Where To Stay In Florence: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

We love Florence because so much of it can be explored on foot. You can cross the city center in no time, passing Renaissance palaces, tiny wine bars and streets that seem to have been designed for wandering. The city is also home to some serious art history. Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Brunelleschi’s famous dome are all here.

But you don’t have to sleep right next to the Duomo. Staying across the Arno can give you a completely different experience. And areas such as Santa Croceand Santa Maria Novella have their own character, with markets, cafés and neighborhood restaurants.

We’ve picked the best areas in Florence and explain what makes each one worth considering.

 

In this travel guide:

 

San Marco

Best area for: tourists, budget-friendly, history

San Marco sits just north of Florence’s historic center. It feels a little less polished and touristy than the streets around the Duomo. Students, locals and visitors all mix here, partly because the University of Florence has several buildings in the neighborhood. It gives the area a more lived-in feel.

The big attraction is the Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David stands. It can get busy, but seeing the sculpture in person is still one of those Florence moments. We also like the Museo di San Marco, which occupies a former Dominican convent. The convent was rebuilt in the 15th century with help from Cosimo de’ Medici. Fra Angelico later covered many of its rooms and monks’ cells with delicate frescoes. It is surprisingly peaceful for such a central museum.

Piazza San Marco is the heart of the neighborhood. Buses rumble through, students sit around the square and locals are constantly passing by. The area has a long religious and artistic history too. Lorenzo de’ Medici once had a famous sculpture garden nearby, where a young Michelangelo studied ancient works.

For us, San Marco works particularly well if you want to stay centrally without being surrounded by tourists all day. For a quick coffee or breakfast, we would stop at Shake Café on Via Cavour. It is an easy place to fuel up before heading towards the museums.

Best place to stay in San Marco

Hotel Orto de’ Medici. Address: Via S. Gallo, 30, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy.

 

Duomo

Best area for: central stay, history, landmarks

Duomo is the heart of the city. The architecture in the city center around the Duomo is incredible and a real treat for culture vultures. If you love culture and history, then you must go to Florence; and if you want to be surrounded by it, then stay around the Duomo.

The area centers around the jaw-dropping Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral. Builders started working on it back in 1296. It took over a century to finish the giant terracotta dome.

This neighborhood is almost purely a tourist hub. You will see crowds of travelers snapping photos, street artists painting, and horse-drawn carriages trotting by. Very few locals actually live in these historic buildings anymore. The sheer energy here is electric.

The main draw is standing right in the center of Piazza del Duomo. You can gaze up at Giotto’s Bell Tower and the stunning marble facade.

When we want a break from the massive crowds, we duck into Coquinarius. It is a cozy wine bar hidden just a block away on a quiet side street. They serve incredible pear-stuffed ravioli, local cheeses, and excellent Tuscan wines. Sitting at a small table inside feels like a peaceful escape from the bustling square outside.

Best place to stay in Duomo

Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy Florence. Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 7, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.

Cheaper alternative:

Hotel del Corso. Address: Via del Corso, 1 nero/black, Uffizi, 50123 Florence, Italy.

 

Santa Maria Novella

Best area for: families, central stay, history

Families looking for a great place to stay should base themselves in Santa Maria Novella.

This is one of those Florence neighborhoods that feels a little different from the postcard version of the city. The train station is right here, so the first impression can be busy and slightly chaotic. But give it a bit of time. There is much more to the area than trains and suitcases.

The star of the neighborhood is, of course, the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. We still find it impressive every time. The marble facade is beautiful, but the inside is the real treat, with works by Masaccio, Giotto, Ghirlandaio and Brunelleschi. The Dominican complex dates back to the 13th century.

There is also a fun bit of history hiding in plain sight. The famous Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella grew out of the Dominican monks’ tradition of making herbal remedies. Records of their aromatic products go back to 1381.

The area is a mix of tourists, locals, hotels and everyday Florence. Around Via Palazzuolo, things get more residential and multicultural, while Borgo Ognissanti has smarter shops and restaurants. It is also incredibly convenient. The Duomo is about a ten-minute walk away.

For dinner, we would happily head to Trattoria Marione al Trebbio for classic Tuscan food. For something quicker, La Boite does schiacciata, cheese, charcuterie and wine. That is a pretty good Florence combination.

Best place to stay in Santa Maria Novella

J.K. Place Hotel. Address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella 7, Santa Maria Novella, 50123 Florence, Italy.

Cheaper alternative:

Grand Hotel Minerva. Address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16, Santa Maria Novella, 50123 Florence, Italy.

 

Santa Croce

Best area for: hipster, food, nightlife

Santa Croce is the hip place to stay in Florence. It is located just north of the Arno River, which passes through the Italian city. The area is popular with locals as it receives fewer tourists than other parts of Florence.

History runs deep through these narrow streets. Back in the Middle Ages, this was a working-class district built around a Franciscan monastery. The main focal point is the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce. We call it the “Temple of Italian Glories” because Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are all buried inside. The grand piazza right out front hosts the famous Calcio Storico every summer. It is a crazy, historic mix of rugby, soccer, and bare-knuckle fighting.

Aside from the monumental church, the surrounding alleys are famous for traditional leather workshops. We always drop by the Leather School behind the basilica to watch artisans craft jackets and bags by hand.

When hunger hits after exploring, we head straight to Finisterrae right on Piazza Santa Croce. Sitting outside with a plate of fresh handmade pasta and a glass of Tuscan red wine gives you front-row seats to the square. For a quick bite, we grab a Florentine schiacciata sandwich packed with prosciutto and pecorino cheese. It is the absolute best spot to refuel.

