Where to Stay in Florence (2024): 6 EPIC Areas & Top Hotels

Ready to follow in the footsteps of geniuses like Da Vinci during this guide on where to stay in Florence? I will forever be in awe of this city, and after visiting it, I want to go back again and again to explore more!

After discovering the city and the surroundings, I can tell you for sure that the area around Florence cathedral and Piazza della Signoria is the best area to stay in town!

That’s where you’ll find the most popular attractions and incredible restaurants and that is where I stayed as well. 

But Florence is a city of many surprises and that’s why I included a total of 6 areas in this post, each with such a unique vibe!

What’s a guide without hotels, right? Rest assured that you’ll find the most incredible hotels in Florence for all budgets! I compared countless options and made sure to add only the very best! 

Read this post because you will find all accommodation options neatly sorted by area AND by price so you can go ahead and book the one that suits your needs the most in just a couple of clicks!

I can tell you from experience that Firenze hotels sell out months in advance! I highly recommend booking in advance your favorite ones! Your holiday is just a couple of clicks away!

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

Here is the list of my top 3 hotels around the Florence cathedral, the best area for first-timers!

• Best luxury hotel: Hotel Bernini Florence Palace
• Best mid-range hotel: Hotel Davanzati
• Best budget hotel: Hotel Dali

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Although small, this city can get a bit confusing! That’s why I made this Florence neighborhoods map so you can visualize all the areas:

Even though Florence is not that big, it’s divided into different neighborhoods and each of them has its own character and vibe. I know that choosing only one of them all is a hard decision, but I hope that my personalized recommendations below will help you with this:

1. Where to stay in Florence for the first time – The Duomo & Piazza Della Signoria or around Uffizzi/Ponte Vecchio 
2. Where to stay on a budget – San Lorenzo and San Marco
3. Best neighborhood for foodies – Oltrarno, Santo Spirito and Santa Croce
4. Top area to stay for families – Santa Maria Novella
5. Where to stay in Florence near the train station – Santa Maria Novella
6. Best area to stay for nightlife – Santa Croce and Oltrarno/Santo Spirito
7. Where to stay for honeymoon/romantic vacation – Santa Croce/ Sant’Ambrogio and Piazzale Michelangelo
8. Best place to stay for a local vibe – Santo Spirito and Santa Croce/Sant’Ambrogio

1. Florence Cathedral & Piazza della Signoria – for first-timers

Set in Florence’s city center, the Cathedral and Piazza della Signoria are like a time capsule that will take you back to the days when the Medici family ruled over Florence and Leonardo Da Vinci was starting his career!

If you want to get in the mood before visiting, definitely watch DaVinci’s Demons, a really cool TV series!

And for sure, give our post a read with the best things to do in Florence! It will help you organize your trip!

Your first stop should for sure be here, in the Old Town, where you can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as Il Duomo di Firenze), Bargello Palace that has some Michelangelo pieces and Palazzo Vecchio (today’s city hall)!

Definitely spend some time in Piazza della Signoria, before visiting Palazzo Vecchio! It’s so vibrant and it’s also home to the famous Neptune Fountain! 

Then you can explore the narrow streets in Centro Storico and check out all the restaurants (try all the Italian food duh)! Il Ricettario is a fab place, which I loved so much, and the food is amazing! 

Luxury (€250 and up)

• Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo – gotta love a hotel with such classy decor and painted Renaissance walls! The accommodation boasts spacious rooms some with views of the Florence Duomo!
• Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy – here’s another great option located in the historical center of the city, near all the main landmarks and events. During your stay, you’ll enjoy a daily breakfast and excellent 5-star service!

