Where to Stay in Florence, Italy: 10 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

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Historic Florence has long been a favorite for travelers to Italy. Besides its picturesque setting on the Arno River, this Renaissance city is home to some of Italy’s most prestigious art masterpieces. Let us explain where to stay in Florence to maximize your Tuscany adventures.

Some of Florence’s main attractions include the photographer’s favorite Ponte Vecchio bridge, the 1500s-era Uffizi Gallery art museum, and the magnificent Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore. But really, these three barely scratch the surface of this city’s beautiful and historical sites.

Most people visiting Florence will probably arrive via the centrally located Santa Maria Novella Station, which offers connections of less than 90 minutes to Rome and less than two hours from Milan. However, there is a small airport.

If you’re renting a car and driving here, be warned – Italy’s infamous “ZTL” local traffic-only zones encompass central Florence. Don’t go home with traffic fines as souvenirs like me!

Luckily, most of the major tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other, leaving you to decide which of the great hotels in this city is for you. See below some of the various neighborhoods in Florence, what you need to know about each, and our tips for some of the best hotels.

Where to Stay in Florence

1. Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)

For any traveler, but especially first-time visitors, one of the best places to stay in Florence, Italy, is definitely the historic city center around the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore. This massive, majestic cathedral dominates the skyline if you’ve seen Florence’s photos.

This important Italian Renaissance church, dating back to the 1200s, is a major city symbol. Many visitors like to admire it from the piazza outside, as it is an architectural beauty. Entry to this Florence cathedral is free, and you can buy tickets to walk the 400+ steps to the top, visit the crypt, or browse the Opera Museum behind it.

If you stay in this part of Florence’s historical center, you’ll be within walking distance of many main attractions. The Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria, and the Via dei Calzaiuoli shopping street are within easy access. Crossed by the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, the promenade along the River Arno is just minutes further.

The area around the Duomo is certainly the best neighborhood for many travelers, though hotels can be expensive here. However, there are hidden gems for great prices, as well as vacation rentals that can be even cheaper:

• Budget Hotel in the Duomo area: Hotel Pendini – A step higher than basic, this hotel has elegant rooms and a popular bar.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the Duomo area: Hotel Duomo Firenze—If you want a view of the Duomo and it is at your doorstep, this place has comfortable rooms and private parking.
• Luxury Hotel in the Duomo area: Golden Tower Hotel & Spa – Stay here for full-on luxury in the heart of the city center, with decor that will make you think you’re staying in one of the fancy palazzos yourself.
• Vacation Rental in the Duomo area: Romantic Terrace Overlooking the Cathedral Dome – You won’t believe the value when you see the price compared to the space offered by this duplex in the heart of the Duomo neighborhood.

See Related: Incredible Reasons to Visit Italy This Year

2. Santa Maria Novella

As mentioned, the city’s main train station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella and can be found in the neighborhood of the same name. This area is next to the historic center of Florence, to its northwest, and the main attractions we’ve already mentioned are within walking distance.

Of course, being within easy reach of the train station makes exploring Italy beyond Florence much easier. The beautiful cities of Rome, Pisa, Bologna, Venice, and many others are within a short and inexpensive fast-train ride from Florence.

But, being just a short walk from the train station and the sites of central Florence isn’t all that Santa Maria Novella has to offer. The neighborhood is somewhat centered around the Santa Maria Novella Church, dating from the 15th century, with its magnificent architecture and art masterpieces.

What appears to be a relatively small cathedral is actually a massive complex of chapels, gardens, and frescos, and it’s amazing to explore. Out front, take a stroll through the Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

The pathways among simple gardens and an obelisk statue make for a great photo with the basilica in the background. There’s plenty more to see around Santa Maria Novella, too.