Best place to stay in Santa Croce

Plaza Hotel Lucchesi. Address: Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia 38, Santa Croce, 50122 Florence, Italy.

 

Santo Spirito and San Frediano

Best area for: art, hipster, nightlife

Santo Spirito and San Frediano are two Florence neighborhoods that combine to make one brilliant area to stay. The area has Florence’s best nightlife. The bars and restaurants are top-notch and attract visitors from all over the Renaissance city.

These areas sit on the south side of the Arno river, in Florence’s Oltrarno district. This is where we come when we want a slightly less polished side of the city. The streets feel lived-in. There are workshops, small shops, wine bars and plenty of locals going about their day. Tourists are definitely here too, especially around Santo Spirito, but the area still feels residential.

Piazza Santo Spirito is the main meeting point. The square has been around since the Middle Ages and was originally created for crowds gathering around the Augustinian church. Today, the unfinished-looking facade of Brunelleschi’s Basilica di Santo Spirito dominates the square. The inside is much more impressive, with works by artists including Michelangelo and Filippino Lippi.

San Frediano feels a little rougher around the edges. We like that. It has a long working-class history and is still known for its artisan workshops. The Basilica of Santa Maria del Carmine is worth a look too, especially for the Brancacci Chapel and its remarkable Renaissance frescoes.

For breakfast or a quick coffee, we’d stop at Bar di Santo Spirito on Via Santo Spirito. It is simple, inexpensive and exactly the kind of place we want in the morning. For dinner, Osteria Santo Spirito is right on the piazza and serves classic Tuscan dishes.

The neighborhood is also a good choice if you want to experience Florence after the museums have closed. Aperitivo starts, tables spill onto the streets, and the squares get pleasantly noisy.

Best place to stay in Santo Spirito and San Frediano

Hotel Palazzo Guadagi. Address: Piazza Santo Spirito 9, Santo Spirito, 50125 Florence, Italy.

 

Where travel critics stay in Florence

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Florence? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Florence.

 

Budget

Hotel Scoti.

“Wedged between designer boutiques on Florence’s smartest shopping strip, this hidden pensione is a fabulous mix of old-fashioned charm and value for money.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: Via de’ Tornabuoni, 7, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.

 

Mid-range

Hotel Ottantotto Firenze.

“An elegant, unfussy hotel for people who want to see the cooler side of Florence. This renovated historic ‘palazzetto’ in the less-touristed Oltrarno neighborhood has just seven rooms, each decorated with different floral and botanical printed fabrics, antique decor, and funky-cool furniture.” — CN Traveler.

Address: Via dei Serragli, 88, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy.

 

Luxury

Portrait Firenze Hotel.

“Michele Bönan, a Florentine architect, used midcentury furnishings and original photographs from the Ferragamo archives to create gorgeous 1950s-era interiors. The result is 34 rooms and suites worthy of interior design awards, and a lobby that feels like a sophisticate’s living room.” — New York Times.

Address: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.

 

FAQ: Florence hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Florence? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Florence hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Florence.

 

 

Best time to visit Florence

The best time to visit Florence is during the months of May, June, September, and October. These months offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and an abundance of activities that you can truly immerse yourself in.

During this time, the temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 °C), allowing you to stroll through the charming cobblestone streets with ease.

Additionally, the city is enlivened with cultural events, exhibitions, and outdoor festivities, ensuring that there’s always something to enjoy!

While Florence is a popular destination year-round, choosing to visit during these months allows you to avoid the peak tourist season of July and August. This means fewer crowds, shorter lines, and a more authentic experience of the city.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, the breathtaking Duomo, and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio without being overwhelmed by throngs of tourists.

 

Best things to do in Florence

There are numerous things to do in Florence and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Florence:

 

Florence: Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket

Enjoy priority entry to Italy’s greatest art treasures with a reserved entrance ticket to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. See masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Giotto, and spend as much time as you like gazing at Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.” Price: $24. More info.

 

Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence

Experience the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre in one day with a guided tour through the five idyllic fishing villages of old-world Italy. Following the walking trails along the cliffs of the national park, you will see glorious views of this unspoiled stretch of the Italian Riviera. Price: $66. More info.

 

Florence: Timed Entrance Ticket to Michelangelo’s David

Enjoy priority entry to one of Italy’s top attractions with a reserved entrance ticket to the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Price: $24. More info.

 

More things to do in Florence

 

Deciding where to stay in Florence

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Florence above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

 

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Florence

• Duomo
• San Marco
• Santo Spirito & San Frediano
• Santa Maria Novella
• Santa Croce

 

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Florence is important. Whether you stay in Duomo, San Marco, Santo Spirito & San Frediano, Santa Maria Novella or Santa Croce, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great stay in Florence.

 

Florence overview

🏨 Hotel prices:	High
🛏 Budget hotel:	$125
💑 Boutique hotel:	$190
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$550
🌎 Best area for first visit:	Duomo
👪 Best area for families:	Santa Maria Novella
💎 Best luxury hotel:	Portrait Firenze Hotel
👫 Best boutique hotel:	Oltrarno Splendid
💰 Best cheap hotel:	Hotel Nella
🎒 Best hostel:	PLUS Florence

 

More Florence tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Florence:

Hotels in Florence

Hostels in Florence

Boutique hotels in Florence

Luxury hotels in Florence

Cheap hotels in Florence

Eco-friendly hotels in Florence