Where to stay in Florence Italy 

Florence Tuscany is one of the most visited cities in Italy.

And in a city the size of Florence, knowing where to stay can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. 

Which is why in this post, I’ll be answering all your questions on where to stay in Florence Italy. I’ll be outlining the best neighborhoods in Florence as well as the best hotels in Florence for different budget types. 

One of the most beautiful places in Tuscany, Florence is perfect Italy bucket list material.

Use this post to help plan your Italy trip. 

Basic information about Florence Italy 

Italian name: Firenze 
Geographical location: central Italy in the region of Tuscany 
Most famous for: being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance 
How many days to stay? 2 days in Florence is good for first-time visitors 

Florence is a walkable city, with most major attractions within a 20-minute stroll from each other.

Where to stay in Florence Italy 

Best neighborhoods in Florence for every traveler

• Centro Storico/Quartiere 1 (attractions include the Duomo/Uffizi Gallery/Ponte Vecchio): best for first-time visitors who want to be close to major sights in Florence.
• Oltrarno and Santo Spirito: bohemian vibe district with artisan shops and vibrant nightlife.
• Santa Maria Novella: convenient for travelers visiting Florence by train plus budget-friendly Florence accommodation.
• Santa Croce: lively local markets and plenty of nightlife.
• San Frediano: authentic local experiences and a slight hipster feel.
• Fiesole: a quiet hillside town with pretty views just outside Florence.

Pro tip: if planning day trips to Tuscany the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood is ideal. It's close to the train station (around a 3-minute walk from the basilica of the same name). Santa Maria Novella train station is about 12 minutes' walk to Florence's cathedral.

Where to stay in Florence based on travel style

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Families: Centro Storico (city center) or Santa Maria Novella for convenience and practicality.
👩‍❤️‍👨 Couples: Santa Maria Novella for romantic rooftop views.
🎒 Solo travelers: San Lorenzo for budget-friendly hostels and a good nightlife scene.
💎 Luxury travelers: Centro Storico for its 5-star boutique hotels.

Florence neighborhoods north of the Arno 

1. Quartiere 1/Centro Storico (city center)

Vibe: beating heart of Florence's historic center. Touristy but easy to walk to all major attractions.

Quartiere 1 (1st quarter) is the most central district in Florence’s city center.  

It's not officially listed as a neighborhood in Florence but Quartiere 1 is noteworthy. The quarter’s home to attractions like the magnificent Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.

Staying in this area of Florence guarantees you’re within a stone’s throw of the best attractions in the city. The neighborhoods of Santa Maria Novella, San Marco, Santa Croce, San Lorenzo and San Niccolò all fall within this district. 

Because of this, Quartiere 1/Centro Storico is ideal for first-time visitors looking for where to stay in Florence.

Best Florence Italy hotels in the Quartiere 1 area

💰💰💰 Luxury

Wake up to the best views over the Arno River with a stay at Portrait Firenze. The ultra chic 5-star hotel has elegantly furnished rooms and suites, river views and on-site amenities like a spa and restaurant.

Portrait Firenze is 1-minute from Ponte Vecchio and around 4 minutes to the Uffizi Gallery.

💰💰 Mid-range

When looking for family-friendly hotels in Florence Il Perseo ticks plenty boxes. Steps from Florence's Duomo it offers several family-type rooms such as the Family Triple and Quadruple Rooms.

Cribs and infant beds are provided free of charge and all room types come with blackout drapes/curtains. A useful feature to have if traveling to Italy with a baby, the colorful and modern decor is the icing on the cake.

💰 Budget

Clean, simple and centrally located perfectly sums up B&B Hotel Firenze Laurus al Duomo.

As stated in its name, the B&B is within close walking distance to Florence's famous cathedral (5 minutes). A cooked breakfast is available (surcharge) and complimentary WiFi is provided.

2. Santa Maria Novella 

Vibe: down-to-earth, affordable, close to the train station.

The Santa Maria Novella neighborhood of Florence is like the San Marco neighborhood in Venice. Both are the areas closest to the main attractions in each respective city. 

Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Florence Italy. It includes the Duomo district that surrounds Florence’s famous cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore). 

