Discover Florence, Italy at These Airbnb Alternatives Near the Duomo
Enjoy unrivalled views of Florence’s Renaissance cathedral from these exquisite homes
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Standing tall above the city, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the symbol of Florence. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, its spectacular Renaissance dome is an architectural masterpiece visible for miles. Florence is one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations, so while you’re here, you may as well treat yourself to a stay that puts you within touching distance of the city’s landmarks. There are few experiences better than waking up to views of the cathedral, and our travel experts at Plum Guide know it. We’ve selected the finest Airbnb alternatives in Florence, Italy near the Duomo. That way, you can be within a five-minute walk from the cathedral and the city’s other attractions.
Rolling Lyric
Rolling Lyric, Plum Guide home in Florence
If you’re looking for the perfect base for sightseeing, look no further than this apartment. Mere steps away from the Baptistry, the Duomo and San Lorenzo’s Basilica, you can be out of the door and exploring Florence’s attractions in no time. We love the rustic details of this home, from the wooden beams to the exposed bricks. Downstairs, the airy open-plan kitchen and living space is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a home-cooked meal (although if you’re in Florence, you’ll probably be more tempted to eat out). On the mezzanine level is the bedroom – with the home’s position on the fourth floor, you can wake up to splendid views of the city’s historic buildings.
Grand Lyric
Grand Lyric, Plum Guide home in Florence
Looking for something that’s on the larger side? Sleeping up to eight people comfortably, this four-bedroom home is ideal for big families or groups of friends. There’s plenty of space in the lounge for gathering around the TV or playing board games around the dining table. If you need a break from the group, the balcony is a lovely spot to read a book and enjoy a moment of peace. You can even admire the dome of the Cappelle Medicee or the Medici Chapels from here. What we love most about the home, though, is the location – it couldn’t get any more central, with all of Florence’s magnificent buildings (including the Duomo) right on your doorstep.
The Chinese Cabinet
The Chinese Cabinet, Plum Guide home in Florence
When it comes to Airbnb alternatives in Florence, Italy near the Duomo, this one’s pretty tough to beat. You’re literally a few steps away from the city’s iconic landmark – in fact, you can get an up-close view of it (as well as the Baptistery of St. John) from the home’s windows. We love the artsy feel of the place, with the lounge area reminiscent of an antique store with its Chinese cabinet, old paintings and green velvet sofas. The bedrooms are comfy, and should you place dibs on the main bedroom, you’ll have front-row views of the streets coming to life each morning.
Sixth Sense
Sixth Sense, Plum Guide home in Florence
Set in a 15th-century building, this elegant home will give you a taste of how noble Florentine families once lived. With high ceilings and large windows, the rooms are flooded with natural light. Expect to find opulent furnishings in regal shades of teal and gold, marble bathrooms and fresco ceilings. Those who’ve bagged the main bedroom will be treated to a sumptuous four-poster bed complete with drapes. It’s tempting to spend your whole holiday lounging around, but it would be a shame not to step outside – with the Basilica di San Lorenzo and Riccardi Medici Palace just across the street, and the Duomo only a five-minute walk away, how could you not explore?
Duomo Dream
Duomo Dream, Plum Guide home in Florence
With views of the Duomo’s majestic dome, the sunny roof terrace is our favourite spot in this home. You’ll want to spend mornings and evenings out here, starting the day with an espresso and ending the night with a digestif. The terrace is connected to a third bedroom which can also be used as another sitting room – its light-filled space makes a good spot for reading. The home is a blend of old and new, where you have modern features like a high-spec kitchen as well as period features such as beamed ceilings and exposed brickwork. When you’re ready to see the city, the Duomo is a mere three-minute stroll away, while other attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio are just a couple more minutes away.