Anyone arriving to or departing from Florence by train will pass through Santa Maria Novella, and there is certainly enough to see here to warrant the short stroll from the historic center. If you choose to make this area your base for exploring Florence and beyond, we recommend these places to stay:

• Budget Hotel in the Santa Maria Novella area: Hotel Universo – Just minutes from the train station, this basic hotel offers comfortable central and even single rooms for solo travelers.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the Santa Maria Novella area: Hotel Roma – This modern hotel offers more than the basics with amenities like a gym and minibars in the rooms.
• Luxury Hotel in the Santa Maria Novella area: Grand Hotel Minerva – One of the most luxurious hotels in Florence, this pet-friendly palazzo-style property offers a swimming pool, spacious rooms, and a rooftop terrace with amazing views.
• Vacation Rental in the Santa Maria Novella area: Ubishome – Papa’s House – If you need extra space, this apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the cost is a fraction of what you’d pay at most hotels.

See Related: Is Florence Safe to Visit

3. Novoli

If you’re wondering where to stay in Florence, Italy, on a budget, you may be a bit disappointed by the lack of affordable accommodations in the city. Florence’s ancient charm and upscale feel allow hotels to charge somewhat high rates to the thousands of visitors there any day.

Fortunately, while it may not appear so at first glance, there are definitely budget accommodations available in Florence. The first option is to search specifically for vacation rentals in the popular parts of the city, which can yield spacious apartments at a great value compared to hotels. But to save even more money, you could instead look for a neighborhood set a bit back from the typical tourist sites – like Novoli.

Novoli is a neighborhood near the city center’s northwest and close to the Florence Airport. This is a residential part of town. There are plenty of places to drink and dine (and they will probably be cheaper here, too), but fewer specific sites to see. Luckily, it only takes one inexpensive tram ride to reach Florence’s main attractions in less than 20 minutes.

Between counting all the cash you’ll be saving by staying in Novoli, be sure to check out some of the spots locals like to escape to. Several parks, including one particularly popular on the Arno River and an entertainment venue in Novoli.

Unless you plan on seeing a show or would like to enjoy a peaceful park, you won’t be missing out on much if you don’t visit Novoli during your time in Florence. However, if your budget is more important than a central location, you can save a ton of money by taking the tram and staying at a place like these:

• Budget Hotel in the Novoli area: B&B Hotel Firenze Novoli – European travelers may be familiar with the budget B&B Hotels brand and appreciate the modern, air-conditioned rooms conveniently located near a tram stop.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the Novoli area: Best Western Plus CHC Florence – Another familiar brand, this Best Western Plus is three minutes from the airport and offers family rooms.
• Luxury Hotel in the Novoli area: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli—This Hilton brand, considered a budget hotel elsewhere, offers fully equipped rooms with modern amenities and a full-service restaurant in the lobby.
• Vacation Rental in the Novoli area: Three-bedroom Apartment—Instead of paying for three hotel rooms, this place offers three bedrooms plus a kitchen and living room for a fraction of the cost.

See Related: The Ultimate Backpacking Through Europe Itinerary

4. Along the Arno River

Some of the best hotels in Florence are along the river that beautifully divides the city. The numerous boutique art galleries, the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, and the authentic Florentine restaurants along its promenades have made the riverfront home to some of the top luxury properties in town.

Staying along the Arno could mean staying in one of several neighborhoods, such as the historic center, Porta al Prato, Santa Croce, or others on the south bank.

If you’re going all in, focus your search on the centrally-located area between the Ponte alla Carraia and the Ponte alle Grazie bridges. You’ll be within walking distance of almost everything Florence has to offer.

There’s a ton to do along the river. First, don’t forget to stroll along the promenade of Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci (which becomes Lungarno Corsini before changing some more), the riverside road. It’s very scenic and will allow plenty of photo ops of all the city’s bridges at different spots.

Cross Ponte Vecchio is a surviving medieval bridge lined with shopping opportunities, especially for jewelry. The Uffizi Gallery is on the riverfront nearby and is one of Florence’s most famous art museums. Like these top picks, there’s more to do near the river.

