Where to stay
Where to stay in Florence
In Florence the neighbourhood matters more than the hotel. Here are the best areas, who each one suits, and the hotels to consider, from luxury on the Arno to hostels for light travellers.
In short
- First visit: historic centre, between the Duomo and Signoria.
- Arriving by train or on a budget: Santa Maria Novella.
- Young travellers and nightlife: Oltrarno and Santo Spirito.
- Couples and food lovers: Santa Croce.
- Quiet and views: San Niccolò.
Duomo and historic centre
Staying between the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria means stepping out right in front of the monuments. It's the priciest and busiest area, but you never need transport. Rooms with a Dome view need booking well ahead.
- Hotel SavoyLuxury
Five-star hotel on Piazza della Repubblica, steps from the Duomo. Impeccable service.
Check availability → - Portrait FirenzeLuxury
On the river near the Uffizi, with some rooms looking at Ponte Vecchio.
Check availability → - Relais Piazza SignoriaMid-range
Next to Piazza della Signoria, with Palazzo Vecchio views from the best rooms.
Check availability → - Hotel Duomo FirenzeMid-range
Right on Piazza del Duomo, with simple rooms and balconies facing the cathedral.
Check availability → - Emerald Palace Family HostelBudget
Near San Lorenzo: dorms, private rooms and an apartment. Great value.
Check availability →
Santa Maria Novella
Around the station and the basilica of Santa Maria Novella: easy for arriving, leaving and day trips to Pisa, Siena and Lucca. The Duomo is a ten-minute walk. The streets right behind the station are scruffier, so choose your street carefully.
- The Westin ExcelsiorLuxury
On the Arno, with a rooftop bar for aperitivo.
Check availability → - 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San PaolinoUpscale
Design hotel with playful rooms and a lovely courtyard.
Check availability → - Eco Urban B&BMid-range
Modern, quiet rooms near the station.
Check availability → - Hotel NizzaBudget
Simple rooms between the station and the centre.
Check availability → - Ostello Bello FirenzeBudget
Hostel with dorms, singles and a family room: young, social atmosphere.
Check availability →
All places in Santa Maria Novella →
Oltrarno and Santo Spirito
Across the Arno: artisan workshops by day, and in the evening Piazza Santo Spirito fills with people and drinks. Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens are here, and Ponte Vecchio is a few minutes away.
- Hotel LungarnoLuxury
On the Arno next to Ponte Vecchio, with river terraces.
Check availability → - Piazza Pitti PalaceUpscale
Historic residence in a palazzo facing Palazzo Pitti.
Check availability → - Guicciardini 24Mid-range
Modern, spacious rooms between Ponte Vecchio and Boboli.
Check availability →
Santa Croce and Sant'Ambrogio
Central but more lived-in: the Santa Croce basilica, trattorias, wine bars and the Sant'Ambrogio market where locals shop. A great base for dinners and evenings close to the centre.
- Santa Croce 14 B&BUpscale
On Piazza Santa Croce, with some rooms overlooking the basilica.
Check availability → - Pietrapiana Boutique ApartmentsUpscale
Studios to two-bedroom apartments: handy for families.
Check availability → - B&B Isola d'ArnoMid-range
Walking distance from Santa Croce, the Arno and the Uffizi.
Check availability → - Hotel Santa CroceBudget
Simple rooms in a convenient spot.
Check availability →
San Niccolò
A small village below Piazzale Michelangelo, ten minutes' walk from Ponte Vecchio. Quiet by day, with a few bars and restaurants in the evening. Ideal if you want sunset views on your doorstep.
- FuordArno Bed & BreakfastMid-range
On the Arno near the Bardini Gardens, with glimpses of the Dome.
Check availability →
When to book
- Spring and summer: April to October is high season. Book months ahead, especially at Easter and on Italian holiday weekends.
- Winter: fewer crowds and lower prices, except at Christmas and New Year.
Practical tips
- ZTL: the centre is a limited traffic zone and fines are mailed to you. If you drive, pick a hotel with parking outside the ZTL or ask the hotel how to proceed.
- Tourist tax: paid at the hotel, per person per night.
- Stairs and lifts: many historic buildings have no lift. Check if you travel with heavy luggage.
- Plan your days: read our itinerary Florence in 2 days.
All places to stay in Florence →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Florence for a first visit?
The historic centre, between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria: everything is walkable. If you arrive by train, Santa Maria Novella is handy and often cheaper.
Where to stay in Florence for nightlife?
In the Oltrarno around Piazza Santo Spirito, or in Santa Croce and Sant'Ambrogio: lively squares, bars and trattorias open late.
Where to stay in Florence on a budget?
Around Santa Maria Novella station and San Lorenzo there are hostels and simple hotels. Book early: budget options sell out too.
Do I need a car to stay in Florence?
No. The centre is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) and parking is expensive. If you arrive by car, choose a place with parking outside the ZTL.
How much is the Florence tourist tax?
It's charged per person per night based on the property's category, usually on arrival. Your hotel will tell you the exact amount.
Facilities and categories can change: always check details when you book.