Last updated on January 03rd, 2023
Beyond its world-renowned classic arts and famed religious facades, Florence city boasts an intoxicating and irresistible charm. The city packs the formidable punch as well as incredible Tuscan cuisine, architecture and world-class arts and Renaissance history that seep from every stone. Florence is among the most popular and famous cities in Italy for visitors. Plenty of hotels can be found in every district, perfect for a first time visit.
The city’s neighbourhood highlights include the Piazza del Duomo which is the central tourists’ district of Florence. It is also among the most visited areas of the city. Piazza del Duomo is a perfect starting point for visitor explorations and accommodation, and it opens early and closes late.
Staying in this neighbourhood puts you and your family a short walk of the dozens and of the city’s majestic art galleries. Also, there are some excellent trattorias to explore in this beautiful district. The neighbourhood is perfect for foodies, culture vultures, building historians, couples, whistle-stop tourists and older travellers.
Santa Croce is another neighbourhood that has plenty of architectural gems which makes it a beautiful place to stay in the city. The primary attraction in this neighbourhood includes the magnificent Basilica of the Santa Croce. Just within a short walk of the Basilica of Santa Croce, you will find a wide range of boutique shops, gorgeous cafes and vibrant markets.
Other popular Florence’s districts include Piazzale Michelangelo, Campo di Marte, Centro Storico, etc. Stay close to different landmarks such as famous Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Santa Maria Novella, Firenze Duomo, The Market of San Lorenzo, Strozzi Palace, Dante’s House, … Deals for the best hotels in Florence Italy can easily be found, and booked in every neighbourhood of the city.
If you travel by train staying close to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station can be very convenient.
What’s the best area to experience the city as a local or when visiting the first time, what’s the best district for shopping or for nightlife, or where to stay on a budget or on honeymoon (couples)? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Florence Italy.
Quick Overview – Contents
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Florence?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Historic City Centre (Duomo area)
The Duomo area is the best for first-time visitors. Florence’s city’s soul and heart revolve around the famous Duomo and the surrounding area. It is among the best areas to stay in Florence, Italy either for a quick break or longer visits to Tuscany while using the city as the base. For culture, arts, food lovers and history, this place is among the best areas to stay in the city. The area is also ideal for first-time visitors and best for shopping.
Where to Stay in Florence City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels
Portrait Firenze – Lungarno Collection • Four Seasons Hotel Firenze - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Hotel del Corso • Hotel della Signoria - Best Cheap Hotels in Florence
Boutique Hotel Hugo • Hotel Orcagna - Best Bed & Breakfast in Florence
Silk Art B&B • Assaporarte - Best Budget Hostels in Florence
My Friends • Hostel Gallo D’oro
Best Areas to Stay in Florence
Where to stay in Florence for best nightlife? Santa Croce (Via dei Benci) – Oltrarno (San Niccolò and Santo Spirito)
Oltrano, Santo Spirito and Santa Croce are the best areas for nightlife. If you want to experience the lively and young part of the city, it is recommended to stay in these areas. If you are young-at-heart or you are in the city to experience fantastic food and drink scene, these places are perfect for you to stay. The further you travel from these neighbourhoods, the more you are likely to get a tranquil part of the nightlife hub.
What’s the best district in Florence for local experience? Santa Croce (Sant’Ambrogio) – San Frediano and Oltrarno (Santo Spirito)
Both locals and visitors can enjoy the much needed local experience in Florence, Italy by staying in areas such as Santa Croce, Oltrarno and San Frediano which is the most popular area in the city. It features the 13th-century walls of the Oltrarno section of Florence and the region of Tuscany. If you are looking for the best areas for a local experience, then these neighbourhoods are perfect for you.
Best places to stay in Florence for honeymoon (couples)? On the Banks of the Arno River (Ponte Vecchio area) – 5 Star Hotel or B&B (Guest House)
If you and your partner are looking for the best areas for a honeymoon, then the Banks of the River Arno in the Ponte Vecchio area are the best option for both of you. You can enjoy the 5-star hotels, B&B as well as the sights of this city from the banks of Arno River. Help your partner cross the beautiful bridges to head forth and back between the river banks. Couples can also enjoy the view as they take their walk along the banks of the River Arno.
Best neighbourhood in Florence for shopping? San Lorenzo
Florence provides some of the best areas for shopping. You can enjoy your shopping by staying in areas such as the Duomo and San Lorenzo where you will find the famous San Lorenzo Market. Other areas where you can do your shopping include Piazza Santa Trinita, Via dei Calzaiuoli, Via de Tornabuoni and the Via del Carso Streets.
