Florence is one of Italy’s most popular cities in the picturesque region of Tuscany, known for its Renaissance art, iconic architecture and home to sights like Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo and yes, world-class food, lively piazzas and wine bars!
The good news is that Florence is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. Most central neighbourhoods sit within 15-20 minutes of each other on foot, so there’s no single “wrong” area to stay in. The real decision comes down to what you like, your budget and how close you want to be to the crowds.
If it’s your first visit, staying near the Duomo in Centro Storico puts you within walking distance of the main sights. If you prefer quieter streets, wine bars and a more local atmosphere, Oltrarno and Santo Spirito offer a very different side of the city.
Quick Answer: Best Areas to Stay in Florence
🏛 Best area for first-time visitors: Centro Storico / Duomo
❤️ Best for couples: Oltrarno & Santo Spirito
🍷 Best for local atmosphere: Oltrarno & Santo Spirito
🚉 Best for convenience and train access: Santa Maria Novella
🍝 Best for food lovers: San Lorenzo
🌙 Best for nightlife: Santa Croce
💎 Best for luxury hotels: Centro Storico
5 Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Florence
| Area | Best For | Price Level | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Storico / Duomo | First-timer visitors, short stays | €€€ | Historic, busy, iconic |
| Santa Maria Novella | Convenient & near the train station | €€ | Central, practical, lively |
| Oltrarno & Santo Spirito | Couples & locals | €€ | Local, creative, bohemian, relaxed |
| Santa Croce | Nightlife & dining | €€ | Social, energetic |
| San Lorenzo & San Marco | Food & culture | €€ | Lively, traditional, central |
Typical nightly rates in central Florence range from €180-€450 for quality 4-star hotels in high season. Budget options start around €120 outside the historic core.
1. Where to Stay in Florence for First-Time Visitors: Centro Storico
⭐ Pros:
Walk to all major attractions
Best selection of luxury hotels
Ideal for short stays
❌ Cons:
Can be crowded in peak season
Higher hotel prices
Some streets are noisy at night
If you’re staying in Florence for the first time and want to stay near the city’s main attractions, there’s no better area than the Centro Storico (the historic city center).
In the center of this area, you’ll find Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo, the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and all other major sites no more than a 10-minute walk away. Even if you don’t end up staying in Centro Storico, you won’t be able to avoid visiting it during your stay.
As well as being filled with things to do and sights to see, the Centro Storico is just downright beautiful. The cathedral of Florence, the Duomo is genuinely one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen and the surrounding streets with their narrow cobbled alleys and traditional Italian eateries make for a very picturesque stay.
Best Hotels to Stay in Centro Storico
Luxury Stay: Portrait Firenze
- Location: Prime Arno River frontage in Florence’s historic centre, directly beside Ponte Vecchio.
- Highlights: All-suite riverside hotel with refined Italian design, floor-to-ceiling river views, personalised butler-style service and an intimate fine dining restaurant. Rooftop terrace-style lounge for aperitivo with direct views over the Arno and city skyline.
- Perfect for: Couples and luxury travellers who want a discreet, highly central stay with standout views and premium service rather than a large, traditional hotel experience.
Check availability & book here
Romantic Boutique Hotel: Hotel Calimala
- Location: Walking distance to the Duomo and top museums in Centro Storico
- Highlights: Modern rooms, friendly service, quiet streets despite the central location, complimentary breakfast
- Perfect for: Travellers seeking comfort, convenience and value in the city center
Check availability & book here
More Affordable: Hotel della Signoria
- Location: Central and close to Piazza della Signoria and major attractions
- Highlights: Cozy rooms, charming historic building, great for short stays, excellent breakfast options
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious travellers who want to stay in the heart of Florence
Check availability & book here
Things to Do in Centro Storico
- Climb the dome of Florence Cathedral for panoramic city views
- Visit the masterpieces inside the Uffizi Gallery
- See Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia
- Wander across the historic Ponte Vecchio
- Explore Piazza della Signoria and step inside Palazzo Vecchio
- Enjoy an aperitivo with Duomo views in the early evening
2. Where to Stay in Florence Close to the Train Station: Santa Maria Novella
⭐ Pros:
Next to Florence’s main train station
Easy access for day trips across Tuscany
Wide range of hotels at better prices than the Duomo area
❌ Cons:
Some streets near the station feel busy Less “romantic” atmosphere than other areas
Santa Maria Novella sits just west of the historic centre and is one of the most practical areas to stay in Florence.
