I think you have a good feel for it. It attracts the normal crowds of students, riff-raff, transients, and idlers that one might expect around the transportation centers, but this is Italy, not Detroit. The street vendors can be a nuisance, but you simply ignore them and walk on. I would guess that a single guy who minds his own business and is not looking for trouble should do just fine. Personally, I would not hesitate to walk in the area at night if I needed to get back to my hotel.

I waited for a taxi right outside the station one time around 10pm. There were about 10 people in line and not too many taxis so it took about 15 minutes. Anyway, one guy walked by real quick and handed something with his palm closed to another guy in line and was then gone in a flash. I don't want to speculate what kind of deal it was. The key was they still minded their own business so I never felt unsafe, especially with 10 other people waiting.

I am staying in Florence right now and I wouldn't recommend it. Being single male, 20 somethings doesn't meant anything when somebody decided to rob you (especially when they see that you are alone).

The real question is why are you choosing to stay there knowing that it is a shady area. Even if no physical harm come to you, think of the headaches if somebody took your passport, credit cards, money, etc.. If it is about budget, I would say that it is worth it to spend a few more bucks and stay at a safer area than chancing it abroad. There are plenty of B&B around the Duomo that offers decent rates ... Good luck and stay safe ..

I was really surprised to read these comments regarding the safety around the Florence train station. I regularly visit Florence on business alone -I am female - and have NEVER felt unsafe around the station either during the day or night.

In fact, after a long working day, I have often in the evening decided to have dinner at the cafeteria inside the station due to the fresh foods and fruits and salads available at reasonable prices, so have been there in the dark many times and then walked back alone to my hotel about 10 minutes away.

I return to Florence in January, again alone and on business, and have chosen a hotel even closer to the train station. By the way, it isn't cheap, so staying close to station does not mean cheap.

Relax and enjoy Florence, you will be fine.