Florence is compact, walkable and packed into a surprisingly small area – but the neighbourhood you choose still matters. Stay near the Duomo, and you’ll wake up to church bells echoing off medieval stone. Cross the Arno to the Oltrarno, and the vibe shifts – artisan workshops, quieter piazzas and wine bars where locals outnumber tourists.
I’ve visited Florence twice now, and both trips reminded me just how walkable and compact this Renaissance city is. Most of the main sites are within a 15-20 minute walk of each other, which means your accommodation choice is less about convenience and more about atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, travelling with kids or watching the budget, this guide breaks down the different neighbourhoods and the best hotels in each area of Florence.
For a full guide to everything the city has to offer, read my best things to do in Florence.
Quick answer: The best areas to stay in Florence
Best for first-time visitors: Duomo and centro storico – everything is on your doorstep.
Best for a local feel: Oltrarno (Santo Spirito and San Frediano) – artisan workshops, wine bars and fewer crowds.
Best for families: Santa Croce – quieter streets, a great food market and space to breathe. Also excellent for self-catering apartments.
Best on a budget: San Lorenzo and San Marco – well-connected, close to the Accademia and more affordable.
Best for a quiet stay: San Niccolò – tucked beneath Piazzale Michelangelo with a village-like feel.
A note on hotel prices
Florence is not a cheap city to sleep in, and prices move around considerably depending on season, availability and how far in advance you book. I haven’t included hotel rates as they fluctuate so much – peak season (April to October) will push rates significantly higher. Always compare across a few booking platforms and hotels direct before committing.
Duomo and centro storico – best for first-time visitors
If this is your first visit to Florence, staying in the historic centre puts you at the heart of Florence. The Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio are all within a short walk – and there’s something special about stepping out of your hotel and being face to face with Brunelleschi’s dome within minutes.
The trade-off? It’s the most popular area, and you’ll pay higher prices for accommodation. But if time is short – particularly for short stays of two or three nights – the convenience is hard to beat. This is the best place to stay in Florence if you want everything on your doorstep.
For the best experience, look for hotels on quieter side streets rather than directly on the main squares like Piazza della Repubblica or Piazza del Duomo. You’ll still be within easy access of the main attractions but will avoid the worst of the noise at night.
Best hotels in the centro storico
Luxury hotel: Hotel Brunelleschi – Built into a restored Byzantine tower and medieval church, this is one of Florence’s most characterful hotels. It sits on a quiet, tucked-away piazza just two minutes’ walk from the Duomo, and the top-floor rooms have direct views of the cathedral. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Santa Elisabetta, is worth a visit even if you’re not staying.
Mid-range: Hotel Davanzati – A family-run three-star hotel in a converted townhouse between Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio. It’s been praised for its warm, personal service – the staff are known for going above and beyond with restaurant recommendations and local tips. There’s a complimentary afternoon tea and an evening aperitivo, which is a lovely touch. A strong choice for families – they offer cots, baby chairs and babysitting.
Boutique: Hotel Degli Orafi – Right on the Arno next to the Uffizi, with a rooftop bar that offers year-round views across the river. The rooms blend traditional Florentine style with modern comfort.
Oltrarno – best for a local feel
Cross the Ponte Vecchio to Florence’s south bank, and the pace changes. The Oltrarno district – which includes the neighbourhoods of Santo Spirito, San Frediano and San Niccolò – has long been the more authentic side of the city. You’ll find artisan workshops still producing leather goods, picture frames and jewellery using traditional techniques, alongside independent wine bars, neighbourhood trattorias and a nightlife scene that caters to locals rather than tour groups.
Piazza Santo Spirito is the social hub here – a broad square with flea markets in the morning and a buzzing aperitivo scene in the evenings. Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) and the Boboli Gardens are on this side of the river too, so there’s still plenty to see and do. Grab a coffee at a local cafe in the backstreets, and you’ll feel like you’ve found a completely different Florence.
The Oltrarno is an easy 5-10 minute walk from the centro storico over the Ponte Vecchio or Ponte Santa Trinita, so you’re never far from the main sights. It’s a great choice for repeat visitors, couples or anyone who wants to experience Florence beyond the Duomo. And also a great option if you’d rather avoid the city centre crowds.
Where to stay in the Oltrarno
Luxury hotel: Hotel Lungarno – A five-star hotel on the banks of the Arno with views directly onto the Ponte Vecchio. Part of the Ferragamo family’s Lungarno Collection, it holds more than 450 works of art, including pieces by Picasso and Cocteau. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Borgo San Jacopo, serves contemporary Italian and Tuscan cuisine with river views. This is a very special-occasion stay – and not easy on the wallet.
