Where to Stay in Florence: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Travelers

When it comes to choosing the best areas in Florence to stay for a first-time visit, you’ll want to pick a central location like Centro Storico, Santa Croce, or Oltrarno. After a second visit to Florence, I’m putting together this detailed guide to help you decide which neighborhood and the best hotels and apartments in Florence to stay in for your trip.

I think what I love most about Florence is how you’re never all that far from anything. While each neighborhood certainly has its own feel and charm, you can stay in most places and only be about a 15-20 minute walk. The city’s walkability makes it both convenient and challenging to decide which area in Florence to choose from your time.

After returning from our second trip to Florence (an 8-night stay exploring three neighborhoods), I’ve put together this Where to Stay in Florence guide with details on each of the main areas to help you choose the best place to stay. I’ve based my recommendations on walkability, restaurants, sights, and the “feeling” of each neighborhood.

So, as you read the guide below, know that extensive time went into researching neighborhoods and accommodations, and detailing the time spent in Florence. The city has so much to enjoy and makes for a perfect gateway to Tuscany.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Areas to Stay in Florence:

For first-timers in Florence, I recommend choosing where to stay based on your travel style, since the best areas are all quite central. Here are my top picks for where to stay:

• Centro Storico, for iconic sights and an ultra-central stay close to the Duomo
  Hotel Savoy ($$$), Hotel Number Nine ($$), The Artists’ Palace Florence ($$), Casa G. Firenze ($$), Numeroventi ($$)
• Santa Croce, for a local feel and the city’s best dining and markets
  Plaza Hotel Lucchesi ($$$), La Maison du Sage ($$), Residenza La Musa Amarcord ($$), Nove Guest House ($)
• Oltrarno, for artisan studios, fewer crowds, and relaxed evenings across the river
  Hotel Lungarno ($$$), Hotel Palazzo Guadagni ($$), AdAstra Suites ($$), Casa Botticelli ($$), SoprArno Suites ($$)
• San Marco / San Gallo, for a quieter, residential stay that’s ideal for families
  Four Seasons Firenze ($$$$), The Hoxton Florence ($$), Antica Dimora ($), IQ Hotel Firenze ($)
• Santa Maria Novella, for quick stays and day trips near the train station
  Grand Hotel Minerva ($$$), Casa Howard Firenze ($$), Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo ($$)

Travel Tips

1. Rent a Car — The best way to explore Tuscany is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Tuscany is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
2. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing yours before you land. Maps, directions, and translations all work the moment you arrive. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.
3. Book an Airport Transfer in Advance — For a smooth arrival, I recommend booking your airport transfer ahead of time with Welcome Pickups. They meet you at arrivals and handle the ride into the city so you can skip the taxi line.

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

To dive deeper into the city, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Florence — it highlights the best of the city, from the iconic Duomo and Ponte Vecchio to artisan shops, boutique hotels, and unforgettable food. For exactly how to plan your time, my Florence itinerary offers a curated day-by-day guide to make the most of your stay. Lastly, my Oltrarno neighborhood guide and guide to Florence with young kids covers the best things to do and tips!

If you’re planning on visiting Tuscany, start with my Tuscany itinerary for a practical, day-by-day plan, then dive deeper with my guide on the best towns to base yourself in Tuscany, my regional guide to Val d’Orcia, and my guides to San Gimignano, Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino! For more on where to go in Italy, start with my list of the best cities in Italy and 10-day Italy itinerary.

Where to Stay in Florence for a First-Time Trip

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Editor’s Note: Choose Where to Stay Based on Your Travel Style

My #1 Tip for Finding Your Place in Florence: Start with the neighborhood, then choose a hotel or Airbnb in the area.

When it comes to Florence, you’re never far from anything. This, for me, is why I recommend travelers to consider what “feeling” of a neighborhood they would like. Are you looking to be in the heart of the iconic sights but be with crowds? Are you more interested in arts and shopping areas, but need to walk a bit further to the main sights?

