But how can you make a decision? 
Dont forget the views! The view of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella from the Place Firenze Hotel. Honeymoon Hotel: Ville SullArno Though near all of Florences best-known sights, this neighborhood remains fairly quiet, aside from the immediate vicinity of the Accademia. This area is the heart of Florence and heres youll find the magnificent cathedral or duomo Santa Maria del Fiore the Uffizi Gallery, and the Palazzo Vecchio. San Lorenzo & San Marco lie north of the center. Florences best midrange and budget hotels can be found in primarily in the San Frediano, Santo Spirito, San Lorenzo, and San Marco neighborhoods. Many have pools where you can cool off after exploring under the hot Tuscan sun. The Duomo & Piazza della Signoria / Florence city center for first-timers, 2. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. See our full disclosure here.
Happy exploring! Despite its small size, Florence has several distinct neighborhoods that vary in flavor and in how touristy they are, so your choice of where to stay will affect your experience.
These two areas are also perfect for foodies, as youll be surrounded by many trattorias and amazing restaurants perfect to taste some authentic Tuscan cuisine! Not to mention the citys iconic piazzas, shopping streets and many museums and restaurants. Heres a quick summary of Florences neighborhoods. Find your perfect apartment stay in Oltrarno and the Santo Spirito district. Not to mention its own attractions including a Roman amphitheater. The area close to Santo Spirito is a good local neighborhood option for families. But also having your hotel here is a big advantage, as here is where all the main attractions are located, like the Dome (also called Duomo di Firenze or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore), Palazzo Vecchio, the famous Uffizi Galleryetc. Oltrarno literally means across the Arno in Italian, which pretty much explains the positioning of this area right across Arno river and Ponte Vecchio from the city center.
The best area to stay in Florence for first-timers is the Duomo and the area around Piazza della Signoria. We handpicked the best AirBnBs near the Duomo in central Florence click here to view. Youll find many trattorias, cafes, wine bars and souvenir shops selling handmade objects around during the day, and pubs and clubs where you can dance until you cant feel your feet anymore at night!
Once poorer areas, they now ooze bohemian chic yet still manage to remain down-to-earth. Considering this is not the cheapest destination in Italy, prices will only get higher with time, especially during high season! Great for first time visitors to Florence. The train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) is in the center too, just like 10 min walk or, if you have lots of luggage a very short cub drive. In this complete guide Ill tell you everything you need to know about the best areas and top hotels in Florence. In case you want to experience a countryside-like stay in Florence, in total relaxation then you should get away from the center and head over to the hills! Dont worry, Im here to help! Its safe to say that Florence is one of the most culture-rich cities in the entire country and a great destination for all types of travelers out there! 
North of the Duomo and east of the train station are San Lorenzo and San Marco. Florence Hills where to stay in Florence with a car, Frequently Asked Questions about Florence, Where to stay in the Region of Tuscany Best Towns and Hotels, 6 Most Crowded Places in Rome: How to Avoid the Line, Where to Stay in Milan? The centro storico is so convenient that unsurprisingly it is also the most expensive. The city is compact and the center is easily walkable even from districts further out. Despite its distinctly local feel, San Niccol is just a short walk over the Ponte delle Grazie to central Florence. Oltrarno, Santo Spirito and San Frediano for foodies, 5. Ponte Vecchio: Portrait Firenze Here the accommodation options include large villas, apartments and farm stays as well as the magnificent five star Belmond hotel. Your Ultimate Guide. The shopping here is some of the best in the city and there are some standout luxury hotels near its border with the City Center and along the river plus several budget choices closer to the station. This entire neighborhood is also calmer than the Duomo area, but its far from boring as well. In fact, this area is divided into two pretty different parts the half thats closer to the train station, which is vivid and a bit noisy at times, and the half thats more distant from it, which is actually a residential area with very good positioning. There is a good range of accommodation for all budgets, especially if cool guesthouses are what youre after. The architectural heart of the neighborhood is the Piazza della SS Annunziata an elegantly balanced Renaissance square with its namesake, medieval basilica (filled with Renaissance and Baroque frescoes, paintings, and sculpture) and the Ospedale degli Innocenti (the first orphanage in Europe, now a museum and childrens rights institute). We will be coming by train from Cinque Terra and headed to Venice via train the next day. The view of the Duomo from a room at the Brunelleschi Hotel in central Florence. Like the other Oltrarno areas on the riverbank, San Niccol is arty and buzzing, which makes for great shopping. Full of artisans workshops and independent boutiques, but also hot restaurants and bars with better prices than the center. Here is where you can get a taste of the local life and I recommend it even more if you love antiques and authentic markets, like the amazing flea market called Mercato di SantAmbrogio in Piazza dei Ciompi.
