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Where to Stay in Florence

Updated: October 26, 2026 • By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com

Florence Hotels: My Favorites

Map showing the locations of ten recommended hotels in Florence, Italy
1. The Market Urban Hotel • 2. San Giuliano Inn • 3. Four Seasons • 4. Casa G. • 5. Helvetia & Bristol • 6. Brunelleschi • 7. Calimala • 8. Portrait Firenze • 9. Ville Sull’Arno • 10. Villa Cora

Santorini Dave at the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

At the Ponte Vecchio in central Florence.

Where to Stay in Florence

The City Center is the best area to stay in Florence for first-time visitors. The Duomo, Uffizi, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio are all within a short walk. My favorite hotels here are Portrait Firenze for luxury and Calimala for a stylish boutique hotel. The streets around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria are busy, but a hotel on a quieter side street can be just as central.

Santa Maria Novella is best for train connections. Stay here if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips to Pisa, Lucca, or other Tuscan towns. Hotels around Piazza Santa Maria Novella and toward the historic center are especially convenient. The streets immediately around the station are less attractive, though there are good-value hotels nearby. My favorite luxury hotel in this area is Helvetia & Bristol.

Santo Spirito and San Frediano are my favorite areas for restaurants, wine bars, and a more local atmosphere. Both are in the Oltrarno, across the Arno River from the historic center. You’ll find small boutique hotels, artisan workshops, and some of Florence’s best restaurants. The Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi are still within walking distance. My favorites are Horto Convento and AdAstra.

San Lorenzo and San Marco are good choices for central hotels at a range of prices. San Lorenzo is busy, with the Mercato Centrale food hall, leather market, and plenty of restaurants. San Marco is quieter and has several excellent midrange hotels. Both are within walking distance of the Duomo and train station.

Santissima Annunziata is one of my favorite areas for families and travelers who want a quieter hotel. It’s northeast of the Duomo, close to the Accademia, and has less foot traffic than the busiest parts of the center. The Four Seasons is outstanding, with large gardens, a swimming pool, and excellent family facilities.

San Niccolò and the Oltrarno Hills are best for a quieter stay. San Niccolò has good restaurants and easy access to Piazzale Michelangelo. The hills farther south have beautiful gardens, villas, and some of Florence’s best hotels with swimming pools. Villa Cora is my favorite. The trade-off is that you’ll need a taxi or a long uphill walk back from the center.

Florence is very walkable, so don’t worry too much about staying in the exact center. From the Duomo, it’s about 10 minutes to the Uffizi, 15 minutes to Ponte Vecchio, and 15 minutes to Santa Maria Novella station. Even hotels outside the busiest tourist streets can be convenient for sightseeing.

My wife at the Florence market.

My wife ordering food at the Mercato Centrale.

Getting Around Florence

Walking: Florence is compact, and most major sights are within a 10 to 20-minute walk of each other. The historic center is largely pedestrian-friendly, though cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks can make walking with luggage difficult.

Airport Tram: The T2 tram connects Florence Airport with the city center in about 20 minutes. It’s an inexpensive and convenient option for travelers staying near Santa Maria Novella.

Taxis and Buses: Taxis are useful for luggage, late arrivals, and hotels in the hills. City buses serve areas beyond the historic center, including Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole. Most visitors staying centrally won’t need either for everyday sightseeing.

Driving: Don’t rent a car for Florence. Much of the historic center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), and unauthorized entry can result in expensive fines. If you’re driving to a hotel inside the ZTL, contact the hotel beforehand for access and parking instructions. Rent a car when you’re ready to explore the Tuscan countryside.

The Best Hotels in Florence

Me at the Florence Four Seasons.

Having wine at the Four Seasons Atrium Bar.

Santorini Dave in his room at a Florence hotel.

Our room at the Helvetia & Bristol.

Hotel room with an open window overlooking the Duomo in Florence

Our suite at the family-run San Giuliano Inn, an excellent central 3-star hotel with beautiful Duomo views.

The Best Neighborhoods in Florence

1. City Center

An illuminated carousel in a historic Florence square at night
Map showing the City Center neighborhood in Florence

The City Center is the best area for sightseeing and my first choice for most first-time visitors. The Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio are all close together, with excellent restaurants, shops, and hotels throughout the neighborhood.

The Duomo complex includes Florence’s cathedral, Brunelleschi’s famous dome, Giotto’s Campanile, and the Baptistery. The nearby Museo dell’Opera del Duomo displays the original Gates of Paradise and important works by Donatello and Michelangelo.

