Where to Stay in Florence 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Florence's compact centro storico means you can walk to everything, making location less critical than in sprawling cities. Most visitors stay within the historic walls, choosing between the museum-dense center, artisan Oltrarno across the Arno, or quieter residential fringes. Renaissance palazzi converted to hotels offer unforgettable atmospheres.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Centro Storico
Stay near the Duomo or between Piazza della Signoria and Santa Maria Novella for effortless access to Uffizi, Accademia, and the best restaurants. Everything you came to see is within a 15-minute walk.
Centro Storico
Santa Croce
Oltrarno
San Lorenzo
San Marco
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Hotels directly on Piazza del Duomo can be extremely noisy with early morning tour groups
- • Streets near the train station (Via Nazionale) feel less atmospheric and have more budget options
- • Some Oltrarno areas up the hill toward Piazzale Michelangelo require serious climbing
- • August sees many local restaurants close - check before booking
Understanding Florence Geography
Florence fits within medieval walls along the Arno River. The Duomo anchors the centro storico, with major museums (Uffizi, Accademia) within walking distance. The Arno divides north bank (centro) from south bank (Oltrarno). Hills rise south to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Florence
Centro Storico (Duomo)
Best for: Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Renaissance heart of Florence
"Renaissance splendor with marble churches and world-famous museums"
Pros
- Everything walkable
- Iconic landmarks
- Best restaurants
Cons
- Very crowded
- Expensive
- Noisy at night
Santa Croce
Best for: Leather market, local trattorias, Santa Croce Basilica, nightlife
"Lively neighborhood feel with artisan workshops and aperitivo bars"
Pros
- More authentic
- Great food scene
- Leather shopping
Cons
- Some tourist traps
- Can be rowdy at night
- Flooding risk
Oltrarno
Best for: Palazzo Pitti, artisan workshops, Santo Spirito piazza, local vibes
"Bohemian and authentic with craft workshops and neighborhood squares"
Pros
- Less touristy
- Artisan tradition
- Great evening scene
Cons
- Across river
- Hills to climb
- Fewer luxury hotels
San Lorenzo
Best for: Central Market, Medici Chapels, leather stalls, train station access
"Bustling market district with food halls and leather vendors"
Pros
- Near station
- Great food market
- Central
Cons
- Chaotic market streets
- Aggressive vendors
- Less charming
San Marco
Best for: Accademia Gallery (David), university area, quieter streets
"Academic and residential with major museum"
Pros
- Accademia access
- Quieter streets
- Student atmosphere
Cons
- North of center
- Limited nightlife
- Fewer restaurants
Accommodation Budget in Florence
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Plus Florence
San Marco / SMN area
Modern hostel with rooftop pool, private rooms available, and excellent common areas near Fortezza. Best budget option in Florence with real amenities.
Hotel Pendini
Historic Centre
Charming family-run hotel in a superb central location just steps from the Duomo, with characterful rooms, excellent breakfast, and warm hospitality.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Perseo
Centro Storico / Duomo
A charming, family-run 3-star hotel located steps from the Duomo. Known for its warm hospitality, exceptional cleanliness, and stylish rooms with views of the cathedral or Florentine rooftops.
Hotel Davanzati
Centro Storico
14th-century palazzo with family ownership since 1913. Period furniture, modern comforts, and one of Florence's best-value central locations.
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Oltrarno
Renaissance palazzo overlooking Santo Spirito with the city's most romantic loggia terrace. Antique-filled rooms and authentic Oltrarno atmosphere.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Hotel Lungarno
Oltrarno
Ferragamo family's riverside hotel with Ponte Vecchio views, museum-quality art collection, and Borgo San Jacopo Michelin-starred restaurant.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
San Marco
Two Renaissance palazzi with Florence's largest private garden (4.5 hectares), Michelin-starred dining, and unparalleled grandeur. The city's most luxurious option.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
AdAstra Suites
Oltrarno
Elegant suites in a Renaissance palazzo in Oltrarno. High ceilings, antique furnishings, and that authentic Florentine palazzo feeling.
SoprArno Suites
Oltrarno
Design-forward boutique in Oltrarno with industrial-chic aesthetic, curated art, and artisan neighborhood at your doorstep. Modern Florence.
Smart Booking Tips for Florence
- 1 Book 3-4 months ahead for Easter, spring (April-June), and September-October
- 2 Pitti fashion fairs (January, June) see hotel prices spike 50-100%
- 3 August is hot and many locals leave - prices drop but some restaurants close
- 4 Many historic hotels lack AC and elevators - crucial for summer visits and accessibility
- 5 Apartments offer great value for 3+ nights and kitchen access for market produce
- 6 City tax ($5.89–$8.25 / €5–€7/night for 4-5 star hotels) is added at checkout, not included in online prices
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Florence.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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