Where to stay in Florence: best areas and neighborhoods

Florence is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, full of attractions, museums and monuments, loved by both Italians and the many tourists who choose it as their destination every year. When organising a visit to the city, choosing where to stay is a fundamental choice in order to enjoy the holiday to the fullest. Florence has a fairly small centre and here you can find different places to stay, close to the main attractions.

So let's find out together where to stay in Florence: tips and the best neighbourhoods to stay in!

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

If you're short on time, skip the boring research - we've already done the dirty work for you! Here are our top-rated picks for any budget, tried and tested.

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Florence

Foto di wheresleep.

In Florence, as in many cities, the best area to stay in is the centre, as it can be easily visited on foot and all services are close by.
The central station of Florence Santa Maria Novella is also very close to the main attractions, only 800 m from Piazza Duomo (10 min on foot).

The centre is then divided into different areas, ideal or not according to your type of holiday. If you are looking for nightlife, we advise you to choose accommodation in the Piazza Santo Spirito area, full of clubs open until late. If you are with your family, we recommend central but perhaps quieter neighbourhoods, such as Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. The latter is where the station is, so the prices are cheaper too!

Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Florence. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

San Giovanni, for local vibes

• Pros: Central location, iconic landmarks, vibrant atmosphere.
• Cons: Can be very crowded, higher prices for accommodations and dining.
• Main attractions: Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Giotto's Bell Tower, Baptistery of San Giovanni.
• Average prices: From €150,00 per night – find top stays on Booking.

Recommended Accommodation

The neighbourhood of San Giovanni is the most central area, together with Santa Croce. Here you will find many of the city's most famous attractions, such as Florence Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery (Tickets and info here).

Consequently, this is also the most expensive area to stay in. While in Santa Croce there are more options, by staying in San Giovanni it is possible to open your window and enjoy a splendid view of the cathedral. It is easy to get around on foot and you will find yourself in the centre of the nightlife.

1. What to do: Climb Giotto's Bell Tower, visit the Uffizi Gallery, walk through the Loggia dei Lanzi.
2. Where to eat: This area is full of beautiful restaurants, but i recommend Trattoria del Pennello and Osteria del Proconsolo - Ristorante Firenze.
3. Where to drink: after dinner have a beer at The Old Stove Irish Pub or an elegant cocktail at Le Petite.

Why I love it: just one word: Brunelleschi. Standing under the Dome is a spiritual experience.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from €150,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Santa Croce, perfect if you search comfort

• Pros: Rich in history, artistic charm, quieter streets.
• Cons: Limited nightlife options
• Main attractions: Basilica di Santa Croce, Pazzi Chapel, leather workshops.
• Average prices: From €120,00 per night – find top stays on Booking.

Recommended Accommodation

Santa Croce, together with San Giovanni, is the most central district in Florence. Here you will be a stone's throw away from the centre, and close to important attractions such as the Basilica of Santa Croce or Casa Buonarroti.

As a result, this is also one of the most expensive areas to stay in, but by booking early you can find accommodation at great prices. Furthermore, it is an ideal neighbourhood especially for families with children. It is still in the centre but quieter, without being in the middle of the nightlife.

1. What to do: Visit the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, explore the leather school (Scuola del Cuoio).
2. Where to eat: Canto del Ramerino is perfect for a fast and low cost lunch. If you want to try an original "fiorentina" steak go to Bisteccheria Santa Croce - Piazza Santa Croce Firenze.
3. Where to drink: have a relaxed drink at Tartan Jock Scottish Pub or a cocktail with beautiful view at the Empireo Rooftop View American Bar & Pool.

Why I love it: the Sant'Ambrogio Market. It's the real foodie heart of the city!s

Average prices in the neighborhood start from €120,00- compare the best accommodation on Booking

Santa Maria Novella, for affordable accommodations

• Pros: Close to the train station, convenient for transport.
• Cons: Can feel busy and less picturesque compared to other neighborhoods.
• Main attractions: Santa Maria Novella Basilica, Piazza della Stazione
• Average prices: From €80,00 per night – find top stays on Booking.

Recommended Accommodation

Santa Maria Novella is the district that extends from the railway station towards the west, Here you will find yourself close to the main attractions and you can easily reach them on foot! In fact the station is located just 800 m from the cathedral and just 1 km from Piazza della Signoria, you can reach them with a pleasant 10/20 min walk through the streets.

This district, developing in the station area, offers accommodation at more affordable prices, without sacrificing comfort and convenience. Ideal if you are traveling on a budget, but do not want to give up services such as shops, restaurants and clubs.

1. What to do: Admire the frescoes in the Basilica, buy artisanal perfumes at the world's oldest pharmacy.
2. Where to eat: try the typical food of Osteria del Giglio or Trattoria Vecchia Griglia. Have a fine dinner at Il Vezzo
3. Where to drink: at night you find a lot of places where to take a drink. We recommend Public House 27 and The Fiddler's Elbow Irish Pub.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

San Niccolò, ideal for families

Foto di PROPOLI87.

• Pros: Bohemian vibe, stunning views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
• Cons: Slightly uphill location, fewer accommodation options.
• Main attractions: Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte, artisan shops.
• Average prices: From €90,00 per night – find top stays on Booking.

Recommended Accommodation

The San Niccolò district develops on the opposite bank of the Arno river and at the foot of the hill where Piazzale Michelangelo is located, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city. If you cross Ponte alle Grazie you will be in the centre in a few minutes and close to the main attractions.

