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Best Areas to Stay in Florence: Top Districts and Hotels

Where to stay in Florence – What you need to know

Florence (or Firenze in Italian) is the capital of Tuscany, located in northern Italy. This city is considered one of the most beautiful in the world for being the birthplace of Renaissance, an important architectural, artistic and cultural movement.

Florence is located on a basin surrounded by mountains, bathed by the Arno river, which, among attractions such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Vecchio bridge, offer unforgettable views.

The best areas to stay in Florence - Top districts and hotels
The best areas to stay in Florence – Top districts and hotels

Florence is also one of the favourite destinations of foodies worldwide because of the pizzas, pastas, gelatos and many other dishes that make visiting the city a pleasure.

The climate in this city is divided into very hot and dry summers, with temperatures that usually exceed 35ºC, and cold and humid winters, with an average of one snowfall per year.

Therefore, the best time to travel to Florence is the spring, but you must take into account that it is when the high season begins, so the cost of accommodation is higher and its streets are full of tourists, as it is one of the most visited cities in Italy.

Florence has a small airport located northwest of the city, with domestic flights and connections to European destinations such as Berlin, London and several cities in Spain. Similarly, it is also possible to get to Florence by train from other Italian cities, as it has the Santa María de Novella station.

Transportation within the city is divided into buses and trams, but it is also possible to walk between its main areas because Florence is quite pedestrian-friendly.

Choosing the best areas to stay in Florence depends on the budget, the reason for the trip, and the interests of each traveller. If you want to be close to its main attractions, the Old Town, declared a World Heritage Site, is the best place to stay in Florence (see accommodation in Florence’s Old Town). On the other hand, staying near the main railway station allows you to find cheaper hotels than in the central districts (see hotels near Florence’s main railway station).

Accommodation options in Florence

Hotels in Florence

The best hotels to stay in Florence

Hostels in Florence

Hostels and cheap stays in Florence

Apartments in Florence

Would you like independence? Book an apartment in Florence

Bed & Breakfast in Florence

Inns, B&Bs and guest houses in several areas around Florence

The Best Areas to Stay in Florence, Tuscany

1. Recommended area: Old Town

The Old Town is the heart of Florence, as well as where most of its tourist attractions can be found.

Walking between its narrow streets, it is possible to see buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), all of great historical relevance.

This area, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is also the cultural and artistic epicentre of Florence, thanks to places such as Uffizi Gallery, the Galileo Museum and Gallery of the Academy of Florence, where Michelangelo’s original David sculpture and many other works of art are exhibited.

The centre of Florence has several bus stops that connect it to other areas of the city, as well as to the Santa María de Novella station.

The Old Town is the best area to stay in Florence due to its privileged location and wide range of hotels. However, the cost of hotels in this district is, by nature, higher than in other neighbourhoods of the city.

Old Town - Where to stay in Florence, Italy
Old Town – Where to stay in Florence, Italy
Florencia - Old Town - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florencia – Centro Storico – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Heart of the city
  • Best area for sightseeing
  • World Heritage Site
  • Great variety of hotels
  • Historical buildings and monuments
  • Pedestrian-friendly
  • Great food

Hand-picked hotels in this area

  • Our Top Pick

    Solo Experience Hotel is set in a 17th-century building, it offers views of Florence’s San Lorenzo Basilica and spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a private bathroom.

  • Luxury Option

    Hotel Spadai is in the centre of Florence, a 2-minute walk from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, in a historic building next to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi. The property offers soundproofed rooms with a smart TV and a minibar with free drinks.


2. Santa Maria Novella (Main railway station)

Santa Maria Novella Central Train Station is located west of Florence’s Old Town.

Staying near the Santa Maria de Novella station in Florence is the best option for those who are making a train route through Italy or for those who have a short stay in the city.

From the station, you can go to cities like Milan, Rome, Turin, Genoa, Pisa and many more.

Also, one of the greatest advantages of staying in this area is that the cost of accommodation is lower than in historic neighbourhoods, with affordable hotels and hostels for all types of travellers.

In the vicinity of the station, you can also find cheap restaurants, fast food chains and attractions such as the Santa Maria Novella Church, which gives the area its name.

This is the best area to stay in Florence if you have to catch a train in the first hour to move to another city in Italy or if there is little time to move around the city.

Santa Maria Novella Station - Best areas to stay in Florence
Santa Maria Novella Station – Best areas to stay in Florence
Florence - Santa María Novella - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florence – Santa María Novella – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Best area for a short stay
  • Santa María Novella church
  • Main railway station
  • Cheap hotels in Florence

Hand-picked hotels in this area

  • Our Top Pick

    Hotel Bella Firenze occupies an Art Nouveau building from the late 19th century and is next to the Santa Maria Novella train station. The property offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a minibar.

