Florence Best Place to Stay

Planning a trip to Florence and wonder where to stay?

You need to decide whether you want to be in the centre of the action in the historic centre, to stay among the artisan shops, small boutiques and quirky trattorias of the less crowded Oltrarno, book one of the hotels near Santa Maria Novella train station or to escape to the hills - attractive during the hot and humid Florentine summer.

Many travellers choose Centro Storico, which is a pretty compact so wherever you choose to stay, you are never going to be too far from the main sights and good selection of restaurants, bars and authentic shops.

Hotels in Florence range from luxury ones to mid-range and cheaper ones. You'll also find a good choice of privately run apartments and hostels which immerse you into a life of real Florentines.

There's something for everyone and you should choose depending on your preferences and budget.

Whether you're planning a last minute city break and a weekend of shopping or a family holiday our handpicked selection of Florence hotels and apartments will help you find the perfect stay in the city.

USEFUL TIP! Bear in mind that prices vary enormously from high to low season, midweek to weekend.

Let’s be honest, during high season (mid-March to October) prices for even budget hotels can be really high in Florence.

How many days in Florence is enough?

Once you fall for this city, you might well want to stay forever. Florence is small and walkable size, plus the airport is very close, what makes it a great place for a flying visit or long weekend. You'll want at least 3 full days to really see the highlights.

Florence apartments and hotels handpicked by local expert:

Casa di Chiara - stylish new apartment

La Casa di Chiara apartment - comfortable bedroom

You'll love staying at this unique and cosy Florence apartment, which makes a perfect base for your Florence stay, either short or long one. Added bonus, it’s very affordable.

Here you can expect tasteful interiors, super-comfortable bed, well-equipped kitchen and a bathroom with luxurious toiletries. There is even a Nespresso machine with coffee pods!

You'll also find air-conditioning in both bedroom and living room, as well as central heating if visiting in winter time. Wi-Fi is super fast! To get to the historic centre you can take a pleasant walk or catch bus or tram ( a quick ride). Additional plus - the host is extremely kind, helpful and willing to give you a lot of tips and useful information.

Apartment rates start around €80 a night depending on the season (which is very affordable for a luxurious apartment like this one). 👉 See more photos and request booking

Alba Palace Hotel

This 3-star hotel is little gem, situated only a short walk from SMN train station. Also, it's very close to the lovely Piazza di Santa Maria Novella (and Basilica). You'll need a pleasant 5-minute walk to reach the main Florence sights.

At Hotel Alba Palace you'll find rooms with comfy beds (with high-quality bedding).
Here you'll have a tasty breakfast in the Atrium, on the hotel's elegant ground floor. We would highly recommend staying at this hotel!

Rooms around €133 a night depending on the season.

Globus Urban Hotel

This modern 4-star boutique hotel offers an excellent location, with proximity to SMN train station (only 5-minute walk) and major sights (such as the Duomo). Just around the corner, you'll find Mercato Centrale, the largest food market in the area. From this hotel you can easily visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo.

The breakfast is rich with lots of options from sweet to savoury foods, healthy options and a great coffee. Last but not least staff was welcoming and helpful (from the reception to restaurant). Choose the Globus Urban Hotel for a short stay or even longer holiday in Florence (you won't regret it!).

Rooms around €139 a night depending on the season.

Eco Urban B&B

This luxurious B&B, situated only a 4-minute walk from SMN train station, is a great base for exploring Florence. This property offers spacious rooms with minimalist design. You'll love a rich sweet and savoury breakfast offered daily (includes selection of organic products such as yogurt, smoked salmon, ricotta and jam, bacon, eggs, Nespresso coffee (gluten and dairy-free options are also available). All Florence sights are within a short walking distance from here!

Rooms around €163 a night depending on the season.

Ottantotto Firenze

Boutique hotel Ottantotto is on the left bank of the Arno in Oltrarno and is ideal choice for staying in Florence. Rooms (there are 7 rooms including a suite) are beautiful - some have barrel-vaulted ceilings, other floral wallpaper but all boat a charming mix of antique and contemporary furniture. Each room has coffee-making kit, minibar, TV, USB ports and air-conditioning.

Although, there's no restaurant, a buffet breakfast of homemade pancakes, freshly baked pastries, eggs, bread and fresh fruit is served each morning in the living room. Enjoy your breakfast on the long communal table or head outside to the stone-paved courtyard. In the cosy, fire-lit living room, you’ll find an honesty bar with a selection of wines and spirits, tea and coffee. Ottantotto is like an oasis from crowded Florence centre!

Double rooms from €184 per night. Please note that hotel charges an additional local city tax of €7.00 per person per night on check-out.

