Best hotels in Florence: where to stay by area

Florence is an open-air museum packed into a compact, walkable centre, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the heart around the Duomo, lively Santa Croce, the San Lorenzo market, the artisan Oltrarno, the convenient station area. Almost everything is on foot, but location decides how close you are to the monuments or the calm. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Florence, area by area

Duomo and historic centre

The heart around the Duomo, the Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants everything on foot, with the best atmosphere and the highest prices.

• The Duomo and Brunelleschi's dome
• The Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio
• The Uffizi Gallery
• The Ponte Vecchio over the Arno

For monuments and centrality, look for hotels in the historic centre.

Santa Croce

Around the great Basilica of Santa Croce, it is a lively, food-loving district with trattorias and the Sant'Ambrogio market. It is the choice for anyone who loves eating well, neighbourhood life and staying central but a touch more authentic.

• The Basilica of Santa Croce and its illustrious tombs
• The Sant'Ambrogio Market
• Trattorias, leather workshops and cafes
• Steps from the Duomo and the Arno

For food and local life, see hotels in Santa Croce.

San Lorenzo and San Marco

The area of the Mercato Centrale, the Medici Chapels and the Accademia Gallery with the David. It is the practical choice for anyone who wants to be dead central, among street food, museums and student life.

• The Mercato Centrale with its upstairs street food
• The Medici Chapels and the Basilica of San Lorenzo
• The Accademia Gallery with the David
• Lively streets, steps from the Duomo

For centrality and markets, look for hotels in San Lorenzo.

Oltrarno

Across the Arno, between Santo Spirito and San Frediano, the Oltrarno is the district of artisans and workshops, authentic and lively at night. It is the choice for anyone after a real atmosphere, aperitivi in the square and the best views over the city.

• The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens
• The Piazza Santo Spirito with its basilica
• The artisan workshops of San Frediano
• The panorama from the Piazzale Michelangelo

For authenticity and views, see hotels in the Oltrarno.

Santa Maria Novella and the station

Around the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the station, it is the handiest area for arriving and leaving, with the elegant shopping of Via Tornabuoni. It is the practical choice for anyone travelling by train or after hotels of every class near the links.

• The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
• The luxury shopping of Via Tornabuoni
• The Santa Maria Novella station
• A few minutes on foot from the Duomo

For convenience and trains, look for hotels near the station.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Florence is one of Italy's most sought-after art cities and central prices climb in high season.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 120-260 euros a night.
• A dinner for two with wine: about 50-80 euros; an espresso at the bar 1.20-1.50 euros, an artisan gelato 3-4 euros.
• Transport: a single bus or tram ticket around 1.70 euros; the centre is walkable.
• Tourist tax: in Florence it is per person per night and varies by category, from about 3.50 to 8 euros (for example 6 euros in 3-star, 7 in 4-star, 8 in 5-star); under-12s are exempt and it is payable for up to 7 nights. Verify at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Florence.

Getting there and around

The airport is Amerigo Vespucci (FLR), about 5 km away, linked to the centre by the T2 tram in around twenty minutes; alternatively use Pisa (PSA) with the train. Santa Maria Novella station links Florence to all of Italy by high-speed rail.

A car in the centre is unnecessary and the limited-traffic zone (ZTL) makes it awkward. The historic centre is very walkable.

When to go

• April-June: a splendid, warm spring, maybe the best window but crowded.
• July-August: hot and full of tourists, with many Florentines away.
• September-October: excellent weather, beautiful light and the harvest season, ideal.
• November-February: cooler and quieter, lower prices, with the charm of Christmas.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The historic centre around the Duomo, or the Oltrarno for atmosphere.

Do I need a car in Florence? No, the centre is compact and pedestrian; the ZTL makes a car a problem.

How much is the tourist tax? Per person per night, from about 3.50 to 8 euros by category; under-12s exempt, up to 7 nights.

Should I book the Uffizi and Accademia? Yes, best to buy tickets in advance to skip the long queues.

How far is the airport? About 5 km, with the T2 tram in around twenty minutes, or Pisa with the train.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the centre, a couple of galleries and a climb to the Piazzale Michelangelo.

The best hotels in Florence

Below is a selection of real hotels in Florence among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.