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Where to Stay in Florence

ItalyFlorence › Best Areas
Updated: May 29, 2024
By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Florence Hotels

• 5-Star: Portrait Firenze
• 4-Star: Calimala
• 3-Star: San Giuliano Inn
• Boutique: Casa G.
• For Families: Four Seasons
• For Couples: Ville Sull’Arno
• Best Pool: Villa Cora
• Near Duomo: Brunelleschi
• Ponte Vecchio: Portrait Firenze
• Train Station: The Market

Map showing the locations of the top nine hotels in Florence, Italy
1. The Market • 2. San Giuliano Inn • 3. Four Seasons • 4. Casa G. • 5. Brunelleschi • 6. Calimala • 7. Portrait Firenze • 8. Ville Sull’Arno • 9. Villa Cora

The Best Areas to Stay in Florence

Florence (“Firenze” in Italian) was once the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance and remains one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. With awe-inspiring artwork and architecture by legendary artists like Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and Michelangelo, the city captivates visitors all year round, save for the “slow” season of January to mid-March. Fortunately, Florence’s compact city center is easily navigable on foot and houses a plethora of top-notch hotels, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience for travelers.

Although Florence is small, it comprises distinct neighborhoods that differ in ambiance and tourist traffic, so where you choose to stay can significantly impact your experience. While the City Center houses most of the city’s main attractions, other areas have their own unique highlights and getting around on foot is relatively easy, so there’s no single “best” neighborhood for tourists – and Florence’s best hotels are scattered all across the city.

My two kids and me during a family trip to Florence.

Me and my two sons during a cooking class in Florence.

Florence Neighborhoods

Florence lies along the Arno River, with most tourist sights located north of the river. South of the Arno, between the river and the hills, the Oltrarno neighborhoods offer the best value hotels, though good rates can also be found near the train station in Santa Maria Novella.

The City Center is the medieval and Renaissance heart of Florence, centered between the Duomo in the north and the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio to the south. It is a major tourist magnet with narrow (and usually crowded) streets, home to impressive museums like the Uffizi and Bargello, historic churches, and Renaissance palaces – this is where Florence’s status as a cultural force finds true expression. It’s also the best area for mainstream and high-end shopping; and while there are excellent bars and restaurants here, expect plenty of tourist traps as well.

San Lorenzo lies northwest of the Center, home to the opulent Medici Chapels, the much-loved Mercato Centrale, and excellent local eateries and vintage boutiques; it’s a great area for first-time visitors. A little further north of here, San Marco is the city’s university district, best known for the Accademia (home to Michelangelo’s David) and uaually a bit quieter at night, with a good selection of budget hotels and B&Bs that are not far from the Center.

West of the center is the Santa Maria Novella district, spanning the area between the main train station and the river. Traveling south from its grittier end near the station, the atmosphere elevates quickly into one of sophistication, with hip boutiques and bars running down to the Arno. There are some standout luxury hotels near the river here, and along where the neighborhood borders the City Center; a large selection of quality budget choices sit closer to the station.

Cushioned window seats along high arched windows

One of our favorite boutique hotels in Florence is the stylish and serene Casa G. Firenze, located in City Center and convenient to the train station.

To the east of City Center are the Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio districts. Santa Croce is centered on the gorgeous basilica and piazza of the same name. A bit less touristy than Center, it’s a great place to enjoy the local café culture and visit the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio food market in the adjoining neighborhood directly north. At night, these areas come to noisy life with a buzzing bar and club scene. There are some standout high-end hotels here, and both areas can make an ideal home base for families, with Sant’Ambrogio standing out for its more authentic feel.

Northeast of the City Center (adjacent to San Marco) is Santissima Annunziata. This neighborhood is anchored by the Piazza della SS Annunziata, an elegant Renaissance square featuring its namesake, medieval basilica (filled with Renaissance and Baroque frescoes, paintings, and sculpture) and the Ospedale degli Innocenti (Europe’s first orphanage, and now a museum). Though it sits near all of Florence’s best-known sights, this neighborhood remains fairly quiet, with a handful of hotels spread across the area.