Mid-range (€150 to €250 )

• B&B La Dimora Degli Angeli – chic, modern and with such a fabulous atmosphere! This hotel has a flat-screen Tv and it offers breakfast!
• Hotel Davanzati Florence – next in line is another superb accommodation located right near Firenze Duomo and other main sights! The hotel has gorgeous rooms, a bar and they offer an airport shuttle.
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Budget (up to €150)

• Hotel Dali Florence – looking for some great budget hotels in Italy, Florence? Here’s one for you! Nestled right in the heart of this neighborhood, this hotel awaits with an excellent location, a friendly staff and sparkling clean rooms!
• Firenze Mini Suite – a small yet super cozy place that has a great location and everything you need for your holiday, including a kitchen!

2. Near Uffizi Gallery/Ponte Vecchio – where to stay in Florence for one night

You can’t go wrong with an area surrounding the city’s 2 main attractions: Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery (they also call it District 1 sometimes). 

Ponte Vecchio bridge connects the northern part of Florence to the southern one and is divided by Arno river. It’s a fab place for a shopping spree as it’s packed with souvenir shops!

This bridge is so old that they don’t even know when it was built, but some records show it dates back to 1345 (check it out here)!

Fascinating! And just wait until you see Uffizi, an art gallery that is like no other! Here’s a post to help you buy tickets, as it can get a bit confusing! 

About 60% of globally significant artwork is held in Florence, according to UNESCO! And trust me, most of it you’ll find at Uffizi. 

This area is just a 5 min walk away from Duomo and Piazza della Signoria in the Old Town. I know that’s super close and could be considered just 1 area but I wanted to divide it so that you have many more options of staying in Centro Storico! 

On your way to Uffizi, stop at Loggia dei Lanzi, which is basically a free open-air museum with sculptures (perfect initiation for art newbies)! 

There are also lots of restaurants and bars around this area! You’ll find many on Via dei Benci which is a hot nightlife spot!

But if you need some exact suggestions, check my post with the top restaurants in Florence!

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Portrait Firenze – Lungarno Collection – wake up to a stunning view of Ponte Vecchio while staying at one of the best 5-star hotels in Florence that offers an irreproachable service, luxurious, spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, a bar and more!
• Hotel Lungarno – Lungarno Collection – in case you didn’t find the ideal, luxurious place for your Tuscany vacation, this one’s perfect for you! This hotel is decorated with artworks by Cocteau and Picasso and it offers suites with river views.

Mid-range (€120 to €200)

• Firenze Rentals Ponte Vecchio Flat – a great location, near all the main sights in the heart of the city. The rooms are simple but extremely clean, perfect for a good night’s sleep!
• FuordArno Bed & Breakfast – if you want to stay in one of the best neighborhoods in the city and not spend all your budget on accommodation, this lovely B&B is for you! The owners are very friendly and you’ll find everything you need for a pleasant stay.

Budget (up to €120)

• Hotel Cestelli – wondering where to stay on a budget in this central neighborhood? No worries, I got you! This beautiful hotel offers family rooms and a great view!
• Hotel Bavaria Florence – in case you haven’t found the perfect budget hotel in Florence yet, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one! It has rooms with antique furnishings and frescoed walls!

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3. San Lorenzo & San Marco – where to stay in Florence on a budget

Just a bit north of the Centro, the area around Piazza San Marco and San Lorenzo is the best place in the city for those traveling on a tight budget and looking for cheap hotels! It’s just about 10-15 minutes walking to all the main sights depending on where you are going, so I would say it is also pretty central! 

These 2 neighborhoods are very similar, kind of small, and right next to each other – this is why I decided to merge them

Some of the unmissable spots around are the Museo di San Marco and the church with the same name and Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.

Of course we can’t forget about the Accademia Gallery (home to the famous David statue by Michelangelo!) and Basilica di San Lorenzo with the Medici Chapels!

If you’re getting hungry head over to San Lorenzo Market (better known as Mercato Centrale), a covered market, where you can find the most delicious food and wine! I got some delicious truffle products when I went! 

Speaking of wine… You can find some fabulous wine tours in the city; we’ve gathered the most exciting ones in this post with the best wine tours in Florence!