The best areas in Florence are all truly so central that you can get anywhere in less than 25-30 minutes on foot. You also have a great bus system; you can use taxis or even scooters to get around and cut down on time. In this guide, I’ve outlined the top areas for travelers and the best hotels and apartments, whether you’re a family or planning a luxury vacation.

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Neighborhood Map:
5 Best Areas to Stay in Florence for First-Time Visitors

I’ve mapped out the best neighborhoods in Florence below so you can get an idea of the geography.

1. Centro Storico (YELLOW)
2. Santa Croce (PURPLE)
3. Oltrarno (ORANGE)
4. San Marco/San Gallo (BLUE)
5. Santa Maria Novella (BLACK)

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Where I’ve Stayed in Florence

As this was our second trip to Florence, I had a pretty clear idea of where I wanted to spend our time. Since we had 8 nights in Florence, we tried 3 different neighborhoods this time.

For hotels, I enjoyed my stay at the Preferred Hotels property, Hotel Number Nine, right in the heart of it all. A chic, pastel-colored boutique hotel that you could easily walk by and not even know it’s there. With its own hammam spa and chic dinner club, it was a wonderful escape that was a stone’s throw from the Duomo.

On a previous trip, I stayed at Bernini Palace, an old-world luxury hotel right in the heart of it, and loved this stay and feel.

I enjoyed our three nights in the lively Santa Croce neighborhood at the well-run Casa Cosi — Sant’Ambrogio Apartment (it’s also available on Airbnb). It was adjacent to Mercat Sant’Ambrogio and felt like we were in the heart of it. On our previous trip to Florence, we had spent a week in this same neighborhood. And we ended with a stay in Oltrarno, in this very affordable Airbnb (this is a budget stay) in an incredible location.

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Centro Storico: Great For First-Timers and Iconic Sights

When it comes to being in the heart of it all, Centro Storico or Florence’s historic center is it. The bustling soul of the city and home to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo, the Centro Storico is the city’s main attraction.

The historical center of Florence is quite large, but if you pick anything in the heart of it, you’ll always be no less than 10 minutes from something like the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. The Centro Storico is very lively by day, and often quiets by dinner time. It’s home to the main shopping streets of Via Roma and Via dei Calzaioli, and over to the luxury shopping area of Via de Tornabuoni.

For first-time visitors, if you desire to be no more than a 10-minute walk to the Duomo, the Accademia, and the Uffizi Gallery, the Centro Storico is a great fit. You’ll experience the charm and history of the city while having the convenience of location.

The Pros of Staying in Centro Storico

For me, the benefit of choosing to stay in the Centro Storico is the location to the main sights of Florence. You’re so close to it all, which helps cut down on walking and eases a first-time visit. The other benefit is that there are plenty of accommodations to choose from, from hotels to Airbnbs, so choices will be plenty.

The Cons of Staying in Centro Storico

The downside of staying in Centro Storico for me is the crowds. It can be quite overwhelming in the middle of the day when everyone is out and about, and it felt more “touristed” to me. I don’t think it’s necessarily the worst thing, just know that the area is very busy by day. This neighborhood is also the most expensive one to choose, as the location is so central to all of the main attractions. And know that you won’t be able to park a car here either because of the ZTL (though most of Florence is like this).

Where to Stay in Centro Storico

Best Hotels in Centro Storico

1. Hotel Number Nine ($$ / Where I Stayed) — I spent three nights at Hotel Number Nine, a Preferred Hotel, in the heart of the city. It was such a quiet, chic getaway, and I loved that it felt removed yet within easy reach of it all. The downstairs hammam, luxury breakfast, and dinner club were lovely as well.
2. Hotel Savoy ($$$) — Part of the Rocco Forte group, this is one of the best hotels right in the historic center. It is very elegant and has very private spaces to enjoy well-being in the heart of the city.
3. The Artists’ Palace Florence ($$) — Charming hotel with spacious suites and apartment-style rooms near Piazza San Lorenzo.
4. Casa G. Firenze ($$) — This is a small boutique hotel that has an artist-designed feel to it. All of the loft suites and rooms are lovely and spacious (no kids under 12)
5. Numeroventi Design Residency ($$) — For a design-forward stay, this is the best boutique hotel for artist-lovers. Set in the 16th-century Palazzo Galli Tassi, it combines co-living and co-working for artists in residence and the boutique hotels.