Across the river in the Oltrarno (the southside of the Arno) lie the adjacent neighborhoods of San Frediano and Santo Spirito. Once poorer areas, these rejuvenated districts now ooze bohemian chic while maintaining a down-to-earth vibe. Home to artisans’ workshops and independent boutiques, they also boast a creative restaurant and bar scene – with slightly cheaper prices than the Center. There is a good range of quality accommodation for all budgets here; hotel rates tend to be cheaper, and the City Center is still conveniently close.

View of Palazzo Vecchio from a covered rooftop seating area

We ate at Angel Rooftop Bar at Hotel Calimala, which has stunning views of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Charming and romantic San Niccolò and the Piazzale Michelangelo lie further east in Oltrarno. San Niccolò stretches along the riverbank with an artsy and familiar vibe, its narrow streets sprinkled with bars and shops. Heading south, the lanes wind upwards through gardens to Piazzale Michelangelo’s iconic viewpoint over the city. There are not many hotels here, which is also true of the Hills of Oltrarno further south – where quiet leafy streets, gardens, and postcard-perfect villas rise comfortably behind the beautiful church and monastery of San Miniato al Monte. You can find some lovely luxury hotels with pools here, and accommodations tend to be larger than those closer to the City Center, ideal for families or groups.

Getting Around Florence

Florence is best explored on foot; almost everything you’ll want to see is within a 20-minute walk of the Duomo. Florence has an efficient bus system and a recently implemented tram network, but you are unlikely to need these during your trip unless staying on the outer edge of the city.

The most useful buses are #7 (for Fiesole) and #12 and #13 (for Piazzale Michelangelo). The tram’s T2 line offers cheap and efficient transport from Santa Maria Novella station to the airport.

The Best Places to Stay in Florence

Simple but elegant hotel room with an open window showing an incredible view of the Duomo in Florence

Our suite in the the family-run San Giuliano Inn, a lovely and central 3-star with incredible Duomo views.

Best Places in Florence for…

  • Best Neighborhood in Florence for Sightseeing: City Center
    The narrow, cobbled streets of City Center contain Florence’s most iconic sights. Between the glittering jewelry shops of the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the impressive Duomo’s spectacular marble facade lies the best-preserved Renaissance old town in the world. Add in the spiky grandeur of the Palazzo Vecchio and the unrivaled art collections of the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Bargello, and you have a mind-boggling array of great art and architecture in a very narrow footprint. For more gorgeous art and churches, head to the Cappelle Medicee in San Lorenzo and the Galleria dell’Accademia in San Marco, home to Michelangelo’s colossal David. Because Florence is so compact walkable, however, it’s easy to stay in cheaper lodgings in the neighborhoods beyond the City Center – San Marco, Santa Maria Novella, and the Oltrarno – and not lose out in terms of convenience.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Florence for Nightlife: San Frediano and Santo Spirito (Oltrarno), Santa Croce
    There are plenty of hip bars and nightspots scattered all over Florence, but when searching for a place that really come alive at night, full of craft beer, cocktails, even live music or film screenings, head for hip Santa Croce, especially around Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. South of the Arno, San Frediano and Santo Spirito offer a similarly eclectic mix of venues, particularly along Borgo San Frediano and Piazza Santo Spirito. Rasputin is great for cocktails and Il Santino is best for wine, while the Loggia Roof Bar of the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni has incredible scenic views. For a splurge, visit the Picteau Bistrot & Cocktail Bar overlooking the river.
  • View of the colorful Ponte Vecchio bridge from the banks of the Arno River

