Where is the best place to stay in Florence? Is it the buzzing heart of the historic centre? The vibrant hood of Santa Croce? The ever-so-trendy streets of Oltrarno?
Over the course of multiple trips to Florence, we’ve had the opportunity to stay in a couple of different areas. Using the experiences garnered on those holidays, we’ve created a guide to Florence that focuses on the 6 best areas of the city for visitors.
*This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase without incurring an additional fee yourself.
Thank you for supporting this website. See my disclaimer page for more details.
Some of these places are famous for their food, while others have the best-value accommodation.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or Florence is the start of your wider Tuscany road trip, by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which area of Florence suits your needs best.
#1 Historic Centre – Best Area To Stay In Florence For First Time Visitors.
LOCATION:
Right in the middle of the action, the historic centre of Florence is the busiest part of town. You’ll find many lovely hotels near the Duomo (more formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), as well as plenty of dining options and shops.
Aside from the Duomo, the area also contains Florence’s main square, the Piazza della Signoria, as well as the Uffizi Gallery and many fabulous palazzi.
WHY STAY HERE:
The historic centre is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Florence, Italy if this is your first trip to the Tuscan capital. Many of the must-see attractions of the city will be within 5 minutes’ walk from your hotel, making it incredibly convenient to see a lot with minimal effort.
Consider starting off at the Piazza della Signoria. On our initial visit to Florence, we unobtrusively popped a squat on some stairs here and just absorbed the general atmosphere of the place while crowds of people flowed by.
Almost certainly, the first thing you’ll notice is the imposing Palazzo Vecchio with its striking crenelations and clock tower. Make sure to go inside the palace at some point to see the ornate state rooms, including the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred), which is an almost ridiculous ode to excess.
Nearby, you’ll also see a replica of Michelangelo’s David (the real thing is in the Galleria dell’Accademia), as well as many other sculptures beneath the arches of the Loggia dei Lanzi.
Just south of this square is the Uffizi Gallery with its fabulous collection of Renaissance works by such masters as Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Raphael. This is undoubtedly one of the best areas to stay in Florence Italy if you love your art!
In our opinion though the most impressive place to see in the Historic Centre is the Piazza del Duomo. It’s here you’ll find the unofficial symbol of Florence, its domed cathedral, as well as Giotto’s impressive bell tower and the Baptistery of St. John.
As for shopping, there are loads of boutiques for apparel, jewellery, and assorted souvenirs scattered amidst the streets between the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria. If high fashion is your thing, though, we recommend heading westwards to Via Tornabuoni, where the haute couture houses have their premises.
TOP THINGS TO DO:
- Clamber to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome in the Duomo.
- Explore the impressive architecture of the Piazza Della Signoria.
- Discover the stunning Renaissance sculptures of the Bargello Museum.
- Marvel at one of the world’s most treasured art collections at the Uffizi Gallery.
- Stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio with its attractive selection of independent boutiques.
PROS
- Heart of the city
- Close to most of the major Florentine sights
- Filled with restaurants and shops
CONS
- Very crowded and noisy
- Quite a few tourist traps
- Generally more expensive
#2 Santa Maria Novella – Best For Day Trips
LOCATION:
Centred on the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, this area is a leisurely 10 minutes’ walk from the Duomo and a marginally longer 15 minutes from the Piazza della Signoria.
It’s here that you’ll find Florence’s main train station, named after the basilica, as well as its largest public park, Parco delle Cascine.
WHY STAY HERE:
This is where to stay in Florence if you want to be within walking distance of the historic centre but reside in slightly more affordable accommodation. It’s especially good as an HQ if you don’t plan to visit Tuscany by car but prefer to visit the nearby cities like Siena, Pisa, and Bologna on the train.
Santa Maria Novella isn’t just ideal for going elsewhere, however. The eponymous church is a real gem and probably one of the top three religious buildings we’ve visited in Florence. Started in the 14th century and worked on for 100 years, it has a memorable marble façade and contains the mesmerising Holy Trinity by Masaccio.
Just a few streets to the south, the Chiesa di Ognissanti is another noteworthy landmark of the area. Although the exterior isn’t particularly special (at least compared to other Italian churches), the interior contains a beautiful array of well-preserved frescoes.
If you walk west along the Arno River, you’ll come to the Parco delle Cascine, which is a popular spot for picnicking in the summer months. We managed to snap up some bargains here at the weekly market, which takes over the main walkway of the park on Tuesdays with stalls selling produce, snacks, clothing and more.
Santa Maria Novella is also one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Florence for quirky curiosities. For example, we were surprised to stumble upon the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica, a striking perfumery and toiletries store whose roots lie in monastic herbal remedies.
Then there’s the Museo Novecento, which houses 20th-century art – a bit of fresh air after days of (admittedly lovely) Renaissance painting and sculpture.
Although parts of Santa Maria Novella (particularly around the train station) might seem grittier and rougher than other bits of Florence, we never had any problems wandering around during the night.