You should undoubtedly enjoy the beautiful views and interesting attractions that can be found near the Arno, even if a luxury Florentine getaway isn’t within your budget. In case it is, these are some of the best luxury hotels in the area:

• Budget Hotel along the Arno River: Hotel Bretagna Heritage – This Renaissance-style accommodation is in a great, central location, offers extras like a gym and hot tub, and won’t completely break the bank if you want to stay along the Arno for less.
• Mid-Range Hotel along the Arno River: The Westin Excelsior, Florence – Truth be told, rates at the Westin often reach out of the mid-range zone. But if you can find the right dates, this hotel’s rooftop terrace, bar, and swimming pool are as luxurious as possible.
• Luxury Hotel along the Arno River: The St. Regis Florence—The St. Regis brand is known for its luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and fine-dining restaurants; the five-star Florence property, with its incredible views and high-end amenities, will not disappoint.
• Vacation Rental along the Arno River: Gorgeous Suite in Front of the Ponte Vecchio – Here, you can stay on the upper floor of a 17th-century building with direct views of the famous Ponte Vecchio without paying for luxury hotel amenities.

5. San Marco

The small neighborhood of San Marco is centered around the University of Florence and is found just north of the Duomo and historic center. It’s mostly residential and lively, packed with interesting museums and various restaurants.

Due to this, along with its short separation from high-traffic places like the train station and city center, we’d consider this one of the safer places to stay in Florence. Truthfully, Florence is a very safe city in general.

But, as always, places where tourists frequent always have their fair share of pickpockets and scams; San Marco is full of great things for tourists but lacks a high level of crime.

There are quite a few well-known attractions in San Marco. One is the Galleria dell’Accademia, yet another Florence art museum that houses world-famous Renaissance works, including Michelangelo’s David—the real thing—among many others. There’s also the Museo di San Marco, which has a whole other set of paintings from the era and more of the frescoes that Florence is full of.

Many of the trattorias and other eateries that the area is popular for are on Piazza San Marco, and more can be found on Via Ricasoli—including many ice cream shops. Exploring the streets of San Marco will reveal even more interesting attractions.

The attractions of San Marco are just a short walk from those of the city center, and many are worth visiting wherever you stay. If you decide to find your accommodation in this neighborhood, though, we recommend these places to stay:

• Budget Hotel in the San Marco area: Hotel De La Pace, Sure Collection by Best Western—This Best Western-affiliated hotel offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms at a great price in San Marco.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the San Marco area: iQ Hotel Firenze—Unlike all the old hotels in Florence, this boutique hotel is super-modern and has great amenities like a pool and sauna.
• Luxury Hotel in the San Marco area: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze—Four Seasons is known for operating some of the best hotels in the world; their Florence property offers elegant rooms and high-end amenities just a five-minute walk from San Marco.
• Vacation Rental in the San Marco area: 5-bedroom Apartment on Via La Marmora – An apartment of this size is a rarity in most of Europe. It can be the perfect solution for a large family or friends visiting Florence.

See Related: Italy vs France: Which is Better to Visit?

6. San Lorenzo

Nestled between Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo area, San Lorenzo is a compact neighborhood in Florence that is lovely for many types of travelers.

San Lorenzo is a great place to stay for families. It is within a very short walking distance of Florence’s main train station and all the main sights of the historic center, plus it hosts plenty of dining and accommodation options.

Two big attractions are at the heart of San Lorenzo. The first is the Central Market (or the Mercato Centrale), an indoor-outdoor marketplace dating from when Florence was Italy’s capital. Today, it offers visitors and locals some of the tastiest treats in Florence.

The second is the Basilica di San Lorenzo, just a block south, which has several important historical components. The basilica was the parish church and is the burial place of most members of the Medici family.

This is one of the most powerful families in Italian and European history. Among many other feats, it consolidated power in Florence during the Renaissance, created one of the continent’s largest banks, and produced several popes.