Luxury (€170 and up)

• Atelier Art Hotel Florence – an excellent, luxurious choice in one of the best neighborhoods! Some of the advantages of staying in this artistic accommodation include spacious, beautiful rooms, an on-site gallery, free Wi-Fi, and more!
• Globus Urban Hotel – fabulous food, unique, urban decor, a superb location right in the center of the neighborhood – these are just some of the things this accommodation has to offer! Some of the rooms here offer views of Florence’s most beautiful rooftops!

Mid-range (€100 to €170)

• HomEdo B&B – do you want to visit Florence without spending too much money? No worries, that’s totally doable, especially if you book a room at this property located in San Lorenzo that offers family rooms and a free airport shuttle!
• Palazzo Graziani – with an incredible view of the Duomo from the balconies, people rave about the breakfast here!

Budget (up to €100)

• Hotel Camilla Guelfa – here’s an affordable place to stay in Florence that comes with comfy rooms, equipped with all necessary facilities! Guests will also get a complimentary breakfast.
• Florence Oasis – for those interested in culture and being near all the famous attractions without spending a ton of money – this one’s for you! One of the best things about this place is the delicious Italian breakfast!

4. Oltrarno and Santo Spirito – for foodies

Santo Spirito and Oltrarno are neighboring areas and some of the best places to stay in Florence for foodies who want to try some authentic Tuscan dishes!

Oltrarno literally means “across the Arno” in Italian, which pretty much explains the positioning of this area – right across River Arno.

This neighborhood is calmer than the Duomo area, and one of the safest areas to stay in Florence, Italy! It’s also close to San Frediano, another great place that you should explore.

If you stay here you’ll be close to major attractions like Basilica di Santo Spirito, Palazzo Pitti and its Galleria Palatina which houses art by Raphael, Titian and Rubens! 

The Palace also has an enormous green area called Boboli Gardens, which I absolutely loved exploring! They’re so big you’ll feel like the only person there! Villa Bardini and its garden share the same vibe so I would head there too!

And honestly, don’t miss a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo, at sunset! It’s super romantic and the views are breathtaking. From there you can quickly get to the San Niccolò area (known for its thriving nightlife) and grab a drink!

Since it’s such a big area you’re bound to come across many trattorias, cafes, and shops selling souvenirs (Via Maggio is a total gem for finding antiques)! 

If you’re looking for some fab restaurants here I can totally recommend ‘l Trippaio di San Frediano for their lampredotto, and Trattoria La Casalinga for Ribollita!

Luxury (€160 and up)

• Piazza Pitti Palace – Residenza d’Epoca – everything looks like a Michelangelo painting here! Wake up in paradise and enjoy the views of Palazzo Pitti while sipping your coffee in bed. There’s a delicious breakfast as well!
• Hotel Palazzo Guadagni – feel like royalty in this gorgeous hotel that has rooms with wooden beams and a gorgeous roof garden that overlooks the city!

Mid-range (€100 to €160)

• Toscanelli Residenza d’Epoca – if you want to stay within walking distance of Piazza Santo Spirito, then this place is for you! Book here and you’ll be able to enjoy some comfortable rooms, amazing city views, free WiFi and many other cool facilities!
• Spirit of Florence Boutique Rooms – this property has a great location right in the heart of the Santo Spirito neighborhood! This property offers free WiFi, beautiful furniture, and spacious comfortable rooms!

Budget (up to €100)

• Piccolo Borgo Antico – this place has simple rooms with a flat-screen TV. The accommodation also offers private parking!
• Sun Frediano Suites Florence – this budget bed and breakfast is not far from Piazzale Michelangelo, Strozzi Palace, and Pitti Palace. All the rooms here are simple, bright and very comfortable, perfect for some relaxation after a full day of exploring Florence!

5. Santa Maria Novella – to stay near the train station

Santa Maria Novella is the area where Florence’s main train station (Firenze Station) is located, making it a very convenient area to stay, especially if you don’t have a lot of time in the city! 