Mid-range: Hotel Palazzo Guadagni – Sitting right on Piazza Santo Spirito, this Renaissance palazzo has a gorgeous open-air loggia on the top floor – the perfect spot for an evening drink overlooking the square. Rooms have high ceilings, antique furnishings and a classic Florentine feel. Been voted great value.
Budget-friendly: Soprarno Suites – A small boutique hotel in the heart of Santo Spirito with spacious, well-designed rooms and a friendly welcome. Good value for its location.
Self-catering: The Oltrarno is one of the best neighbourhoods for renting a self-catering apartment, particularly for families or longer stays. You’ll find everything from compact studios above artisan workshops to spacious flats with river views. Being near local markets and neighbourhood restaurants means you can easily mix eating in with eating out.
Santa Croce – best for families and foodies
Just east of the Duomo, the Santa Croce neighbourhood centres around its namesake basilica – the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. It’s a bit quieter than the historic centre but still within easy walking distance of the main sights (the Duomo is about a 10-minute walk).
What makes Santa Croce stand out for families is the space. The piazza itself is one of Florence’s largest open squares, giving kids room to run around. The nearby Sant’Ambrogio market is a fantastic neighbourhood food market – far less touristy than the Mercato Centrale – and the surrounding streets are filled with local restaurants serving some of the best food in the city at reasonable prices. There’s also a more residential feel to the eastern end of the neighbourhood, which means quieter streets and better sleep – something parents will appreciate.
Where to stay in Santa Croce
Mid-range: Hotel Monna Lisa – A 14th-century palazzo with an internal courtyard garden, original artwork and characterful rooms with high ceilings. It’s a hidden gem and a particularly good choice for families who want space without losing the Florentine atmosphere.
Family-friendly: Hotel Regency – Set on the quiet Piazza D’Azeglio, slightly removed from the tourist crowds. It has a refined, residential feel with an on-site restaurant and a peaceful garden. Ideal for families or travellers who prefer a slower pace.
Self-catering: Santa Croce is also a strong neighbourhood for self-catering apartments – the area around Sant’Ambrogio market is ideal for picking up fresh ingredients, and the residential feel means you’ll find well-priced apartments with more space than a typical hotel room.
Santa Maria Novella – best for train station access
If you’re arriving by train or need quick access to transport connections, the area around Santa Maria Novella – Florence’s main train station – is practical and well connected. The basilica of the same name, with its elegant green-and-white marble facade, is one of Florence’s most beautiful churches and is worth visiting regardless of where you’re staying.
The neighbourhood is large, and the character varies quite a bit depending on exactly where you book. The streets immediately north of the station can feel a little gritty (though perfectly safe), while the area south of the basilica towards the Arno is much more pleasant – a residential area with quieter streets, local markets and easy access to both the main train station and the centro storico. Your travel style will determine which end suits you best.
Hotels near Santa Maria Novella
Luxury: Grand Hotel Minerva – Overlooking Piazza Santa Maria Novella with a rooftop swimming pool that has views of the Duomo. It’s a polished, full-service hotel that works well for both couples and families.
Mid-range: Hotel Garibaldi Blu – A design hotel facing the piazza, blending modern interiors with the building’s historic features. Good value for a central location.
San Lorenzo and San Marco – best on a budget
Stretching north of the Duomo towards the Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s David), the San Lorenzo and San Marco neighbourhoods offer better value than the centro storico while still keeping you within easy reach of the tourist attractions.
The Basilica di San Lorenzo – the Medici family’s parish church – and the Mercato Centrale are both in San Lorenzo, so you won’t be short of things to see or good food to eat. San Marco, centred around Piazza San Marco, has a more residential, student-friendly feel thanks to the University of Florence.
It’s not as pretty as the historic centre, but it’s a great place for budget travellers or anyone who values a quieter neighbourhood. The Accademia is right here too, and you can find good deals on guest house accommodation and smaller hotels. The main sights are a 10-15 minute walk south.
Hotels in San Lorenzo and San Marco
Budget: Hotel Kursaal & Ausonia – A well-run three-star hotel between the Duomo and the Accademia, offering clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. It’s a solid no-frills base for exploring.
Mid-range: IQ Hotel Firenze – A newer hotel with modern common areas, including a terrace and pool. Rooms are well thought out, and the location in San Marco puts you about 10-15 minutes’ walk from the Duomo.
San Niccolò – best for a quiet, residential stay
Tucked between the Arno River and the hills of Florence leading up to Piazzale Michelangelo, San Niccolò is one of Florence’s most charming, lesser-known neighbourhoods. It has a village-like quality – narrow streets, independent galleries, artisan shops and a handful of excellent wine bars and restaurants where you can enjoy wine tastings and classic Tuscan food.
