Where to stay in Florence? The best areas and places to stay

0

Voyage Tips - Advice

Looking for accommodation in Florence and in a hurry? Check out travelers’ favorite hotels in Florence on Booking.com by clicking here!

A tip: They’re in high demand, so book quickly!

And if you want all the details on the best areas to stay in Florence, along with my selection of the best hotels, read this article.

Where to Stay in Florence: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

You’re planning to visit Florence during your next trip and you’re wondering where to stay?

You’re at the right place!

When traveling, it’s never easy to find the perfect hotel, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

As I know Florence very well, I have created for you a list of the best hotels in Florence, sorted by districts.

Whether you’re looking for a hotel in the historic center, close to the main museums, or in a lively area, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here!

For each area, I will also tell you more about the best things to do and places to visit.

With my recommendations, you can book your dream hotel in Florence right now and ensure an unforgettable trip!

And at the end of this article, you will also find my selection of budget hotels in Florence as well as my list of the best places to stay in Florence if you’re travelling as a family.

So, where to stay in Florence as a tourist?

Let’s find out!

My Favorite Hotels in Florence

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite places to stay in Florence, if you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel name to see more details and current rates:

In the Duomo District

The Duomo district is the heart of the historic center, the most central neighborhood of Florence.

Unfolding around the Piazza del Duomo, it’s home to the city’s most iconic monuments, including the famous Florence Cathedral.

You should stay in Florence’s Duomo District to enjoy a picturesque setting, with cobblestone streets and magnificent Italian Renaissance architecture.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Florence for a weekend in the center, this is the perfect area, as you’ll be able to easily visit most monuments.

I recommend this neighborhood for staying in Florence:

  • To be in the heart of the old town
  • If you’re looking for a lively spot
  • If you want to take advantage of a central location, perfect to explore the city on foot
  • If you’re ready to spend a bit more on accommodation, as it’s one of the most expensive areas of Florence

The district is the perfect place to discover:

Voyage Tips - Advice

To make the most of your time in Florence, don’t forget to book your skip-the-line tickets in advance!

Indeed, there’s often a waiting time of over 2 hours to get tickets for the main attractions, such as the cathedral, the Brunelleschi dome, the Academy Gallery, or the Uffizi Gallery.

Furthermore, these sites often sell out well in advance!

So don’t wait, if the tickets are available, book them now for all the visits you want to make in Florence!

You can find all the tickets on these two reliable and secure websites:

I personally recommend the Florence Pass, which is very convenient as it includes access to the most important sites and museums + an audio guide of the city:

Here are my favorite hotels in the center of Florence

As Florence is extremely touristic, best deals don’t last long!

So if you have your travel dates, book your hotel as soon as possible by clicking on the orange links below.

  • Domus Plaza: Located just 50 meters from the Duomo. Double room or apartment for two starting at €180. Strong points: location, cleanliness, comfort, and the view of the Duomo.
  • Hotel Perseo: Situated at the foot of the cathedral. Comfortable double room starting at €180, breakfast included. Strong points: location, good breakfast, friendly reception.
  • B&B Le Stanze del Duomo: Located a 1-minute walk from the Duomo. Spacious and bright room starting at €195. Strong points: pleasant staff, varied breakfast, ideally located. An excellent choice for staying in the historic center of Florence.
  • Martelli 6 Suite & Apartments: Also located 50 meters from Piazza del Duomo. Comfortable and well-equipped double room starting from €200. Strong points: very friendly welcome, quality breakfast, close to everything (shops, restaurants, sightseeing).
  • Brunelleschi Hotel: High-end hotel offering rooms with elegant decor starting at €550, breakfast is €20. Strong points: very warm staff, excellent restaurant, service. One of my favorite hotels in Florence!
  • Four Seasons Hotel Firenze: This 5-star hotel is located 15 minutes from the Uffizi Gallery and offers sumptuous rooms blending modern and Renaissance elements. Starting at €750, breakfast is €48. Strong points: the Spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, the magnificent park. One of the best luxury hotels in Florence!
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Hôtel de luxe où dormir à Florence
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze luxury hotel to stay in Florence

In the Santa Maria Novella district

This cosmopolitan district is located northwest of the downtown area.

Santa Maria Novella is the place if you’re looking for fashion boutiques and major Italian fashion brands.

It’s a particularly convenient and accessible area, as it is near Florence’s central train station.

