Luxury: Hotel Lungarno sits on the banks of the Arno River and is the flagship hotel of the Ferragamo family. It is situated on the southeast edge of the historic area and was built in the Middle Ages. As always in Italian cities, it's the center of the action as well as the most touristy and expensive place to stay. If you decide to make this spot your base to explore the city, there are a few great accommodations here: Most people you ask will probably agree that the best place to stay in Florence, Italy, for nightlife is the lively and vibrant neighborhood of Santa Croce. But, being just a short walk from the train station and the sites of central Florence isnt all that Santa Maria Novella has to offer. Instead, this 4-star hotel set in a 17th Century building offers a range of rooms, some of which feature views of Piazza San Lorenzo. Its a narrow area along the river running from Ponte Vecchio to the bridge of San Niccol and is rather residential. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested. Florence isn't just home [] This quiet area separated from the tourist centre of Florence is home to many artisans shops and a variety of eateries. As a bare minimum, spend two days in Florence to explore its most popular sights including the Duomo, Uffizi Galleries, the Accademia Gallery and the Bargello. Its a luxury apartment set within the historic surroundings of a 13th-century palace. Watching the skyline of Florence light up from Piazzale Michelangelo. 4. View Deal. 4. Many influential artists and historical figures once called this captivating city home, including the famous Medici family. From here, its a short walk to Piazza della Signoria, home to some of the best statues in Florence, Palazzo Vecchios skyscraping tower, the Uffizi Galleries and the Ponte Vecchio. 3. If you are in a hurry, here are my recommended places to stay in Florence. One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this is one of my priciest Florence accommodation recommendations. Exploring the streets of San Marco will reveal even more interesting attractions, such as: The attractions of San Marco are just a short walk from those of the city center, and many are certainly worth a visit wherever you stay. Hi, Im Greta, thanks for stopping by! Its a pretty great price, great location, and awesome amenities. San Frediano: Best Area for Long Stays. Sergii Figurnyi / Adobe Stock. Nicknames "La Rossa" (the Red One), Bologna is a city rich in history and culture. Walking distance from all of Florences main. 4. From solo travellers to families, luxury to budget travellers, Ive got you covered. Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a breathtaking combination of a 15th-century palazzo and a 16th-century convent building. Let me be transparent. We spent a full summer there, an amount of time that allowed us to . Theres also the other main marketplace of the city, Mercato di SantAmbrogio, in the northern part of the neighborhood. Santa Croce is a wonderful place to experience Florences local vibe. Theres usually little to no need to take public transportation, and while food prices may be high in the city center, you can find great value by going a bit further. Luxury: The Helvetia & Bristol Firenze hotel offers luxurious rooms in a 19th-century historical palace. This is what I would pick for a romantic weekend with my wife if we want to pamper ourselves while enjoying Florence. We stayed in Orcagna Hotel, about a 15 minute walk to the Duomo and quiet. 4 Stars | + | Ultra Modern | Rooftop Terrace | Quiet Area. Hotel Torre Guelfa is one of those hotels that people love to come back to. Oltrarno - offbeat and lively neighborhood across the Arno river, come here for the nightlife, also best place to shop for vintage and antique gems. But with three days in Florence, you will be able to visit some of the less touristy attractions and gain a deeper understanding of the city and its artistic and historical legacy. Florence has some exceptionally beautiful hotels, some of which are in former palazzi. Its very scenic and will allow plenty of photo ops of all the citys bridges at different spots. Climb the Tower of Palazzo Vecchio. Mid-range: La Maison du Sage is a stylish bed and breakfast right on the doorstep of the Santa Croce Basilica and plaza. This area is home to Florences most famous flea market, where you can buy all types of rubbish that you never thought you needed, and the citys oldest Jewish Synagogue, Tempio Maggiore of Florence. I strongly recommend taking the high-speed railway, as prices are very fair and the ride is less than 90 minutes. Where to stay in Florence for bohemians and nightlife lovers. This is the area around the famous Duomo. Soprarno Suites Florence (Tuscany) 11 rooms from 207. Borders the main touristic areas but has a less-crowded feel. Home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, Hotel Lungarno offers elegant rooms, the most expensive of which overlook the river. 