Home › Florence › Where to stay
Where to stay in Florence
Florence is a compact, walkable city centered on the Arno River. The historic core is concentrated within the boundaries of the ancient medieval walls, making most major sites accessible by foot. Choosing where to stay means balancing proximity to the concentrated tourist hubs against the need for quieter, residential streets. Staying north of the river offers easier access to trains and galleries, while the south side provides a slower, artisanal atmosphere.
Duomo-San Giovanni
This is the absolute heart of the city. You are surrounded by marble facades and relentless foot traffic. It is hyper-central, meaning you can walk to the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia in under ten minutes. Life here feels intense and historic, centered around Via dei Calzaiuoli. It is the best base for those who have limited time and want to see the main sights without navigating bus routes.
Oltrarno
Crossing the Ponte Vecchio takes you into this authentic, craft-focused district. It feels like a village within the city, filled with antique shops and small wine bars. You can easily walk to the Pitti Palace or climb the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views. It is quieter at night, offering a more genuine glimpse into Florentine daily life away from the heavy tour groups.
Santa Croce
Dominated by the massive Basilica di Santa Croce, this area is characterized by vibrant piazzas and a high density of restaurants. It is highly walkable, sitting on the eastern edge of the historic center. You are a short stroll from the river and the busy Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio. The streets here stay active late into the night, making it ideal for those who prefer dining out after dark.
Santa Maria Novella
This area sits at the gateway to the city. While it serves as a transit hub, it also houses the beautiful basilica and high-end hotels. It is a straight shot to the Duomo, keeping you within walking distance of all primary attractions. The streets are wide and bustle with activity from morning until evening, serving as a functional, convenient, and strategic base for exploring both the city and the wider region.
Rent a car in Florence
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in FlorenceOne thing to think about
Avoid staying directly on the major transit arteries or immediate perimeters of the Santa Maria Novella train station if you are a light sleeper. The constant bus traffic and late-night noise levels can be jarring. Additionally, skip hotels that advertise views of the Duomo if they are located on cramped, narrow alleys, as these rooms often suffer from poor natural light and street-level noise amplification.
Other places to stay in Italy: lastminute.com · ICON Collection · Baglioni · COMO · UNA Italian Hospitality · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Florence are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Florence
Common questions
Is it really necessary to book museum tickets months in advance?
Yes, specifically for the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. Florence attracts millions of visitors annually, and same-day tickets are almost never available. Booking ahead saves you hours of queuing in the sun or rain, allowing you to bypass the massive lines that form outside these institutions every single morning.
Are the taxis in Florence easy to use for moving around?
Taxis are reliable but should be called by phone or found at official stands; you cannot hail them on the street. Because the city center is mostly a pedestrian-only zone, cars often have to take long detours. In most cases, walking will be significantly faster than trying to navigate the complex one-way traffic system by cab.
What is the best way to travel between different areas of the city?
The most efficient method is walking. Florence is physically small, and even the distance between the two most distant tourist landmarks is rarely more than a thirty-minute walk. If you need to cross the river, utilize the iconic bridges; avoid bus transit within the center, as narrow streets often lead to heavy delays during peak hours.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.