Where to stay in Florence will depend on your preferences, budget, and the type of experience. Florence is a relatively compact city with an intact historic center, making it easy to explore on foot. In this article, we want to explore the best places to stay in Florence, Italy, to make sure you have a memorable time in this captivating city.
Best Cities in Italy For Your Next European Visit
Historic Center
A maze of medieval streets filled with Italian charm. The Florence Cathedral and Il Duomo take center stage, creating a Renaissance gem of a cityscape. The Uffizi Gallery houses priceless art, and Ponte Vecchio’s jewelry shops add allure. Plus, Piazza della Signoria boasts the iconic David and Neptune Fountain, just like an outdoor museum. The Historic Center hums with markets, performers, and enticing aromas. This lively hub captures Florence’s timeless essence, where art, architecture, and emotions come together. In general, you can easily discover hidden gems in trattorias, workshops, and historic places that mix the past with today’s life.
✅ Ideal for new visitors who want to stay in the city center near the main attractions, the city overall is very walkable.
❌ Think twice if you do not like crowded and noisy places, in that case, it might be a good idea to avoid this area. Also, in the historic center, things can cost more - hotels, restaurants, and shops there are pricier than in less touristy places.
Where to stay in the Historic Center
- Hotel Medici (very affordable with excellent Il Duomo views)
- Hotel Palazzo Guadagni (centrally located, mid-range beautiful property)
- Hotel Lungarno (perfect location, luxurious and intimate hotel)
Oltrarno
The area across the Arno River has a relaxed and artisanal vibe. The streets on this side of town, filled with the charm of local workshops, are a unique escape from the busy crowds. Walk through its narrow lanes, find hidden gems, and enjoy a laid-back experience. In addition, the area has lots of options, sort of a blend of the best upscale and affordable places to stay in Florence, Italy. Feel free to explore the artisan boutiques or sip espresso in a cozy cafe, it ensures a nice stay away from the usual tourist spots. Or simply put, soak up the city’s vibe in this lively district where local life and art seamlessly come together.
✅ Ideal for being close to the historical center, its squares and churches, artisan workshops, and galleries, yet with a more peaceful vibe.
✅ A variety of fancy and budget-friendly places to stay.
❌ If you want a lively nightlife, you might need to go to the city center.
Where to stay in Oltrarno
- “il Pitti” Soggiorno (down the street from Ponte Vecchio, good location and very easy to find)
- Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio (pet-friendly hotel with rooftop terrace connected to a shopping center in Florence)
Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is close to the main train station, which makes it a convenient and central place to stay. Being right in the heart makes it easy to explore the city and nearby areas. As well as being a practical base for visitors coming or going. The area around Santa Maria Novella Church has a variety of hotels and Airbnb, catering to different budgets. Indeed, with so many options, it’s one of the best places to stay in Florence and Italy for some time. Whether you’re there for its historical landmarks or on day trips, this area pleasantly blends practicality and comfort.
✅ Close to the train station, handy for train travelers.
✅ Ideal for exploration as there are many shops, markets, and restaurants around, and the main attractions are within walking distance.
Where to stay in Santa Maria Novella
- Hotel Ambasciatori (great location, cleanliness, value for money, steps away from the train station)
- Grand Hotel Minerva (beautiful hotel with unmatched location amazing city views, and nice staff)
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is a district alive with local energy, one of the best places to stay in Florence, Italy. Home to the vibrant San Lorenzo Market and the Medici Chapels, this area ensures an authentic Italian experience. The heart of the district is in Piazza San Lorenzo, where the Basilica di San Lorenzo has stood tall over time. Despite being the main cathedral for about three centuries, its facade remains unfinished, making it one of the most unique churches.
In general, in San Lorenzo, you get a mix of authenticity and accessibility, perfect for those who want a blend of culture, cuisine, and the real Florentine spirit. For that, wander through narrow streets filled with shops, restaurants, and a mix of cheap to mid-range places to stay.
✅ Ideal for staying right at the center and an easy walk to both the Duomo and the train station.
✅ Has options for both budget and fair-priced stays.
❌ It can get busy with tourists, especially in peak seasons. This can cause noise, higher prices, traffic jams, and parking problems.
Where to stay in San Lorenzo
- Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo (authentic decor, full of history, actually it was part of one of the Medici family palaces)
- San Firenze Suites & Spa (close to many attractions, fantastic hotel facilities, with clean and comfy rooms, and a very professional staff)
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is one of the few areas in Florence that has preserved its historical heritage. East of the city center and along the Arno River, it is a nice area filled with local flavors and lots of options for shopping and relaxation. For instance, there are many eateries, bars, and shops, which overall create an attractive ambiance. At its core, Piazza Santa Croce was originally designed to gather crowds listening to Franciscan friars’ sermons. It’s famous not only for Giotto’s frescoes and Canova’s sculptures, but also for being the burial site of Michelangelo, Galilei, and others. The nearby basilica is equally important, as it is the world’s biggest Franciscan church and a key attraction linked with Italy’s patron saint, St Francis of Assisi.
Without a doubt, Santa Croce captures the rich history of art and faith in Western culture.
✅ Ideal for those seeking a genuine Florentine experience, a blend of culture, casual elegance, and a touch of everyday life.
❌ It can get loud at night, it has lots of restaurants, bars, and live music spots that stay open all night long.
Where to stay in Santa Croce
- Hotel Monna Lisa (great old world charm, centrally located)
- Hotel Croce Di Malta (excellent location, attentive staff, superb rooms, exceptional breakfast options)