Firenze Number Nine

This 4 star boutique hotel is a charming option ideal for fitness lovers looking for amenities that include free use of a state-of-the-art fitness center with sauna, turkish bath and jacuzzi, breakfast aimed at wellness lovers and a nice central location (Via dei Conti, 9). High season (now until September) costs around 400€ a night while the number drops significantly in low season.

Dimora72

Dimora 72, situated on the first floor of a historic Florentine building, offers spacious and tastefully furnished rooms and suites in the quiet area of Santa Croce. Nearby you'll find lively Saint'Ambrogio market, an ideal place for visiting to experience local vibe.

From here you can easily walk to the major sights, such as the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. The hosts are very nice, responsive, and caring, making the most for the guests. A great value for money!

Rooms around €182 a night depending on the season.

Hotel Ariele

This 4-star hotel is located in Florence's Porta al Prato area, a 15-minute walk to Ponte Vecchio and SMN train station. You'll find here spacious, modern and very clean rooms. Breakfast is excellent with wide choice of both cold and hot options. There's a nice garden in which to relax and enjoy a drink or just chill.

We recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a quiet place to stay just along the river. The staff of the hotel are wonderful!

Palazzo Mannaioni Suites

If looking for modern and spacious apartments in the quiet part of Florence, you should stay here. This accommodation is perfect for longer stays.

Condotta 16 Apartments

These apartments are just around the corner from Piazza della Signoria, in Via della Condotta, a street where you'll find Il Cernacchio (ideal for grabbing a sandwich) as well as La Via del Tè (tea shop) as well as many other interesting food places and shops. Apartments are nicely furnished with comfortable beds and fully equipped kitchen. The hosts are helpful and responsive!

Benci House

This charming boutique guesthouse is situated in the heart of Florence's vibrant Santa Croce neighbourhood and only 5-minutes' walk from the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria. The place boasts four ultra-modern and spacious rooms made with natural materials.

Delicious breakfast is served every morning in the dining room and there's also loverly terrace - perfect for summer drinks after a day of sightseeing. From here you can easily take a stroll along the Arno River or go window-shopping to Via Tornabuoni. A perfect location for exploring Florence!

Canto degli Scali

This charming holiday rental, situated in a 14th century palazzo, only a short walk from Piazza della Signoria, offers 7 tastefully decorated units, both apartments and rooms. Each unit is super comfortable with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Apartments do have a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave.

Guests can enjoy an American breakfast in the room or on-site. From here you can easily walk to any major Florence sight! The owners are on top of everything and ready to help anytime.

Rooms around 200€ a night depending on the season.

Borgo San Jacopo Rooms

This guesthouse is situated in San Frediano (just across the Arno River from the Uffizi Gallery), a short walk to the Ponte Vecchio. Nearby you'll find streets dotted with good bars and restaurants. The place features comfortable and spacious rooms with a fridge and minibar. Both Italian and international breakfasts are available and are served every morning from 8:30am. The owner and the staff are super helpful and the rooms are cleaned regularly.

Relais Condotta

This place is right around the corner from the Piazza della Signoria and other Florence sights. It offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds and air-conditioning in every room. The bathroom was brand new and there are snacks and water complimentary in the room. The facility also has an elevator which is very rare in Italy stays overall. The staff are very friendly, helpful and accommodating.

Hotel L'Orologio

L'Orologio is a stylish and contemporary boutique hotel on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, a 5-10 minute walk to the train station, central but away from the major crowds.

Hotel offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds with mahogany floors and furniture. Full breakfast is served in a large airy room overlooking Santa Maria Novella. Close to the main train station, it’s also a convenient base for those planning to make forays into the Tuscan countryside.

The staff of the hotel are very helpful an friendly. You'll love staying here!

Stella d'Italia

Stella d’Italia Florence is in the historic heart of the city (on Via Tornabouoni), around the corner from Palazzo Strozzi and a few minutes on foot from the Duomo. Every room (24 including 2 suites) is different and you can choose the one with vintage posters, collection of souvenir plates or even old railway timetables gracing the walls.

There’s a (frescoed, of course) breakfast salon, a rooftop terrace and a bar for pre-drinks – then all of Florence is on your upcycled doorstep. There’s no spa at Stella d'Italia Florence but in-room massages can be arranged on request.

Double rooms start from €222. Please note the hotel charges an additional local city tax of €7.00 per person per night on check-out.

4F Boutique Hotel Florence

A few minutes' walk from the historic centre, right on the Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, you'll find 4F Boutique Hotel Florence. Hotels offers 14 spacious and comfortable rooms with nice decor and large bathrooms.