This is where I stayed when visiting Florence and it was great! We were just 12 minutes walking away from the Duomo, and the accommodation was pretty affordable.

I also recommend it to people who want to explore other cities in the country! Head over to our page to check out all the incredible spots in Italy that you shouldn’t miss!

My favorite place in this neighborhood has to be the old Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which is considered the world’s oldest pharmacy and is famous for its remedies and perfumes! Today you can still shop for that and many other fab products! 

But you’ll find other types of attractions like the centuries-old Porta al Prato (one of the city gates) and the Fortezza da Basso, an ancient fortress that in true-Florence style has also a garden!

This area is divided into 2 different parts – the half closer to the train station, which is vivid and a bit noisy at times, and the half that’s slightly further away, a beautiful residential area.

Luxury (€200 and up)

• J.K. Place Firenze – here’s a superb choice for a luxurious stay in Santa Maria Novella! This 5-star property has a convenient location in Florence and it offers a rooftop terrace, an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and gorgeous rooms!
• Casa G. Firenze – elegant, with vintage aesthetics and stylish furnishings! You can’t miss this place which has a great location and offers room service. 

Mid-range (€130 to €200)

• c-hotels Ambasciatori – wake up to a stunning view of the city at this modern hotel that has rooms with a balcony or with a hydromassage bath and wellness kit!
• B&b Kingsman – this one’s a great choice if you want some convenience and easy access to day trips with proximity to the train station. This cozy B&B offers a delicious daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Budget (up to €130)

• Novella House – such a gorgeous place near the train station, with beautifully-decorated rooms, that offer so much space and have frescoed ceilings! You can’t miss out on this one!
• Lucretia House – here’s another great choice for any traveler who wants an affordable place in Santa Maria Novella. This is a tasteful guest house with bright, clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, free toiletries, and friendly staff.

6. Santa Croce & Sant’Ambrogio – where to stay for nightlife

We’re wrapping up with these 2 amazing areas, which are right next to each other! Sharing the same vibe (especially at night when the pubs are full of people), these areas have a more local feel! 

Piazza Santa Croce is truly beautiful, and it hosts tons of amazing artisan shops, trattorias, charming cafes, bars, and, of course, Basilica di Santa Croce where you’ll find the tombs of famous Florentines like Michelangelo and Galileo! 

Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio are more authentic and charming than other parts of this city, and both have a real Italian vibe while being very close to the city center and its main attractions. Plus, there are fewer tourists there!

If you’re looking for a place to stay where you can go out and have a drink, then these places are definitely for you! Empire Rooftop is a great place to start the night! 

Head to Piazza dei Ciompi where the amazing morning flea market, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, takes place! This market was first opened in the 1800s and it’s still going strong!

And if you’re a sports fan hoping to catch a game, not too far from Sant’Ambrogio you’ll find the Artemio Franchi Stadium, which hosts lots of football events! 

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Canto degli Aranci – I can definitely recommend this upscale, beautiful accommodation if you want to be walking distance from Piazza Santa Croce and plenty of nightlife options! The rooms at this bed and breakfast are bright and the beds are comfortable.
• Baglioni Relais Santa Croce – this awesome 5-star accommodation is set in a historic building and offers rooms with a balcony, with incredible city views and a complimentary breakfast!

Mid-range (€140 to €200)

• B&B La Casa dei Tintori – looking for a great B&B that comes with affordable prices? This one’s for you! It comes with family rooms and a complimentary breakfast!
• Benci House – just steps from Palazzo Vecchio, you’ll love this hotel with a garden! The rooms are truly beautiful, and you get free Ortigia toiletries!

Budget (up to €140)

• Big & Bright Apartment – if you’re planning on staying in Tuscany on a budget, then you need an affordable place that will save you some pennies! This beautiful, fully-furnished apartment is perfect to explore Florence without a car!
• Visit Florentia Apartment – one of the best budget accommodations in Florence. Modern rooms, friendly staff, and great location amidst many good bars and restaurants!

