Where to Stay in Florence: Ultimate 2026 First-Timer’s Guide
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Planning a trip to Florence? If you’re unsure where to stay in Florence, this guide will help you navigate the city’s neighbourhoods and hotels, ensuring you make the best choice for your stay.
Florence is one of those cities we never get tired of. It’s full of Renaissance art, great food, and piazzas that make you want to pause and just take it all in. We’ve been three times now, and it still feels just as special.
But choosing where to stay? That’s where things can get a bit tricky. Florence might be compact and easy to explore on foot, but each neighbourhood comes with its own pace, perks and sometimes the odd late-night racket. Get it right and you’re close to the galleries, the restaurants or those quieter backstreets you’ll want to return to. Get it wrong and you could be hauling yourself across town in the heat.
We’ve tried different spots each time, from places near the station to quieter guesthouses on the edge of town. And in this guide, we’ll share our insights on the best neighbourhoods for tourists in Florence. We’ll outline the pros and cons of each area and give you hotel recommendations across different price points.
Short on time?
Here are our top picks for a memorable stay in Florence:
Top Hotels in Florence
Best Neighbourhoods: If it’s your first time in Florence, we recommend staying in San Giovanni. It puts you right next to the Duomo and main sights, with lots of great restaurants nearby.
Santa Croce is our second pick. It’s a bit quieter, with artisan shops and local bars, but still close enough to walk everywhere.
Where to Stay in Florence: 5 Best Areas, Maps & Top Hotels for All Budgets
Florence might only have roughly 400,000 people, but it doesn’t feel small when you’re choosing where to stay. Each neighbourhood has its own character, and where you base yourself really can shape your trip.
To help you figure out the best location for your stay, we’ve highlighted five areas that work particularly well for first-time visitors.
There’s no single right answer here; your pick depends on what you’re after. But some parts of Florence’s historic centre are especially well-suited to sightseeing, food, or quieter evenings.
If it’s your first time, we’d recommend looking at these five areas:
You can see where they all sit in Florence’s historic district on our illustrated map below:
All five of these neighbourhoods sit within the centro storico, the heart of Florence and its UNESCO-listed historic centre.
What to Expect from Accommodation in Florence: Compared to other European cities, Florence tends to be pricier when it comes to places to stay. You won’t see many tall buildings or big-name hotel chains here. Most accommodation is made up of small guesthouses and apartments, often set in centuries-old buildings.
Because Florence’s historic centre is so tightly protected, there are lots of rules about how buildings can be renovated. Things like lifts, room service or big lobbies are often missing. But in exchange, you get character, history and the bonus of staying right in the middle of everything.
If it’s your first time visiting, staying inside the centro storico still gives you the best overall experience, even if it comes with a slightly higher price tag.
Next up, we’ll go through each of the five best areas to stay in Florence so you can choose the one that fits your trip.
1. San Giovanni
Best area for: first-time visitors, iconic landmarks, and walkability.
Pros
Cons
San Giovanni was where we stayed on our very first trip to Florence, and it’s still our top pick for a first visit. It’s the area of Florence most people picture when they think of the city. It really is the heart of the city!
From the moment we stepped outside our hotel, we were surrounded by Florence’s most famous landmarks. The Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio were all just a few minutes away.
Did you know? The dome of Florence Cathedral is the largest brick dome ever built. It’s been part of the Florence skyline since the 1400s and is still one of the city’s most recognisable features.
This part of the centre of Florence is ideal if you’re only in town for a couple of days and want to pack in as much as possible.
We loved being able to walk everywhere from San Giovanni without needing to think about taxis or buses.
Our top tip: Wake up early and visit Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo before 8am! We’ve done it a few times, and the squares are wonderfully quiet, beautiful, and free of tour groups. Or visit them late at night (after 10pm) to see a different vibe in this area.
There’s also plenty of shopping here. Via dei Calzaiuoli and Via Roma are the big-name streets, and while some shops are definitely more high-end, you’ll also spot little leather goods stalls and smaller fashion boutiques tucked down side streets.
Yes, it can feel busy and a bit touristy, especially in peak season. But for a first visit, the central location is a massive plus. If we were coming to Florence for the first time again, this is exactly where we’d start!