This district is ideal for staying in Florence:

  • If you want to go shopping
  • To move around easily
  • To be near all the sites and museums of the old town

In Santa Maria Novella, you shouldn’t miss:

  • Santa Maria Novella basilica, renowned for its frescoes
  • Tornabuoni street and all the adjacent shopping streets
  • The central market of Florence
  • Fortezza da Basso, host to numerous artistic events.

Where to Stay in the Santa Maria Novella area, Florence?

  • Hotel Universo – WTB Hotels: Located right next to the basilica. Double room with colorful design starting from €135. Strong points: the magnificent location, friendly staff, close to the airport tram. It offers an excellent value for money!
  • Hotel Deco: Situated between Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo. Original double rooms starting from €150. Strong points: the warm welcome, central location in Florence close to the station.
  • c-hotels Diplomat: Located near Santa Maria Novella station and a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. Modern and well-equipped room starting from €220, breakfast €15. Strong points: the good breakfast with lots of different pastries and bread, the ideal location for sightseeing, the friendliness of the staff.
  • Adler Cavalieri Hotel-Private Spa & Gym: Located in the center of Florence. Double room with classic decoration starting from €240, breakfast €15. Strong points: the charm of the hotel, the Spa with indoor pool, the gym.
  • Hotel Croce Di Malta: A wonderful upscale hotel set in a former convent. It offers beautiful bright rooms starting from €340, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool, the breathtaking view of the Duomo from the rooftop, the excellent breakfast buffet. This is my recommendation for a romantic stay in Florence!
  • The St. Regis Florence: A 5-star hotel with an impeccable reputation. You will stay in a superbly decorated room with Italian tapestries and paintings. Starting from €1000 a night! Strong points: the concierge service, the quality of amenities and dining, located in a former palace. Definitely one of the most prestigious hotels in Florence!
Hotel Croce di Malta Santa Maria Novella district
Hotel Croce di Malta Santa Maria Novella district

In the San Marco and San Lorenzo districts

San Marco and San Lorenzo districts are also located close to the central train station.

In these charming districts, you’ll find numerous cultural sites, including several art galleries, museums, and a series of works and monuments crafted by the greatest Italian masters such as Michelangelo, Donatello or Da Vinci.

San Marco and San Lorenzo are the must-visit cultural districts of Florence.

You will love this area if:

  • You want to be close to the heart of Florentine culture and explore the Italy of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Donatello, and many others
  • You prefer to stay in a quiet and peaceful location

In San Marco and San Lorenzo districts, you shouldn’t miss:

  • San Lorenzo Basilica: built in 1424, it houses the 3 Medici chapels
  • San Lorenzo Market, the perfect place to discover local products
  • National Museum of San Marco: a magnificent art museum located in a former convent.

The Best Hotels in San Marco and San Lorenzo Districts

  • Cicerone Guest House: Housed in a 19th-century building, just a 15-minute walk from the Uffizi Gallery. Simple yet clean and comfortable double rooms start at 150€. Strong points: well-located hotel, very clean, friendly reception.
  • Solo Experience Hotel: Located right next to the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Comfortable and modern double rooms from 200€, breakfast at 14€. Strong points: ideally located, hearty breakfast, parking. One of my favorite option for a good night’s sleep in Florence.
  • Palazzo della Stufa Residenza D’Epoca: Situated right across from the Basilica and the Medici Palace. Cozy and warm rooms starting at 210€, breakfast at 15€. Strong points: view of the square, comfortable bedding, very complete breakfast.
  • Hotel Cerretani Firenze – MGallery Collection: This exquisite upscale hotel is set in a 17th-century building. It offers chic and sleekly decorated rooms starting at 370€, breakfast included. Strong points: very central location, friendly staff, tea time, private parking with valet service. The perfect hotel for a romantic stay in Florence.
  • NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi: This 5-star hotel is located in a 16th-century palace and offers rooms with meticulous decor and some with views of the Duomo starting at 475€, breakfast for 26€. Strong points: generous breakfast, rooftop terrace with a view, superb setting. This is my recommendation for a luxury hotel in San Lorenzo!
Hotel Cerretani Firenze Quartier San Lorenzo
Hotel Cerretani Firenze Quartier San Lorenzo

In the Santa Croce District

Located to the east of Florence historic center, Santa Croce neighborhood is, in my opinion, one of the most charming in the city.

In this very peaceful district, you’ll find narrow small alleys lined with traditional shops, artisan workshops, and goldsmiths as well as trendy bars and restaurants.

Like almost everywhere in Florence, there are of course also many churches and museums.

