Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Districts and Hotels

If there’s one city after Rome, that you want to visit, it’s Florence. This beautiful City, located in northern Italy in the Tuscany area is not only full of historical sightseeing, but it’s the city of food and wine. In our guide about “where to stay in Florence”, we’ll show you the best areas to stay in Florence Italy.

Also as frequent travelers to Florence, we’ll also show you our favorite hotels in Florence, from Luxury to Affordable. We’ll also talk about where to stay in Florence as a first-timer, so that you can just walk around the historical downtown. So let’s dive in!

Note: We’re travel photographers and love to take photos. All the photos in this post are taken by us and we only suggest hotels and tours, we’ve tried ourselves!

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Where to Stay In Florence

Booking Hotels in Florence can be very challagning. I still remember the first time we wanted to book a hotel, we spend almost 2 days, searching for a normal HTOEL! Yes, the city is old and the structure of the city is so historical that doesn’t allow many hotels.

That’s why you’ll find many AirB&B Stays in Florence or kind of smaller hotels without a star, which are fantastic, but as a first-timer you don’t know that. Also not everyone might have the budget to stay in a 5 star hotel close to Duomo, but don’t worry we also have the budget option with the best view covered.

Note: If you’re heading to Florence, also check our guide for the best 20 restaurants in Florence, so that you won’t miss the best of Tuscany cuisine.

Where to Stay in Florence as a First-Timer

As a first-timer, you want to visit the historic part of Florence and there are 3 main areas, we suggest you to stay:

• The Best area to stay as a first-timer is close to Duomo at Piazza della Signoria, which is the heart of Florence and it’s historical city.
• Our next favortie for new visitors is Santa Maria Novella which is very convenient if you want to take the train to other parts of Italy. Also we love this area for it’s night life and retaurants.
• We also recommend Santa Croce which is also just a short walk from Duomo (10 minutes) and is beautiful and full of bars and restaurants.  

Cheat Sheet for Best Areas & Hotels in Florence

Short on time? No problem. Here is a quick guide for the best hotels and areas to stay in Florence!

where to Stay in Florence as a first-timer

The Historic Centre (Duomo or Piazza Della Signoria), Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce or San Lorenzo are the best areas to stay and walk around.

Best Hotels in Florence

• Luxury Hotels: Hotel Lungarno with Arno river View & Hotel Bernini Palace (affordable Luxury)
• Mid-Range Hotels: La Maison du Sage, Hotel Silla with a great location, Hotel Croce Di Malta (with Pool)

Best tours in Florence (early booking recommended)

• Skip-the-line ticket for Duomo: book early
• A Day Tour for Tuscany, Food and wine tour
• Guided tour of the Uffizi Galleries (small group tour)
• Day Trip to Pisa and Siena with Lunch: if you stay longer

Before we Start, let’s answer the most common question about visiting Florence:

Is Florence really worth visiting? 

YESSSSS! And it’s a must-visit city in Italy. Believe it or not, this is the first city I would choose to visit in Italy even before Rome. We love Florence and it’s not only because of it’s history, but also for the food. We also find it less touristy than Venice or Rome. So without a doubt Florence should be on your Italy Bucket list.

Also Duomo will surprise you in every aspect and will stay longer in your memories. A tip from us: if you have time, take a tour to the wineries and food sceneries of Tuscany region. It’s a fantastic experience, specially for the wine lovers, couples and even solo travelers.

Here you can find our tour recommendation for a day-trip to Tuscany region. Now Let’s dive in!

Where to Stay in Florence: Best Neighborhoods

Well! we stayed in almost all the areas in Florence, even further outside. The good thing about this city, is that the historical part is small and very good walkable, so no matter which part you stay, you can easily walk around.

Tip: Although Arno river is very beautiful and specially at night, is so romantic to walk along the river, but the view of Duomo is something very unique. So we recommend the first-timers to stay in an area to have the view of the historical city rather than the river.

1. The Historic Center (Centro Storico)

Like any other European city, the historical part is the best place to stay. Because you’re close to all the must-visit attractions in Florence. And as you can imagine the hotels in this area are a bit pricier than the other parts of Florence.

We found some affordable or let’s say budget-friendly options in this area as well and we’ll share them with you. Duomo is the heart of Florence and no matter how many times we visit, you want to be close to Duomo.

But you should know that this area is a bit loud at night. Also during summer, almost every night is an event. So if you’re not into crowded areas, this is not the right place for you. But it’s lively and just steps away from Duomo or Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio.

Pro Tip: Florence downtown is very good walkable. So if you can easily stay in other areas and just walk 15-20 minutes to the Centro Storico. Of course if your budget allows, nothing can beat the view of a hotel right in front of

Pros and Cons of Staying in Centro Storico in Florence

Pros

• Just steps away from the main attractions in Florence.
• Within the shopping are of Florence with luxury boutiques and brands.
• You can have the scenic views from your hotel to Duomo.
• It has a special historical flair, which is unique for Florence.