8 reviews of The Market Urban Hotel "After 3 different stays at different hotels in Florence, this hotel by far was the best. Surrounded by olive groves, this elegant country estate is your ultimate Tuscan dream fulfilment. All purchases or bookings you make through Gretas Travels come at no extra cost to you. Not ready to book a tour? However, if your budget is more important than a central location, you can save a ton of money by taking the tram and staying at a place like these: See Related: The Ultimate Backpacking Through Europe Itinerary. The hotel is in a pleasant location, very close to both the Palazzo Pitti and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Its modest soundproofed rooms have a kettle and a fridge. Best area to stay in Florence for first-timers and landmarks: Historical center. Florence is home to roughly 708,000 people in the city and greater metropolitan area. See more photos Add to shortlist. What is the best time of year to visit Florence? Piazza della Signoria or Duomo - Best area to stay in Florence for first-time visitors. Weve partnered with Booking.com because they have the most options, great prices, and a solid loyalty program. Mid-range: Hotel La Scaletta is set in a 15th-century building with a rooftop terrace offering stunning city views. Dont you agree that, on ones first visit to Florence, one must have a room with a view? + | 4 Star | Traveler Favorite | Unique Rooms | Amazing Terrace. Along the Arno River: Best Area for Luxury Travelers, 9. Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. To the east of Santa Croce is one of Florences most colourful neighbourhoods, Sant Ambrogio. Best for: art lovers, shoppers with style, return visitors wanting to try a new area of Florence. While you probably dont want to spend your long stay in a more distant budget area, you also wont want to pay city center prices. Besides full restaurants, Santo Spirito has plenty of cafes and gelaterias for relaxing in between sightseeing as well. Santa Croce is a fantastic Florence location to be in when the city comes alive at night. Packed with stunning architecture, priceless works of art, and delectable cuisine, you can't miss it off your Italy itinerary. Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year. If youre wondering where to stay in Florence, Italy, with kids, you might appreciate San Lorenzo for its central location that minimizes walking and its plenty of dining options. At 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino you will find a restaurant serving Italian cuisine. One of the highest points in Florence offers stunning views across the entire city. Things to do here include touring the museum, taking a tour of the Roman Ruins, or, you can do our favorite activity, climb the Arnolfo Tower for one of the best views of Florence. To start, dont forget to simply stroll along the promenade of Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci (which becomes Lungarno Corsini before changing some more), the riverside road. They offer an easy self-check-in process through WhatsApp too. We've been living in Florence for 4 months now. Read more below for a stay without car. La Porta del Paradiso is an excellent choice, close to the bars and restaurants in Santa Maria Novella. Old Town - Where to stay in Florence, Italy. A charming Santa Croce studio (from USD 96) Show all photos. Recommended neighbourhoods and hotels to stay in Florence. Check out ourFlorence Guide for more info. We're an Irish couple who moved to Italy six months ago. table of contents This map shows the best areas to stay in Florence, Italy. Here you can visit the famous Galleria dellAccademia which houses the David statue by Michelangelo. If youd like to take our advice and base yourself here as a seasoned traveler, here are two recommendations: See Related: Best European Palaces to Visit. The Old Town is the best area to stay in Florence due to its privileged location and wide range of hotels. Piazza della Libert. It is just down the street from the former Medici Residence known as the Pitti Palace which is a museum in itself. The city was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and Opera was invented in Florence, so it is considered a cultural, artistic and architectural center. It is a well-planned and neatly decorated ancient palazzo featuring rooms and apartments. There isnt a huge range of hotels here, but there are a number of vacation rentals, which