Bell Tower
Bell Tower, Plum Guide home in Florence
Just 50 metres away from the Duomo, it’s hard to find a better location than this apartment. With three bedrooms, it’s ideal for a family or a group of friends who want to be centrally located. As well as the Duomo, you’ll find that the Piazza della Signoria and Strozzi Palace are a five-minute walk away, while the Uffizi Gallery is reachable in under ten. After a long day of immersing yourself in art, culture and history, the home is a calming place to unwind thanks to its minimalist interiors and neutral colour scheme. There’s even a well-equipped kitchen should you feel like whipping up a quick meal – if not, there’s a wealth of ristorantes and osterias in the neighbourhood.
Piazza & Palazzo
Piazza & Palazzo, Plum Guide home in Florence
With its enviable position in Piazza della Signoria, this home is one of Italy's best Airbnb alternatives in Florence near the Duomo. Set on the top floor, you'll have unbeatable views of the Palazzo Vecchio and the square below. But don't let the vistas distract you from the home's interiors – with pops of red, purple and pink, there's a distinct romantic feel to it. Imagine waking up next to your loved one before opening up the curtains and setting eyes on Florence's beautiful buildings – it's impossible not to fall in love here. When it's time to venture out, you'll be right in the heart of the action with the city's top attractions, including the famous Duomo, just a few minutes away on foot.
John’s Dome
John's Dome, Plum Guide home in Florence
Those of you travelling to Florence for its culinary delights will love this home right opposite Mercato Centrale, the city's beloved food market. Pop across to the street to pick up local delicacies like cheese, meats and wine (from a Chianti winery, obviously), before enjoying a feast on the terrace – there are two to choose from. The views are unrivalled, and you can gaze out at the Duomo and the dome of the Cappelle Medicee. If you fancy flexing your cooking skills, there's also a fully-equipped kitchen where you can recreate your favourite Italian dishes. But it's not just the fire engine red kitchen that we love – the Juliet balcony in the main bedroom is the perfect spot for people-watching.
La Signorina
La Signorina, Plum Guide home in Florence
Just a four-minute walk from the Duomo, this sleek apartment is a great choice for those seeking something with a laid-back feel. With its glossy floors, contemporary furnishings and warm lighting, the home is an inviting space to relax in after a busy day of discovering Florence’s finest attractions – Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and Strozzi Palace are all within a five-minute walk. Gather around the dining table for a home-cooked meal, or sip on a glass of wine while you review your favourite parts of the day. The downstairs bedroom is fit for royalty with its chandelier and silver drapes, while the mezzanine bedroom has a more rustic, cosy feel.
Artist’s Abode
Artist's Abode, Plum Guide home in Florence
This charming, art-filled home is one of our favourites on our list of Airbnb alternatives in Florence, Italy near the Duomo. In fact, we can't think of anywhere more fitting to stay during a visit to the epicentre of Renaissance art. Filled with artwork, potted plants and vintage furniture, the apartment has a friendly, bohemian atmosphere. While the high ceilings and large windows let in plenty of light, the balcony is the best place to breathe in the fresh air. Both bedrooms offer tons of space to relax or work, although, with all these exciting experiences on your doorstep, you won't really want to get your laptop out. The bedrooms have completely different vibes – whether you're into bright pops of colour or more muted tones, we love that guests are given a choice between the two.
Una Vista Privata
Una Vista Privata, Plum Guide home in Florence
Don’t want swarms of tourists ruining your views of the Duomo? You don’t have to get up early to beat the crowds – in fact, you can stay in bed as long as you like, enjoying a private viewing of the Duomo from the comfort of your home. Just five minutes away on foot, the landmark is so close you can almost touch it. With two bedrooms, this home is just the right size for a group of friends or a small family keen to enjoy all of Florence's experiences. The communal courtyard is best for alfresco breakfasts while you go over plans for the day, whether that’s visiting a winery or discovering the city’s art galleries. Meanwhile, the lounge and inside dining area are great spots for catching up at the end of the day – on those balmy summer evenings, throw open the double doors to let the fresh air in.
