WHERE TO STAY IN FLORENCE, ITALY – AN INSIDER GUIDE TO THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS

Choosing where to stay in Florence can be challenging because there are many things to do around the city. The city is compact enough that you can walk to most sights no matter where you live.

Florence is one of the most romantic towns in Italy. It’s full of culture and famous sights. There is also a rich history, including being the birthplace of the Renaissance and ties with the powerful Medici family.

Florence is small enough to walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes. However, it has enough attractions, stunning views, and well-known sights to keep you busy. You should figure out where to begin with everything you can do in Florence.

Florence, Italy: Where to Stay

Florence’s Best Neighborhoods

Although Florence has many neighborhoods, it is easy to find them all within walking distance.

When you enter Giotto’s Campanile, you will feel a warm atmosphere and enjoy your first chilled Pinot Grigio. Florence can disarm even the most skeptical traveler.

It will amaze you and remind you to enjoy labella vi even in the heat and humidity.

Florence has something for everyone, whether you prefer to spend time in the central or more relaxed Oltrarno areas.

Florence: Choose a place to stay by the neighborhood

Depending on your trip to Italy, these are some of the top neighborhoods you can base yourself in.

Piazza Della Signoria/The Duomo – Where to Stay in Florence for the First Time

The Duomo is centrally located and one of the best areas to stay in Florence to see museums and sights. Florence says that every good night begins on the steps at the Duomo. During the day, this area is vibrant and lively.

This area can be overwhelming during summer when tourists flood Florence. However, this is the ideal neighborhood if you are looking for a place to stay close to major attractions.

The Piazza della Signoria is just a few steps away and boasts many world-famous museums and cobblestone streets close to the Ponte Vecchio.

These are the best places to stay because they are beautiful and historic.

Best Hotels Near the Duomo / Piazza della Signoria

Best 5-Star Hotel in Duomo: Hotel Bernini Palace

This 5-star luxury hotel is one of the most highly rated in Florence. This 15th-century building features rooms featuring antique furniture and Murano Glass chandeliers—only minutes from all the main sites.

Best Hotel Mid-Range in the Duomo Pendini

This family-run hotel dates back to the 19th Century and features antique decor and frescos. The hotel offers a continental breakfast just around the corner from Duomo.

Best Budget Hotel in Duomo Uffizi Harmony

It is centrally located near Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery, making it an affordable option. The rooms feature wooden furnishings, a mixture of historic and modern designs in an informal setting.

Best Airbnb Near the Duomo

Superhost apartment on two floors in a traditional Florentine house in central Florence. This apartment sleeps four and has a fireplace. It is preserved from the past to make it feel authentic. 

Suggested Tours

The Duomo – Also known as the “Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore,” Florence’s most famous and central attraction, the Duomo. Book tickets online to avoid crowds and hike up the hill to enjoy stunning city views.

Uffizi Gallery 2-hour priority entry tour to one of the most famous art museums globally. You will find works by Rembrandt, Raphael, and Da Vinci.

Florence Free Walking Tour: Florence is one of Europe’s most expensive cities. It’s lovely to be able to take a no-cost tour or donate. The term covers 2.5 hours and takes you to all the significant landmarks.

Florence Food with Beer Tasting: Small Group Tour to the “other side” of Florence, also known as “Oltrarno,” where authentic Florentine culture remains.

San Lorenzo And Santa Maria Novella – Best Neighborhood To Stay For Shopping

These neighborhoods are the best for shopping and dining in Florence. You should visit the San Lorenzo Market or Central Market to sample street food and learn about Medici History.

You will find more than just shopping here. There are many options for authentic Tuscan specialties on the streets.

The Medici Chapel is a popular spot in the neighborhood. It’s where many of the most prominent members of the Medici clan are buried. It is a great place to learn more about the family that shaped Italian history during the Renaissance.

Santa Maria Novella is right next to the house on the opposite side of the spectrum. This quiet neighborhood is great for families or those who want to spend more time in the middle of the city.

These are the best places to stay in Florence and are close to the central train station.

These neighborhoods are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a place to stay in Florence that makes day trips around Italy simple.

Things to Do in Santa Maria Novella and San Lorenzo

• San Lorenzo Central Market is the busiest Market in Florence. You’ll find souvenirs, local products, and street food here.
• San Lorenzo Church – The first Florence building built in the new Renaissance style.
• Laurentian Library – One of Michelangelo’s most striking pieces of architecture. It houses the most valuable collection of antique books from Italy.
• Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, a 14th-century church, was the first great basilica of Florence.
• Giardino Degli Orti Oricellari – Garden dating back to the 15th Century, said to have been frequented by essential Italian scholars and artists, including Machiavelli.
• Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy – Founded in 1221, Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is the oldest pharmacy worldwide. It boasts a beautiful interior with frescos and chandeliers.

Suggested Tours

Florence The Medici Experience Tour – Skip the lines and visit the Palazzo Medici to uncover family secrets, scandals, and conspiracies as you retrace these famous figures’ footsteps.

Cucina Lorenzo De’Medici (Cooking Class). – Learn how to make homemade pasta in a recognized Italian cooking school.

Medici Chapels Private Tour – Designed and manned by Michelangelo. This is the final resting spot of the most prominent members of the Medici clan. This is a great place to learn more about the Medici family and their impact on Florence.

Medici Dynasty show – This entertaining show retraces the life of the Medici family using costumed actors and video. This is the only English-language theater in the city.

Santa Croce – Where to Stay in Florence Like a Local

Florence’s best place to stay to feel like a local. This is the ideal place to stay if you want authentic Italian vibes.

Like the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce is also bustling but less touristy than those neighborhoods. This area has a more local feel but is still central and easy to reach by foot.

This area is home to some of the city’s most popular bars, restaurants, architecture, and nightlife venues. This neighborhood offers a variety of activities, whether you want to spend your time people-watching at Piazza Santa Croce or to explore the tombs of famous Italians.

This is the ideal area to stay if you want to immerse yourself in Florentine culture’s lively atmosphere and have options for tourists and locals.

It’s a trendy area, so many hotels suit every budget.

Santa Croce Hotels:

Best luxury hotel in Santa Croce La Maison du Sage

The Santa Croce Basilica is just a few steps away from this elegant bed and breakfast. Enjoy a spacious room and a complimentary breakfast each morning. Some rooms include a spa bath.

Best Midrange hotel in Santa Croce A Teatro B&B

Central Florence’s most affordable and comfortable hotel with friendly and personal service. Every day, an Italian buffet breakfast is served in the rooms. Most rooms have a private balcony.

Best budget hotel in Florence – Santa Croce Benci House

Near Palazzo Vecchio are a restaurant and a beautiful terrace with views over Bardini Garden. To showcase the Tuscan countryside, room decor is made by skilled craftsmen.

Best Airbnb Near Santa Croce

Apartment with one bed and one bath near Santa Croce Square. Kitchen, washing machine, TV. WIFI Internet. Check AirBnB for details.

Santa Croce: Things to See

• Santa Croce Basilica- The most beautiful church in Florence, where many famous Italians are buried, including Galileo and Rossini.
• Piazza Santa Croce- This bustling square is ideal for people watching and offers a view of Santa Croce Basilica.
• Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale – The most extensive library for book lovers in Italy. datin’ back 1714
• Scuola del Cuoio: Florence’s most well-known and prominent leather school. This is a great place to purchase high-quality leather goods.
• German Market – the most significant winter marketplace takes over Piazza Santa Cruz in Tuscany, where you can shop and dine to your heart’s content.