Where to stay in Florence on a budget? Santa Maria Novella Train Station – Campo di Marte – Fortezza da Basso – Piazzale Michelangelo
When you are on a budget, you can stay in areas such as Campo di Marte, Piazzale Michelangelo, Fortezza da Basso, and Santa Maria Novella. The Santa Maria Novella area is a strategic place for all arrivals and departures of the Santa Maria Novella railway station. It also provides a unique match between the old churches, common buildings, luxury hotels, and traditional fried food shops and the African spices from the groceries in the Via Palazzuolo.
The 5 Best Areas in Florence for Tourists (First Time Visit)
1. Old City Centre (Duomo area)
The Old City Centre is the town’s bulls-eye. It is the centre of the action and the most touristy and affordable place to stay in Florence. Its actual name is San Giovanni, and it includes the beautiful Piazza Della Signoria. It is the city’s central hotel district however you should be careful since some of the hotels in the San Giovanni are the height of luxury and others hide behind a star afforded to them by their respective locations.
You will not be in the position to dodge visitors around the city’s neighbourhood since you will be one of them however you will be steps away from the famous Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Vecchio which is hard to beat. You can stay here comfortably if money isn’t an object and you will only be in town for a short period.
Also, you will be comfortable in this place if you are unable to walk for longer distances, but you still need to see the primary sights. You will also get the much-needed convenience and peace of mind when you stay in this particular area.
- Best Hotel: J.K. Place Firenze
- Best Cheap Hotels: Hotel Canada • Loggia Fiorentina
2. Ponte Vecchio area
The Ponte Vecchio area is centred on the famous arched bridge which straddles the Arno that connects the north Florence to the south. It is a perfect area for tourists since it features various jewellery shops, countless souvenir stores, traditional trattorias and the Ponte Vecchio that is perfect for visitors who are in the city for one day or two.
Museo Galileo is among the highlights of the Ponte Vecchio area. It is also among the most famous attractions in Florence, and it mainly focuses on science history that adds various elements to your tour. It takes tourists on a journey of historical and scientific discovery. It features instruments and features that were used by Galileo himself. It is suitable for culture vultures, whistle-stop travellers, budding historians as well as shopaholics.
- Best Hotel: Hotel Lungarno – Lungarno Collection
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value : La Tana Dei Leoni Affittacamere (Guest House) • Hotel Alessandra
3. Santa Maria Novella Train Station area
Santa Maria Novella is among the best areas for tourists. It provides visitors with exceptional access to some of the city’s leading landmarks such as the Basilica of the Santa Maria Novella that is just impressive. Also, you will find the Basilica of the Santa Croce that is also amazing and wonderful. During the visit to Firenze, it would be interesting and enjoyable for visitors to compare and contrast their thoughts on the available features and other wonders.
Cappelle Medicee is among the city’s hidden gems which are domed mausoleum structures that house the tombs of most influential Medici family. The New Sacristy by the famous Michelangelo is the most impressive structure and feature of the current Cappelle Medicee. Santa Maria also features the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy which is olfactory that dates back more than 600 years. This area is the best for culture vultures, off-the-beaten-track travellers, architectural enthusiasts as well as couples.
- Best Property: c-hotels Joy
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Hotel Jolì • Hotel Bellavista
4. Santa Croce
Santa Croce is the most popular area in the city not only for the Florentines but also for other visitors who are attracted by the famous leather shops and beautiful basilica. It features the large piazza that hosts various concerts markets, festivals, and other activities throughout the years.
If you are a visitor in this city, you cannot afford to miss it. It features the largest burial place, largest library, leather goods, German winter market and you can also enjoy the old soccer teams. All these features make Santa Croce the best area for tourists.
- Best Accommodation: Relais Santa Croce by Baglioni Hotels
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Canto degli Aranci (Bed and Breakfast) • Hotel Bodoni
5. Oltrarno (Santo Spirito)
Oltrarno is located on the southern sides of the famous River Arno. It includes the Palazzo Pitti, Santo Spirito and the Piazzale Michelangelo that make it a perfect destination for tourists. Santo Spirito is the centre of Oltrarno in terms of choosing the best area and neighbourhoods to stay in Firenze.
It represents the artsy of the town attracting both young Italians and the creative types. It is a perfect place to stay if you are planning to be slightly off the beaten path. Just slightly further out in this area, you will find some ideal accommodation options for visitors who own cars and need some parking.
- Best Hotel: Horto Convento
- Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels: Palazzo D’Oltrarno – Residenza D’Epoca • Il Terrazzino Su Boboli (Guest House)
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