Home to the magnificent Santa Maria Novella church, there are also other notable landmarks to visit in the area. They include Palazzo Strozzi (art museum), Piazza della Repubblica and Museo Ferragamo (art museum). 

Santa Maria Novella is also a great choice if you’re looking for Florence hotels near the train station. Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is a quick 3-minute walk from the basilica. 

Perfect for visitors traveling without a car it's a top choice when looking for where to stay in Florence Italy. 

Best Florence Italy hotels in the Santa Maria Novella area

💰💰💰 Luxury 

A luxury hotel in Florence doesn’t get any better, or more elegant, than the St. Regis Florence. 

Each of the 99 individually furnished rooms come with premium bedding, luxury bathrobes and rainfall showers. 

Other guest amenities include an on-site luxury spa, airport shuttle service, a Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe.  

One of the best hotels in Florence the St. Regis Florence will add some old-school glamor to your Italy vacation.

💰💰 Mid-range 

Check into the comfortable yet chic Rivoli Boutique Hotel in the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood. 

The hotel has 87 rooms complete with all the amenities, plus an outdoor pool, terrace, coffee shop/cafe and a spa. 

💰 Budget 

Enjoy an affordable stay in Florence Italy at Bellevue House.  

The townhouse has guestrooms with Italian sheets, down comforters, complimentary WiFi and free cribs/infant beds. 

Santa Maria Novella Basilica is a short walk from the property as is Florence’s larger-than-life cathedral. 

🎥 Watch: 4 top neighborhoods in Florence Italy

3. San Lorenzo

Vibe: food markets and cozy taverns.

Next door to the Duomo neighborhood is the quarter of San Lorenzo. The neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere, food markets, wine bars, pubs, restaurants and student-friendly cafes.

Florence’s Central Market (Mercato Centrale) is also located in San Lorenzo. Locals come here to stock up on fresh produce and Chianina burgers.  

Another famous landmark within the San Lorenzo neighborhood is the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Inside are works from Donatello as well as tombs inside the Medici Chapel. The Medici were a ruling family that had plenty of power and influence during the Renaissance period in Florence. 

Central Market (Mercato Centrale), Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento 
Medici Chapel (Cappelle Medicee), Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6 

Hotels in Florence in San Lorenzo 

💰💰💰 Luxury 

Enjoy first-class service, a delicious breakfast buffet and many other mod cons at Palazzo dei Conti residenza d'Epoca. 

One of the finest luxury hotels in Florence, rooms are a good size, modern and have views overlooking the city. 

💰💰 Mid-range 

Get a comfortable night’s sleep at the centrally located B&B Lorenzo de' Medici. 

The B&B offers guests hypo-allergenic bedding, down comforters, free WiFi and sound-insulated walls. 

💰 Budget 

Just 350m (0.35km) from the Duomo is the Emerald Palace Family Hostel. A clean, colorful and modern property, some rooms come with a private bathroom and shower. Free WiFi is also available.  

One of the best budget hotels near Florence train station, Santa Maria Novella is just 600m (0.6km) away. The lively public square of Piazza della Signoria is 10 minutes on foot. 

4. Santa Croce  

Vibe: central, not as touristy as Quartiere 1, local in feel.

Santa Croce is most known for being home to the 13th century Basilica di Santa Croce. Inside is the final resting place of several notable Italian figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli and Gioachino Rossini. 

Compared to Quartiere 1 and Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce also has fewer tourists.

It's also ideal for visitors looking for the best area to stay in Florence for nightlife. Santa Croce has a decent number of nightclubs and late-night bars; something for night owls to consider when deciding on where to stay in Florence Italy. 

Church of the Holy Cross (Basilica di Santa Croce), Piazza di Santa Croce, 16 

Best places to stay in Florence in Santa Croce 

💰💰💰 Luxury 

Wake up at one of the best Florence hotels with a view at the exquisite Santa Croce 14 B&B.  

The Florence hotel directly overlooks the Basilica di Santa Croce and the piazza of the same name.

The eco-friendly b&b is just 600m (0.6km) from Piazza della Signoria and less than 1,000m (1km) from Florence’s Duomo (cathedral).