Therefore, the basilica is an important site for Florence and all of Italy, and other nearby attractions are also dedicated to the history of the Medici.

Consider having a meal at Eataly, the world-famous Italian food hall. It’s a great place to go if everyone wants something different (but can all agree that Italian food is great!).

San Lorenzo is home to some of Florence’s most significant history and is definitely worth the easy walk from the other sights of the Duomo and river areas. If you decide to make this spot your base to explore the city, there are a few great accommodations here:

• Budget Hotel in the San Lorenzo area: Hotel San Lorenzo—If saving on rates is a priority, this basic hotel offers up to five beds in a hostel-hotel configuration in the heart of San Lorenzo.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the San Lorenzo area: Globus Urban Hotel – Great for families, this upscale and modern hotel offers standard rooms and family-style triple and quadruple options, too.
• Luxury Hotel in the San Lorenzo area: Hotel Firenze Number Nine – Elegant and artsy, this high-end property offers a spa, jacuzzi, and spacious rooms.
• Vacation Rental in the San Lorenzo area: Apartment 10 Meters from the Medici Chapels – A highly-rated, spacious apartment steps from the treasures of the Medici family.

7. Santa Croce

Most people you ask will probably agree that the best place to stay in Florence for nightlife is the lively and vibrant neighborhood of Santa Croce. You’ll find plenty of bars and nightclubs on the streets around the Piazza Santa Croce, along with late-night eateries and shops.

But even if you don’t intend to party your nights in Florence, Santa Croce is a lovely place to stay and explore. You’ll be within walking distance of attractions like the Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo, as the neighborhood is just east of the city center. There are a number of historical things to see and local favorites within Santa Croce, too.

On the main square sits the Basilica de Santa Croce di Firenze, yet another Florence cathedral with an important place in history. This is the final resting place of Michelangelo and Galileo, both of whom we’ve already seen are very important to the city’s story. It is also full of unique frescoes to admire (as you might expect!).

The other main marketplace of the city is Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, in the northern part of the neighborhood. This covered market offers the freshest Italian ingredients and snacks.

Many vendors offer homemade pasta and ready-to-boil gnocchi – take some of that back to your vacation rental, and you’ll never buy boxed spaghetti again.

Santa Croce is another neighborhood that belongs on a Florence itinerary, no matter where you stay. In case you like the sound of this young and lively place, here are some of the best places to stay:

• Budget Hotel in the Santa Croce area: Hotel Bodoni—If you don’t need fancy amenities or elegant decorations, this basic hotel will keep you comfortable and satisfied at breakfast for a low price.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the Santa Croce area: Eurostars Florence Boutique—This small boutique hotel has a chic, minimalist vibe and is quieter near the river.
• Luxury Hotel in the Santa Croce area: Plaza Hotel Lucchesi—The Plaza Hotel Lucchesi is another of the top-rated luxury properties in Florence. Its outdoor swimming pool and lounge on the rooftop are perfect for continuing the party in the summer months.
• Vacation Rental in the Santa Croce area: Diva Lodging Luxury Lordship—Bring all your friends to this large apartment, which sleeps up to six and has a fully equipped kitchen ready for all the pasta you buy at the market.

8. Santo Spirito

Now, we’re moving to the southern bank of the Arno. Crossing one of the bridges in the city center will bring you to the area known as Santo Spirito, which we’d say is the best area to stay in Florence, Italy, for anyone who wants easy access to excellent food.

While you can find amazing food all over the city, Santo Spirito is particularly known for its trattorias, wine bars, and fine dining eateries. First-time visitors to Italy, be warned: returning after sampling the real thing is very difficult. Besides full restaurants, Santo Spirito has plenty of cafes and gelaterias for relaxing between sightseeing and sightseeing.

Santo Spirito is a convenient location for accessing the major sights across the river, too – you must cross one of the bridges! Even so, there are a number of interesting things to see on this side of town.

