Where to stay in Florence? Best areas and neighborhoods
Where to stay in Florence?
1. Best areas to stay in Florence
Florence is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, known for Renaissance art, historic landmarks, and delicious food. The city center is filled with museums, churches, and lively squares, and it’s easy to explore on foot. The Arno River divides Florence into two areas: the historic core in the north, where most attractions are located, and Oltrarno in the south, known for its artisan workshops and local charm. The city is easy to walk, with key areas less than 30 minutes away, and public transport makes exploring even easier. When planning your trip, one of the many questions you might have is: Where to stay in Florence?
Florence offers a range of accommodations, from the lively center to a quieter local area. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guide will help you choose the best area to stay in Florence and provide tips on which areas to avoid for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
San Giovanni & Centro Storico
The historic center with beautiful Renaissance architecture, the Piazza del Duomo, and many of the city’s most famous landmarks nearby.
BEST FOR: First-time visitors looking for comfort and convenience and travelers who are looking for a classic Florence experience in the heart of the city.
HIGHLIGHTS: Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery, and top museums. Dining, rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, and shopping are just steps away. A wide range of accommodations, from luxury and boutique hotels to mid-range and budget-friendly stays.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: Very touristy, noisy, and crowded, especially around the Duomo. More expensive than other parts of Centro Storico.
Oltrarno
A quieter, more artistic neighborhood located just across the river from the busy city center, offering a more authentic and local feel.
BEST FOR: Visitors looking for a local experience and families who want a quieter experience with easy access to green spaces.
HIGHLIGHTS: Close to Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) and Boboli Gardens. Piazzale Michelangelo in the San Niccolò offers stunning panoramic views of Florence. Home to some of Florence’s best trattorias, restaurants, wine bars, and cafes, with a relaxed nightlife vibe. Vintage shops, indie boutiques, and craft studios. About a 15-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo. Top luxury boutique hotels are ideal for couples, families, and travelers who prefer unique accommodations over traditional tourist hotels.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: Fewer big hotels, slightly farther from major attractions, and some areas, especially around Piazza Santo Spirito, can be lively at night.
Santo Spirito
Part of Oltrarno, across the Arno River, centered around Piazza Santo Spirito, offering a more local and authentic feel while still being close to Florence’s top sights.
BEST FOR: Visitors looking for a vibrant, local atmosphere with great nightlife, restaurants, and a social scene, as well as those who prefer a more artistic, laid-back atmosphere while staying close to Florence’s main sights.
HIGHLIGHTS: Traditional trattorias, cafes, bars, and artisan bakeries. A lively and relaxed vibe with a mix of locals and visitors. Best nightlife in Oltrarno with cocktail bars, live music, and open-air dining. Piazza Santo Spirito is a popular nightlife and social spot with vintage shops and boutiques, still within a 15-minute walk from the Duomo. A mix of accommodation options is available, from historic hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and apartments.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: It is a bit further from the Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. There are limited options for large hotels. Noise levels can be higher, particularly near Piazza Santo Spirito.
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is another great area to stay in Florence. This is a lively neighborhood close to the city center and historical sites, local food markets, and affordable accommodation.
BEST FOR: Travelers looking for a convenient central location with affordable accommodation, shopping, and fresh local food.
HIGHLIGHTS: A vibrant neighborhood near the city center, historical sites, and local markets. San Lorenzo Market is great for leather goods and souvenirs. More affordable accommodation compared to San Giovanni. Close to landmarks like the Medici Chapels and Basilica di San Lorenzo. Home to Mercato Centrale, offering fresh local food and casual dining. Within walking distance of other neighborhoods.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: It can be crowded and noisy with tourists and street vendors.
Looking for the perfect tour in Florence?
See the best of Florence
Florence Walking Tour
Explore Florence with an experienced local guide by your side. Go back in time as you discover the birthplace of the Renaissance and admire the spectacular Santa Monica del Fiore Cathedral. Benefit from priority access to the Galleria dell Accademia and the Uffizi Galleries and appreciate timeless artworks by renowned artists.
Climb to the top
Duomo Tour
Join our small group tour and skip the long lines to explore the beautiful Duomo of Florence with an art historian guide. You will also visit its dome, the Museum, and the Baptistery. View the famous cathedral's interior, see Michelangelos' Pietà Bandini and other masterpieces, relics, and 16th-century frescoes. Climb to the top of the dome and enjoy the stunning views of the city's skyline.
Santa Maria Novella
A historic neighborhood in Florence with a convenient location near the city’s train station and within walking distance of the city center.
BEST FOR: Travelers who want the convenience of a central location near transport, shopping, and cultural sites. Travelers who are planning day trips from Florence.
HIGHLIGHTS: Close to designer stores and trendy Italian boutiques known for high-quality leather goods. Home to Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, offering luxury perfumes. Easy access to the historic city center within a 15-minute walk. A wide range of accommodation options. Well-connected for day trips. Key landmarks include Santa Maria Novella Basilica, the Central Market, Tornabuoni Street with high-end fashion and elegant architecture, and the historic Fortezza da Basso.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: It can be crowded, especially near the train station. Hotels and dining tend to be more expensive. While generally safe, pickpocketing and petty theft are more common around the station. It is a bit further from Oltrarno and Santa Croce.
Santa Croce
A historic and vibrant neighborhood in Florence, known for the Basilica of Santa Croce, artisan shops, and lively nightlife scene. By day, visitors can enjoy its Renaissance streets, local markets, and cultural landmarks, while at night, it becomes a popular hub with bars, restaurants, and a mix of locals and visitors.
BEST FOR: Visitors who appreciate historic architecture and those who want a central location with culture, nightlife, and a local feel.