An Italian breakfast serving local specialties, fresh baked goods and vegan products is served everyday. 

💰💰 Mid-range 

Make your Florence trip a memorable one with a night or two at La Maison du Sage. 

All 18 individually furnished rooms boast luxury touches like hypo-allergenic bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets and memory foam beds. The hotel is just minutes’ walk to the Uffizi Gallery. 

💰 Budget 

The 17th century Hotel Santa Croce has rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning and free WiFi.

Located close to the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria, a buffet breakfast with freshly baked croissants is served each morning.  

It's little wonder why Hotel Santa Croce is considered one of the top-rated budget hotels in Florence.

5. San Marco 

Vibe: residential, local, nice mix between local and touristy.

To the north of Florence’s city center is the residential neighborhood of San Marco.  

Home to the Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David) and the University of Florence’s gardens, it's a quiet but well connected area. 

The university’s botanical gardens attracts plenty of visitors as do the frescoes inside the San Marco Museum. Charming restaurants, taverns and ice cream shops complete the neighborhood.  

San Marco offers a good balance between tourist activities and chilling out when deciding where to stay in Florence Italy. 

Accademy Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia), Via Ricasoli, 58/60  
Botanical Gardens of the University of Florence (Orto botanico "Giardino dei Semplici" - Università di Firenze), Via Pier Antonio Micheli, 3 
St. Mark’s Museum (Museo di San Marco), Piazza San Marco, 3 

Best Florence hotels in San Marco 

💰💰💰 Luxury 

Add a touch of class to your stay in Florence at the colorful Arte’ Boutique Hotel.  

This 4-star Tuscan hotel has 13 individually furnished rooms and offers guest benefits like free international calls and premium beddings. 

Hands down one of the most romantic places to stay in Florence, lap up views overlooking Florence’s famous cathedral when you book into the Prestige Suite with panoramic terrace. 

💰💰 Mid-range 

An upscale hotel in the San Marco neighborhood, IQ Hotel Firenze has 60 rooms with premium bedding and pillow menus. Other features include rainfall showers, 50-inch Smart TVs and laptop-friendly workspaces. 

It’s a hotel in Florence seriously worth considering when choosing where to stay in Florence Italy. 

6. Campo di Marte 

Vibe: more residential in feel, peaceful

If looking for Florence hotels that are slightly away from tourists, consider staying in the Campo di Marte neighborhood. 

A residential district towards the north east of Florence, Campo di Marte has a mix of cheap and costly accommodation. 

The neighborhood’s most famous for being home to the Artemio Franchi stadium (Stadio Artemio Franchi). In the lead-up to a match, accommodation prices around the stadium can skyrocket so be mindful of this when booking. 

However, the area's more residential neighborhoods will offer more reasonable prices. 

Artemio Franchi stadium (Stadio Artemio Franchi), Viale Manfredo Fanti, 4 

Hotels in Florence in Campo di Marte 

💰💰 Mid-range 

Check into a luxury townhouse in the Campo di Marte neighborhood at Palazzo Lombardo. Bright, modern and large rooms, walls are sound insulated to ensure a good night’s sleep. 

💰 Mid-range/budget 

Get a peaceful night’s sleep at the beautifully maintained Kerasiá.  

The property, which embraces sustainable living, has a garden, allergy-free rooms and free WiFi. All rooms come with air conditioning, a walk-in shower and flat-screen TVs. 

Popular points of interest near the property include Piazza del Duomo, Accademia Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio. 

Map: where to stay in Florence Italy

Florence neighborhoods south of the Arno 

7. Oltrarno and Santo Spirito

Vibe: bohemian, artisan workshops and hip cafes.

Oltrarno (Diladdarno in the Florentine dialect) is a district located south of the Arno river. During Florence’s development in the 20th century, the region became known for its artisan shops and bohemian atmosphere.  

Two neighborhoods in Oltrarno worth noting are Santo Spirito and San Frediano. 

The former is home to the Basilica of the Holy Spirit (Basilica di Santo Spirito) and the striking Pitti Palace. San Frediano is characterized by its laidback vibe and streets lined with artisan shops.  