One of the most popular is the Pitti Palace, a massive complex with an incredible history. It once belonged to the Medici family and stored all their treasures. It came under the control of Napoleon and finally became Florence’s largest museum complex about 100 years ago.

Behind the Pitti Palace are the Boboli Gardens, dating just as far back and belonging to the Medici family. They were an important example of early Italian-style gardens, which many others around Europe are modeled after. Be sure to take time to appreciate this massive palace and its massive gardens.

As usual, this is another great neighborhood to visit, no matter where you’re staying, so don’t hesitate to cross one of the bridges! There are some great hotels and rentals in Santo Spirito as well, such as:

• Mid-Range Hotel in the Santo Spirito area: Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa—This boutique hotel offers resort amenities like a high-end gym, sauna, Turkish bath, and hot tub, as well as Nespresso machines in each room.
• Luxury Hotel in the Santo Spirito area: Hotel Lungarno – A super-luxurious, riverfront boutique hotel with views of Ponte Vecchio and a Michelin-starred restaurant on site.
• Vacation Rental in the Santo Spirito area: Apartment Near Ponte Vecchio—A vacation rental like this one is the best way to stay on a budget in Santo Spirito, and you’ll have a ton of extra space.

9. San Niccolò

To the east of Santo Spirito is the smaller and quieter neighborhood of San Niccolò. It’s a narrow area along the river from Ponte Vecchio to the bridge of San Niccolò and is rather residential.

That’s why we’d call San Niccolò a great location for seasoned travelers who don’t need to be in the center of all the action and who like to appreciate a local neighborhood. There isn’t a huge range of hotels here, but there are a number of vacation rentals, which should also match the preferences of a seasoned traveler.

Still, there are a number of things to do and see in San Niccolò. The most popular is probably the Bardini Villa, Museum, and Gardens, which once belonged to a famous art dealer who collected items from Florence’s history. There’s also the very popular Piazzale Michelangelo (as pictured above from our visit here), a viewpoint on a hill known for its panorama of the city that’s especially beautiful at sunset.

While you probably don’t need to plan a day to explore San Niccolò, the Bardini attractions and the Piazzale Michelangelo are worth visiting. If you’d like to take our advice and base yourself here as a seasoned traveler, here are two recommendations:

• Mid-Range Hotel in the San Niccolò area: Hotel Silla – A lovely, quiet boutique hotel with elegant, air-conditioned rooms.
• Vacation Rental in the San Niccolò area: Across the River Apartment – This is an example of the many local-style apartments you can find at a great deal in this neighborhood, largely set apart from the tourist zone.

See Related: Best European Palaces to Visit

10. San Frediano

We’ll finish our guide with one of the remaining neighborhoods surrounding Florence’s historic center: San Frediano. This is another residential area just west of Santo Spirito and across the river from Santa Maria Novella.

If you intend to spend an extended stay in Florence, this is one area that could provide some interesting options. While you probably don’t want to spend your long stay in a more distant budget area, you also won’t want to pay city center prices. San Frediano offers a great compromise, being near everything and offering many fairly-priced vacation rentals.

There are a few nice sights in San Frediano, like two more of Florence’s wonderful bridges, some large portions of the remains of Florence’s city walls, and the Capella Brancacci and its lovely frescoes. The street of Borgo San Frediano is known for its lively food and drink scene, making for a great place to mingle with locals.

Like San Niccolò, you won’t miss out on a ton if you don’t pass through San Frediano on your trip. But if you like the idea of staying in this well-placed area, here are a few ideas:

• Budget Hotel in the San Frediano area: Sun Frediano Suites Florence. This bed and breakfast offers a more authentic, local experience with comfortable, pet-friendly rooms.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the San Frediano area: Horto Convento – This is one of the few full-service hotels in San Frediano, and it consistently receives rave reviews from guests who love the great service and quiet area.
• Vacation Rental in the San Frediano area: Donatello Apartment in Florence – Most long-stay visitors to Florence should book a rental like this one, which has a large living room and a full kitchen.

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