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Florence is the beating heart of Tuscany and one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its incredible historic and cultural attractions. As the birthplace of the Renaissance and home of the likes of Botticelli, Donatello, and Michelangelo, Florence is one of the best cities in Europe to see world-famous artworks and architecture.
If you’re planning a vacation to Florence, the first step is finding the perfect accommodation. Let’s take a look at the city’s best neighborhoods for tourists and highlight some popular hotels to help you find a place that fits your travel style and budget.
Centro Storico for First-Time Visitors
Photo Credit: Kirill Neiezhmakov
Highlights: Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Giotto’s Campanile, Ponte Vecchio
Centro Storico is the historic heart of Florence and where many of its main attractions can be found, such as the magnificent Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore — one of the world’s largest cathedrals that’s renowned for its intricate frescoes. There’s also the Uffizi Gallery where you can see ancient statues and masterpieces created by the likes of Mantegna, Rafaello, and Giotto, and the Accademia Gallery where you can see Michelangelo’s magnificent David sculpture.
If you’re looking for quintessential Florence, you’ll find it in Centro Storico.
The historic center is a warren of incredible architecture and iconic landmarks. One such example is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge that was once the only route across the River Arno. Many hotels and guesthouses here are set within historic properties, but you can expect to pay high rates for a hotel room. Keep in mind that the area gets very crowded, particularly during the summer.
Where to Stay in Florence’s Centro Storico
These are some of the most exclusive Florence hotels in the Centro Storico area:
- Portrait Firenze is a luxurious five-star hotel that lies just over 30 yards away from the famed Ponte Vecchio and offers panoramic views of the Arno River. Guests can enjoy spacious suites and an exclusive Lifestyle Assistant service for the duration of their stay.
- Brunelleschi Hotel is set within a 6th-century Byzantine tower and a medieval church, with both buildings carefully reconstructed to maintain their original characteristics while providing the utmost comfort for guests. This boutique hotel has two on-site restaurants, a gym, and a private museum for guests to explore.
- Hotel Firenze is an elegant, pet-friendly hotel set within a 16th-century property with a rooftop terrace that provides exceptional views of Florence. St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica are an easy five-minute walk away.
- Antica Torre Tornabuoni is an incredible luxury hotel set within a 13th-century tower. Its location on the exclusive shopping street of Via Tornabuoni means that guests are within easy walking distance of Armani, Dior, Ferragamo, Gucci, and Tiffany.
- Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy is a grand palace situated in the impressive Piazza della Repubblica. It has an in-house restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness center, and a mix of opulent rooms and suites are available.
Piazza della Signoria for Historic Sightseeing
Photo Credit: ColorMaker
Highlights: Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, Fountain of Neptune, historic sculptures
Piazza della Signoria is an attractive square within the Centro Storica that is generally considered the very center of the city.
The Palazzo Vecchio dominates the square and this is one of Florence’s most popular attractions. It was originally constructed in the 13th century on top of ancient Roman ruins and then dramatically renovated during the Renaissance period. Much of its current appearance is attested to the powerful Medici family’s influence when they took residence in the palace in the 16th century.
When you stay in Piazza della Signoria you’re within easy walking distance of most of the city’s most popular museums and historic sites, so book a hotel here if you’re keen to absorb Florence’s history.
One thing to note is that the area is very touristy and therefore expensive when it comes to food and accommodation. There are copious cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area but they’re less likely to provide an authentic Italian experience than those a little way out of the city center.
Piazza della Repubblica for Affordable Accommodation
Photo Credit: stefano cellai
Highlights: Pallazo Strozzi, Palazzo Davanzati, Church & Museum of Orsanmichele
Piazza della Repubblica is where a Roman Forum once stood, which is why the area has long been considered the commercial and economic heart of Florence.
Today, there is nothing of ancient Rome left in the square and even the medieval buildings that once stood here were destroyed in the 18th century in the interest of modernization. Luckily, this doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in personality. Piazza della Repubblica is lined with cafes and restaurants, and many street performers and musicians gather here to entertain crowds of tourists.
Piazza della Repubblica lies within central Florence so you can get around to the city’s popular sites on foot when you stay in this area. Palazzo Davanzati, Palazzo Strozzi, and the Church and Museum of Orsanmichele are a handful of notable attractions that are a short walk away.
Given the more modern vibe of Piazza della Repubblica, its accommodation is slightly more affordable than that of the city’s more historic squares and streets, but it still provides the convenience of a central location.
Santa Maria Novella for Train Station Access
Photo Credit: Paolo Gallo
Highlights: Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Cappelle Medicee, Museo Novecento
The district of Santa Maria Novella centers around the Piazza Santa Maria Novella which itself is crowned by the church of the same name. The Basilica, which was consecrated in the 15th century, features an ornate marble facade and beautiful Gothic and Renaissance frescoes. There are many other notable attractions in the area, such as the Cappelle Medicee, a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family, and the Museo Novecento, a modern art museum.
Santa Maria Novella is also home to Florence’s most central train station where rail services connect you to several major Italian cities including Rome, Venice, and Naples. If you’ll be visiting Florence briefly by train, or you expect to take plenty of day trips out of Florence to neighboring areas, it makes sense to stay here.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from within walking distance of the station.
