Where to stay in Florence: the best areas for your trip
Ideal for: CouplesFamiliesOn a budgetSoloSeniors
Contents
In short: for a first visit, stay in the historic centre, around the Duomo. As a couple or for local life, Oltrarno; for nightlife, Santa Croce; for the train and a gentler budget, the Santa Maria Novella area. Florence is compact: everything is on foot, and a car is pointless in the city.
Understanding Florence in two minutes
Florence’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spreads along the north bank of the Arno, from the Duomo to Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi. To the north-west is Santa Maria Novella station; to the north, San Lorenzo and its market, then San Marco and the Accademia; to the east, Santa Croce. On the south bank, beyond the Ponte Vecchio, lie Oltrarno and the Pitti Palace. On the hills, Fiesole overlooks the city.
The right area for your trip
First visit: the historic centre
At the foot of the Duomo, near Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio, you are at the heart of the Renaissance. Accommodation is often in old palazzi, on upper floors, sometimes with a view of Brunelleschi’s dome.
As a couple and local life: Oltrarno
Across the Arno, Oltrarno (Santo Spirito, San Frediano) has kept its artisans’ workshops, trattorias and squares that come alive at night. The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens are close by. Quieter and more authentic, a few minutes’ walk from the centre.
Nightlife: Santa Croce
Around the Santa Croce basilica, the area is lively, with bars, restaurants and the Sant’Ambrogio market. Ideal for solo travellers and groups of friends.
Practical and market life: San Lorenzo
Around the Central Market and the Medici Chapels, San Lorenzo is very central and often more affordable, but busy by day.
Calm and culture: San Marco
Near the Accademia (Michelangelo’s David) and the San Marco convent, the university area is quieter, ten minutes’ walk from the Duomo.
Train and budget: Santa Maria Novella
Around the station, hotels are plentiful and handy for day trips to Pisa, Siena or Lucca. The immediate surroundings of the station are less charming; choose the streets towards the Santa Maria Novella basilica.
Views and countryside: Fiesole
On the hill, Fiesole offers calm, cooler summer evenings and views over the whole city, a bus ride from the centre.
Getting to Florence
- By train: Santa Maria Novella station is a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo.
- By air: from Florence Peretola airport, the tram runs to the station; Pisa airport is linked by train and bus.
For timetables and fares, check the official websites.
Our booking tips
- Don’t drive into the centre: the limited traffic zone (ZTL) is monitored by cameras.
- Book early for spring, summer and major exhibitions.
- Allow for the tourist tax, per person per night, often paid on site.
- Check for air conditioning: summers are very hot in Florence.
- Check the floor and the lift in old palazzi.
Once you’re there
Book the Uffizi and the Accademia ahead, as they are in high demand, and see our guide Things to do in Florence. For the rest of your trip, see our guide Travel in Italy; the areas and useful services are on our Florence page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Florence?
The historic centre, around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, for a first visit: everything is on foot. Oltrarno, across the Arno, is quieter and more authentic.
Do I need a car in Florence?
No: the centre is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) monitored by cameras, and it is entirely walkable. Only rent a car for Tuscany, ideally from the edge of the city.
Where should I stay in Florence to explore Tuscany?
Near Santa Maria Novella station for train day trips (Pisa, Siena, Lucca), or in a farm stay (agriturismo) in the Tuscan countryside if you have a car.