Best Apartments in Centro Storico (Try to get a room with a view of the Duomo!)

1. 2-bedroom luxury apartment with Duomo view ($$$)
2. 2-Bedroom Penthouse Duomo view ($$$)
3. 2-bedroom Duomo View Apartment ($$)
4. 1-Bedroom Duomo Apartment View ($)

Highlights of Things to Do in Centro Storico

When it comes to the things you can enjoy in Centro Storico, it feels endless. I absolutely loved my early-morning walk from the Duomo to Piazza della Signoria before the crowds arrived (around 8 am). Climbing to the top of the Dome of the Duomo was also an absolute highlight of being in the neighborhood because I was only a 5-minute walk to the entrance for my 8 am tour.

Some other gems for me that I enjoyed this time in Centro Storico were a stop in the Odeon Theatre. This movie theatre and bookstore combination feels so whimsical. Palazzo Gucci was fun to visit for those who are interested in the Gucci Family’s history and the design house’s work. We followed that with a hot chocolate at the iconic Rivoire. If I had to pick one meal I’d go out of my way for in Centro Storico, it’s definitely Vini e Vecchi Sapori. Reservations are definitely required. To reserve, stop in a few days before you want to eat or have your accommodations call ahead!

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Santa Croce: My Top Local Neighborhood Stay

It was my second time staying in Santa Croce, and I have to say, I felt like I was living like a local. Santa Croce is the eastern adjacent neighborhood to the main Centro Storico, but it feels a world apart in terms of experience. The best part? You’re only about a 10-15-minute walk to the Duomo area.

This neighborhood is home to the main areas of Piazza di Santa Croce, with the incredible Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze that towers over, and then to the Mercato Sant’Ambrogio. Alongside it, the Arno River marks the southernmost edge. The Santa Croce neighborhood has many gems, from local cafes and trattorias to markets and shops.

For me, Santa Croce gives you the best of both worlds of being able to stay in a more local neighborhood, but without putting you more than 15 minutes from the sights you’ll likely want to see anyway.

The Pros of Staying in Santa Croce

Some perks of getting to stay in Santa Croce are fewer crowds, but don’t get me wrong, it’s still busy, especially near the basilica. Since it has a central location, you’re very close to the sights like the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and the Uffizi Gallery. This neighborhood is also home to an incredible food and nightlife scene, so you’ll have plenty of choices for food and drink.

The Cons of Staying in Santa Croce

The downside of this area for me is that there are not many hotels. It’s more of an apartment and Airbnb neighborhood. The other element, depending on the location of your accommodation, can be quite busy and loud come night as everyone is out late. So read reviews well if noise is an issue!

Where to Stay in Santa Croce

Best Hotels in Santa Croce

1. Plaza Hotel Lucchesi ($$$) — A riverside hotel with a rooftop terrace and pool. One of the only formal hotel options in Santa Croce.
2. La Maison du Sage ($$) — A charming boutique hotel that is so well-designed with colorful rooms and cozy interiors.
3. Residenza La Musa Amarcord ($$) — Design-forward hotel with moody interiors and fresco walls.
4. Nove Guest House ($) — Well-priced, chic hotel in the neighborhood.

Best Apartments in Santa Croce

1. Casa Cosi — Sant’Ambrogio ($$ / Where I’ve Stayed) — Part of Casa Cosi, a good, well-located stay (also available on Airbnb).
2. Pietrapiana 34 Boutique Apartments ($$) — a great collection of 12 apartments in varying sizes
3. Palazzo dei Ciompi Suites ($$) — Self-catering apartment collection in a beautiful 19th-century building
4. 2016 Apartments ($) — An apartment-style hotel with several apartments and options for all group sizes.