Top Things to Do in San Giovanni
Florence Cathedral (Duomo): Climb the dome or the bell tower for great views across the city.
Uffizi Gallery: See world-famous works like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and pieces by Da Vinci.
Ponte Vecchio: Cross this historic bridge lined with goldsmiths and watch shops.
Piazza della Signoria: One of Florence’s most iconic squares, with Palazzo Vecchio and plenty of impressive open-air sculptures.
Palazzo Vecchio: Head up Arnolfo Tower for some of the best views over Florence, then explore the old chambers and rooms inside the palace.
Orsanmichele Church: A small spot that’s often missed but well worth a visit for its architecture and history.
Via Calzaiuoli: Florence’s main shopping street linking the Duomo to the piazza, packed with fashion and leather goods.
Il Porcellino Market: Rub the bronze boar’s nose for good luck and check out the nearby stalls.
Piazza della Repubblica: A busy square with cafés, live music in the evenings, and a carousel if you’re in the mood.
Recommended Hotel Stays in San Giovanni
Palazzo Della Nave ($$) – There’s a great view of the Duomo from right outside the door. The suites are spotless and come with a peaceful courtyard.
Hotel Adamas ($$) – Opened in December 2024, this hotel has modern, spacious rooms. It’s a good pick if you like a clean, contemporary space.
Relais Piazza Signoria ($$$) – We stayed here for our anniversary and loved it! The apartments are spacious, the location is brilliant, and some even have rooftop terraces.
2. Santa Croce
Best area for: culture lovers, nightlife, local bars, and artisan boutiques.
Pros
Cons
Santa Croce mixes historic charm with everyday local life. It’s full of artisan boutiques and traditional wine bars, and the pace here feels different to the busier Duomo area.
You’re still close to the major attractions, but it’s less chaotic during the day and much livelier at night, especially around Via dei Benci.
Did you know? The Basilica of Santa Croce is the burial site of Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli.
Piazza Santa Croce in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce (picture below) is the centre of the neighbourhood and one of our favourites in the city. It often hosts open-air concerts, local events, and markets, which gives the area a proper neighbourhood feel.
Unlike parts of the Duomo area, this part of Florence still has a decent number of full-time residents and Italian families, which keeps it grounded and a bit more lived-in.
Our top tip: Stop by the leather school behind the basilica. You can watch artisans at work and even take home a handmade piece.
There aren’t as many large hotels in the area, but you’ll find lovely guesthouses tucked along the quieter streets.
If you’re after great food, cultural spots, and a proper local atmosphere, Santa Croce is a brilliant choice. Plus, Piazza di Santa Croce is just a short stroll from the Duomo and everything else you’d want to see.
Top Things to Do in Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce: Visit the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli in this beautiful Franciscan church.
Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School): Just behind the basilica, this is a great spot to see artisans crafting handmade leather goods.
Piazza Santa Croce: Grab a coffee and relax in the square, especially in the morning before it fills up.
Casa Buonarroti: A small museum dedicated to Michelangelo’s life and early works.
Via de’ Benci: This lively street is a great spot for an aperitivo, with small bars and a buzz around sunset.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Santa Croce
Pietrapiana Boutique Apartments ($$) – Newly renovated apartment stays with peaceful rooms and a lovely courtyard. Great if you’re after a bit more space or planning a longer stay.
Bob W Santa Croce ($$) – We loved the interiors here. The rooms are spacious, cosy, and spotless.
Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts ($$$) – A luxurious stay in a historic building just steps from the basilica. It’s stylish, quiet, and ideal if you want something refined.
3. Oltrarno
Best area for: creative travellers, local experiences, and cool aperitivo spots.
Pros
Cons
The Oltrarno district is Florence’s creative, more lived-in side. It sits just across the Arno River from central Florence, but it really does feel like a different city.
Locals actually live, work, and hang out here, which gives it a very different energy compared to the Duomo or Uffizi area. If you want a proper taste of local life, this is where you’ll find it.
Two of the best-known neighbourhoods in the Oltrarno district are San Frediano and Santo Spirito, which sit just southwest of the river, across from the historic centre.
Did you know? Oltrarno literally means “beyond the Arno”, and during the Renaissance, it was filled with artists, stonemasons, and craftspeople. Even now, you’ll still spot artisans at work behind unmarked doors.