    Ponte Vecchio

  • Best Neighborhoods in Florence for Food and Restaurants: San Frediano & Santo Spirito, Santa Croce
    Good food is everywhere in Florence, though you’ll need to dodge the tourist traps to find the best places in the Center. San Lorenzo offers the Mercato Centrale, full of fresh produce, gourmet food stalls, and a selection of great eateries, from authentic Tuscan stall Da Nerbone to Pescheria Sugarello’s fish and chips. However, Santa Croce, as well San Frediano and Santo Spirito in Oltrarno have the best range of excellent food, often at reasonable prices. The former has great cafes, gourmet street food at Mercato Sant’Ambrogio, dinner theater at Teatro del Sale, the vaunted Cibrèo stable of restaurants, and Florence’s only 3-Michelin-star at Enoteca Pinchiorri. San Frediano and Santo Spirito’s offerings range from traditional Tuscan to modern reinventions at Essenziale and Il Santo Bevitore, to authentic tapas and vegan cuisine. For special occasion dining, try Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo or iO-Osteria Personale.
  • Best Neighborhoods for Shopping: City Center
    Florence is best known for luxury items, from the fashion houses of Gucci and Ferragamo, to fine gold jewelry and high-quality leather goods. It’s very touristy, but the Ponte Vecchio’s jewelers and goldsmiths and are the real deal. Via de’ Tornabuoni is where you’ll find showrooms of all the top fashion designers and luxury brands: Tiffany & Co, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Gucci, Prada and more. For cheaper items, check out the stalls surrounding the Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo, or department stores like Rinascente on Piazza della Repubblica (where there’s also a huge Zara store, Michael Kors boutique, and a Red Bistrot bookstore).
Exterior of the Saint Regis Hotel in Florence, Italy

The luxurious St. Regis Hotel is located on the river and less than a 10-minute walk to the Santa Maria Novella train station.

  • Best Neighborhoods in Florence for Families: Santa Maria Novella, Santissima Annunziata, and San Niccolò
    Santa Maria Novella is handily located between the main train station, City Center, and river. It’s close to all the big historic attractions as well as the huge Parco delle Cascine to the west, and proximity to the station means easy day trips to rural Tuscany and beyond. San Niccolò is quieter and more residential than the Center, with beautiful parks including Giardino delle Rose. Hotels here often have gardens and may even boast a pool. Santissima Annunziata offers easy walking access to Florence’s top attractions and dining, while remaining calm and quiet through the night.
  • Best Neighborhood in Florence to Stay for First Timers: City Center
    For a newcomer, there is nothing better than to immerse yourself in the intense sights of the City Center. From here, it’s an easy walk to all the other listed neighborhoods. Santa Croce is another good option, just east of those central attractions, but with more of a local flavor, and quieter areas if that’s what you need. Both offer excellent accommodation for all budgets.
  • Most Romantic Neighborhood in Florence: San Niccolò & Piazzale Michelangelo
    The City Center’s heady mix of picturesque streets, beautiful art, and history combine to create an almost impossibly romantic atmosphere. But San Niccolò and the hills behind Piazzale Michelangelo give you quaint, old streets with sweeping views of the city, as well as elegant boutiques and fine dining – and a bit more privacy.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Florence for a Local Vibe: Santa Croce/Sant’Ambrogio, San Frediano
    Santa Croce is close to, but a lot less touristy than, the City Center. Its narrow streets are rarely crowded beyond Piazza di Santa Croce, and the Mercato di Sant’ Ambrogio to its north attracts more locals and students than tourists for lunch and at night – the surrounding streets offer some of the best food stalls, cafés, and restaurants in the city. San Frediano across the river in Oltrarno is another neighborhood with a strong local identity, with Piazza del Carmine and Piazza Tasso the heart of the community and Borgo San Frediano a good place to seek out no-frills trattorias and bars.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Florence for Walking: Hills of Oltrarno
    Florence is a pleasure to walk around. Whether getting lost in the narrow streets of City Center or peeking into artisans’ workshops in Oltrarno, the city offers countless treasures you’re not likely to discover any other way. The green hills south of the river offer a different experience for those who enjoy climbing roads and trekking trails – a chance to explore the gorgeous Giardino di Boboli, visit the Forte di Belvedere, and walk up winding streets with stunning views down into the city and along the old city walls.
  • Safest Areas of Florence
    Florence is, in general, a city where visitors can feel secure. In particular, areas which are more residential – like Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio, or San Frediano, Santo Spirito, San Niccolò, and Piazzale Michelangelo across the Arno – are very safe. Tourists should simply take the usual precautions, e.g. watch their bags and stick to busy streets late at night.