TOP THINGS TO DO:
- Gaze up at the intricate marble façade of the Church of Santa Maria Novella.
- Promenade down the riverside through the Parco delle Cascine.
- Examine the frescoes of Domenico Ghirlandaio and Sandro Botticelli at the Chiesa di Ognissanti.
PROS
- Less expensive than the historic centre
- Close to the train station for day trips
CONS
- Not as pretty as other parts of Florence
#3 Santa Croce & Sant’Ambrogio – Best Place To Stay In Florence For Local Flavour
LOCATION:
East of the city centre, Santa Croce and neighbouring Sant’Ambrogio somehow manage to feel like a separate sphere of Florence despite being only a short walk from the main tourist attractions.
Filled with some of the best boutique hotels in Florence, this is one of our favourite places we’ve stayed in the city. Life here feels authentically local – and the fact that it also contains an amazing food market doesn’t hurt either!
WHY STAY HERE:
This is one of the best places to stay in Florence Italy if you’re looking for a vibrant district that’s set slightly back from the main tourist areas.
That’s not to say you won’t still find, for instance, some of the best hotels with pools in Florence here, just that we felt as though everything was geared more for the local populace rather than out-of-towners.
Sant’Ambrogio in particular is somewhere that bursts with cosy trattorias, neighbourhood cafes, and artisan shops. The market is an excellent place to go for fresh produce, cured meats, and cheeses. Keep an eye out for stalls selling the distinctive local specialty, panino lampredotto (tripe sandwich).
Just north of the market are a couple of notable religious structures. The more impressive to look at is the Tempio Maggiore (Great Synagogue) of Florence. Only completed towards the end of the 19th century, its copper dome stands out on the skyline, but the mosaics inside are even more dazzling.
The Chiesa di Sant’Ambrogio might not be as dramatic, but it many hundreds of years older and provides a quiet space for contemplation.
While Sant’Ambrogio is more about the food, Santa Croce is where a lot of the city’s youngsters come to party. If you’re someone who likes a night out as part of a vacation, this is one of the best places to stay in Florence Italy.
There are also some notable historical highlights in the area. Probably the most impressive is the Basilica di Santa Croce, which has 16 different chapels to explore, each with their own little wonders.
TOP THINGS TO DO:
- Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce to see the Giotto frescoes.
- Wander past the impressive Florence National Central Library, Italy’s largest library.
- Make a pilgrimage to see the Eucharistic Miracle at the Church of Saint Ambrose.
- Explore the Tempio Maggiore of Florence and its collection of Jewish art.
PROS
- Excellent food options
- Buzzing nightlife
- Less touristy
CONS
- Often noisy at night
#4 Oltrarno – Best Area For Families
LOCATION:
Literally meaning ‘beyond the Arno,’ Oltrarno is situated south of the Arno River. Several parks and gardens are dotted around the place, which has more of a laidback vibe to it than the other areas we’ve mentioned so far.
Depending on where you stay here, the Duomo can be between a 15- and a 20-minute walk.
WHY STAY HERE:
There are two main but very different reasons to stay in Oltrarno. One is that it’s among the best neighbourhoods to stay in Florence if you’re after a trendy, bohemian vibe.
Not so long ago, the district underwent a bit of a revival, turning it from slightly downtrodden into rather hip. Many traditional artisan workshops line the streets here, in between cool bars and fashionable restaurants.
The other reason to base yourself in Oltrarno is because it’s less hectic than north of the river, making it a good option for where to stay in Florence with kids. You’ll also be able to find quite a few aparthotels with more space for families.
The biggest attraction is hands-down the Palazzo Pitti. The Medici family’s grand Renaissance residence contains five separate museums within its walls. Our favourite area was the Royal Apartments, where you can get a taste of the mind-blowingly sumptuous lives of the Florentine nobles.
Behind the Palazzo Pitti you’ll find the Boboli Gardens, which is an extensive green area that’s nice to explore when the sun is shining.
There’s no area of Florence devoid of an historic church or two. In Oltrarno, the most notable one is the Basilica di Santo Spirito. We’ll admit that we were slightly underwhelmed by the bland exterior, but it’s well worth venturing inside to see the baldacchino and the tranquil courtyard garden.
For more impressive religious artwork, however, head further west to the Brancacci Chapel, which has some wonderfully vivid frescoes.
TOP THINGS TO DO:
- Traverse the expansive rooms of the Palazzo Pitti with their over-the-top décor and excellent collections.
- Examine the altar of the Basilica di Santo Spirito, before heading out to the piazza for a drink and some people watching.
- Enjoy the calming open spaces of the Boboli Gardens.
PROS
- Chill neighbourhood
- Very trendy
- Good nightlife
CONS
- Some areas can be noisy at night
#5 Piazzale Michelangelo – Best For Stunning Views
LOCATION:
The Piazzale Michelangelo is famous for its views, which take in the whole of downtown Florence.