  • Budget Option

    Hotel Palazzo Vecchio is located a few steps from the Santa Maria Novella station, in the heart of the historic center of Florence. It includes a small private parking.

  • Midrange Option

    Hotel Jolì occupies an early 19th century building located in the center of Florence, just 200 meters from Santa Maria Novella Station. A breakfast with cold and hot products is served daily in the breakfast room.

  • Luxury Option

    c-hotels Joy offers accommodation in the heart of Florence, 150 meters from the Santa Maria Novella train station. The property has a bar. Free WiFi is available in all areas.


3. Piazzale Michelangelo

The Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square) is one of the most popular viewpoints of the capital of Tuscany, so staying in this area guarantees to have the best views of Florence and the Arno River at all times.

This 19th-century square is located southeast of the Old Town and it houses a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s iconic David.

The surroundings of the Piazzale Michelangelo are one of the best areas to stay in Florence if you are looking for tranquillity during your stay, as they are a bit far from the main tourist attractions.

However, the area is connected by bus with the rest of the city, making moving to the other neighbourhoods of Florence not a complicated task.

The accommodation near the Piazzale Michalengelo is very varied, but luxury hotels predominate. Therefore, it is a good place where to stay in Florence for romantic getaways.

Piazzale Michelangelo - Where to stay in Florence, Italy
Piazzale Michelangelo – Where to stay in Florence, Italy
Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florence – Piazzale Michelangelo – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Luxury hotels
  • Best views of Florence
  • Michelangelo Square

Hand-picked hotels in this area

  • Our Top Pick

    Sognando Firenze is a quiet bed and breakfast, a few steps from the Arno River and near the panoramic Piazzale Michelangelo. It has bright rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

  • Budget Option

    Hotel Ferrucci is located in a historic building and offers free Wi-Fi in all areas. It has elegant rooms and private parking. – from €49.

  • Luxury Option

    Park Palace Hotel occupies a historic Florentine villa located in the middle of the Tuscan hills. It has a large furnished garden with pool. The center of Florence is 5 minutes away by bus.


4. Palazzo Pitti

The Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) area is one of the most exclusive in Florence due, in large part, to its relevance to the cultural movement of the city.

The Palazzo Pitti is an old palace of Renaissance style that belonged to the royalty and, nowadays, it is one of the most important art galleries of Tuscany.

Similarly, this quiet area also houses attractions such as the spectacular Boboli Gardens and its sculptures, the Museum of Natural History and the Gallery of Modern Art.

This area is located south of the Old Town, across the Arno river, but connects with the rest of the city via bus.

The surroundings of Palazzo Pitti are among the best areas to stay in Florence if you want to know the most refined side of this Italian city. However, the cost of accommodation here is usually higher because of its luxury.

Best areas to stay in Florence - Near Palazzo Pitti
Best areas to stay in Florence – Near Palazzo Pitti
Florence - Palazzo Pitti - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florence – Palazzo Pitti – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Exclusive area
  • Great artistic and cultural movement
  • Good restaurants

Hand-picked hotels in this area


5. Santo Spirito

Santo Spirito is located south of the Arno river and, although it is technically part of the Old Town, it deserves to be named among the best areas to stay in Florence for its lively nightlife.

Attractions in this area include the Basilica di Santo Spirito di Brunelleschi and the eponymous square, surrounded by bars, restaurants and cafes mostly aimed at a young audience.

Santo Spirito also stands out for its multiple vintage shops and craft stores that make it one of the hipster areas of Florence par excellence.

Because it is on the other side of the Arno River, Santo Spirito has several bus stops that connect it with the rest of Florence and its attractions.

Santo Spirito is one of the best areas to stay in Florence for young travellers who want to know the most alternative side of the capital of Tuscany. In addition, this neighbourhood has accommodation of all kinds, although the apartments predominate.

Santo Spirito - Uno de los barrios más encantadores donde alojarse en Florencia
Santo Spirito – Uno de los barrios más encantadores donde alojarse en Florencia
Florence - Santo Spirito - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florence – Santo Spirito – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Hipster area
  • Good area for nightlife
  • Connected by public transport

Hand-picked hotels in this area

  • Our Top Pick

    Palazzo Guicciardini is decorated with frescoes from the 16th century and is located in Florence, a 5-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio. Free WiFi is available in the entire property.

  • Luxury Option

    Residenza D’Epoca Via Santo Spirito 6 is located on a typical street in Florence, 300 meters from Ponte Vecchio and a few steps from Arno River. It has a quiet courtyard and elegant accommodation with free Wi-Fi.


