Marble & Borgo

Tucked into a quiet pedestrian street in Borgo la Croce, this apartment occupies a building dating to 1830 – wooden beams and original period details give it a sense of history that most Florentine rentals can only gesture at. Inside, the split-level layout adds character, with a mezzanine reading nook perched above the main living area. Santa Croce is an eight-minute walk, Piazza della Signoria fourteen, and the Uffizi not far beyond – meaning the city's great set pieces are on foot from the door, without the tourist-district noise when you return home.

Home truths:
* There's no lift here. You'll need to be able to climb stairs to reach the entrance of the home.
* The second bedroom has a sofa bed rather than a fixed bed, and one reviewer found it on the firm side – worth bearing in mind if you're booking for four adults expecting equal sleeping comfort.
* Wi-fi is strongest in the kitchen and living area – it can be weak in the bedrooms, so factor that in if you plan to work remotely or stream from bed.
* This host collects tourist tax separately from your booking payment. 7 days before check-in, your host will send you a link to pay the tax.