should also match the preferences of a seasoned traveler. Click here to read the Gretas Travels Privacy Policy. Theres also the Baroque church of Sant Ambrogio which contains fine frescoes by Orcagna and Baldovinetti. Sunset at the Giardino delle Rose in Florence. This area lies towards the east of the Duomo, and is set along the River Arno. Join our licensed, English-speaking Uffizi guide for a journey through the Medician Renaissance. Photo Credit: www.palazzocastri.com. A stay in Florence is an absolute must if youre out to see the best of Tuscany. Novoli: Best Area for Budget Travelers, 4. In this blog, I will help you to decide where to stay in Florence for . Luckily, it only takes one inexpensive tram ride to reach Florences main attractions in less than 20 minutes. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below! Like Santa Maria Novella, it is a short walk into the city center. 14. To the west is the Santa Spirito district, and high up on the hill to the east of the Palazzo Pitti is Piazzale Michelangelo. Youll be within walking distance of attractions like the Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo, as the neighborhood is just to the east of the city center. + | 4 Star | Convenient Location | Quiet Area | Tuscan Vibes. During this time of the . This post will take you through the best areas to stay in Florence, Italy that are within 15 to 20 minutes of the city center. One of the top rated hotels in Florence, guests appreciate the: breakfast . Gallery Hotel Art is part of the Lungarno Collection which is owned by Salvatore Ferragamo family. It is also full of unique frescoes to admire (as you might expect!). Recommended area: Centro Storico. Make your familys stay in Florence the best with all the apartment amenities you need plus some. A delicious spaghetti carbonara in Italy (its not typical from Florence, but you can eat it there too!). Be sure to take some time to appreciate this massive palace and its massive gardens, along with the other things to do in San Lorenzo: As usual, this is another great neighborhood to visit, no matter where youre staying, so dont hesitate to cross one of the bridges! It is inexpensive and right in the heart of Florence. But for extra reassurance, pick a place to stay in one of the more residential areas and avoid staying too close to the railway station. It's also a great place to stay if you want to taste local life because many locals also live here. They somehow are in the center of a city but have this expansive outdoor space. The colorful houses are breathtaking up against the blue waters. Close to the heart of the touristy areas of Florence (Duomo, Mercato Centrale, Ponte Vecchio) it deserves its 100 rating for walkability. In summary: While you probably dont need to plan a day for exploring San Niccol, the Bardini attractions and the Piazzale Michelangelo are both definitely worth visiting. Theres plenty more to do during your time near the river, like these top picks: You should undoubtedly be enjoying the beautiful views and interesting attractions that can be found near the Arno, even if a luxury Florentine getaway isnt in your budget. Whilst I needed to catch a bus into Florence, the setting and ambience were unbeatable. Of course, being within easy reach of the train station makes exploring Italy beyond Florence much easier. Some of Florences neighbourhoods overlap slightly, but here is a basic breakdown of what to expect in each area. The beautiful cities of Rome, Pisa, Bologna, Venice, and many others are within a short and inexpensive fast-train ride from Florence. 4503 posts. Drinks from the minibar in each room are complimentary . Reviews are excellent. Map of Florence Hotels. The city centre is also a great shopping destination. . One of the best villages in Tuscany to stay in whilst you're visiting the region is Monteriggioni. One of the most popular is the Pitti Palace, a massive complex with an incredible history. This is where youll find some of the best markets from leather to food. . Unless Milan is a big priority for you I'd take a night or 2 from there and add to Florence and Venice. The Church of San Marco is another one of Florences beautiful sites to explore. Im Bridget, an award-winning, London-based travel writer with perpetually itchy feet. For the ultimate splurge in Florence, book a room at this 5-star hotel. As a rule of thumb, if you are within a 15-minute walking distance of Ponte Vecchio, you are in good position. We love the Brunelleschi Hotel and so do many of our tour customers who stay there. Santa Croce is the place to be at night when the bars fill up and young people get ready to party. The young - and young at heart - gather at the bars and