It’s ideal if you’re arriving by train, planning day trips, or want slightly better hotel value while staying central. It’s also second to Santa Croce in terms of nightlife appeal.
The centerpiece of the neighborhood is undoubtedly the incredible Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, an architectural marvel that’s undoubtedly a must-see during any visit to Florence.
During warm summer evenings, locals and tourists alike spill out into the streets surrounding the Basilica to eat and drink. It’s a great spot to head to for an evening of tasty food and friendly bars, right near the equally charming Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
This area is also home to some of Florence’s most important museums, including the Museum of Santa Maria Novella, the Museo Novecento and the Palazzo Strozzi. You’ll even find one of the world’s oldest pharmacies that’s still in operation today – the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy.
Is Santa Maria Novella safe?
Yes, it is generally safe, especially in the streets closer to the historic centre. Around the station late at night, I wouldn’t recommend walking alone but in pairs, though it remains a well-travelled area and safe by European city standards.
Best Hotels to Stay in Santa Maria Novella
Modern B&B: 7Florence
- Location: 5-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station
- Highlights: Elegant rooms, rooftop terrace with city views, free breakfast
- Perfect for: Couples looking for a comfortable stay
Check availability & book here
Mid-Range Hotel: C-hotels Ambasciatori
- Location: Near the train station and within walking distance of the Duomo
- Highlights: Modern rooms, quiet street, free Wi-Fi
- Perfect for: Travellers seeking comfort without breaking the bank
Check availability & book here
Budget: Eco Urban B&B
- Location: Central, close to restaurants and shops
- Highlights: Eco-friendly design, cozy rooms, great breakfast options
- Perfect for: Budget travellers or solo adventurers
Check availability & book here
Things to Do in Santa Maria Novella
- Grab a drink at The Arts Inn
- Check out the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
- Visit the Museo Novecento
- Check out the Santa Trinita Basilica
- Stroll around the narrow side streets
3. Where to Stay in Florence for Laid-Back, Local Vibes: Oltrarno & Santo Spirito
⭐ Pros:
More local, authentic atmosphere
Excellent restaurants and wine bars.
Great boutique hotel choices
❌ Cons:
Slightly further from main attractions (15-20 min walk across the river)
Lively nightlife around Santo Spirito square
Every city has its more bohemian neighborhood and Florence is no different. Oltrarno is the area across the Arno River and Santo Spirito is its most well-known neighbourhood, where Florence feels more local, creative and lived-in.
Expect artisan workshops, wine bars, independent trendy cafés, health food stores and a slower pace compared to the historic centre.
Here you’ll also find Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge in Florence that’s home to iconic jewelry and gold stores, great for finding a hidden treasure, but make sure you do a bit of research before.
Is Santo Spirito safe?
Yes, Santo Spirito is generally safe for travellers. It feels lively in the evenings, particularly around the main square and while it is a little edgier than other areas, serious crime is rare. Standard city awareness is recommended, though, especially at night.