Best apartments in Florence

In case you want a true taste of an Italian home or if you prefer privacy during your travels, then you might be thinking about staying in an apartment in Florence instead of a hotel! 

This is also a great idea if you want to save some money or if you’re traveling in a bigger group – there’s an apartment here for every need!

Luxury (€150 and up)

• Secret Luxury Suite – “Somewhere in Santo Spirito” – a great choice for those looking for a spoiled stay in Santo Spirito near the center of the city. The decor is superb, and the reviews are flawless!

Mid-range (€100 to €150)

• Giulia House – are you a traveler who wants to live like a local in central Florence? This property is beautiful AND convenient! The place is very bright and cozy, and it has a very good location, right near Piazza del Duomo di Firenze!

Budget (up to €100)

• Visit Florentia Apartment – here’s a great studio apartment that comes with a small kitchenette where you can cook for yourself, a lot of space, and a flat-screen TV!

👑 Luxury price:	€250
💵 Mid-range:	€150
🛏️ Budget:	€100
📍 Best area:	Duomo & Piazza Della Signoria
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Hotel Bernini Florence Palace
💵 Mid-range hotel:	Hotel Alessandra Florence
👛 Best budget hotel:	Hotel Dali

BONUS 1: Best hotels near Florence Airport

Florence International Airport, Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) is the second busiest airport in Tuscany (after Pisa), and it’s located 10 km (6 mi) from the center, just a 20-minute drive.

Although the distance is not that big, staying as close as possible to the airport could save you a lot of precious time and sleep in case you have an early flight.

Here are the best Florence, Italy airport hotels that I ordered from most to least expensive: 

• Italian Experience – this is a great place with space for 4, a balcony, and an airport shuttle for an easy journey!
• ApartHotel Quadra Key – a great mid-range apartment for 2, just a 10-min drive from the airport! The accommodation offers rooms with balconies and a flat screen TV.
• B & B Eliana – traveling on a budget? No worries, this cute property for 2 has some very good prices and it also offers an airport shuttle.

BONUS 2: Best places to stay in Florence Hills 

I know there will be many of you who’ll want to explore Florence’s countryside and probably rent a car to visit other areas in Tuscany as well! 

Then I would highly recommend staying in the Florence Hills area, most precisely in the Fiesole area which has the best hotels in the hills! There you’ll be surrounded by the classical Tuscan charm and you’ll never want to leave!

NOTE: If you want to head to the Old Town by car, make sure you check for parking spaces nearby the area as you’re not allowed to drive inside it. Here’s a website that has various spots.

Now let’s check out the hotels:

• Luxury: Pensione Bencistà – Housed in a 14th century villa this gorgeous place offers rooms with antique furnishings and breathtaking views, a restaurant and a garden.
• Mid-range: Casa Vacanze Ada – A cozy holiday home in Fiesole that has a fully-equipped kitchen and an outdoor pool.
• Budget: Camping Village Panoramico Fiesole – This cool campsite is great for nature lovers and it offers different cottages with private bathrooms!

FAQs about where to stay in Florence

Conclusion

Oh, what a dream this place is! I hope that this guide on where to stay in Florence will help you plan your trip!

Please note that it’s important to book your hotels in advance! When I was visiting and securing my spot many of the good ones were sold out! 

Picking just one place is a daunting thought, so if you need a bit of help, just check my 2 favorite places below:

• Hotel Bernini Florence Palace – such an incredible place with a gorgeous decor, stylish rooms and a restaurant
• Hotel Alessandra Florence – set near the Uffizi Gallery this hotel comes with family room and a terrace

There you have it, the best of the best!

I had so much fun reminiscing about my own trip in Florence and giving you tips! If you still have any questions, just drop them below and I’ll answer as soon as I can!

Happy travels,

Victoria

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