San Frediano has more of a laid-back, slightly gritty edge. It’s full of vintage shops, traditional workshops, and cool little bars. Santo Spirito is a bit more bohemian, with a buzzing square that’s perfect for an aperitivo or a glass of wine as the sun goes down.
Our top tip: Piazzale Michelangelo draws a crowd for its panoramic terrace, but if you’re willing to keep climbing, San Miniato al Monte is worth the extra effort! It’s one of the highest points in Florence, and the view from up there is unbeatable.
If you’re after a different pace and want to get to know the local side of Florence, the Oltrarno district is the place to be. It’s still close to everything, but the atmosphere is relaxed and full of personality. Plus, you’re right by the Arno River, which doesn’t hurt either.
Top Things to Do in Oltrarno
Piazzale Michelangelo: One of the city’s iconic viewpoints. Sunset is the popular time to go, but expect it to be veeery busy.
Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti): Once home to the Medici family, this massive palace now houses several museums.
Boboli Gardens: A great place to take a break among fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined paths.
Basilica di Santo Spirito: A peaceful church with a proper local feel and some lovely artwork inside.
Via Maggio: A street known for antique shops and artisan studios (good for a quieter browse).
Brancacci Chapel: Home to early Renaissance frescoes by Masaccio and Lippi that are well worth a look.
San Frediano nightlife: Trendy bars and live music venues pop up around Piazza del Carmine in the evenings.
Santo Spirito Market: Held in the square on certain days, this market features vintage stalls and handmade goods.
Piazza Santo Spirito: The heart of this part of Oltrarno. It’s relaxed by day and buzzing in the evenings.
Recommended Hotel Stays in Oltrarno
Bob W Ponte Vecchio ($$) – Just a block from the bridge, these spacious apartments and studios are in a great location across the river. A really solid choice if you want a bit of space without giving up on comfort.
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni ($$) – Set in a 16th-century historic building with antique furnishings and a rooftop terrace overlooking the square. It’s full of charm and in a great location for exploring the area on foot.
4. San Lorenzo
Best area for: budget travellers, street food lovers, and quick train access.
Pros
Cons
San Lorenzo gives you a proper taste of local life without pulling you too far from the big sights.
It’s home to Mercato Centrale, one of the best places for casual eats in Florence. We’ve grabbed truffle panini, fresh pasta, and the odd espresso here between sights, and it’s always been a solid choice.
The area around the market is busy and has a bit of a scruffier edge. There are loads of leather stalls outside, but they’re mostly aimed at tourists (not where you’ll find the best value or craftsmanship).
Still, if you’re after something central and affordable, this part of the city makes a lot of sense.
Our top tip: Look up! The streets in this area are full of hidden Medici symbols. Keep your eyes peeled for stone coats of arms, iron rings, and strange carvings high on the buildings.
San Lorenzo is one of the best areas if you’re watching your budget but still want easy access to everything.
It’s just a short walk from Santa Maria Novella Station, which is ideal for day trips to Lucca, Pisa or Bologna. And even though it’s right by the train station, you can still reach the Duomo and other major sights in under 15 minutes on foot.
Top Things to Do in San Lorenzo
Mercato Centrale: Eat your way through fresh produce, truffle sandwiches, and Italian sweets.
Medici Chapel: See Michelangelo’s sculpted tombs and explore the richly decorated interiors.
San Lorenzo Basilica: One of Florence’s oldest churches. It’s plain on the outside but full of history and art once you’re in.
Library of San Lorenzo: A peaceful, historic space designed by Michelangelo. Great for a quiet moment away from the crowds.
Leather Market: Browse jackets, bags, and souvenirs in the outdoor stalls. For better quality, check the indoor shops just behind or walk over to Scuola del Cuoio near Santa Croce.
Via de’ Ginori: A good little street for design shops, cosy cafés, and wine bars near the market.
Recommended Hotel Stays in San Lorenzo
Flom Boutique Hotel ($$) – Spacious rooms, spotless clean, and a brilliant breakfast. It’s not far from the station and we genuinely loved our stay here.
Hostel Archi Rossi ($) – Great for budget-conscious travellers with clean hotel rooms and a peaceful garden. It’s good value and just next to the train station.
Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel ($$$) – A proper 5-star hotel in a historic building. You get elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace, and one of the best breakfasts we had in Florence.
5. San Marco
Best area for: quiet stays and student life
Pros
Cons
San Marco sits just north of the Duomo and feels a bit more local than the centre of Florence.
We’ve stayed here once when we wanted somewhere quiet but still within walking distance of everything. It’s ideal if you want to be close to the sights without being in the thick of the crowds.
Thanks to the nearby university, it’s got a younger, more laid-back feel. During the academic year, you’ll spot students in the cafés and bookshops, but in summer, it quietens right down.
To be honest, it’s not the most scenic part of Florence, but it’s practical and much less hectic.
We like how easy it is to get around from here. The grid layout makes walking a breeze, and it’s one of the best areas to cut through the city without getting stuck in the tourist bottlenecks near the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria.
Our top tip: If you’re staying in San Marco, you’re minutes away from a hidden green space! There’s a lovely botanical garden (Giardino dei Semplici) behind the university. In fact, it’s the third most ancient botanical garden in the world, being more than 500 years old. Most tourists never make it here, but it’s such a lovely break from sightseeing.
If you’re after a slower pace, better value, and somewhere that still lets you walk everywhere, San Marco is a smart choice (especially if you don’t mind swapping views for a bit more peace!).
Top Things to Do in San Marco
Accademia Gallery: See Michelangelo’s David up close, along with Renaissance paintings and sculptures in this must-visit museum.
San Marco Museum: A quieter stop with frescoes by Fra Angelico and peaceful cloisters inside a former monastery.
Piazza San Marco: This local square isn’t flashy, but it’s central and good for people-watching as students and locals pass through.
Botanical Garden (Giardino dei Semplici): One of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe and a lovely spot for a peaceful walk.
University of Florence area: Expect affordable cafés, student hangouts, and a relaxed vibe that gives this particular area its own rhythm.
Recommended Hotel Stays in San Marco
Pergola35 ($$) – Renovated apartments on a quiet historic street. They’re bright, modern, and filled with natural light – a good pick for this particular area.
Piccolo Residence Apart-Hotel ($) – Very quiet spot in a historic building just two blocks from the Duomo. The apartments are spacious and great for longer stays with easy access to the city centre.
Arte’ Boutique Hotel ($$$) – Just five minutes from the Duomo, this stylish hotel has elegant interiors, large rooms, and a brilliant breakfast.
FAQ: Areas in Florence
Here’s a quick look at some frequently asked questions about staying in Florence to help you plan your trip.
What’s the best area for first-time visitors to stay in Florence?
The best areas for first-time visitors in Florence are San Giovanni, San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, San Marco, and Oltrarno. These neighbourhoods are central, walkable, and full of great food and sights.
What is the city centre of Florence?
San Giovanni is considered the city centre of Florence. It includes the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and most major attractions – all within easy walking distance.
Is Florence walkable?
Yes, Florence is a very walkable city. You can cross the historic centre on foot in under 30 minutes.
Is 3 nights in Florence too much?
Three nights in Florence is not too much. It’s a good amount of time to see the main attractions, visit museums, and enjoy local food at a relaxed pace.
Is it safe to walk around Florence at night?
Florence is generally safe to walk around at night, especially in the central areas. Just avoid quiet alleys and keep an eye on your belongings, as you would in any city.
What is Florence famous for?
Florence is famous for its Renaissance art, stunning architecture, and world-class museums. Highlights include Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Venus, and Brunelleschi’s Dome.
How many days are ideal for a trip to Florence?
The ideal number of days for a trip to Florence is at least three full days. This gives you time to explore the centre, visit museums, and enjoy local food without rushing.
Final Thoughts
Florence has no shortage of great places to stay, and since the city is so compact and walkable, you’re never far from the main sights. In this guide, we’ve shared some of the best areas and best hotels for different budgets and travel styles in the Renaissance city.
If you’re still choosing, here’s a quick recap of the ones we liked most:
Wherever you stay, you’ll find that Florence makes slowing down feel easy. There’s good food, good weather (mostly), and plenty to look at without needing to rush. We’ve always come home feeling glad we gave it the time.
If you’re planning how to spend your time in the city, don’t miss our 2-day Florence itinerary with all the must-sees, hidden gems, and personal tips.