Checking into a Florence hotel in Oltrarno is a great idea for exploring the less touristy side of Florence. 

Florence hotels in Oltrarno 

💰💰💰 Luxury  

A short walk from the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens is the enchanting Hotel Horto Convento Firenze boutique hotel.  

Enjoy the art gallery and designer shops on site along with a top-rated Italian breakfast buffet every morning. 

💰💰 Mid-range 

Enjoy generous-sized rooms and modern decor and furnishings at SPIRIT OF FLORENCE Boutique Rooms. 

With a top location near Ponte Vecchio, plug into the free in-room WiFi and make the most of the additional room amenities. 

💰 Budget 

Spend a night or two at a historic townhouse in Oltrarno at Il Pitti Soggiorno. Each of the 19 individually designed rooms come with complimentary WiFi, rainfall showers and air conditioning/heating. 

8. San Niccolò 

Vibe: posh, trendy galleries and rustic yet chic taverns.

The San Niccolò district is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Florence. Cozy taverns and informal wine bars line the neighborhood’s winding alleys.  

Along with gorgeous river views, San Niccolò is also home to the Bardini Gardens (Giardino Bardini). Surrounding the 17th-century villa of the same name, explore the two museums while lapping up views of the city. 

Hotels in Florence Italy near San Niccolò 

💰💰💰 Luxury 

On the periphery of San Niccolò is QK Costa58 Home Tower. 

A series of luxury rooms and suites, the deluxe suites come with uninterrupted views of Florence. 

💰💰 Mid-range

Stay in the heart of San Niccolò at Hotel Silla.  

Rooms are large, modern and warmly furnished. On site is a coffee shop/cafe and a rooptop terrace from which you can admire the Florence views.  

Other neighborhoods in Florence to stay in

When deciding on where to stay in Florence Italy, you may prefer to ditch the crowds completely for somewhere quieter.  

These neighborhoods and areas offer a more local vibe and are great if looking for hotels in Florence in a residential part of the city.

Consider booking here if visiting Florence for a long stay, traveling with a family or if you're a digital nomad.

9. Rifredi 

Towards the northwest part of Florence is the quieter neighborhood of Rifredi. The residential district has several attractions within the vicinity, most notably the Stibbert Museum and Santo Stefano in Pane church. 

The Romanesque church dating to the Middle Ages has a striking 16th century portico facade and is one of the area's must-see landmarks.  

Stibbert Museum (Museo Stibbert), Via Federico Stibbert, 26 
Pieve di Santo Stefano in Pane, Via delle Panche, 32 

Florence hotel in Rifredi 

Have an entire apartment to yourself (and your party) when you book a stay at Residence Leopoldo. The apartments come with self-parking, concierge services and dry cleaning (on request). 

10. Gavinana 

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Florence, Gavinana is situated in the southeastern part of the city.

It’s known for its green spaces, like the gardens of Cardinal Elia dalla Costa, and for its residential feel. Part of Quartiere 3 with the Galluzzo neighborhood, Gavinana is a tranquil choice when deciding where to stay in Florence.  

Giardino di piazza Cardinale Elia dalla Costa, Piazza Cardinale Elia dalla Costa 

Florence hotel in Gavinana 

Experience warm hospitality at the family-friendly Rosary Garden. Each of the 14 rooms are individually decorated and include free Wifi, air conditioning and safes. 

Nearby attractions include Piazzale Michelangelo and Tuscany Hall. 

11. Galluzzo 

Galluzzo is situated in the southernmost part of the municipality in Quartiere 3. Like Gavinana, there’s likely to be few tourists staying in this neighborhood.

Galluzzo is best known for being home to the Certosa di Firenze, a hilltop monastery built in 1341. If staying in Galluzzo, consider taking a guided tour to see the frescoed cloisters, monks' cells and refectory. 

Certosa di Firenze, Via della Certosa, 1 

Hotel in Florence near Galluzzo 

Relax in the comforts of a Tuscan townhouse at the charming Marignolle Relais and Charme.  