historical center is off-limits to anyone without a permit, villas in outskirts and hills surrounding Florence, Practical Information & Fun Things to Know. Best Pool: Villa Cora BEST FOR: Foodies and wine lovers seeking an escape from the crowds of the historic center. Santa Croce boasts its own impressive attractions, including the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, with its collection of Renaissance sculptures, and the lovely Basilica di Santa Croce, resting place of a host of Florentine greats, including Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, and Galileo. Piazzale Michelangelo is a largely residential area with lovely gardens and a major attraction the square after which it is named, which boasts a replica of David and glorious views of the city. Between here, the center and the river, you will find excellent shopping, with top labels on Via de Tornabuoni and a myriad of cool boutiques, galleries, and vintage shops on Via della Spada, Via dei Fossi, and more. Santa Maria Novella is a large and varied area stretching west from Via de Tornabuoni, between the main train station and the river. A great area to find cool hostels, but also some lovely high-end options. Near Duomo: Brunelleschi But, youll also find some interesting boutiques and ateliers including the incredible workshop of jeweller Alessandro Dari. This neighborhood has a lively bar and restaurant scene that spills out onto pavements well into the evening. I also recommend Ponte Vecchio as being probably the best place to stay in Florence for only one day (or 1 night). For first time visitors and those who have only a short time in Florence we suggest staying in the centro storico or historic district. Its a 10 minute stroll to both the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo from the main piazza. Romina is originally Romanian and a real travel enthusiast. You will likely leave to go shopping or eat out, but its a pretty area for wandering, with villas set on hills, capped by San Miniato and one of the most beautiful churches in town. I know that choosing only one of them all is a hard decision, but I hope that my personalized recommendations below will help you with this: The heart and soul of the city lies in the area around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, so this is definitely an unmissable spot and the best area where to stay in Florence for people visiting for the first time! Even though the city is far from huge (it has a population of only 382 000 people), figuring out where to stay in Florence can be a tough task, as there are several different areas, each of them with its own charm and advantages. Both areas are ideal for families, with SantAmbrosio standing out for its more authentic feel. The Santa Croce district is a charming central neighborhood in Florence. Our 58,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do. Of course the attractions of Florence are within easy walking distance too. A stroll across the Ponte Vecchio takes you to the Oltrarno district, home of the Pitti Palace and its famous Boboli Gardens. One of the best things about Santa Maria Novella is that its right near the Duomo area (15 minutes by foot), which is the center of Florence. READ MORE:Where to stay in the Region of Tuscany Best Towns and Hotels.