Highlights of Things to Do in Santa Croce

Our days in Santa Croce were some of our favorites. I loved getting a coffee at our two favorite spots of Cibrèo Caffe and Ditta Artigianale Sant’Ambrogio, before going for a stroll in the Mercato Sant’Ambrogio. Afternoons in the Piazza di Santa Croce were lovely while perusing the many local stores here, like the perfumery AquaFlor and a stop into Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l., a longstanding leather school where you can shop from artisans.

You can’t miss Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri or Pino’s for their famous panini sandwiches (both places that sit just on the edge of Santa Croce. And of course, trying the famous affogato at Vivoli, I recommend the pistachio one! Lastly, try our favorite gelato in the city at Gelateria dei Neri.

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Oltrarno: A Relaxed Neighborhood for Artisans

Oltrarno took me by surprise this trip, a neighborhood chock full of artisan shops, trattorias, and some quiet corners in Florence. Oltrarno literally translates to “across the Arno” or the other side of the river for the southern part of Florence.

Oltrarno is a part of the city steeped in history, and one short walk through Palazzo Pitti tells it all. It’s also a part of the city where you can feel locals actually live. Stop by at sunset in Piazza Santo Spirito, where families enjoy aperitivo at one of the bars while kids play around the fountain.

For me, Oltrarno was the best invitation to the artisans who make Florence so special. I discovered incredible textile shops, woodworking studios, to local jewelers, all making these crafts by hand in the shops of Oltrarno. You can also enjoy the Boboli Gardens and even walk across to the Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset.

The Pros of Staying in Oltrarno

The biggest draw is fewer crowds and incredible food, and shopping. Oltrarno provides all three in one single swoop, which is no doubt the perk of hunting down an accommodation here.

The Cons of Staying in Oltrarno

As you may guess, the hotel options here are slim, but apartments are more plentiful. You’re also a touch further from walking to the main sights, a proper 15-20 minute walk to the Duomo as you cross either the Ponte Santa Trinita, Ponte alla Carraia, or iconic Ponte Vecchio bridges.

Where to Stay in Oltrarno

Best Hotels in Oltrarno

1. Hotel Lungarno ($$$) — The most luxurious hotel option in Oltrarno with views of the Arno River, Hotel Lungarno has a Michelin-starred restaurant and stunning rooms and suites.
2. Hotel Palazzo Guadagni ($$) — One of the only boutique hotels in his neighborhood, it’s home to the Loggia rooftop bar that I stopped by when I was here. There are only 15 rooms, so it’s tough to get a reservation, but if you can, this is a great choice for this neighborhood.
3. AdAstra Suites ($$) — For a quieter stay, check out this boutique hotel adjacent to gardens and about 10 minutes walk to the Arno River. The rooms here are quite big, and I love the design choices they’ve made.
4. Casa Botticelli ($$) — A small hotel with pops of color throughout, and fresco walls in the 9 rooms.
5. SoprArno Suites ($$) — An elegant collection of suites in a historic building, the rooms here feel elegant and storied

Best Apartments in Oltrarno

1. 1-Bedroom Apartment with Fresco Walls ($ / Where I Stayed)
2. 1-Bedroom Chic Apartment ($$$)
3. 2-Bedroom Airy Apartment ($$)
4. 1-Bedroom Condo with Terrace ($$)

Highlights of Things to Do in Oltrarno

The two main attractions of the Oltrarno, worthy of almost a half-day visit, are the opulent Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) and its attached Boboli Gardens. I could have spent hours in both, enjoying Florentine architecture and palatial gardens. For me, the next draw was the endless local artisan shops like the jewelry at Giuliano Ricchi Jewelry, the bags at Monica Miato, and the incredible vintage shopping at Recollection by Albrici.

And second to that? The food. I did this food/drink-packed foot tour through Oltrarno one night and enjoyed meals at Dalla Lola and Trattoria La Casalinga. You can’t miss Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino, for the best gelato, and next door, baked goods at S. Forno.

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San Marco/San Gallo: A Residential Stay Good For Families

The two neighboring areas of San Marco and San Gallo are both lovely options that put you within a 10-minute walk to the center of Florence. They are close together, which is why I put them together here.

During our trip, I spent some time in this area with our 4-year-old and can see why it’s so lovely with families, as there are a few standout hotels and the streets are so quiet.