Where to stay in Santa Maria Novella
The Grand Hotel Minerva is one of the best places to stay in Santa Maria Novella. It’s a beautiful hotel set inside a 13th-century palazzo with a rooftop outdoor pool terrace that provides incredible views of the city.
San Lorenzo and San Marco for Foodies
Photo Credit: Andriy Blokhin
Highlights: Mercato Centrale, Geology & Paleontology Museum, boutique stores, family-owned restaurants
The basilicas of San Lorenzo and San Marco lie on the northern edge of Florence’s most central tourist district, and the neighborhoods surrounding them provide a convenient base from which to explore the city center. You can find some very affordable guesthouses here, as well as mid-range hotels and private vacation rentals.
This is a great area for food enthusiasts. There are many fantastic eateries to choose from in San Marco, and the family-owned restaurants stay open late to accommodate long, sociable dinners over authentic Italian dishes.
San Lorenzo is home to the enormous Mercato Centrale, an indoor food market where you can discover delicious artisanal dishes and ingredients.
Santa Croce for Nightlife
Photo Credit: vvoe
Highlights: Lively bars, Basilica de Santa Croce, School of Leather, Mercato de Sant’Ambrogio
Santa Croce lies just east of the main tourist area but it’s one of the city center’s most authentic neighborhoods and a great way to get a glimpse of local life without straying too far from the biggest landmarks.
The area is anchored by the Basilica di Santa Croce, also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories because it is the burial place of several highly influential figures, including Galileo, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and Rossini.
Nightlife in Santa Croce is excellent, particularly on Via de’Benci which comes alive during aperitivo hour (around 6 pm). The area also has a cool, artistic vibe and has long been considered the place where artisinal makers hang out. Check out the School of Leather to learn about the neighborhood’s long history of manufacturing artisanal leather goods.
Where to Stay in Santa Croce
Relais Santa Croce is one of Santa Croce’s best hotels. It is set within a refined 18th-century property and aims to provide guests with a sense of intimacy that would typically be found in private Florentine residences. Its in-house restaurant has three Michelin stars thanks to the quality of its innovative, seasonal menus.
Santo Spirito and Oltrarno for Local Life
Photo Credit: Alexandre Rotenberg
Highlights: Palazzo Pitti, Villa Bardini, Boboli Gardens, La Specola Natural History Museum
Santo Spirito and Oltrarno lay on the opposite side of the River Arno from central Florence. Historically, this is where Florence’s working classes are based, but gentrification also made it a trendy place for aristocrats to establish stately homes. This is why the area boasts some incredibly grand buildings such as Palazzo Pitti and Villa Bardini, as well as the impressive Boboli Gardens.
Piazza Santo Spirito is a popular social gathering area for Oltrarno residents and has been for generations, so stay here for a taste of local Florentine life. Santo Spirito bars and restaurants offer far more authentic fare than many of those in the touristy historic center. Plus, the hotels and guesthouses here tend to be more affordable and unique.
Where to Stay in Oltrarno
Hotel Lungarno is a fantastic place to stay in Oltrarno. Recently renovated and finished with more than 450 artworks, this elegant five-star hotel boasts the beautiful backdrop of the Ponte Vecchio. It also has an on-site Michelin-star restaurant.
San Niccolò for Smaller Crowds
Photo Credit: Salparadis
Highlights: Piazzale Michelangelo, Porta San Niccolò, Giardino delle Rose, Giardino dell’Iris
San Niccolò lies east of Oltrarno on the opposite side of the Arno from Santa Croce. It is a primarily residential area that lies right next to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is a pretty 19th-century piazza with a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David at its heart.
You can enjoy fabulous panoramic views across the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, and admire the beautiful iris and rose gardens that frame it. Although this viewing area tends to get busy, the surrounding San Niccolò remains largely tourist-free.
If you want to avoid big crowds in Florence, San Niccolò could be a great base.
You’re more likely to interact with local residents than elsewhere in the city, particularly when you head to the neighborhood’s lively bars and restaurants. You’ll need to be prepared for a 20 to 30-minute walk to the historic center when you want to see the sights, but you’ll be rewarded with quieter and more affordable accommodation for the trouble.
Fiesole for Quiet, Private Accommodation
Photo Credit: Yuri Turkov
Fiesole is a small town set in the hills outside of Florence and is the best place to stay for a relaxing break in the Tuscan countryside. It takes just 30 minutes to reach Florence city center by bus so you don’t have to miss out on the main sights.
Plus, Fiesole has some fantastic attractions of its own, such as a 15th-century Medici villa and the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
The hotels in Fiesole are set on larger grounds than in the cramped city, which means they’re more likely to have swimming pools to cool off in and outdoor terraces and gardens to relax in. Fiesole is also a great place to find villa and apartment rentals if you’re looking for more privacy than a hotel could afford.
The area is well-placed for hiking in the Tuscan hills or exploring neighboring towns if you plan to visit by car.
Book Your Stay in Fabulous Florence
Most areas in the center of Florence are idyllic bases for tourists, but these popular neighborhoods are our favorites. Which area suits your style and pace of travel the best?