Best Hotels to Stay in Santo Spirito
Best Luxury Stay: Hotel La Scaletta
Unique Mid-Range: Palazzo Martellini Residenza d’Epoca
Boutique Stay: Palacco Bianca Cappello Residenza d’Epoca
Things to Do in Santo Spirito
- Go jewelry shopping on Ponte Vecchio
- Check out the local independent cafes
- Visit the Palazzo Pitti
- See the Palazzo Vecchio
- Grab a drink at Piazza Santo Spirito
- Eat at Carduccio, a vegetarian eatery that will revitalize your soul with healthy food and drinks
4. Where to Stay in Florence for Nightlife: Santa Croce
⭐ Pros:
Great nightlife and restaurant scene
Close to major attractions
Lively & walkable to the centre
❌ Cons:
Can be noisy at night
Less polished than Centro Storico
Santa Croce is arguably Florence’s most energetic neighbourhood, known for its restaurants, bars and social atmosphere. It’s popular with younger travellers and groups who want nightlife but still want to stay central.
Home to the supposed two best sandwich places in Florence, Pino’s Sandwiches and All’Antico Vinaio (although in my humble opinion, Pino’s wins), Santa Croce is the perfect place to search for a vegan-friendly restaurant, craft beer brewery or Irish pub.
But it’s not only for those who love nightlife. Santa Croce also boasts some upmarket areas, churches and cultural spaces that will keep you busy during the day. Santa Croce also connects easily to Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood, which has an incredible food market, the oldest in Florence.
The best part? You’re within less than a mile of the main central sights, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, so you get to see Florence’s most iconic spots while enjoying the excellent nightlife on offer in Santa Croce.
Best Hotels to Stay in Santa Croce
Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Firenze by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts
Boutique Stay: Borgo Signature Rooms
Best 3-Star Stay: Hotel Cardinal of Florence
Things to Do in Santa Croce
- Grab one of Florence’s best panini at Pino’s Sandwiches
- Visit the Casa Buonaretti to find out more about Michelangelo
- Enjoy the local bars
- Grab a bite to eat or a drink in Piazza Santa Croce
- See the Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze
- Grab a beer at the famous Lion’s Fountain pub, especially popular with students
⭐ Pros:
Excellent food and markets
Slightly less tourist-heavy than Duomo
Still very central
❌ Cons:
Busy during the day
Less atmospheric than Oltrarno or Santa Croce
San Lorenzo and San Marco are extremely well-located, putting you within walking distance of the Duomo, while being far enough to escape the bulk of the crowds. It’s not too noisy, either, making it the ideal neighborhood for families to stay
San Lorenzo is home to the Mercato Centrale, one of Florence’s best food halls serving up every type of Tuscan traditional food you can think of, making this neighborhood popular with foodies as well as couples and families.
San Marco is slightly quieter and more museum-focused, allowing you to really get stuck into the cultural legacy of this fascinating city. In this neighborhood, you’ll find the San Marco museum, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Galleria dell’Accademia, the Laurentian Library, and more.
It’s not all art, though. As with the rest of Florence, San Marco boasts plenty of eateries, ranging from traditional family-owned trattorias to stylish upscale restaurants with plenty of bars sprinkled around the area, too. The cozy Caffe Lietta should be your first port of call for your morning cappuccino if you decide to stay in San Marco.
Both neighbourhoods are ideal destinations for culture vultures who want to escape the vast swathes of tourists but are still interested in doing tourist activities. It’s a win-win!
Best Hotels to Stay in San Lorenzo & San Marco
Hotel Orto de’ Medici – Luxury ($$$)
- Location: In the heart of Florence, just a short walk from the Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica
- Highlights: Elegant, classic rooms, beautiful courtyard, rooftop terrace and attentive service
- Perfect for: Anyone seeking a luxurious, central stay with historic charm
Check availability & book here
Mid-Range: Hotel Palazzo Benci
- Location: Just a short walk from Florence’s iconic Duomo, in a historic Renaissance building
- Highlights: Elegant rooms, rooftop terrace with city views and luxurious amenities
- Perfect for: Travellers seeking a premium, central experience with historic charm
Check availability & book here
Affordable: B&B La Marmora 39
- Location: Central Florence, close to restaurants, shops and historic sites
- Highlights: Cozy, budget-friendly rooms with essential amenities and a welcoming atmosphere
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious travellers who want a central base without compromising on location
Check availability & book here
Things to Do in San Lorenzo & San Marco
-
Eat at the Mercato Centrale
-
Visit the Cappelle Medicee
-
See the Catedral di Santa Maria del Fiore
-
Stroll around the San Marco museum
-
Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia
-
See the incredible Hospital of the Innocents
Where to Stay in Florence – Frequently Asked Questions
If it’s your first time in Florence, stay in Centro Storico. You’ll be within walking distance of the Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery and the main museums, which saves time and taxi fares.