The Pros of Staying in San Marco/San Gallo

The pros here are a quieter stay, only about a 10-minute walk to the Duomo. You have large residential streets here, especially the closer you get to Piazza della Libertà. You also have two close-ish playgrounds here at Piazza della Indipendenza in San Gallo and nearby at Piazza Massimo D’Azeglio just out of San Marco. This neighborhood usually has good-value stays as well (outside of the two luxe hotels mentioned below).

The Cons of Staying in San Marco/San Gallo

The downside is that it may feel a touch sleepier in terms of things to do. There aren’t nearly that many restaurants or bars, and you’ll have a decent walk to get over across the Arno River.

Where to Stay in San Marco/San Gallo

Best Hotels in San Marco/San Gallo

1. The Four Seasons Firenze ($$$) — for luxury, there is no place in the Four Seasons. Paired with its Michelin-starred restaurant and incredible design, this is a wonderful hotel with its own private gardens for a quiet stay in the city.
2. The Hoxton, Florence ($$) — The newest luxury hotel opened in Florence. I stopped by the Hoxton and absolutely loved the quiet grounds and restaurants here. It is very chic, and in true Hoxton form, it is a neighborhood hotel that is close to everything.
3. Antica Dimora ($) — A quaint B&B-style hotel that is like a guesthouse meets hotel.
4. IQ Hotel Firenze ($) — A modern, easygoing hotel that has all of the services and even a pool.

Best Apartments in San Marco/San Gallo

1. Cavour Apartments by Mamo Florence 1 Bedroom ($)
2. 1 Bedroom Casa del Sarto ($$)
3. 2 Bedroom Townhouse with Terrace ($$)

Highlights of Things to Do in San Marco/San Gallo

In the neighborhood itself, the stand-out experiences I really enjoyed this trip were seeing the Orto Botanico Giardino dei Semplici – Università di Firenze. These historic botanical gardens were nearly empty, and felt so peaceful and quiet for our time. I popped into The Hoxton (worth a visit to the cafe if you’re not staying), which was a lovely stop for coffee and pastries

The other highlight, just at the edge of the neighborhood, was Museo Sant’Orsola Firenze. Set in an old convent, this modern museum took over each room with incredible exhibits, and had no crowds!

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Santa Maria Novella: A Budget Area and Good Location for Exploring the Region

If you’re looking for a quick stay and want to be close to the train station, Santa Maria Novella is the best choice. This neighborhood sits next to the stunning 15th-century Dominican church, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, and is the gateway into the heart of the Centro Storico. If you’re looking at this neighborhood, I recommend picking somewhere near the Basilica so you can easily take a day trip from the train station.

The Pros of Staying in Santa Maria Novella

The pros of staying here are easy access to the train station, a well-priced hotel stay, and a 10-minute walk to the center.

The Cons of Staying in Santa Maria Novella

There’s not a whole lot going on outside Via della Scala, aside from some shops and trattorias. Come nighttime, the adjacent streets of the train station can feel a touch precarious.

Where to Stay in Santa Maria Novella

Best Hotels in Santa Maria Novella

1. Grand Hotel Minerva ($$$) — The luxury hotel across from the Basilica, the Grand Hotel Minerva has a rooftop pool and stunning 13th-century rooms.
2. Casa Howard Firenze — Residenza d’Epoca ($$) — An absolutely charming hotel at such a wonderful price point, and footsteps from everything. It feels very luxurious without breaking the bank.
3. Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo ($$) — A well-done, palace-style hotel with elevated rooms and design at a good price point.

Best Apartments in Santa Maria Novella

1. Novella House ($$) — Collection of Chic Apartments
2. 1 Bedroom Condo with Kitchen ($)
3. Casa Ornella 1 Bedroom Condo ($)

Highlights of Things to Do in Santa Maria Novella

For me, the two main highlights of this neighborhood, which I visit every trip to Florence, are a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and its museum, and then over to the perfumery of Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Both of these are so well worth the time, and getting to see the frescoes of the Basilica and then shopping for the historic perfumes after is a great combination.

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