Via dei Calzaiuoli connects the Duomo with Piazza della Signoria, home to the Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi. The Uffizi Gallery is just south of the square. The Bargello, one of Florence’s best sculpture museums, is a short walk east.

Other sights include Orsanmichele, Piazza della Repubblica, and the Mercato del Porcellino, where visitors traditionally rub the bronze boar’s snout for good luck. West of the Duomo, Palazzo Strozzi hosts major art exhibitions. Via de’ Tornabuoni is Florence’s main luxury shopping street.

For food, the center has everything from panini at All’Antico Vinaio to fine dining. Avoid choosing restaurants solely because they’re beside the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria. You’ll find better value a few streets away.

The main disadvantage is the crowds. The busiest streets can be packed during the day, and hotels are expensive. I prefer a hotel on a side street or near Piazza della Repubblica, where you’re central without necessarily being directly above the busiest pedestrian routes.

Santorini Dave having dinner at Portrait Firenze

Dinner at the Portrait Firenze hotel.

2. San Lorenzo and San Marco

Food hall at Mercato Centrale in Florence
Map showing San Lorenzo and San Marco in Florence

San Lorenzo is northwest of the Duomo, between the historic center and Santa Maria Novella station. It’s a busy neighborhood with restaurants, market stalls, and a wide selection of hotels.

The main attraction is Mercato Centrale. The traditional market downstairs sells produce, meat, and other food products, while the upstairs food hall has stalls serving everything from Tuscan specialties to pizza and pasta. Nearby streets are lined with leather stalls, shops, and restaurants.

The neighborhood is also closely associated with the Medici family. The Medici Chapels contain elaborate family tombs, including sculptures by Michelangelo. The adjoining Basilica of San Lorenzo is also worth visiting.

San Marco, just north and east of San Lorenzo, is quieter and has more of a university atmosphere. The main attraction is the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. The nearby Museo di San Marco has beautiful frescoes by Fra Angelico.

San Lorenzo is better for restaurants and easy access to the train station. San Marco is better for a quieter hotel. Both are good alternatives to the more expensive streets around Piazza della Signoria.

Courtyard dining area at Hotel Number Nine in Florence

The courtyard dining area at Hotel Number Nine in San Lorenzo.

3. Santa Maria Novella

Piazza Santa Maria Novella and its church in Florence
Map showing Santa Maria Novella in Florence

Santa Maria Novella is the most convenient neighborhood for travelers arriving by train or planning several day trips. Florence’s main railway station is here, with frequent trains to Pisa, Lucca, Bologna, Rome, and other destinations. Buses are also useful for reaching Siena and other Tuscan towns.

The neighborhood covers a large area west of the historic center, so the exact location matters. The streets immediately around the station are busy and less attractive, while Piazza Santa Maria Novella and the streets toward the river have some of Florence’s best hotels.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of the city’s most beautiful churches, with important Renaissance artwork. Across the square, the Museo Novecento focuses on modern Italian art. The neighborhood also has good shopping, particularly around Via della Spada and Via dei Fossi.

For luxury hotels, the area around Piazza Ognissanti and the river is excellent. The St. Regis and Westin Excelsior overlook the Arno, while The Place Firenze faces Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

My advice: If you’re staying here for sightseeing rather than train connections, choose a hotel between the station and the historic center. You’ll have easy access to trains without being surrounded by station traffic.

Garden swimming pool at Sina Villa Medici in Florence

Sina Villa Medici, about a 10-minute walk from the train station, has a beautiful garden swimming pool.

4. Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio

Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Map showing Santa Croce and Sant'Ambrogio in Florence

Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio are excellent areas for restaurants, bars, and a neighborhood atmosphere without being far from the main sights. They’re east of Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo, with most central attractions still within walking distance.

Santa Croce is centered on the beautiful Basilica di Santa Croce, which contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, along with important Renaissance artwork. The nearby Casa Buonarroti has early works by Michelangelo and exhibitions about his life.

North of Santa Croce, Sant’Ambrogio is one of my favorite neighborhoods for food. The Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is a traditional market with produce, meat, and food stalls. Nearby restaurants include the excellent Cibrèo restaurants, and Tripperia Pollini is known for lampredotto sandwiches.

The neighborhood also has good nightlife, particularly around Via dei Benci and the streets near the market. This is worth considering when booking a hotel, as some streets can be noisy late at night.

Santa Croce is a great alternative to the City Center. You’re close to the Uffizi and Piazza della Signoria, but there are more neighborhood restaurants and fewer large groups of tourists once you’re away from the basilica.

Elegant interior of a luxury hotel in Santa Croce, Florence

The elegant interior of Palazzo Firenze, formerly Relais Santa Croce.