Some of the unmissable spots around are the San Marco Church (located in the middle of Piazza San Marco, of course), and San Lorenzo Market (also known as Mercato Centrale), which is a covered market where you can find fresh produce and a food court as well! They are perfectly situated to access the historic wonders of Florence on foot. Plus this town offers some of the best panoramic views of Florence and the surrounding countryside. When you want to go see the sights its just 15 minutes across the bridge to the Uffizi Gallery and little further onward to the Duomo. And, to make things even easier, weve shared our pick of the best hotels, apartments and AirBnBs in each area. They are restful, full of lovely views, and can feel much further out of the city than they are. SD Italy Florence Best Places to Stay Here you will find the most five star hotels in Florence as well as boutique properties with coveted Arno views. City Center the medieval and Renaissance heart of Florence lies between the Duomo in the north and the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio in the south. From here it is just a short walk to the station and the wonderful Mercato Centrale an upscale food court above the San Lorenzo street market. NOTE: As always, make sure to book your accommodation in Florence as far in advance as possible. It is an absolute tourist magnet with narrow, always crowded streets. Florence is surrounded by some pretty gorgeous hills where youll find olive trees and stunning villas and mansions tucked in the lush vegetation. Previously poorer, particularly towards the train station, now gentrifying, but still less packed with tourists than the center. If you want to discover the citys artisan heritage, youll also find the Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) behind the basilica. Let me give you my favorite choices, both located in the City Center and with great value for price: Hotel Alessandra Florence Looking for a very good mid-range stay in the heart of Florence, in the best neighborhood? Our pick of the AirBnB properties in Fiesole have all the comforts you need for a longer stay in Florence. Youll want to enjoy all the atmosphere and spirit of the Renaissance city while ensuring that youre situated in an area close to transport and attractions. BEST FOR: Budget travelers and those that prioritize convenience and access to the main train station over atmosphere. If you have itinerary-related questions, please post them there! Great for both high-street and high-end shopping. Northeast of the City Center is Santissima Annunziata, one of the most visited corners of Florence and home to Michelangelos David, housed in the Galleria dellAccademia. Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Neighborhoods, Oltrarno, Santo Spirito and San Frediano . There is some great food and drink to be found too, with classy riverside bars, craft cocktails at Manifattura, and plenty of trattorias serving Tuscan cuisine. Oh, and if you need more travel inspiration about this Tuscany region or the whole Italy in general, you will surely find some useful info here on Miss Tourist! There are a number of excellent restaurants, especially toward the south and western parts near the City Center, San Lorenzo, and San Marco areas. A great area for budget stays but also some lovely high-end options. Trying to decide where to stay in Florence? Between Santo Spirito and Piazzale Michelangelo, there are fewer attractions, though the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens are nothing to sniff at. Santa Maria Novella to stay near the train station, 6. Still undecided about the best hotel for your interest and budget? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Almost everything you will want to see and do in Florence is within or a short walk from this small area. This bridge offers that hero shot down the river Arno towards the Ponte Vecchio. We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. San Niccol is artsy with narrow streets full of bars and shops, while further south the streets wind upwards through gardens to the famous viewpoint of Piazzale Michelangelo. Picturesque San Niccol lies east of Santo Spirito along the river, while quieter Piazzale Michelangelo rises on hills south of it. From the gritty north around the station, it shades quickly into an area of cool boutiques and bars running down to the river. Its a fun area to stay if you want to get away from the vast crowds in the center. Accommodation tends to be reasonably priced, with some upscale hotels as well. All kinds of great food can be found here, from gourmet panini at AllAntico Vinaio to elegant Michelin-starred dining at Ora dAria; bars range from casual to chic rooftop ones. READ MORE: Where to Stay in Milan? Are you traveling to Florence soon? Excellent local eateries and vintage boutiques can be found here. Santa Croce centers on the gorgeous basilica of the same name. The only thing left to do is choose! Florence (or Firenze in Italian) is the capital city of Tuscany region in Italy, a superb area renowned for its incredible history, culture (this is the birthplace of the Renaissance, after all!) Cheap Hotel: Alessandra Stroll away from the Pitti Palace and youll discover small cobbled streets and the lovely Santo Spirito area.
Florence is one of Italys most lovely and classic cities. Escape to the hill town of Fiesole if you crave quiet accommodation close to Florence. This article may contain compensated links. 