Cons

• It can be loud and very touristy, specially at night, there’s always an event or program.
• Hotels are pricier than the other parts of Florence, but you can also find affordable ones.
• Also it has limited car access as some of the hotels are located in restricted traffic zones.

Our Favorite Hotels near Duomo Florence (in Centro Storico)

• Luxury: Hotel Portrait Firenze offers a beautiful view of the Ponte Vecchio and Arno River. We really enjoyed our stay and the rooms are spacious with full entertainment. Also Duomo is only 5 minutes walk from the hotel. We suggest the Superior Suite with river view and it sells out fast. Check the availability and prices here.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Rocco Forte Savoy is basically located between Duomo (Florence Cathedral) and Uffizi Gallery. They newly renovated the rooms and we stayed there this summer. Rooms are beautiful and I loved the yoga studio. Check the details here.
• Affordable: Hotel Duomo Firenze is exactly on the cathedral square and you can just open your window or the curtains to see the icon of Florence. Our favorite room is the Superior Double room with View. Check the availability here!

If you’re heading to Rome, check our guides for Your Ultimate Rome itinerary, Where to Stay and the best day Trips. As a fist-timer, Rome can be overwhelming, so make sure you won’t miss anything.

2. Santa Maria Novella

We love to stay in Santa Maria Novella, as it’s very convenient for day-trips and is a bit away from the core downtown. Also it’s just 15 minutes walk to the cathedral of Florence (Duomo). We stayed several times in this areas and you can find fantastic hotels with good rates, pools and other amenities.

The best thing about this area of Florence, is it’s proximity to the main train station. So if you love to do day trips or travel around, this area is perfect. Also this area is home to some of the best restaurants in Florence. Check our guide for the best 20 restaurants in Florence for more details.

Also the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella gives a fantastic view to this square. The quartier around it is full of lively restaurants and narrow streets. We love to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere there. This area is good for all kinds of travelers, both couples, families and solo-travelers.

Best Hotels in Santa Maria Novella

• Luxury: Grand Hotel Minerva is one of the nicest hotels we’ve ever had in Italy and it’s not ultra-expensive. We paid around 650 Euros per night for a fantastic service and beautiful View. Also the pool’s view is stunning. We had the romantic double room with a huge bathroom and it was fantastic. Check the prices and availability here.
• Mid-range: Hotel Garibaldi Blu is a beautiful design hotel which is coming the historical building with modern furniture. We love the location as it’s facing the Piazza Santa Maria Novella directly. Take the room with city view to enjoy it. Check the availability and details here.
• Affordable: Hotel Corce Di Malta is a great option if you want to have a clean, affordable hotel with an Italian charm. The Breakfast buffet is fantastic and the you can also enjoy the pool in summer. The roof top offers a great view of the historical city. Check the availability and prices here.

Pro Tip: The Grand Hotel Minerva normally sells out fast and if you’re heading to Florence in summer, you need to book as early as 6 months before.

3. Santo Spirito and Oltarno

Sometimes we love to stay where locals live and santo Spirito is exactly the right place to stay, if you’re looking for authentic Florence. If you’re asking “where to stay in Florence” with local atmosphere, this is the place. It’s also close to the historical part, but it’s on the opposite side of the river.

That being said, you need to walk around 20 minutes to reach Duomo. And honestly you’ll love to do that, as there are wonderful shops and historical architectures along the road. We normally walk down to the Ponte Vecchio and go to the other side.

If you still like to stay in this part of Florence, but don’t want to walk 20 minutes each time, there are also buses to Duomo from Piazza Santo Spirito. We love to stay there, because Piazza Santo Spirito is so lively in the evening. Also it’s a great place for nightlife in Florence and it’s full of local restaurants and Bars.

The Historic side of Santo Spirito:

Although most of the main historical attractions are located on the other side, but this place has some of the must-visit attractions in Florence. So even if you’re not staying in this part, make sure to visit The Brancacci Chapel, Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens.

This part of the city has also a historical value due to it’s architecture going back to 1200s. It’s one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Florence.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Santo Spirito

Pros

• It’s such a lively place and full of nightlife and authentic atmosphere.
• Also this area is less touristy and the prices are more affordable than the other side of the river.
• If you love an artistic atmosphere, art studios and galleries, you’ll enjoy your stay.
• It’s close to the some of the most beautiful views of Florence. (Boboli Gardens)

Cons

• You still need to cross the bridge and walk to Centro Storico. It’s about 20-30 minutes walk.
• The atmosphere is quieter during the day, but it comes to life in the evening.
• In some areas you can have nighttime noises on weekends, due to the bars and restaurants around it. So you need to be careful about the hotel you book.

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In general If you’re a first-timer and wondering where to stay, I wouldn’t suggest to stay in this area, if: your time is limited, your budget allows you to stay on the historical side, and you don’t want to stay longer than a week in Florence.