Perks of staying at this hotel include use of the outdoor pool (seasonal), spa services and an onsite bistro. Rooms are traditionally furnished, generous in size and come with all the mod cons for a comfortable stay. 

The location is a relaxing choice when looking for where to stay in Florence Italy. 

12. Isolotto 

Isolotto is situated to the west of Florence’s city center. To the north is Cascine Park (Parco delle Cascine) while San Frediano and Galluzzo sit to the east and south respectively. 

The residential neighborhood is characterized by terraced houses and quiet tree-lined streets.

Within the Isolotto vicinity is the family-friendly Villa Vogel Park (Parco Villa Vogel) and the Limonaia di Villa Strozzi. The event space is open during the summer months and hosts concerts, festivals and exhibitions. 

Best Florence hotel in Isolotto 

Offering bright, colorful rooms with free Wi-Fi, Hotel Alex sits in the heart of the Isolotto neighborhood. Ideal for budget travelers, the hotel has an onsite restaurant with an outdoor veranda. 

Amerigo Vespucci Airport and Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station are around a 10-minute drive from the property. 

13. Via Bolognese 

Leave the crowds of Florence far behind by choosing accommodation on the outskirts on Via Bolognese.  

The stretch of road connects Florence’s city center from the north and extends to the outskirts. Local is the buzzword in Via Bolognese as you’ll likely meet other families from the community than tourists. 

By car, the journey from Via Bolognese (depending on where you stay) to Florence’s city center is around 24 minutes. By public transport, the ride time is approximately 37 minutes by bus. 

Where to stay on Via Bolognese 

Enjoy views of the Tuscan countryside with a stay at Villa Acacia.  

Set on a quiet hilltop, the Tuscan villa has large gardens and a private pool for guests to enjoy. Amenities include complimentary WiFi, concierge services and a laundry area.  

14. Fiesole

Around 21 minutes by car to the north of Florence is the charming town of Fiesole. A tranquil retreat from Florence's busy streets Fiesole offers the best of both worlds.

By public transport (bus and tram) the journey time takes around 35 minutes to reach Florence's city center.

Local attractions in Fiesole include the Roman amphitheater (Teatro Romano), San Francesco Convent (Convento di San Francesco) and the Medici Villa.

Where to stay in Fiesole

💰💰💰 Luxury

The 5-star historic villa Villa San Michele encompasses everything you'd expect from a luxury Tuscan villa.

An eco-certified hotel Villa San Michele has a pool and spa on site. Want to wake up to dreamy views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside? Consider booking one of the Premium Junior Suites. Though pricey, the incredible views from the terrace will be worth every Euro.

💰💰 Mid-range

Blending traditional Tuscan decor with modern furnishings FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole is one of the top-rated hotels in Fiesole.

A family-friendly hotel in Fiesole, the hotel offers free cribs and in-room babysitting services (surcharge). Pets are welcome plus it's LGBTQ friendly too.

What's more, the no.7 bus stop is just 1-minute walk from the property. This bus will take you (half the way) to Florence. All routes involve a change to a tram to reach the city center.

💰 Budget

Clean, cozy and affordable best sums up B&B Le Cannelle Fiesole. Rooms embrace a traditional Tuscan style and it's a good choice for travelers looking for an affordable hotel in Fiesole.

Additional amenities include soundproofed rooms, free WiFi and a daily breakfast.

💰 Farmstay

Opt for a different accommodation type when looking for where to stay in Florence Italy by staying at a farmstay (agriturismo). Fattoria Di Maiano boasts rustic-style rooms, suites and apartments, 2 outdoor pools and an onsite restaurant.

The relaxing countryside retreat is great for families with young children. As well as a children's pool, there's also a playground plus children's activities that involve animals on the farm.

How to get around Florence 

Whichever neighborhood you decide to stay in Florence you’ll be well connected. Florence has a decent public transport system that connects the neighborhoods to the center and beyond.  

Bus and tram stops are in abundance in Florence and will get you to where you need to go. Other means of transport include hiring a bike or a scooter from companies like Lime or Bird. 

What do you think of this post on where to stay in Florence Italy? Has it provided a clear overview of the different neighborhoods and hotels in the city? Let me know in the comments below.