Find the Best Things to Do in Santa Croce
About Santa Croce
Santa Croce is a very popular area for tourists and florentines. In the piazza there are many typical leather shops which this area famous. There are many concerts, festivals and markets that take place here each year. Nearby the piazza there is the oldest library that has survived the great flood of Florence. The restaurants and bars are continuously packed with people each weekend making it the most visited neighborhood for the nightlife. Hotels are situated in tiny streets surrounding the busy piazza. Borghese Art Palace Hotel is one of the few hotels that exhibit art each month by a famous international artist. Santa Croce, apart from the gorgeous church, this neighborhood is always full of people night and day.
See & Do
A city with as many musuems as Florence it also contains a large historical library. The Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale was created out of the private library of Antonio Magliabechi. His collection was left to the city of Florence in 1714 according to Magliabechi's will saying it was "for the benefit of the city of Florence. The flood of 1966 caused serious damage to the library and to this day there are collections, books and heirlooms still being restored. Santa Croce zone is very popular for the Church of Santa Croce and the many bars and cafe that are surrounding it.
Eat
Florence's neighborhood, Santa Croce, is so busy with many cafes and restaurants that can be find right around the corner from Piazza Santa Croce. Cibreo Ristorante is located close to Mercato Sant' Ambrogio. Cibreo is known for its ever-changing menu that follows the seasons favorites. Their ingredients are held with the utmost respect, never using the fridge too much but enough to keep everything fresh as can be. Now being around for 30 years, Cibreo always gives its patrons an experience that can be had any other restaurant in Florence. Be sure to reserve before arriving.
Party
Herds of people flock to Santa Croce when the sun sets in Florence. The pubs and cafes wake up with loud dance music and many languages spoken around each corner. Moyo is a popular hot spot for the younger generation. They serve delicious hamburgers and unique pasta dishes. Beginning around 7pm there is an aperitivo which lasts until 9pm. The music gets louder and the DJ starts playing his spins. Walking towards Piazza Santa Croce, head towards the stairs of the church. Have a rest on the stairs and people-watch the night away.
Stay
And what is Florence without a hotel with an art exhibit inside it. Borghese Palace Art Hotel is located almost right across from the Bargello Museum. After a renovation in 2005, It took on a whole new look of elegance between modernism and traditional style. Borghese Palace Art Hotel dates back to the 15th century where it was once home to the noble Salviati family. The hotel has a free wellness center, which includes a sauna, Turkish bath and gym with fitness equipment. Body and facial massages are available upon request. There is a terrace on the third floor which one could have a very romantic candlelit dinner overlooking the architecture of Florence. An intimate hotel with great service and amenities in each room. With gorgeous wood floors and comfortable beds with leather headboards. All rooms have free internet access and an LCD TV.
Shop
The most famous thing that Santa Croce is known for is the leather. There are leather shops on every corner and encircle Piazza Santa Croce. The Scuola del Cuoio is located on the backside of the Santa Croce Church. There are leather craftsmen that create gorgeous leather in the Monastery in Santa Croce. It was established after World War II through the collaboration of the Franciscan friars and the Gori and Casini families who are Florentine leather artisans since the 1930s. The Scuola is open to visitors. Visitors can watch how these artisans create leather bags, shoes and coats. A definite and important part of Florence's history takes place here.