I recommend the Santa Croce neighborhood for staying in Florence:

  • If you want to have a romantic getaway with your loved one, without breaking the bank too much
  • To enjoy the vibrant nightlife

Things to see and do in Santa Croce:

  • Santa Croce Basilica: built in 1294, it houses several works by Donatello, Giotto, and Cimabue.
  • Galileo Museum with its impressive collection of scientific instruments from the 13th century
  • Dante’s House: a museum about the life and work of the famous Italian poet.

Best Accommodations in Santa Croce District of Florence

  • Boutique Hotel La Casa di Morfeo: Located a 10-minute walk from the historic center. Romantic double rooms with moldings and ceiling paintings starting from 180€, breakfast at 10€. Strong points: breakfast served in a bakery, parking, intimate hotel setting.
  • Blu Notte Guest House: Located 10 minutes from the Uffizi Gallery. Modern and spacious double room starting from 190€. Strong points: the warm welcome, the hotel’s location, the comfort of the beds.
  • Benci House: Situated 300 meters from the Palazzo Vecchio. Double room with original design that will delight architecture enthusiasts starting from 220€, breakfast included. Strong points: the ambiance, comfort, and great location for sightseeing. This is my favorite for its unique decor!
  • Eurostars Florence Boutique: Located 500 meters from the Basilica of Santa Croce. Minimalist, all-white double rooms starting from 290€, breakfast at 13€. Strong points: the view from the rooftop terrace, valet service, tranquility, varied breakfast.  This is my top pick for a luxury stay in Santa Croce district!
  • LHP Hotel River & Spa: Located in a 19th-century building right by the river. 5-star hotel offering contemporary decorated rooms, some with views over the Arno River, starting from 350€, breakfast included. Strong points: the peace and quiet, the hearty breakfast, the Spa, the attentive staff.
Eurostars Florence Boutique Quartier de Santa Croce
Eurostars Florence Boutique Quartier de Santa Croce

In the Oltrarno and Boboli Districts

Located on the northern banks of the Arno River, Oltrarno and Boboli districts have particularly well-preserved their medieval identity.

They are connected to the rest of the city by several bridges, including the famous Ponte Vecchio, which you must cross to reach Oltrarno.

These picturesque and tranquil neighborhoods are home to several major tourist attractions, including the Michelangelo Esplanade, offering one of the best views over Florence.

You’ll also find many designer boutiques, small traditional shops and local markets (especially the one on Santo Spirito Square).

Staying in this area also means enjoying a green setting, with several beautiful gardens around.

It’s a quiet neighborhood with good transportation links.

Here are the best places to visit in Oltrarno and Boboli districts:

  • Boboli Gardens: truly magnificent garderns offering a breathtaking view of the city
  • Ponte Vecchio, a bridge featuring small houses, now converted into shops selling gold jewelry
  • Pitti Palace: a jewel of Italian Renaissance architecture, featuring sumptuously decorated rooms with paintings by great Italian masters
  • Piazzale Michelangelo, with its panoramic viewpoint over all of the historic sites of the city!

What are the best hotels in Boboli area, Florence?

  • Toscanelli Residenza d’Epoca: Located right across from the Pitti Palace. Several rooms available in an apartment with a shared living room, starting at 150€. Strong points: very warm welcome, ideally situated for walking tours, cleanliness. Outstanding value for money for this accommodation in Florence!
  • B&Beatrice: Located 50 meters from the Pitti Palace. Spacious and well-equipped double room starting at 180€. Strong points: quiet environment, comfort, close to everything.
  • SPIRIT OF FLORENCE Boutique Rooms: Situated 200 meters from the Boboli Gardens. Spacious and tastefully decorated double room starting at 215€. Strong points: complimentary water, coffee, and cookies, host’s kindness, great location.
  • Palazzo Ridolfi – Residenza d’Epoca: Also nearby the Pitti Palace. Beautifully decorated rooms that blend old and modern, starting at 280€, breakfast at 15€. Strong points: the hotel’s charm, delightful staff, tranquil neighborhood. A great choice for a high end stay in Boboli district!
  • Hotel Lungarno – Lungarno Collection: 5-star hotel situated along the Arno river, just next to the Ponte Vecchio. Nice cozy rooms with large windows, most of them offering river views, starting from 770€. Strong points: ideal location, the view, quality of services. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Boboli!
Palazzo Ridolfi Boboli District
Palazzo Ridolfi Boboli District

Where to Stay in Florence on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here is a selection of some affordable accommodations and hostels for a cheap stay in Florence:

