The apartment itself feels like someone’s elegant aunt decided to rent out her family palazzo, with those gorgeous high ceilings and original details that make you want to Instagram everything, but also proper WiFi and a kitchen that actually works. The 8.9 rating makes total sense because while everything feels authentically historic, you’re not dealing with temperamental plumbing or sketchy electrical situations. I particularly loved how each bedroom has its own character – some with views over the quiet courtyard, others facing the street where you can people-watch. The whole setup just works whether you’re planning elaborate dinners with market ingredients or just need a comfortable base for hitting the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio circuit.