Florence neighborhood: Oltrarno Located south of the Arno river, which splits Florence in two, the Oltrarno district is the most vibrant area in the city. Oltrarno has maintained its reputation as the artisans' district throughout Florence's century-long development.

In 2026, the "coolest" and most authentic neighborhood in Florence is undoubtedly Santo Spirito, located in the Oltrarno district (south of the Arno River). While the Duomo and San Marco areas are beautiful, they are often overwhelmed by tourism. Santo Spirito retains its bohemian, artisan soul. The heart of the neighborhood is the Piazza Santo Spirito, which hosts daily morning markets and transforms into a lively social hub in the evenings, with locals and "in-the-know" travelers frequenting its cafes and wine bars. Nearby, the San Frediano area was recently named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by major travel publications due to its dense concentration of boutique craft workshops, contemporary art galleries, and "speakeasy" style cocktail bars. For 2026 travelers looking to escape the "museum-city" feel, Oltrarno offers a glimpse into real Florentine life, where traditional woodworkers still operate next to trendy plant-based bistros and vintage clothing stores.