Ah, Florence. Its architectural masterpieces and timeless beauty never fail to impress even the most seasoned traveller. Whether you’re holidaying with friends and family or setting off on a romantic getaway, what better way to take in Florence’s jaw-dropping panoramas than from your own private balcony? Take a look at our very best Airbnb alternatives in Florence with a balcony, selected by our travel experts at Plum Guide.
A Window On Florence
A Window On Florence, Plum Guide home in Florence
As soon as you step foot in this apartment, your eyes will be drawn to the incredible vistas of the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the River Arno. Put the bags down, pour yourself a glass of wine and step onto the curved balcony for a closer look. You’ll also get interesting street views from the kitchen, making it the ideal spot for people-watching at breakfast. Seemingly within touching distance, the Ponte Vecchio is just a thirty-second walk from your front door, while the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti are both reachable in four minutes. After taking in Florence’s top sights, come home and tuck into a pizza dinner at the living room’s dining table, the city lights twinkling outside your window. While the stylish interiors have plenty of space for six guests, with two sleeping on the sofa, we’d recommend this home for a group of four.
Alberata Selva
Alberata Selva, Plum Guide home in Florence
As the home of an architect, this apartment certainly delivers on the design front. Both contemporary and classic, the use of wood and tiles, as well as glass and marble, blend together to create a delightful space to unwind. Catch up with your guests in the corner lounge or head up to the mezzanine level to start that holiday read. When it gets to meal time, tuck into big feasts at the dining room table where the decorative ceiling and period artwork will make you feel like 18th-century nobility. The bedrooms are also fit for royalty with their ornate wooden headboards and soft drapes framing the large windows. The outside is just as impressive, where you’ll find a flower-filled balcony on the rooftop with views of the Palazzo Pitti. Many of the city’s attractions on this side of the river are a couple minutes walk away, while the Duomo is reachable in fifteen.
Top Lyric
Top Lyric, Plum Guide home in Florence
It can be tricky to find city centre apartments that accommodate large groups, which is why this five-bedroom apartment is a real gem. Step into the beautiful interiors and you’ll see why it’s one of the best Airbnb alternatives in Florence with a balcony. Everything feels elevated, from the well-equipped kitchen to the grey furniture against a backdrop of period features like exposed brickwork, terracotta floors and wooden beams. Add in the potted plants and soft furnishings, and you won’t find anywhere cosier to come home to after exploring the city. It’s great for families too, as there’s a play area for little ones and older kids can play board games in the lounge. Meals are best served on the balcony alongside stunning views of the San Lorenzo Basilica, but if it’s too cold, then the spacious dining room is a great backup.
Astride the Arno
Astride the Arno, Plum Guide home in Florence, Italy
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better view than the one from this apartment. Right above the River Arno, you’ll get to admire Ponte Vecchio in all its glory from the comfort of your balcony. Whether it’s morning espressos or evening Negronis, this is the perfect place for a drink. If you can tear yourself away, the elegant interiors are also worthy of admiration. You can tell that thought has been put into the design, making it feel more like someone’s home rather than a rental. With plush sofas, warm lighting and parquet floors, you’ll feel immediately relaxed after a day out and about. There’s ample space for four guests, with a galley kitchen for prepping meals and a cosy dining area – but with excellent restaurants on your doorstep, we doubt you’ll be doing much cooking.
Grand Lyric
Grand Lyric, Plum Guide home in Florence
Located in the San Lorenzo area, this home is just a stone’s throw from the Duomo and is a fantastic base for sightseeing. Sleeping up to eight people, there’s room for big families and groups of friends to socialise, whether you’re watching TV in the lounge or playing board games at the dining table. You may have to take turns to sit out on the balcony, though – while it’s not the largest, we can forgive that as the views of the Cappelle Medicee’s dome are unrivalled. While the kitchen is a decent size, there are a whole slew of eateries on your doorstep. Take an eleven-minute stroll to All’Antico Vinaio for some of the best sandwiches you’ve ever had. Stomach full, head back home for bed – there are three double bedrooms, while two people will be on the twin beds up on the mezzanine level.
Across the Arno
Across the Arno, Plum Guide home in Florence
With its stylish furniture and tasteful decor, this is one of the more fashionable Airbnb alternatives in Florence with a balcony. The expansive open-plan living area has ample room for four guests, made to feel even bigger thanks to the natural light streaming in through the large windows. What we love the most though, is what you see when you look outside. Facing the river and the historic monuments beyond it, this penthouse apartment has views to rival the nearby Piazzale Michelangelo. The sunny terrace is the best spot to soak it all in, but the lounge also provides some wonderful vistas. If you can’t bear to tear yourself away from the window, make the most of the home’s VIP services and hire a private chef to cook you and your guests a traditional Italian meal – with that backdrop, it’ll rival any top restaurant.
Cosmic Chord
Cosmic Chord, Plum Guide home in Florence
How often do you get to say you’ve stayed in a 12th-century tower house? Located on the third floor, this home is worth the eighty-two steps up (there’s no lift in the building). But once you lay eyes on those vistas, you’ll soon forget your burning quads. Looking out at the historic buildings across the River Arno, the balcony is a welcome place to catch your breath over a chilled glass of wine. After those steps, we don’t think you’ll be in any hurry to head back out. Instead, take the time to get to know the home – prepare a snack in the sleek kitchen, read a book on the sofa or take a quick nap in the beautiful bedroom. When you’re finally ready to go out, you’ll find Oltrarno’s boutiques, trendy eateries and galleries right outside your door.
The Celestina
The Celestina, Plum Guide home in Florence
Being such a world-famous destination, there’s never really a time when Florence doesn’t see tourists. If you’re after somewhere to escape the crowds, this home is just the ticket. Located in the historic San Marco neighbourhood, this apartment is an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. Its brick ceiling creates a cosy and welcoming feel, while the whitewashed walls exude a sense of calm. There’s a kitchen for preparing light meals and a small lounge for relaxing, but we think you’ll want to spend most of your time out on the balcony, reading or sipping Aperol Spritz in the sunshine. You’ll still be within easy distance of iconic sights, but there are plenty of neighbourhood gems to see too, such as the San Marco Museum with its paintings, frescoes and ancient manuscripts.
Duomo Reflection
Duomo Reflection, Plum Guide home in Florence
Couples looking for Airbnb alternatives in Florence with a balcony should get ready to fall in love all over again at this charming one-bedroom home. Housed in a former palace that was once home to painter Jacopo Chimenti’s studio, each room exudes elegance, from the marble bathroom to the main bedroom with its four-poster bed. Our favourite spot, however, is the dining table in the lounge that looks out at the Duomo. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll never tire of this view. Upstairs is a second lounge, which doubles as a bedroom for extra guests, but we prefer it as a snug for movie nights. It leads out onto a balcony where you can sip a morning cappuccino while you watch the city come to life and decide on your plans for the day. Where shall you visit first? The Duomo is a four-minute walk, while the Accademia Gallery is a couple minutes more.
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