A small and practical guide for choosing the best neighbourhoods and hotels where to stay in Florence according to your travel needs. Here we go!
It's one of Italy's most visited and loved cities. In this article, we are going to reveal which are the best neighbourhoods and hotels where to stay in Florence according to Visit Italy.
Follow our practical guide and find the ideal location for your holiday in the city par excellence of the Italian Renaissance.
Where to stay in Florence
Whether it's your first time in the city or you already know it like the back of your hand, Florence always offers unique emotions and unforgettable moments. Would you like to frame yours in a perfect location? Good, because that's what we want to help you do with our tips on where to stay in Florence.
You'll find beauty everywhere, but there's no doubt that some areas are more practical, others more expensive, and still others more lively.
The historic centre, always bustling with flashes and tourist movements, offers plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts, flats and hostels. As you move further away, you'll find quieter, more residential neighbourhoods that, in most cases, are well connected by public transport or bicycle paths. Your wallet will also thank you.
If you are planning a romantic getaway, your needs will most likely differ from those who are going with a group of friends. And if you have small children in tow, things change even more. But it doesn't have to get any more complicated.
Make up your mind in view of your next departure: here's where to stay in Florence according to Visit Italy.
The best neighbourhoods where to stay in Florence as a couple
Florence is a very romantic city that offers many opportunities to experience unique moments for two. Strolling along the river, admiring the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, visiting the most famous museums and churches, or simply enjoying its magical atmosphere are small pleasures that remain in your heart.
Oltrarno is one of the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Florence as a couple. It's the most bohemian and alternative area, with craft shops, clubs and street art.
Nearby are super romantic spots such as the Boboli Gardens, Il Gardino delle Rose, the Villa Bardini Garden and Piazzale Michelangelo, where the views are breathtaking. You can also stroll along the Arno River and reach Ponte Vecchio, where sunsets are unforgettable.
For a special occasion, look for ancient and scenic facilities to make your stay even more precious. There are many places perfect to surprise your loved one and romantic hotels where to stay in Florence as a couple.
Try the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni in Piazza Santo Spirito or a more economical but still romantic and panoramic solution such as the B&B Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio, in Borgo San Jacopo.
The best neighbourhoods where to stay in Florence with the Family
If you want to stay in a location that is as central as possible, close to the main monuments and museums, but at the same time in a fairly quiet area, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, and San Nicolò are among the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Florence with your family and are also suitable for those travelling with small children.
Of all the historic districts, Santa Croce is, together with San Giovanni, the closest to the famous centro storico. It has many artistic and cultural attractions like the Gothic Basilica with the Opera Museum, the Pazzi Chapel or the Antella Palace, clubs, restaurants and shops.
Santa Maria Novella, near the station, is definitely a cheaper area while remaining in an excellent position to reach the most famous attractions on foot. Ideal for those looking for low-cost solutions, it's one of the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Florence with the family.
Santo Spirito and San Frediano are very characteristic, suitable for discovering the most authentic face of Florence, and pleasant to explore, with many nice places to stop for an aperitivo or taste the local cuisine.
Need to find a disabled-accessible accommodation? Try the panoramic b&b La Maison du Sage in Via Magliabechi.
The best neighbourhoods where to stay in Florence with a group of friends
Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito and San Niccolò are some of the best neighbourhoods where to stay in Florence with a group of friends without necessarily spending a little capital. If you love nightlife, there is plenty of opportunities to have fun in a creative and alternative atmosphere among all kinds of clubs, live music, pubs and restaurants.
Via dei Benci and Piazza Sant'Ambrogio teem with life right from aperitif time and are favoured meeting points for locals and tourists of all ages.
San Lorenzo and San Marco can prove to be good choices for those who want to save money and are located only a few kilometres from the centre, which you can reach with a few minutes walk. These districts are very popular with locals, with interesting addresses for shopping, non-tourist restaurants and the famous Mercato Centrale, the right place to buy special products, souvenirs, and Tuscan specialities.
Where to stay in Florence with friends? Try YellowSquare Florence, a vivacious hostel with a swimming pool and disco.
How to reach Florence from the airport
To reach Florence from the Amerigo Vespucci airport, you can choose from several transport options. The distance to cover is about 4 km, so it's very close to the centre.
Line T2 of the tramway takes you to Santa Maria Novella station in 20 minutes and costs only €1.50. You can buy your ticket online with the TABNET app or via one of the automatic ticket machines.
Alternatively, you can use the Vola in Bus shuttle service which connects the airport to the Busitalia - Sita Nord station near the Santa Maria Novella railway station. There is a departure every 30 minutes from 5.30 am to 00.30 am. The journey time is approximately 20 minutes, and the cost of the ticket is €6 (€10 if you buy a return trip) while it is free for children under three years old. You can buy your ticket on board or at authorised sales points.
Numerous taxis are outside Florence airport. The tariff for the centre is standard; at the time we are writing this article, it's 22 euros plus a luggage surcharge: please take a look at the price when on board before the ride starts. Also, as they can circulate within the ZTL, taxis can be a convenient choice if your accommodation is in the centro storico.
5 best things to see in Florence
Florence awaits you with its load of wonders. Have a look at our website before your journey: you'll find lots of helpful information to find out more about the city, from how to get around it with a local approach to the restaurants you absolutely must try. Here is just a tiny (and not exhaustive) rundown of the must-sees in Florence.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its Brunelleschi dome and Giotto's bell tower. It's a symbol of the city and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
The Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most famous and oldest museums, full of masterpieces by great art maestri like Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo.
The iconic Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most characteristic bridge in Florence, of which it is the true symbol.
The impressive Basilica di Santa Croce, a mesmerising Gothic church that houses the tombs of illustrious Florentines such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.
The Boboli Gardens, among the most beautiful example of an Italian garden, rich in statues, fountains and artificial caves.
