When deciding where to stay in Florence, it really depends on the type of trip you’re planning. If it’s your first time here, or you only have a night or two, staying near the historic center is a great choice.
If you’re like me, though, you’ll want to avoid the more touristy areas and get a feel for local life. That’s why Oltrarno is always my go-to neighborhood in Florence.
The good news is that no matter where you stay, you’ll never be far from the main sights. Florence is a compact city, and you can easily walk just about everywhere.
This guide covers the best neighborhoods to stay in Florence, plus a few of my top hotel picks in each area.
Neighborhoods in Florence
Oltrarno / Santo Spirito: My favorite neighborhood in Florence. Located across the Arno River, it’s quieter with fewer touristy sites. You’ll find artsy shops, amazing restaurants, peaceful streets, charming piazzas, and a strong local feel. Stay here if you’re looking for a more authentic experience.
Centro Storico / San Giovanni: The heart of the city – home to the Duomo, Uffizi, and Piazza della Signoria. Stay here for convenience, but know it’s the most touristy part of Florence.
Santa Croce: Just east of the center, Santa Croce feels a bit more local with great restaurants, shops, and a lively vibe. It’s still within walking distance to everything, but not quite as busy.
Santa Maria Novella & San Lorenzo: Close to the train station and San Lorenzo market, this area usually has more affordable hotels. It’s not the most charming part of Florence, but it’s central and convenient.
San Marco: Just north of the historic center near the Accademia Gallery. Still central, but a bit removed from the busiest streets.
Fiesole Hills: Fiesole and its lush hills sit just northeast of Florence. A great spot for a luxury escape that feels like the Tuscan countryside, but still just a quick shuttle ride from the city.
Best Hotels in Florence
Oltrarno
- Best for: A more local, authentic experience with artsy shops and great restaurants
- Highlights: Artisan shops, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Brancacci Chapel, Santo Spirito Basilica
- Cons: Slightly farther from the Duomo and major museums
Across the Arno from the historic district is the wonderful Oltrarno neighborhood. This is my favorite area to stay in Florence – not just because of its charm, but because it feels more local. You’ll find small wine bars, undiscovered restaurants, and quiet streets. I love the artisan shops here and the mix of hidden gems and major sights.
Hotels in Oltrarno
- Boutique: Palazzo Guadagni
- B&B: Oltrarno Splendid
- Luxury: Hotel Lungarno
- Apartment: Numa I Felice Rooms & Apartments
- Mid-range: FuordArno Bed & Breakfast
Centro Storico
- Best for: First-time visitors, short stays, convenience
- Highlights: Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Bargello Museum
- Cons: Very touristy and busy, especially during the day
Centro Storico is Florence’s historic center and home to most of the main sights. I recently stayed here on a research trip and, to my surprise, actually enjoyed it. I was just around the corner from the Duomo and could get almost everywhere in 2–5 minutes. I’d go on early morning walks before the crowds arrived – it made all the difference. It’s very convenient for getting around but just know that it is tourist central.
Hotels in Centro Storico
- Luxury: Hotel La Gemma
- Boutique: Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1
- Mid-range: Antica Dimora De’ Benci
- B&B: La Signoria Di Firenze
Santa Croce
- Best for: A central spot with a local vibe
- Highlights: Santa Croce Basilica and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
- Cons: A bit of a walk to the center and can be busy in the evenings
Just east of the center, Santa Croce has a more residential feel but is still close to everything. Great food, a lively atmosphere, and fewer crowds than the Duomo area. I love that it feels like a neighborhood where people actually live.
Hotels in Santa Croce
- Pool: Plaza Hotel Lucchesi
- 5-Star: Relais Santa Croce
- B&B: B&B La Casa dei Tintori
- Apartment: Santa Croce Garden Apartment
- Mid-Range: Santa Croce 14 B&B
Santa Maria Novella & San Lorenzo
- Best for: Budget-friendly stays
- Highlights: Train station, Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo Market, Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
- Cons: Not as charming and more commercial
If you arrive by train, you’ll land right in Santa Maria Novella. It’s a central area with lots of affordable hotels, though it doesn’t have the same charm as other parts of Florence. Still, you’re within walking distance of all the main sights, which is super convenient.
Hotels in Santa Maria Novella
- Luxury: Casa G Firenze
- Mid-range: Hotel Hermitage
- Boutique: Casa Howard
- Boutique: Stella d’Italia
- 5-star: The St. Regis Florence
- B&B: II Guelfo Bianco
San Marco
- Best for: A quiet stay near the action
- Highlights: Accademia Gallery, San Marco Museum
- Cons: Fewer restaurants and shops than other areas
San Marco sits just above the historic center. It’s quieter than the main tourist areas but still within easy walking distance of everything. Great if you want a little space from the crowds.
Hotels in San Marco
- Boutique: Room Mate Luca
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
- Budget: The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini
Fiesole Hills
- Best for: A peaceful, countryside escape close to the city
- Highlights: Scenic views, luxury hotels, easy shuttle access to the center
- Cons: Not walkable to central Florence, fewer dining options nearby
Fiesole is a small town in the hills northeast of Florence. We stayed at Hotel Il Salviatino recently, and it was perfect. The shuttle got us to the center in just 15 minutes, and each evening we returned to this peaceful spot with sweeping views of Florence. It felt like the best of both worlds – countryside charm with city convenience.
Hotels in Fiesole
- 5-star: Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel
- Luxury: Il Salviatino
- Mid-range: FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best part of Florence to stay? It depends on what you’re after. If you want a convenient spot close to all the action, then Centro Storico is your best bet. For a more local vibe, I’d go with Oltrarno or Santa Croce.
- Where to avoid staying in Florence? Any of the neighborhoods mentioned in this post are great options. I’d just avoid staying west of the train station or too far east near Piazzale Michelangelo – they’re a bit out of the way and less convenient for getting around.
- How walkable is Florence? Very walkable. If you stay near the center, everything is within a 5–20 minute walk. I’ve never needed public transportation while visiting Florence.
- What is the most beautiful area in Florence? Oltrarno and Santa Croce are my top picks—they’re full of beautiful streets, piazzas, and amazing restaurants. Fiesole, up in the hills above Florence, is stunning too if you’re looking for countryside views.
- How many days in Florence is enough? I always recommend spending at least 2 days in Florence. If you have the time, 3 days is even better.
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