There’s not so much in the way of attractions here, but it is arguably the best neighbourhood in Florence to stay if you want to relax away from the worst of the crowds.
WHY STAY HERE:
This is where to stay in Florence for couples who want to enjoy a romantic hideaway. It may not be as close to the Duomo and the city’s other major sights, but that also lends the area a quieter, more secluded feel that perfectly sets the mood.
Although most of the San Niccolo neighbourhood is largely ignored by tourists, you will definitely find plenty of people flocking to the Piazzale Michelangelo itself. Watched over by a bronze cast of the stature of David, it’s the go-to place for panoramic views of Florence.
We found the walk up to the square only mildly strenuous, but it’s also possible to catch a bus to the top if it seems too steep for your sensibilities.
The area around the Piazzale Michelangelo has several picturesque places to explore. If you’re visiting in spring, pop into the nearby Giardino delle Rose and/or the Giardino dell’Iris to see the carefully cultivated collections of roses and irises in full bloom.
Just 5 minutes to the south, the Basilica di San Miniato is an 11th-century beauty of a church. Perched atop a hill, it’s another place you’ll find great views of Florence, often with fewer people.
If we haven’t already convinced you that the Piazzale Michelangelo is the best neighborhood to stay in Florence for views, we’re going to finish this section off with one more recommendation: the Bardini Garden.
This underrated spot is a soothing place to relax and gaze down at the city in quiet contemplation. The villa within the grounds occasionally holds exhibitions, so make sure to check ahead to see if there’s anything interesting on.
TOP THINGS TO DO:
- While away an afternoon hanging out in the Piazzale Michelangelo with great views, a bottle of wine, and some picnic foods.
- Climb to the top of the Gate of San Niccolò and gaze down from the remains of Florence’s city walls.
PROS
- Unbeatable views
- Quieter neighbourhood
CONS
- Quite far from the main attractions
- Fewer accommodation options
#6 San Lorenzo & San Marco – Best For Cheaper Accommodation
LOCATION:
San Lorenzo is to the north of the historic centre and to the east of Santa Maria Novella. While this district isn’t at the top of many tourist itineraries, there’s actually no part of it that isn’t a short walk from the Duomo.
San Marco, on the other hand, is noticeably further out. Found on the northern side of San Lorenzo, it’s one of the best places to stay in Florence Italy if you’re hunting for a bargain.
WHY STAY HERE:
San Lorenzo is one of the best neighborhoods in Florence Italy for foodies because it contains the Mercato Centrale. Here, you’ll find lots of gastronomic souvenirs as well as a gourmet food hall selling things that you’ll (mostly) want to try, although the squeamish may not warm to the idea of cow stomach sandwiches.
Just south of the Central Market you’ll come across the San Lorenzo complex, including the Basilica di San Lorenzo. What we found especially fascinating about this church is that because its marble façade was never built, you can see the building ‘unclothed,’ as it were.
There are several different areas to explore here, including the Medici Chapels, where the highly decorative tombs of Florence’s first family are to be found. Another area we particularly enjoyed was the Sagrestia Vecchia (Old Sacristy), designed by Brunelleschi, who as we’ve already mentioned, also designed the dome of the Duomo.
Up in San Marco, meanwhile, the Galleria dell’Accademia is arguably the most important place to see, if only for a single reason: Michelangelo’s Statue of David. The rest of the collection pales in comparison, but for art aficionados this one is a bucket list item, as evidenced by the huge queues that assemble outside. Book in advance!
TOP THINGS TO DO:
- Take a brisk turn around San Marco’s Basilica, then head next door to the San Marco Convent Museum to see the paintings of Fra Angelico.
- Take a break from the Florentine queues with a visit to the underrated Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, then cross the piazza and visit the Museo degli Innocenti, which details the history of the former orphanage.
- Contemplate the naked brick façade of the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
- Visit the Medici Chapels and marvel at the power of money and influence.
PROS
- Cheap accommodation
- Good food options
CONS
- San Marco in particular is further out
- Not particularly trendy
Where To Stay In Florence Italy: Final Word
Having given you a solid overview of where to stay in Florence for different types of holidays, we’re going to sign off by saying something that should give you plenty of confidence about booking a hotel in the city: there really isn’t a bad area to stay.
None of the parts of Florence we’ve seen and mentioned here have seemed dangerous or sketchy. It’s just a matter of taste. Even the furthest out districts really aren’t much of a journey if you don’t mind a short bus ride.
Wherever you end up staying, we’re sure you’ll have as much fun in the Tuscan capital as we did!
Accommodation in Florence
Use these Italy Travel Tips to plan your adventure!
- Plan your trip with these Italy Travel Guides.
- Get the best deals on flights with Skyscanner.
- Find the perfect place to stay in Italy on Booking.com.
- Explore more about Italy with local experiences.
- Don’t forget to arrange your travel insurance.
- Learn Italian with an Intrepid Italian Course.
Like it? Save it to Pinterest