    Congested and heavily-touristed areas tend to be places where pickpockets are a risk, especially around the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo, Mercato Centrale, and other City Center hot spots. Otherwise, the city center is safe. The streets around Stazione Santa Maria Novella can feel sketchy and are best avoided late at night.

crushed stone path lined with hedges, leading to a former monastery building

The Horto Convento is a chic, modern hotel set in a converted monastery in San Frediano.

The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Florence for Tourists

1. City Center

An illuminated carousel in an historic square at night
A map showing the City Center neighborhood in Florence, Italy.

The gorgeous heart of Florence is a feast of medieval and Renaissance art and architecture. The Piazza del Duomo has long been the spiritual center of the city, with its mesmerizing Cathedral (Duomo) crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome; Giotto’s Campanile, and Lorenzo Ghiberti’s (replica) Gates of Paradise gracing the doors of the the Baptistry across the way. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo on the square contains sensational renaissance art, including the original “Gates of Paradise” and work by Donatello.

Via dei Calzaiuoli (lined with high-end boutiques) leads south from here to the political center of Florence, the Piazza della Signoria, dominated by the medieval Palazzo Vecchio (town hall) and mesmerizing statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi, as well as old-school café Rivoire. Nearby is the entrance to Italy’s most famous art gallery, the Galleria degli Uffizi. A short walk northeast lies the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, the second of Florence’s “big three” art museums – this one devoted to sculpture, and the Casa di Dante, birthplace of the medieval Italian writer, while on the riverbank the Museo Galileo contains a unique collection of historical scientific equipment. It’s also the best place to photograph the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s iconic shop-lined bridge over the Arno.

In between these two main plazas lies the church and museum of Orsanmichele, and just to the west, the more formal Piazza della Repubblica, with its old-fashioned carousel and historic cafés Gilli and Paszkowski. There’s also the Mercato Nuovo (aka Mercato del Porcellino), with souvenir stalls crammed around a bronze boar statue known as “Il Porcellino” and reported to guarantee a return to Florence to those who will rub its snout.

A little further west, the Palazzo Strozzi hosts traveling art exhibitions, while the Museo Marino Marini is dedicated to the iconic Tuscan sculptor. Learn the history of the Via de’Tornabuoni fashion boutiques at the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, established by the local shoe designer (Gucci, Pucci, and Cavalli were the other members of fashion’s “Florentine four”). All manner of tasty eats can be found in the City Center too, from gourmet panini at All’Antico Vinaio to elegant Michelin-starred dining at Ora d’Aria; bars range from casual to chic rooftop perches.

Staying in the City Center is highly convenient but usually very expensive – it’s also the busiest part of town, with the main streets and piazzas mobbed in high season. There are some bargains to be had in the B&Bs to the north and east of the Duomo, noted below.

Plush chairs and a sofa centered around an stylish electric fireplace in a hotel lobby

The plush lobby of Portrait Firenze hotel near the Ponte Vecchio.

2. San Lorenzo and San Marco

People sit and eat at tables under colorful streamers and lights
A map showing the San Lorenzo and San Marco neighborhoods in Florence, Italy.

Northwest of the Duomo and east of the train station is the small neighborhood of San Lorenzo, long associated with the powerful Medici family and today a great destination for foodies. Start with the gourmet food stalls on the first floor of the Mercato Centrale, serving everything from traditional lampredotto (tripe) to artisanal pizza and chocolate. Head over to Via de’ Ginori for cool bistro/café La Ménagère, quality panini at SandwiChic, and fine gelato at My Sugar. The main sight here is the Cappelle Medicee, the grand burial place of the Medici (with tombs carved by Michelangelo), adjoining the grand basilica of San Lorenzo itself (with two bronze pulpits by Donatello).

A little further north, San Marco is the city’s college district, the long narrow streets full of students tramping between classes at the University of Florence. The primary attractions up here include the Galleria dell’Accademia (home to Michelangelo’s David and Slaves; reservations essential), the beautiful Monastery of San Marco, painted by Fra Angelico and his pupils, and the university’s quirky but fascinating Natural History Museum. The nearby ex-Benedictine convent of Sant’Apollonia houses Andrea del Castagno’s Last Supper.