Amazing Hotels in Oltrano and Santo Spirito Florence

• Luxury: Hotel Lungarno is a beautiful luxury hotel (affordable luxury) with the best view of Arno River. We loved the balconies and also the rooms are ideal for longer stays with spacious room. The rooms are elegant and we really enjoyed our stay there. Check the availability and prices here.
• Mid-Range: Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa If I could give 12 out of 10 I would give it to this beautiful hotel. We’ve had the superior Junior Suite for 250 Euros per night and the room was far more than our expectations. It’s only 2 minutes walk to the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. It sells out fast, check here for details.
• Affordable: Palazzo martellini residenza d’epoca is such an authentic italien hotel with huge rooms and fantastic furniture. We loved it’s historical authenticity and comfortable beds. Check the availability and prices here.

4. Santa Croce

We are totally in love with the Basilica Santa Croce in Florence, and it should definitely be on your bucket list, when visiting Florence. That’s not just because it’s a nice church, but it’s home to the tombs of some of the most famous figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and so much more.

Santa Croce was one the center for learning, preaching and it was more for working families and scholars. Also the beautiful Piazza Santa Croce (the square) is full of leather shops, which is one of Florence’s best hand-crafts and souvenirs. But be careful, not all of the shops are selling real leather, we only buy from the shops that they have a workshop.

Note: You can buy the tickets for Santa Corce direct on the church or online on their official website. Here is the link.

If you’re a budget-traveler and want to stay in Florence on budget, but don’t walk half an hour to the city center, this is a great place for you. Also families can find great hotel options with larger rooms, but not so far from the city, so kids can easily walk to the center.

Where to Stay in Florence on a Budget

Our favorite area to stay on budget in Florence is the Santa Croce area, as it’s really close to the historic part and you can reach Duomo in 10 minutes. Also the hotels we mentioned above give more value than their booking prices.

The next option is definitely the Santo Spirito area, which is also offering a bohemian atmosphere, but it’s a bit more walking (around 20) minutes. Although we stayed several times in this area and walked over all the time.

Another great place to stay in San Niccolo, which is a bit farther away (around 30 minutes). But you can get a fantastic room with the best view of Florence for only 150 Euros per night. See below.

Where to stay in Florence with the Best View

San Niccolo/ Piazzale Michelangelo

If you want to have the breathtaking view from our photo below, you have to stay in San Niccolo. This area is completely away from the historical area and the touristic city on the top of the hill. What I love about tis neighborhood in Florence, is that it’s still very accessible with public transport and even walking around.

But since we’re in Florence, it doesn’t mean that this part is not historical. You’ll be a step away from Plaza Michelangelo. If panoramic views in a more authentic atmosphere is your vibe, San Niccolo is the best place for you to stay.

Also it’s a dream for photography. As you can see below, we made some of our best photos from Plaza Michelangelo, which is actually the best look-out in Florence.

Pro Tip: We loved to walk up and down the hill and enjoy the views, but it’s around 25 minutes walk and it’s a bit hilly. Also buses drive daily to the city center (10 minutes ride).

Pros and Cons of staying in Piazzale Michelangelo Area

Even if you’re not staying in San Niccolo, we highly recommend to visit this area, specially at the sunset. You can sit in one of the cafes or restaurants and enjoy the beautiful panoramic of Florence.

Where to Stay in Florence Italy with Family

If you’re traveling to Florence with kids and wondering where to stay, we make the decision quite easy for you. We normally suggest to stay in an area closer to the city center. Kids normally don’t like to walk long distances, so it’s better to stay in Centro Storico, Santa Croce or Santa maria Novella.

Also if you’re traveling in summer months, we suggest to get a hotel with pool, as it’s quite hot during July and August. So not only it’s great for kids, but also you’ll love it too.

Our Favorite Family Hotels in Florence

Here are some of our favorite family hotels in Florence:

• Mid-Range: Hotel Brunelleschi which is very close to Duomo and even provides family packages with tickets to the cathedral. Rooms are spacious and the staff are very friendly. We found it a great option for travelers with kids. Check the details here.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Corce Die Malta is another great hotel with pool facilities for kids. Also it’s just a 15 minutes walk from Duomo. Check the details here.

Where Not to Stay in Florence

Florence in general is a safe city and the crime rate is low, so you definitely feel more comfortable than in Rome. But I would be careful walking around the Santa Maria Novela train station at night. Although it’s mostly at night avoiding the pick pocketers.

Also there’s another area called Piagge area which is located in northern Florence and as a traveler, you actually won’t go there. But just in case for any reason, you want to travel there, be careful and honestly I would avoid that area in Florence.

I’m just mentioning that, as some of the budget-travelers might find good deals there, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Final Words!

Florence is a wonderful city and is definitely our favorite destination in Italy. We’re traveling a lot to Florence, specially during Shoulder seasons or even in winter. That’s the best time to get the best hotel offers in Florence. Have fun in Florence!

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