This Florentine boutique hotel isn’t expected to operate a full-service restaurant; here the offerings extend to breakfast, a cup of coffee or tea, and an aperitif in the living room or on the rooftop terrace — for the rest, you’ll depend on the city, which is very much up to the task. You are going to feel like home at this hotel!

Ad Astra

This hotel is in the perfect location, away from busy tourist areas but easy walking distance to attractions on both sides of the Arno River. Hotel occupies the beautiful 16th century palazzo and offers 14 rooms - the best of which open on to the terrace overlooking the garden. The breakfast served is delicious and the room extremely comfortable, and the staff is super helpful. Visitors seeking a unique and restful place to stay in Florence should definitely choose this hotel!

Best areas to stay in Florence:

Duomo / Piazza della Signoria (central)

Florence's charming street near the Uffizi

The area around the Florence Cathedral and the Piazza della Signoria in the heart of Florence. Here you'll find charming streets, iconic squares and many shopping streets along museums and restaurant.

If you stay here you can easily visit the Accademia Gallery (to see Michelangelo’s statue of David), climb to the Brunelleschi dome or go to explore secret passages of Palazzo Vecchio.

Nearby, you'll find the famous Uffizi Gallery, where you can admire iconic artworks such as La Primavera by Boticelli or Venus of Urbino by Tiziano. Close you'll find Ponte Vecchio, ideal for jewellery shopping or just strolling along and taking stunning photos from the bridge. Nearby you'll find Museo Galileo, containing a unique collection of historical scientific equipment.

This is the area where you'll find the most five-star hotels as well as luxury apartmenes, making it the most expensive. However, if you book well in advance you can find reasonably priced AirBnBs and budget hotel rooms too.

Also worth noting is that this area does become very crowded, especially during peak season - from May through October. Everyone from day trippers to overnighters to students and expats navigates to this city area. Sometimes, walking around can be difficult and navigating crowds will become part of your stay.

If you decide to stay here, you may like 2 places in charming Via della Condotta: Relais Condotta and Condotta 16 Apartments, both great options.

Santa Maria Novella / Porta al Prato (west)

Staying in this area is ideal, as you'll be close to the train station (ideal for exploring other cities in Tuscany) as well as a short distance from main sights (you can reach the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria in only 10 minutes on foot).

Reaching the Arno is easy from here (for a pleasant evening stroll) and wonderful Mercato Centrale (for a quick and tasty lunch or buying some fresh fruit or authentic Italian food products).

It’s just a 10 minute walk to the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo is even closer. From here you can easily reach the Arno River, for a leisure evening stroll or visit the Bargello Museum, one of the best in the whole Florence.

While here don't skip visiting the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella offering quality creams, perfumes, soaps made from natural ingredients.

If you wish to explore the rest of Tuscany on your own, we recommend taking a train to Lucca or Sienna (great day trips!), or even to Bologna (ideal for foodies!),

In the area you'll find a range of great hotels as well as apartments, that are worth staying. Our favourite place to stay here is Casa di Chiara, a beautiful new apartment in residential part of this neighbourhood (at very affordable rates!).

From this apartment you can easily walk to Borgo Ognissanti, where you can find places such as Café Pasticceria Gamberini - ideal for having a coffee and pastry, or Ballerini - place selling pastries, pizza, bread as well as chocolate.

Best hotels and apartments in Santa Maria Novella:

La Casa di Chiara | Alba Palace Hotel | Eco Urban B&B | Hotel L'Orologio

San Lorenzo / San Marco (north)

Northwest of the Duomo and east of the train station is the small neighborhood of San Lorenzo, long associated with the powerful Medici family and today a great destination for foodies. Start with the gourmet food stalls on the first floor of the Mercato Centrale, serving everything from traditional lampredotto (tripe) to artisanal pizza and chocolate.

Dotted with museums and galleries including the revered Accademia, as well as many parks, these are great neighbourhoods to experience the real Florentine culture.

Due to numerous budget-friendly accommodation options, this is the best area to stay in Florence without breaking the bank.

When it's time to delve further into the city centre's historic streets, you won't have far to go as must-sees are all within easy reach on foot.

PROS | Affordable, green, and close to the historic centre.

San Lorenzo lies northwest of the Center, home to the opulent Medici Chapels, the much-loved Mercato Centrale, and excellent local eateries and vintage boutiques; it’s a great area for first-time visitors.

A little further north of here, San Marco is the city’s university district, best known for the Accademia (home to Michelangelo’s David) and uaually a bit quieter at night, with a good selection of budget hotels and B&Bs that are not far from the Center.