These two districts contain a massive stock of hotels, and we consider San Lorenzo to be one of the best places to stay in Florence; centrally located and within easy walking distance of both the Duomo and the train station. Rates are generally high here, but cheaper B&Bs can be found in San Marco, a bit further from the action.

Glass-enclosed greenhouse in a central hotel courtyard

The central courtyard dining area at San Lorenzo’s stylish Hotel Number Nine hotel.

3. Santa Maria Novella (train station)

Green grass and flowers in a plaza before an ornate church.
A map showing the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood in Florence, Italy.

Santa Maria Novella is a large and varied area stretching west from Via de’ Tornabuoni, between the main train station and the river. Although being situated close to the station is very convenient, avoid the grungy area around it and look instead to the bustling Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and its lovely church (home to exceptional artwork by Masaccio, Filippino Lippi, and many others). At the other end of the square, the Museo Novecento showcases Italian 20th-century art from the likes of Giorgio Morandi and Giorgio de Chirico. Between here, the center, and the river, you will find excellent shopping, with top labels on Via de’ Tornabuoni and a myriad of hip boutiques, galleries, and vintage shops on Via della Spada, Via dei Fossi, and more. There is some great food and drink to be found too, including classy riverside bars, craft cocktails at Manifattura, and plenty of trattorias serving Tuscan cuisine.

There are beautiful boutique and luxury hotels around Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and the river, but this is the also best part of town for bargains, especially at B&Bs and hostels – the quality has improved a lot in recent years and the area around the train station is not as sketchy as it once was.

Small, kidney-shaped pool surrounded by grass and sun loungers

Sina Villa Medici, located just a 10-minute walk from from the train station, has a tranquil garden swimming pool.

4. Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio

Ornate exterior of the basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy
A map showing the Santa Croce and Sant' Ambrogio neighborhoods in Florence, Italy.

Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio are the best areas for local flavor north of the river. Just east of Via del Proconsolo and just steps from the central sights, they manage to be less touristy and more laidback, with narrow, atmospheric streets, a great local market, and the old Jewish quarter. Santa Croce boasts its own impressive attractions, including the lovely Basilica di Santa Croce itself, resting place of a host of Florentine greats, including Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, and Galileo, as well as priceless artwork by Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello, and many more. Nearby, the Casa Buonarroti marks the site where Michelangelo likely lived in the early 16th century, containing a few early works by the Renaissance master.

North of Santa Croce, the Sant’Ambrogio food scene is fantastic, whether you are shopping for produce at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, sampling the classic lampredotto sandwiches at the famous Tripperia Pollini food cart, or enjoying the fantastic Tuscan fare at one of the Cibrèo restaurants nearby. A little further north stands the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence, testament to the city’s long Jewish history. At night, the neighborhoods draw a hip, young crowd to their great bar scenes – especially on busy Via dei Benci and around the market, like the live music venue Le Murate.

Hotels out here can be quite expensive, reflecting the neighborhood’s chic reputation – it’s a bit of a walk to the main sights in the center, but it’s far less touristy than the areas closer to the train station.

Large room with towering ceilings, a grand piano, and many leather chairs and sofas

The elegant interior of Relais Santa Croce.

5. Santissima Annunziata

Square lined with an arched colonnade, with a statue of a man on a horse at its center
A map showing the Santissima Annunziata neighborhood in Florence, Italy.

Santissima Annunziata sits northeast of the City Center (adjacent to San Marco), built around a serenely designed Renaissance piazza featuring the Santissima Annunziata basilica, dating to the medieval era with an elegant facade. The Ospedale degli Innocenti (a former orphanage turned museum) features a beautiful loggia of columns and arches designed by Brunelleschi and copied over the centuries onto other buildings making up the square. The nearby Museo Archeologico boasts an especially good Etruscan collection. One of Florence’s hidden gems lies in the middle of the ring road a stiff walk east – the English Cemetery is the tranquil resting place of poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Arthur Clough, and Walter Savage Landor.

