I chose Via dei Bardi because it offers the best of Florence in one place: history on your doorstep, quiet evenings, and everything within a short walk. Set along the Arno in the Oltrarno district, the street feels authentically Florentine. You are moments from the Ponte Vecchio, close to Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, and just across the river from the Uffizi and the Duomo.
What I enjoy most is the daily rhythm here. Mornings begin with river walks, church bells, and a quick espresso at a family-run café. During the day you can browse artisan workshops, small galleries, and neighborhood food markets, then slip back to a calm street for a rest. Evenings bring excellent trattorie and wine bars, lively yet relaxed, with the added benefit of returning to a peaceful home base.
The area is highly walkable and well connected by public transport and taxis, which makes arrival and day trips straightforward. If you are driving, there are several secure garages nearby. Above all, this neighborhood lets guests experience real Florence, close to the landmarks yet grounded in local life.