These two districts contain a massive stock of hotels, and we consider San Lorenzo to be one of the best places to stay in Florence; centrally located and within easy walking distance of both the Duomo and the train station. Rates are generally high here, but cheaper B&Bs can be found in San Marco, a bit further from the action.

Santa Croce / Sant'Ambrogio (east)

If you want to feel like a local, or at the very least stop being treated like such a tourist, then Santa Croce is the place for you. Despite being just a stone’s throw from Florence’s major attractions, it manages to slip under the radar for many visitors.

It's home to Basilica di Santa Croce and the square with the same name. The Piazza Santa Croce is dotted with small cafés and restaurants, where you can spend your time. Or just sit on the stairs in front of Basilica and watch people passing by.

For immersing yourself into local life, stay at Sant'Ambrogio neighbourhood, the eastern end of the historic centre. Here you'll find Sant'Ambrogio market, ideal for browsing through the stalls or having a quick and tasty lunch. Or just have a cappuccino for only €1.20!

Be aware that the range of accommodation options is small, so we suggest booking in advance if you want to stay here.

Stay at Benci House, a charming boutique guesthouse in the heart of Santa Croce (spacious and modern rooms)!

👉 For getting instant friends and eat delicious food, join this guided tour of Sant'Ambrogio (departs every morning from Piazza Santa Croce)!

Oltrarno (Santo Spirito & San Frediano & San Niccolo)

Located across the river Arno, adjacent to the historic centre of Florence, the Oltrarno is a great alternative to staying in the city centre. Here you'll find artisanal boutiques, trendy restaurants and picturesque people-watching spots.

If you are looking for a more authentic Florence, this is the area to be based in. Oltrarno is where people spend time sipping Spritz in the piazza and where wine bars, artisan boutiques and cute shops can be found.

From your hotel or apartment you can hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is perched atop a steep hill and once there you'll enjoy stunning views of the Florence down below (sip a wine and enjoy).

In Oltrarno, you'll find Santo Spirito, an ornate church dating back to 1481 with a crucifix by Michelangelo and frescoes by Filippino Lippi. There’s an antiques market in the church’s namesake piazza on the second Sunday of every month.

In the area, you'll find a great selection of lovely boutique hotels, AirBnB’s, and luxurious properties within 15 minutes of the main attractions.

San Niccolo is a part of Oltrarno just a short walk over the Ponte della Grazie to the historical centre. It’s the perfect answer to where to stay in Florence for couples, romantic souls, and honeymooners.

You'll find accommodation suitable for all types of budgets, including charming apartments overlooking the Arno River (however, there are limited hotels on offer compared to other areas).

We think that Oltarno is the best area to stay in Florence for foodies, wine lovers, and those looking to escape the crowds.

How to get around Florence

The historic centre of Florence is pretty compact and walking is just the best way of getting around. Many of the streets are reserved for pedestrians only. This means, that wherever in the city centre you decide to book your accommodation, all major sights will be within walking distance.

Most of the city centre if flat, with the exception of the areas of the Oltrarno that rise from San Niccolò. Climbing up the San Miniato hill to reach Piazzale Michelangelo can take an effort, but you'll be rewarded by views that are hard to beat.

You can also use buses and trams (tickets cost €1.70 and can be purchased from automatic vending machines, at tabacchi shops or with the Autolinee Toscane app; remember to validate upon boarding). The most useful buses are #7 (for Fiesole) and #12 and #13 (for Piazzale Michelangelo).

Driving should be avoided since most of central Florence is a limited traffic zone, with hefty fines levied against unauthorized vehicles. Taxis can be found at designated stands or called to any location.

Getting to/from Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport

Florence has a modern tram network that links the city centre with the airport and the neighbourhoods outside the historic centre.

If you're flying to or from Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport, there is no need to take an expensive taxi to get there - with just €1.70 you can travel in and out of the city center in about 25 minutes.

Once you arrive to SMN train station, you can easily walk to numerous hotels and apartments situated nearby (such as Alba Palace Hotel or Globus Urban Hotel) or take a short taxi ride (you'll need only 2-3 minutes by taxi to Casa di Chiara).

Travelling further from Florence...

In case you are planning to go further, an expanding network of tram lines allows you to get out of the inner city and the conveniently located Santa Maria Novella train station links you to a great number of cities in Tuscany and the whole of Italy through regional and high-speed trains departing daily.

Regional trains reach all major Tuscan cities, while high-speed trains (Trenitalia and Italo) travel beyond Tuscany’s boundaries to Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Naples and many other destinations. 👉 Find cheap train tickets here