Though historically important and easily walkable to all of Florence’s most iconic sights, this area stays remarkably low key – ideal for families and for quiet retreats from the crowds. There are a number of excellent restaurants, especially toward the south and western parts near the City Center, San Lorenzo, and San Marco areas. There are far fewer hotels up here, but they tend to be high quality and much quieter than in the City Center.

A lavish bar with lush green rugs, brown wood, and rust colored flower arrangements.

The gorgeous Atrium Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.

6. San Frediano and Santo Spirito

The exterior of Santo Spirito church in Florence
A map showing the San Frediano and Santo Spirito neighborhoods in Florence, Italy.

These two intriguing neighborhoods lie in Oltrarno, the south bank of the river, between the Ponte Vecchio and Porta Romana, the ancient city’s southern gate. The spirit here is bohemian and local, though gentrification has made this part of town more fashionable, with lots of hot new restaurants, craft cocktail places, and wine bars; check out Piazza Santo Spirito and Borgo San Frediano just for starters. Also known as the artisan quarter, it’s packed with antique shops, hip boutiques, galleries, and workshops; go shopping on Borgo San Jacopo, Via Santo Spirito, and Via Romana. Sights include Brunelleschi’s Basilica di Santa Spirito, the church Santa Felìcita (with paintings by Pontormo), and the grand Palazzo Pitti with its clutch of eight museums – the most absorbing is the art collection in the Galleria Palatina. You’ll need to book a time slot for the nearby Cappella Brancacci, the famous medieval chapel blanketed in gorgeous frescoes by Masolino and Masaccio.

This area is known for its stylish boutique hotels – it’s generally much better value than north of the river, with some good value B&Bs as well as luxury options.

Entrance to a posh hotel with bikes parked in front

Entrance to the beautiful Hotel Lungarno, located in San Frediano, just opposite the river from City Center.

7. San Niccolò and Piazzale Michelangelo

View of Central Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
A map showing the San Niccolo and Piazzale Michelangelo neighborhoods in Florence, Italy.

Picturesque San Niccolò lies east of Santo Spirito along the river, while quieter Piazzale Michelangelo rises on the hillside to its south. Like the other Oltrarno areas, San Niccolò is arty and buzzing, which makes for great shopping. Explore Via San Niccolò, where you’ll find perfumier Lorenzo Villoresi, and funky street art at Clet. Climb medieval landmark San Niccolò Tower for great views, and enjoy good food and drink in its shadow; excellent pasta at Zeb, cocktails at The Speakeasy, and elegant dining at Hosteria del Bricco. The main sights here include the artwork inside the Museo Stefano Bardini, and the 17th-century Villa Bardini, featuring art by Pietro Annigoni and lush adjacent gardens with beautiful views over the city.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a largely residential area with lovely gardens and a major attraction – the square after which it is named, which boasts a replica of David and glorious views of Florence. City buses zip up here, otherwise it’s a stiff but scenic walk up the “Rampe di Poggi” from the river. You can continue walking beyond the Piazzale up to the tiny church of San Salvatore al Monte and the much larger monastery of San Miniato al Monte beyond, one of the city’s most beautiful churches.

This is a much quieter part of the Oltrarno and there are far fewer hotels (and subsequently less tourists) here. Rates are cheaper than you’ll find north of the river, with especially good value B&Bs further east along the Arno.

White Italianate exterior of a hotel

Serristori Palace hotel on the banks of the Arno in San Niccolò.

8. The Hills of Oltrarno: Boboli Gardens

View of the Duomo and central Florence through trees
A map showing the Oltrarno Hills and Boboli neighborhoods in Florence, Italy.

The rolling hills south of the main Oltrarno districts are blanketed by leafy, upscale residential neighborhoods. They are restful, full of lovely views, and can feel much more rustic and remote than they are – buses trundle up and down the hills, but it’s not that far to walk into the center (at least downhill). The key attraction here is the vast, hilly green space of the Boboli Gardens, sprinkled with grand fountains and statuary – most notably the stalactites and stone shepherds of the Grotta del Buontalenti. At the top of the gardens stands the Museo delle Porcellane’s vast porcelain collection, and the 16th-century Forte di Belvedere fortress. It’s possible to follow the line of the ancient city walls from here, with Via di Belvedere the most atmospheric (and least busy) section.