  • Plus Florence: This hostel is only 1 km from Piazza del Duomo. Dormitory bed starts from 40€, breakfast at 9€. Double rooms are also available starting from 130€ per night. Strong points: a swimming pool, terrace with a view of the dome, the comfort and cleanliness of rooms and dormitories. A great choice for budget-friendly accommodation in Florence!
  • Hostel Archi Rossi: Located in the historic center of Florence. Dormitory bed starts from 40€ and twin room from 110€. Strong points: excellent location, terrace and garden, free drinks, friendly staff. Another good option for an affordable stay in Florence.
  • Hotel St. James: Near the Accademia Gallery. Spacious double room starting at 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: ideal location, private parking, friendly welcome.
  • RE Dama Hostel: Located a 10-minute tram ride or a 30-minute walk from the center. Modern and spacious rooms starting from 130€, breakfast included. Strong points: room comfort, excellent breakfast, very warm welcome. An excellent option, located not too far from the center of Florence.

Where to stay in Florence with Family?

  • Plus Florence: This hotel I just mentioned in the “Budget” category offers triple and quadruple rooms starting from €160, perfect for an affordable family stay in Florence. Your kids will also enjoy the swimming pools!
  • Guesthouse Bel Duomo: This small hotel offers quadruple rooms from €210 and is located at the foot of Florence’s cathedral. It’s clean, comfortable, and the staff is extremely friendly. Great value for money for this hotel where you can stay with your family in Florence!
  • B&B Le Stanze del Duomo: Also located beside the Piazza del Duomo, you will stay in spacious family rooms starting from €230.
  • Hotel Alba Palace: Situated in the Santa Maria Novella district, the hotel offers family rooms with one double bed and two single beds from €310, breakfast included. Another excellent choice for family accommodation in Florence!

What is the best hotel in Florence?

If you’re looking for the best hotel in Florence, I can only recommend the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. It truly is a magnificent palace and one of the most beautiful 5-star hotels in Florence.

For something a bit more affordable while still in the luxury category, I also recommend Hotel Cerretani Firenze or the NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi, which are both excellent, making it hard to choose between them.

Where to Stay in Florence: Summary Table of the Best Hotels

To give you a better idea of the best hotels to stay in Florence, I’ve made a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article. You can sort them by price or district!

HotelDistrictPrice
Domus PlazaDuomo180€
Hotel PerseoDuomo180€
B&B Le Stanze del DuomoDuomo195€
Martelli 6 Suite & ApartmentsDuomo200€
Brunelleschi HotelDuomo550€
Four SeasonsDuomo750€
Hotel UniversoSanta Maria Novella135€
Hotel DecoSanta Maria Novella150€
c-hotels DiplomatSanta Maria Novella220€
Adler Cavalieri HotelSanta Maria Novella240€
Hotel Croce di MaltaSanta Maria Novella340€
The St Regis FlorenceSanta Maria Novella1000€
Cicerone Guest HouseSan Marco/San Lorenzo150€
Solo Experience HotelSan Marco/San Lorenzo200€
Palazzo della StufaSan Marco/San Lorenzo210€
Hotel Cerretani FirenzeSan Marco/San Lorenzo370€
NH Collection Palazzo GaddiSan Marco/San Lorenzo475€
Boutique Hotel La Casa di MorfeoSanta Croce180€
Blu Notte Guest HouseSanta Croce190€
Benci HouseSanta Croce220€
Eurostars Florence BoutiqueSanta Croce290€
LHP Hotel River & SpaSanta Croce350€
Toscanelli Residenza d'EpocaOltrarno/Boboli150€
B&BeatriceOltrarno/Boboli180€
Spirit of Florence Boutique RoomsOltrarno/Boboli215€
Palazzo RidolfiOltrarno/Boboli280€
Hotel Lungarno CollectionOltrarno/Boboli770€
Plus FlorenceCheap Hotels40€
Hostel Archi RossiCheap Hotels40€
Hotel St JamesCheap Hotels110€
RE Dama HostelCheap Hotels130€
Plus FlorenceHotels for families160€
Guesthouse Bel DuomoHotels for families210€
B&B Le Stanze del DuomoHotels for families230€
Hotel Alba PalaceHotels for families310€
Book your trip now and save money!

Italy travel Guides

You’re traveling in Italy? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Italy: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

  • Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
  • Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Best area to stay in Florence
Best area to stay in Florence
Anonymous

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Leave A Reply