It’s the perfect place if you want to be within walking distance of the centre (the Ponte Vecchio is about a 10-minute walk west) but prefer a quieter, more residential setting. The walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset starts right from the neighbourhood – so you can do it on foot without battling the tourist buses.
Where to stay in Florence for first-time visitors
If it’s your first trip, the centro storico is the best area to base yourself. Being able to walk to Piazza del Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio in minutes makes everything easier, especially if you’re in Florence for a short time.
There are plenty of nice hotels in central Florence at every price point – Hotel Brunelleschi and Hotel Davanzati put you right at the centre of things without being directly on the noisiest streets. That said, don’t rule out the Oltrarno. It’s only a few minutes’ walk across the river, and you get a much more local experience. If you want the best of both worlds, staying near the Ponte Vecchio – on either bank – gives you easy access to the main attractions and the quieter south side.
Where to stay in Florence with kids
Florence is a surprisingly good city for families. It’s compact enough that you won’t need public transport, and all Italian state museums (the Uffizi, Accademia, Palazzo Pitti and more) offer free entry for under-18s regardless of nationality – just bring a passport or ID. The key is choosing a neighbourhood with a bit of space and a slightly quieter atmosphere. Santa Croce is my top pick for families. The piazza is large enough for children to run around, the Sant’Ambrogio market is a fun, informal place to eat, and the eastern streets feel more residential.
It’s a great option if you want a quieter base that’s still central. Hotel Davanzati in Florence’s historic centre is also a perfect choice for families – they provide cots, highchairs and babysitting, and the complimentary afternoon treats and evening aperitivo give parents a welcome breather. For more on visiting the city with children, see my section on things to do in Florence with kids.
Where to stay in Florence on a budget
Florence isn’t a cheap city for accommodation, but you can find better value by looking slightly outside the historic core. San Lorenzo and San Marco offer the best balance of price and location – you’ll be within walking distance of major sights but won’t pay centro storico prices.
The Oltrarno can also be good value, particularly the western end around San Frediano, where you’ll find some well-priced boutique hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments. Avoid the streets immediately around the train station if you want a more pleasant atmosphere – it’s worth paying slightly more to stay south of Santa Maria Novella basilica or in San Lorenzo’s eastern streets near the Duomo.
Practical tips for booking accommodation in Florence
- Book early for peak season. Florence is busiest from April to October, and the most popular hotels sell out months in advance. July and August are hot and crowded – if you can, visit in May, June, September or October for the best weather and slightly lower prices.
- Check your hotel’s parking situation. If you’re driving in from Tuscany, ask about parking before you book. The centro storico is a ZTL (limited traffic zone), which means you’ll be fined for driving into it without permission. Most hotels can arrange garage parking at extra cost – expect to pay around €30-50/night.
- Look for extras. Some Florence hotels include breakfast, afternoon tea or aperitivo in the room rate – these little touches add up and can save you money over the course of a stay.
- Consider a self-catering apartment for longer stays. If you’re spending four nights or more, a self-catering apartment can offer better value and more space – particularly for families. You’ll often get a kitchen, a washing machine and a living area for the same price as a standard hotel room. The Oltrarno and Santa Croce are the best neighbourhoods for apartments – both have a local feel and good access to markets for shopping. Just check reviews carefully, and confirm the exact location before booking – some listings marketed as ‘central Florence’ can be further out than you’d expect.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Florence?
For first-time visitors, the centro storico around the Duomo offers the most convenient base, with the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria all within a short walk. For a more local experience, the Oltrarno – particularly Santo Spirito – is a great alternative with artisan workshops, wine bars and fewer crowds.
How many nights should I spend in Florence?
Two to three nights is enough to see the main sights and soak up the atmosphere. If you want to include day trips to Siena or the Tuscan countryside, four to five nights gives you more breathing room.
Is Florence walkable?
Very. The historic centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, with most major attractions within 15-20 minutes’ walk of each other. You’re unlikely to need public transport unless you’re staying well outside the centre.
Is Florence safe?
Yes. Florence is generally very safe for visitors. As with any busy tourist city, watch for pickpockets around crowded areas like the Duomo and on buses, but the centre feels safe to walk around at any time of day.
Do I need a car in Florence?
No – in fact, a car is more of a hindrance in the city centre. The centro storico is a ZTL (restricted traffic zone), and parking is expensive. If you’re planning day trips to Tuscany, pick up a hire car for those days specifically, rather than keeping one for your whole trip.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
April to June and September to October offer the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. July and August are very hot (temperatures regularly reach 35°C+) and the city is at its busiest.