Visitors staying here will likely leave the area to go shopping or eat out, but it makes a pretty spot for wandering, with hill-set villas and sensational views at every corner. Accommodation includes pretty guesthouses and some lovely luxury hotels – expensive and exclusive. It’s a good place to stay if you’re driving, as you can park up here; only residents are allowed to park in central Florence), but factor in extra time to summit the hills if walking or taking buses.

Pink stucco Italianate building on a garden lawn with a towering cypress tree

Gorgeous Villa Cora sits in the serene Oltrarno hills, only a quick drive into the city center.

More Florence Neighborhoods

We’ve covered our favorite neighborhoods to visit and stay in more detail above, but with more time the following districts are also worth checking out.

  • Fiesole: With more time it’s worth taking the #7 bus up the hills north of Florence to the small community of Fiesole. (If the weather is good, it’s a pleasant walk back down to City Center.) The main sights up here include the Duomo on Piazza Mino, the artwork in the Museo Bandini, the ancient Roman Theater and its small museum, various Etruscan ruins, and the Badia Fiesolana, the town’s 9th-century cathedral. There are a handful of quiet pensiones and B&Bs if you’d like to stay the night – we especially like Pensione Bencistà and Le Cannelle bed and breakfast.
  • Artemio Franchi Stadium: The home of Fiorentina, the city’s Serie A soccer team, lies around 2 miles northeast of the city center. It can be fun watching the “Viola”, especially when rivals Bologna or Juventus come to town. See the team website for match info. The best hotels near Artemo Franchi Stadium are Villa Neroli (which has an outdoor pool) and the charming and afffordable A Casa di Lilli guesthouse.
  • As it’s so close to the city center, there’s not much point in staying near Florence Airport. The nearest hotels are not especially convenient, or good value. Hotels close to Pisa International Airport tend to be budget B&Bs and guesthouses – Ai 4 Elementi is a good choice.

Florence Travel Tips

  • Florence Airport (aka Peretola) is only about 4 miles (6km) northwest of the city center. It’s a relatively small hub that handles primarily low-cost flights from other European destinations. The best way into the city center is the new tram/light rail link on the T2 line; taxis charge a set €22 (€24 on holidays, €25.30 at night). Pisa International Airport (aka Galileo Galilei), 48 miles/77km west of Florence, is the primary airport of the Tuscany region.
  • Almost everyone you are likely to deal with in Florence will be able to speak (or at least understand some) English, except for a few taxi drivers and owners of small cafés/shops. Try to learn a few words and numbers in Italian anyway before you go. Note that this changes if you head out of the city for a day trip – far fewer people in rural Tuscany speak English, especially among the older generation.
  • The Firenzecard is the official Florence museum pass. It costs €85 and is valid for 72 hours from the first time it’s used. All the big sights are included (well over 70 in total): the Uffizi, Bargello, Accademia, Cappella Brancacci, Medici Chapels, and more. Kids under 18 belonging to a card holder also get in free. Given how busy Florence is, the ability to gain fast track entry is a bonus, but as always, the card is only a good value if you intend to do a lot of sightseeing in a short amount of time. Be realistic about what you can see in 3 days; if you just visit the Uffizi, Bargello, and Accademia the total cost is only around €50/person (depending on season). There are other discount cards available: the Florence City Pass is also worth a look if you know exactly what you want to visit.
  • Bike rental is available through app-based bikeshare schemes like Ridemovi or traditional rental shops like Tuscany Cycle. Central Florence is fairly flat and not a bad place to bike, though you’ll be sharing the narrow streets with pedestrians and vehicles. Further out, there are dedicated bike lanes and trails, useful for exploring the Arno riverside and outer suburbs more extensively.
  • Free wi-fi is available at Florence Airport, and at cafés and museums through the city itself. You can also access free “Firenze WiFi” hotspots throughout the city center (maximum 500MB per day per device), in places like Piazza Duomo and the Uffizi.
  • The official tourism website of Florence is feelflorence.it. Info points can be found at the airport, Piazza della Stazione 4, Borgo Santa Croce 29, and at Via Cavour 1R.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.