5. Santissima Annunziata

Piazza Santissima Annunziata in Florence
Map showing Santissima Annunziata in Florence

Santissima Annunziata is a quieter neighborhood northeast of the Duomo and close to the Accademia Gallery. It’s a good choice for families and travelers who want to stay within walking distance of the historic center without being surrounded by its busiest streets.

The neighborhood is centered on Piazza Santissima Annunziata, one of Florence’s most beautiful Renaissance squares. The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata and the Ospedale degli Innocenti, a former orphanage with a famous Brunelleschi-designed loggia, are the main attractions. The nearby National Archaeological Museum has an excellent Etruscan collection.

There are fewer hotels here than around the Duomo, but several are excellent. The Four Seasons is the standout luxury choice, with extensive private gardens and one of the best hotel pools in Florence. Residence Hilda is a good option for travelers who prefer an apartment-style stay.

Lobby at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

The beautiful lobby at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.

6. San Frediano and Santo Spirito

Basilica of Santo Spirito in Florence
Map showing San Frediano and Santo Spirito in Florence

San Frediano and Santo Spirito are my favorite neighborhoods in Florence for restaurants, bars, and small boutique hotels. They’re across the Arno in the Oltrarno, with narrow streets, artisan workshops, antique shops, and plenty of places to eat and drink.

Piazza Santo Spirito is the center of the neighborhood, with restaurants and bars around the square. It’s especially lively in the evening. Borgo San Frediano is another excellent street for restaurants and wine bars. My favorites include Il Santo Bevitore for dinner and Il Santino for wine. Rasputin is a good cocktail bar, while the Loggia Roof Bar at Palazzo Guadagni has beautiful views over the neighborhood.

The main sights include Brunelleschi’s Basilica di Santo Spirito, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Brancacci Chapel, famous for its frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino. Reserve the Brancacci Chapel in advance.

The best hotels here are smaller boutique properties, often in restored historic buildings. AdAstra has a beautiful garden setting, while Horto Convento is a stylish hotel in a converted monastery.

Choose Santo Spirito if you want to be close to restaurants and nightlife. San Frediano is a little quieter, especially away from the busiest streets. Both are good choices for travelers who have visited Florence before or prefer staying outside the main tourist center.

Entrance to Hotel Lungarno in Florence

Entrance to the beautiful Hotel Lungarno, overlooking the Arno near Ponte Vecchio.

7. San Niccolò and Piazzale Michelangelo

View of central Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
Map showing San Niccolò and Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence

San Niccolò is a small neighborhood along the south bank of the Arno, east of Santo Spirito. It’s one of my favorite parts of Florence for couples who want good restaurants, quieter streets, and easy access to scenic walks.

Via San Niccolò has small shops, restaurants, and artisan businesses, including perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi. The neighborhood is also home to the Museo Stefano Bardini and is close to Villa Bardini and its beautiful gardens.

From San Niccolò, the Rampe di Poggi lead uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s most famous viewpoint. The walk is steep but worthwhile, especially in the late afternoon. Continue farther uphill to San Miniato al Monte, one of the city’s most beautiful churches.

Hotels are limited compared with the historic center, but the neighborhood is quieter and has some excellent smaller properties. Hotel David and Residence Michelangiolo are good options farther east.

San Niccolò is better for restaurants and walking into the center. Hotels higher up around Piazzale Michelangelo are quieter but less convenient without taxis.

Exterior of Serristori Palace in Florence

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

8. The Hills of Oltrarno: Boboli Gardens

View of Florence through trees in the Oltrarno Hills
Map showing the Oltrarno Hills in Florence

The hills south of the Arno are the best area for travelers who want a quiet hotel with gardens, a swimming pool, or views over Florence. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s most beautiful villa hotels, including Villa Cora and Art Hotel Villa Agape.

The main attraction is the Boboli Gardens, behind Palazzo Pitti. The gardens are extensive and hilly, with fountains, sculptures, and paths leading to viewpoints over Florence. The nearby Forte di Belvedere is another impressive landmark, though public access depends on exhibitions and opening arrangements.

The main disadvantage is transportation. Some hotels are a long uphill walk from the center, and taxis are the easiest way to return after dinner. If you’re driving, choose a hotel with its own parking and confirm the access route in advance.

Villa Cora is my favorite hotel in this area. The outdoor pool, gardens, and elegant rooms make it an excellent choice for couples and families who want a more relaxed stay than a small hotel in the historic center.

Villa Cora hotel and gardens in Florence

Villa Cora has beautiful gardens and one of Florence’s best hotel swimming pools.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.