Where to Stay in Florence, Italy (Best Areas & Top Hotels)
It’s impossible not to be swept up by Florence’s timeless beauty. Between the art, the architecture, and the endless trattorias, this city makes every moment feel cinematic.
Here’s how to choose where to stay in Florence, Italy, to match your travel style and budget.
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Centro Storico
Florence’s historic center drops you right in the thick of Renaissance magic. Step outside and the Duomo’s iconic red dome looms overhead.
Narrow cobblestone streets twist toward world-famous sights like Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery. Every corner seems to reveal another slice of stunning architecture or a gelato shop you can’t resist.
Staying here means you can ditch long commutes and just wander, soaking up Florence’s treasures on foot. The Centro Storico has everything from grand palaces to tiny boutique hotels, so take your pick.
Best For: First-time visitors who want classic Florence vibes and the big sights right outside.
Top Hotel: Hotel Davanzati serves up authentic Florentine charm in a restored building dating back to the 1400s, frescoed ceilings and antique furnishings included.
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Santa Croce
Santa Croce pulls you into Florence’s more authentic side, where the streets are lined with old-school leather workshops and family-run craft stores. It’s easy to get lost browsing handmade goods and soaking up the laid-back, local feel.
The Basilica di Santa Croce anchors everything—a massive Franciscan church with Michelangelo’s tomb and frescoes that are worth a long look. You can wander here from your hotel and feel like you’re part of the neighborhood.
Accommodations here work well for travelers wanting a genuine Florentine vibe. The central spot keeps you close to the big sights but lets you escape the heaviest crowds.
Best For: Travelers after a real taste of local culture with easy access to Florence’s highlights.
Top Hotel: Plaza Hotel Lucchesi pairs rooftop-riviera views with old-world Florentine charm, plus a riverside location that makes the historic center feel like your private backyard.
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Oltrarno
Cross the Arno River and the mood shifts; Oltrarno is Florence’s artsy, slightly rebellious soul. Local artisans craft leather, jewelry, and traditional Florentine paper in workshops that look straight out of another century.
Cobblestone streets wind past studios where you can watch craftspeople at work, no velvet ropes or tour groups in sight. Santo Spirito square turns lively with markets and bars where Florentines hang out (not just tourists clutching maps).
The area stays quieter than central Florence but keeps you close to the big attractions. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are in your backyard, and the views from Piazzale Michelangelo are hard to beat.
Best For: People who want a creative vibe and a little distance from the main tourist crush.
Top Hotel: Art Hotel Villa Agape sits just over a mile from the city center and blends artistic flair with modern comfort in Florence’s most creative district.
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San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is all about the hustle, with the main market district drawing locals and travelers alike. Stalls overflow with leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs; meanwhile, the covered market keeps the produce fresh and the energy high.
The bustling San Lorenzo neighborhood sits between the train station and the Duomo, a spot that’s hard to beat for convenience.
The Mercato Centrale is a food paradise, with vendors selling everything from truffle pasta to fresh mozzarella. Upstairs, food stalls serve up modern Italian dishes alongside the classics, and the vibe is always lively.
The Renaissance Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels anchor the district. Both are right at the heart of the action, just steps away from the markets.
Best For: Budget-minded travelers who want markets, great food, and easy access to Florence’s main sights.
Top Hotel: Il Guelfo Bianco feels effortlessly Tuscan, with hand-painted ceilings, warm hospitality, and Florence’s Duomo just a short stroll away.
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Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella lands you in the middle of Florence, with the main train station just around the corner. You can reach the Duomo or Uffizi Gallery in a few minutes; no need to fuss with taxis or buses.
Cafes, traditional restaurants, and small shops cluster around the beautiful Santa Maria Novella church, making it a great place to wander and see what you stumble across.
Shopping is easy here, with plenty of boutiques and markets close by. The area connects smoothly to other parts of Florence, thanks to solid public transport.
Best For: Travelers who want a central spot with easy access to major attractions and transportation.
Top Hotel: The Place Firenze is a 5-star property that offers luxury accommodations with convenient access to Florence’s main sights.
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Fiesole
Fiesole sits perched above Florence, just about 10 kilometers from the city center, and the views alone are worth the quick trip. Sweep your eyes across the Tuscan hills and Florence’s rooftops; it’s one of those places where your camera roll fills up fast.
Wander around and you’ll spot Etruscan walls, Roman ruins, and enough leafy trails to make you forget about Florence’s tourist shuffle for a while.
Maiano sits in a prime spot in Fiesole, with knockout views and gardens that beg for a slow stroll. Buses run regularly to Florence, or you could lace up your shoes and hike down; either way, you’re never really far from the city.
Architecture here hasn’t changed much in centuries; Fiesole has a slightly mystical, time-warped charm.
Best For: Travelers after peaceful hilltop scenery and a taste of history, just outside Florence.
Top Hotel: Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, is a former monastery turned plush retreat with sweeping Florence views.