For couples, Santa Maria Novella offers romantic streets and easy access to the station.
For nightlife and a lively atmosphere, choose Santa Croce or Santo Spirito.
For food markets and a more local feel, Sant’Ambrogio is a strong choice.
If you’re on a tighter budget, Campo di Marte typically offers better value, though you’ll trade centrality for price.
Florence is compact, so most central neighbourhoods are within 15-20 minutes on foot of major sights.
Florence is generally safe, including most central neighbourhoods. The main issue is pickpocketing, particularly around crowded areas and near Santa Maria Novella station late at night.
You do not need to avoid central districts, but exercise normal city awareness: keep valuables secure and avoid poorly lit areas very late at night. The outer suburb of Le Piagge is not practical for tourists and is best avoided when choosing accommodation.
From a visitor’s perspective, the bigger risk is booking too far outside the centre and losing valuable sightseeing time.
Yes. Florence is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. You can walk from Santa Maria Novella station to the Duomo in under 15 minutes, and most central neighbourhoods connect easily on foot. Taxis and public transport are rarely necessary if you stay within or just outside Centro Storico.
For short stays of two to four nights, prioritise walkability over marginal hotel savings further out.
Three to four days is ideal for first-time visitors. That allows time for major museums, climbing the Duomo and exploring different neighbourhoods and also for a day trip into Tuscany. If you plan to explore the wider Tuscany region or combine Florence with wine country or smaller towns, five to seven days is more comfortable. Less than two nights feels rushed.
If you want the most iconic setting, head to Piazza della Signoria. Overlooked by Palazzo Vecchio and filled with sculpture, it captures Florence’s Renaissance atmosphere in one place.
For cathedral views, choose Piazza del Duomo beside Florence Cathedral.
For a more relaxed aperitivo scene, Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza Santo Spirito feel less formal and more local.
If you’re choosing accommodation, staying near one of these piazzas typically means you’re in a prime central location.
If your stay is under four nights, stay inside or directly adjacent to Centro Storico. You will save time and maximise sightseeing. If you’re staying longer and prioritising value, areas like Campo di Marte or Sant’Ambrogio can offer better rates with only a 15-25 minute walk into the centre.
Staying near Santa Maria Novella railway station is practical if you arrive late or leave early, carry heavy luggage or plan multiple day trips.
The immediate streets can feel busy and less charming at night, but within 5-10 minutes’ walk you’ll find excellent boutique hotels in safer, quieter streets.
You can find many luxury hotels around Centro Storico, along the Arno River and near Piazza della Signoria. This area gives you walking access to the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio, which is what premium travellers expect.
Where to Stay in Florence – Final Words
No matter which neighbourhood you choose in Florence, you’ll be within easy reach of the city’s major sights. The historic centre is compact, well-connected and remarkably walkable, which means your decision is less about distance and more about atmosphere.
If you want museum access and iconic views, stay central. If you prefer quieter streets and local trattorias, look just beyond the main tourist grid. The key is aligning your location with the type of trip you’re planning.
If you’re building a wider Italy itinerary, you might also want to explore my guides on where to stay in Pisa and where to stay in Padua. Both cities pair well with Florence and offer very different experiences.
Choose the area that fits your travel style, book early for peak season and Florence will take care of the rest.
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!
Leave a Reply