HIGHLIGHTS: Home to the famous Basilica of Santa Croce and the Piazza di Santa Croce. A mix of locals and visitors, offering easy access to the city center, train station, and Arno River. The area is lively, with great nightlife and plenty of restaurants. Hotels vary in price, but generally, they tend to be mid-range to high-end, especially in popular areas near Piazza Santa Croce.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: It can be noisy at night, especially around bars. Due to its popularity, prices may be higher in some areas.
San Marco
A traditional neighborhood known for its cultural landmarks, student-friendly vibe, affordable prices, and convenient location for sightseeing, just north of the Duomo.
BEST FOR: Travelers looking for a central but less touristy area, those interested in museums and local culture, and budget-conscious travelers.
HIGHLIGHTS: Home to the famous Accademia Gallery, the University of Florence, and lively student areas. Filled with vintage and thrift shops. Conveniently located near the city center and train station. Affordable dining and shopping, with local markets like Mercato Centrale nearby.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: Accademia Gallery attracts many visitors, making the area busy, especially during peak seasons.
Just steps away! Visit the Accademia Gallery with skip-the-line access!
See Michelangelo’s David
Galleria dell'Accademia Ticket
Enjoy fast access to the Florence Accademia Gallery. Here, you can see the world's most extensive collection of sculptures by Michelangelo and other renowned artists, such as Bartolini and Botticelli. Get an up-close view of the famous 5.17-meter-tall statue of David and other masterpieces.
See Michelangelo’s David
Accademia Gallery Tour
Explore the Accademia Gallery on our guided tour. Discover the world's largest collection of sculptures by Michelangelo and other renowned artists, including the famous statue of David and other masterpieces. Skip the crowds and let your guide bring the art to life.
2. Best areas for partying and a night out in Florence
Florence transforms into a lively city at night, with trendy bars, nightclubs, and cozy wine bars. From sipping cocktails by the river Arno to dancing or enjoying a relaxed evening out, Florence offers many nightlife options.
Here are a few suggestions for a night out in Florence:
Ponte Vecchio
The iconic medieval bridge creates a romantic and scenic setting in the evening, perfect for a leisurely walk after dinner with a beautifully lit view of the Arno River and Florence skyline. For a livelier night out, the historic center’s bars and clubs are just a short walk away.
Oltrarno
Oltrarno is one of the best areas for a local nightlife experience, with wine bars, cocktail spots, and lively hangouts. Santo Spirito Square is the center of the action, where bars stay open late, musicians play, and people gather for drinks. Piazza Santo Spirito is also a popular spot for young people starting their nights in Florence. Known for its bohemian vibe, it attracts artists, musicians, and locals with open-air concerts in the summer. The square is lined with casual wine bars and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere that lasts until late.
Centro Storico
Centro Storico is the heart of Florence’s nightlife, with elegant cocktail bars, lively pubs, and stylish wine bars. Piazza Santa Croce and Via dei Benci are the busiest areas, full of bars and clubs where locals and tourists gather late into the night. Near Piazza della Repubblica, you’ll find rooftop bars and lounges with stunning city views.
Santa Croce
Piazza Santa Croce is a vibrant nightlife hotspot with bars, restaurants, and clubs. It is one of the most popular areas, attracting locals and tourists and offering a cheerful and energetic atmosphere. Via dei Benci, along the Arno River, is one of Florence’s top spots for cocktails, live music, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
San Frediano
San Frediano is the neighborhood to go to for a truly local nightlife experience. Known for its trendy yet authentic vibe, this charming area is a favorite among Florentines for drinks, dining, and a lively night out.
3. Areas to avoid in Florence
Florence is generally a safe city, with a low crime rate compared to other bigger cities in Italy. However, like any popular tourist destination, some areas may be less desirable due to crowds, petty crime, or a lack of attractions. Here are a few areas to be cautious about when choosing where to stay in Florence:
Around Santa Maria Novella Train Station
Busy area with a high number of travelers and some opportunistic petty crime.
Le Piagge
Less tourist-friendly, mostly residential areas, far from the city center, best avoided at night.
Cascine Park
The park can feel isolated at night and is best avoided due to occasional reports of illegal activities and pickpocketing.
It is wise to follow safety precautions and stay in well-lit central Florence areas like Centro Storico, Oltrarno, and San Marco. Be cautious of crowded spots like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Mercato Centrale for pickpockets. At night, avoid isolated streets, parks, and the banks of the River Arno, especially if you are alone.
Get ready for your Florence visit!
Now that you know where to stay in Florence during your vacation, it’s time to decide which attractions to visit! Check out our list of top Florence attractions, complete with ticket offers and opening hours information!
We have the best value Florence tours & tickets for you!
Chianti wine experience
Chianti Wine Tour
Join us on our Florence Wine Tour to try the well-known Italian wines! Your guide will lead you through the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside as you visit two world-class wineries. Try famous Chianti wine, enjoy the landscape’s natural beauty, and learn everything about the winemaking process from a sommelier.
Access to city museums
Florence Pass
This is the best Florence ticket deal that you'll find online! You get to skip the line for tickets and gain priority entry for all of the famous attractions. With the help of an audio guide app, explore the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, Brunelleschi's Dome, Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Boboli Gardens, Pitti Palace, and much more!
Italy’s coastal charm
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
Discover the colorful villages of Cinque Terre National Park on our full-day guided trip to the coast of the Ligurian Sea. See the charming houses on the cliffs, walk through coastal vineyards, swim in the sea, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Have an Italian lunch at a local restaurant shop, relax on the beach, and enjoy a boat ride for great photos. Perfect for those who love the sun, beaches, and history.