It is an ideal neighborhood for families, as it is very quiet but still central, with all services close at hand and several green areas, such as the Bardini Garden or the Terzo Giardino, a park that directly overlooks the Arno. The prices are slightly cheaper than those of San Giovanni and Santa Croce.

1. What to do: Walk up to San Miniato al Monte for the best view of Florence, visit Clet's street art studio.
2. Where to eat: Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò is a beautiful restaurant that make you feel at home, Hosteria del Bricco offers delocious traditional food in a gorgeous place.
3. Where to drink: Rifrullo is perfect for a spritz and for making new friends, but if you want an elegant cocktail in a romantic place, definitely go to Saporium Lounge.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Santo Spirito, for fun and nightlife

Foto di John Samuel.

• Pros: Local vibe, bustling piazzas, artisan workshops.
• Cons: Nightlife can be noisy, fewer big landmarks.
• Main attractions: Basilica di Santo Spirito, Boboli Gardens, Pitti Palace.
• Average prices: From €90,00 per night – find top stays on Booking.

Recommended Accommodation

Finally, the Santo Spirito district is located on the opposite side of the Arno river and is connected to the centre by the famous Ponte Vecchio. This is the nightlife district, full of clubs open until late, and where many young people gather, who meet mainly between the squares of Santo Spirito and Piazza del Carmine. Here, you can also find the Palazzo Pitti with the Boboli Gardens, a real jewel of Florence.

Here you will find plenty of accommodation at very affordable prices and, of course, there are also hostels for backpackers! At the same time, you can find apartments and beautiful historic hotels. However, if you are traveling with children, we recommend you to stay in the previously mentioned neighbourhoods.

1. What to do: Explore the artisan workshops (botteghe), visit the Royal Apartments at Palazzo Pitti.
2. Where to eat: for an amazing food experience with typical food choose Osteria Le Pietre - Piazza de Pitti Firenze or Ristorante dei Rossi. 
3. Where to drink: after dinner have a drink at Pitta M'Ingolli or have a craft sbeer at Archea Brewery, they have dozens of diffrent local beers!

Average prices in the neighborhood start from €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Places to stay near Florence

Foto di wheresleep. Florence already offers several accommodation solutions for all needs and budgets. If you plan to visit Florence and the immediate surroundings, there is no reason to prefer staying elsewhere, neither economic nor geographical.
On the other hand, if you intend to visit other areas of Tuscany, such as Chianti or the Val d'Orcia further south, then you may prefer other cities, villages and towns that are more central or more immersed in the countryside.

• Siena (70 km / 1 hour): ideal town for visiting the wine-growing areas of Chianti and Val d'Orcia, in the centre of Tuscany, perfect base for day trips - Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Greve in Chianti (30 km / 45 min): ideal village to discover the whole Chianti region (more info on the day trip around the Chianti area), one of the most famous in Tuscany, ideal for wine lovers. Ideal as it is easy to reach Florence by bus (line 365A, 55 min) - Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• San Casciano in Val di Pesa (23 km / 20 min): south of Florence, full of typical farmhouses completely surrounded by greenery. Several villages nearby. Direct bus to Florence (lines 368A, 370A and 371A, 30 min) - Compare accommodation on Booking.com

Florence accommodation price map

Guide to the areas of Florence

Foto di wheresleep. As soon as you arrive in Florence, you will find that the city is very well organized and that getting around is very simple. All the main attractions are located in the old town centre, and by staying in the surrounding areas you can easily get around on foot, thanks to the Limited Traffic Zone and pedestrian areas.

The centre, in turn, can be divided into five historic districts:

• The district of San Giovanni, where you find Piazza della Signoria and the catherdral;
• Santa Maria Novella, which includes a part of the centre and then extends throughout the western territory, from the railway station onwards;
• Santa Croce, which develops around the Basilica, in the easternmost part of the centre;
• San Niccolò, on the opposite bank of the Arno river, ideal for families, as it is central but quiet;
• Santo Spirito, a popular area with young people, that includes attractions such as Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens.

Not recommended areas: to stay in the city, we do not recommend areas that are too far from the centre. There is lots to choose from, so you will also be able to find excellent low cost accommodation by staying close to the busiest areas. Avoid the suburbs, as you may waste some time getting to the centre.

Cool things to do in Florence

• Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo: Join the crowd on the steps to watch the sun go down over the Arno—often accompanied by live street music.
• Explore the Oltrarno Workshops: Cross the Ponte Vecchio to find artisans carving wood, restoring paintings, or making handmade shoes.
• Visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica: Step into the world's oldest pharmacy (dating back to 1221) for a sensory journey through history and scent.
• Taste a "Lampredotto" Sandwich: Be a true local and try this traditional street food at a "chiosco"—it's a Florentine institution.
• The Vasari Corridor (from outside): Walk the path that the Medici family used to take to cross the city unseen above the streets.
• Climb the Duomo: Test your stamina by climbing the 463 steps to the top of the Campanile Giotto for an unparalleled view of the city. More info about the tickets here.

Travel Tips

• Language: Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic Italian phrases like "grazie" (thank you) or "prego" (you’re welcome) can enhance your experience.
• Wifi: Most hotels and public areas offer free WiFi. Look for "FirenzeWiFi" hotspots in the city center.
• Transport: Florence is walkable, but buses and trams are available for longer distances. Avoid driving in the ZTL (restricted traffic zones) unless your accommodation provides a permit.
• Shopping: Visit San Lorenzo Market for leather goods or Oltrarno for artisan crafts.
• Best areas for nightlife: Santo Spirito and Piazza della Signoria offer cozy wine bars and lively pubs for evening entertainment.

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