6. San Lorenzo

While it is true that San Lorenzo is part of the Old Town, it deserves a separate mention among the best areas to stay in Florence for hosting attractions such as the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

This Renaissance-style building has a library designed by Michelangelo and is the place where the Medici were buried, one of the most powerful dynasties of the 15th century. In San Lorenzo, you can also find the Ricardo Medici Palace.

San Lorenzo is within walking distance of other attractions such as the Leonardo Davinci Museum and the Gallery of the Academy of Florence.

This area, like most of Florence, has excellent bars and trattorias that are an excellent option to try the world famous Italian cuisine.

San Lorenzo is one of the best areas to stay in Florence for foodies, as it is home to the Central Market of the city and the San Lorenzo Market, with fresh products that showcase the authentic flavour of Tuscany.

San Lorenzo - Where to stay in Florence
San Lorenzo – Where to stay in Florence
Florence - San Lorenzo - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florence – San Lorenzo – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Good area for foodies
  • Basilica of San Lorenzo
  • Close to other attractions

Hand-picked hotels in this area

  • Our Top Pick

    Hotel Botticelli is located in a typical building from the 16th century, which has a rooftop terrace with vaulted ceilings with original frescoes. It is a 5-minute walk from the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s David.


7. Santa Croce

The area of ​​Santa Croce gets its name from the square and the Basilica of Santa Croce, a neo-Gothic building where the tombs of important figures such as Galileo, Michelangelo and Rossini are located. Therefore, the church is known as the temple of Italian glories.

Although Santa Croce is currently part of the Old Town, located east of the Cathedral of Florence, in the past, the area was outside the city walls.

Santa Croce is, like all the capital of Tuscany, very pedestrian-friendly. Moving through its streets, you can see attractions such as the Central National Library of Florence, the largest public library in Italy.

The accommodation in Santa Croce is very varied and includes charming hotels and apartments.

Santa Croce is one of the best areas to stay in Florence for its narrow streets full of shops and restaurants that fit the budget of all types of travellers.

Santa Croce - Best neighbourhoods to stay in Florence
Santa Croce – Best neighbourhoods to stay in Florence
Florence - Santa Croce - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florence – Santa Croce – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Charming neighbourhood
  • Basilica of Santa Croce and Santa Croce Square
  • Restaurants and shops

Hand-picked hotels in this area

  • Our Top Pick

    Residenza Alla Volta dei Tintori enjoys a good location in the Santa Croce district of Florence, less than 1 km from the Uffizi Gallery, a 12-minute walk from Palazzo Vecchio and 1 km from Piazza della Signoria.


8. San Marco – Santissima Annunziata

San Marco is located north of the Santa Maria Novella train station and houses some of Florence’s most prominent attractions, such as the Gallery of the Academy.

This area is articulated around the San Marco Square and San Marco Museum, a former convent of the fifteenth century dedicated to art, especially paintings of the sixteenth century.

Another important building that can be visited in San Marco is the Church of the Santissima Annunziata, an impressive building known for its frescoes.

San Marco is one of the best areas to stay in Florence for young travellers, as it is home to the University of Florence, which gives a lively atmosphere to the entire neighbourhood.

This area connects with the rest of Florence through buses and is very pedestrian-friendly.

San Marco - One of the best areas to stay in Florence, Italy
San Marco – One of the best areas to stay in Florence, Italy
Florence - San Marco - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florence – San Marco – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Gallery of the Academy
  • San Marco Museum
  • Connected by bus

Hand-picked hotels in this area

  • Our Top Pick

    3B Bed & Breakfast Firenze Centro is located in Florence, a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, it offers free WiFi throughout. It is located in Florence, a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. free in all facilities.


9. Campo Di Marte

The Campo Di Marte area hosts the third most important train station in Florence, also called Campo Di Marte, and is located northeast of the city.

In Campo Di Marte, you can also find the Artemio Franchi Stadium, home of the professional football team ACF Fiorentina. Therefore, this is one of the best areas where to stay in Florence for sporting events.

In terms of entertainment, Campo Di Marte has the Wine Square, ideal to try the best cuisine or to participate in Italian wine tastings.

Campo Di Marte is the centre of major events and concerts that take place in the stadium, as well as in the Nelson Mandela Forum.

Although it is true that Campo Di Marte is far from the main attractions of the city, it has excellent public transport connections.

Campo Di Marte - One of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Florence
Campo Di Marte – One of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Florence
Florencia - Campo di Marte - Click to see all hotels on a map
Florencia – Campo di Marte – Click to see all hotels on a map

What makes this the best area to stay in Florence

  • Campo Di Marte railway station
  • Artemio Franchi Stadium
  • Piazza del Vino

Hand-picked hotels in this area

  • Our Top Pick

    Hotel Emma is located 2 km from the center of Florence and has a terrace with views of the town’s rooftops. This family-run hotel has a cozy atmosphere and is well connected to the public transport network.


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