This site shares our best advice and tips for travel to Italy >Read more, Read: our full guide to the most charming boutique hotels in Florence, Read: The best Florence hotels with pools, Read: our complete Italy accommodation guide, Summary of the best places to stay in Florence. North of Santa Croce, the SantAmbrosio food scene is fantastic, whether you are shopping for produce at Mercato di SantAmbrogio, enjoying the fantastic Tuscan fare at one of the Cibro restaurants nearby. Lots of lovely guesthouses, with some standout high-end hotels. Start with the gourmet food stalls on the first floor of the Mercato Centrale, serving everything from traditional lampredotto to artisanal pizza and chocolate. if you are staying only for 1 night then I would say stay in the city center. Santissima Annunziata sits northeast of the City Center, built around a serenely designed Renaissance piazza and including one of Florences top museums, the Galleria dellAccadmia, home to Michelangelos David. Let me know in the comments below if you have any other questions, Im happy to help! No matter which neighborhood you choose to stay in you can easily discover the highlights and secrets of the Renaissance city. If youre looking for a non-touristic place with a traditional, calm atmosphere where to enjoy the city with the family, head over to SantAmbrogio! This is the final resting place of famous Florentines Michelangelo, Galileo and Macchiavelli and a must visit site in Florence.
Across the Arno River from Santa Croce, the San Niccol district is a labyrinth of cobbled streets hugging the hillside below Piazzale Michelangelo a renowned viewing point in Florence. Some high-end accommodation options, but also plenty of delightful guesthouses. Youll find great value AirBnBs, some lovely boutique hotels and luxurious properties with views closer to the river in Oltrarno. Ponte Vecchio is actually an area that surrounds Ponte Vecchio bridge and connects the northern part of Florence to the southern one, divided by Arno river. There are fewer hotels in this area but you will find apartments with terraces overlooking the Arno. Plus, the train station is a great gateway in case youre on a bigger trip around Italy! Copyright 2014-2022 MissTourist | All Rights Reserved |, 1. Bustling streets lead unexpectedly to truly iconic places, from the pastel houses of the Ponte Vecchio to Brunelleschis awe-inspiring dome on the Duomo. Sign up for our news and podcast updates where we share mini guides, tips, exclusive deals and more and we'll send you our Italy Trip Planning Checklist to say grazie! Just east of Via del Proconsolo and just steps from the central sights, it manages to be less touristy and more laidback, with a great local market and the old Jewish quarter. Even though the distance is not that big, staying as close as possible to the airport could save you a lot of precious time and sleep in case you have an early flight (or a flight thats very late at night). BEST FOR: Those craving a local neighborhood a little quieter than the main tourist area with interesting accommodation options. In this article we share our favorite Florence neighborhoods and their advantages and disadvantages depending on your style of travel, budget and intended length of stay. Many of the best hotels in Florence are in the City Center or Santa Maria Novella, though there are excellent luxury options in other neighborhoods too. Santa Croce is more authentic and charming than other parts of this city and it has a real Italian vibe, while also being very close to the city center and its main attractions. If youre interested in exploring the towns of Tuscany by car, Fiesole would make a great base as you will find parking much easier than in Florence. The area is very beautiful, conveniently located and the opposite of boring whats not to love? At night, these areas come to noisy life with enough great bars and clubs to satisfy the most demanding hipsters.
One of many trendy bars in Oltrarno, south of the River Arno, and not far from two great hotels: Hotel Lungarno and SoprArno Suites. I hope you found this post useful to you and your future trip and I hope that you already found your dream place by now! San Niccol & Piazzale Michelangelo are charming, romantic areas south of the river and east of the Ponte Vecchio. Boboli & San Miniato al Monte are green, upscale residential neighborhoods, sandwiched between Santo Spirito to the west and San Niccol to the east, and extending south. If you want to get away from the flocks of tourists around the city center, but still want to be close to the main attractions that this city has to offer (and by close I mean 15 minutes away by foot), theres no better place to book your hotel than in SantAmbrogio! Formerly poorer areas, particularly towards the station, and now transforming, they make for a great destination for foodies. Rest assured that youll visit the historic city centre during your stay in Florence nevertheless, as its the most famous area.