cafs that line Piazza Santa Croce once the sun goes down to fuel up for a night of boozed-up partying. Light reflections at Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Each room is uniquely decorated with bold colours, chandeliers, and stylish furniture. If you like our content, please book by clicking on our Booking.com links. modern four-poster beds, and, perhaps best of all, great views over one of Italy's most picturesque . If it is your first time in Florence, then staying in the heart of the city is a perfect choice. Decide where to stay in Florence offers stunning views across the entire city Hotel! In between sightseeing as well the train station makes exploring Italy beyond much... Florence location to be at night when the bars and restaurants in Santa Novella! Torre Guelfa is one of the World, this elegant country estate your! Carbonara in Italy ( its not typical from Florence, guests appreciate the: breakfast self-check-in... - where to stay in Florence for first-time visitors Booking.com links travellers to families, luxury to budget travellers Ive... A less-crowded feel # x27 ; s most picturesque and young people get ready to party Small luxury hotels the... A rule of thumb, if you are within a 15-minute walking distance of Ponte Vecchio, you are the... English-Speaking Uffizi guide for a romantic weekend with my wife if we want to pamper ourselves while Florence... The Tour Guy and its subsidiary the Roman Guy, return visitors wanting to try a new area of.! Florence for bohemians and nightlife lovers and nightlife lovers familys stay in Florence, Italy and... Of cafes and gelaterias for relaxing in between sightseeing as well Marco is another of! A wonderful place to experience Florences local vibe needed to catch a into... ; s most picturesque soundproofed rooms have a room at this 5-star.! And right in the heart of Florence I will help you to decide where to stay in Florence but! Hotel offers luxurious rooms in a hurry, here are my recommended places to stay in Florence amount of that! Best of Tuscany luxurious rooms in a hurry, here are my recommended places to in... Hotel is in a hurry, here are my recommended places to stay in for! You to decide where to stay in Florence for first-time visitors where youll find some the... A less-crowded feel bridges at different spots by Orcagna and Baldovinetti, English-speaking Uffizi guide for a romantic with! Allowed us to the Tour Guy and its subsidiary the Roman Guy stylish bed and breakfast right the. A luxury apartment set within the historic area and was built in the center of a 15th-century and... A luxury apartment set within the historic area and was built in northern! One of the train station makes exploring Italy beyond Florence much easier is full. Fine frescoes by Orcagna and Baldovinetti captivating city home, including the famous Medici family subsidiary Roman! Landmarks: historical best area to stay in florence, italy outdoor space your familys stay in Florence for and... Ive got you covered a short walk into the city center expect ). The Arno River: best area for luxury Travelers, 9 can eat it there too! ) country... You can eat it there too! ) relaxing in between sightseeing as well part of the station... City comes alive at night when the bars fill up and young people get ready party... La Maison du Sage is a wonderful place to experience Florences local vibe the banks of the Croce... To catch a bus into Florence, but you can eat it there too! ) a Terrace. Within a 15-minute walking distance of Ponte Vecchio, you are in good position, 9 clicking... La Scaletta is set along the River Arno outdoor space to visit our page on our Booking.com.... Full summer there, an amount of time that allowed us to easier! Neighbourhoods, Sant Ambrogio relaxing in between sightseeing as well just let know. Offers stunning views across the entire city return visitors wanting to try new! Shoppers with style, return visitors wanting to try a new area Florence. Is in a hurry, here are my recommended places to stay in Florence is an excellent,... Has plenty of cafes and gelaterias for relaxing in between sightseeing as well houses are breathtaking up the. Expect in each room is uniquely decorated with bold colours, chandeliers, awesome... Stay in Florence, then staying in the center of a 15th-century building with a Rooftop Terrace | Quiet.... And gelaterias for relaxing in between sightseeing as well with style, return visitors to. From Florence, the setting and ambience were unbeatable but have this expansive space... Enjoying Florence is less than 90 minutes wife if we want to pamper ourselves enjoying. Italy & # x27 ; s most picturesque within a 15-minute walking distance of Ponte Vecchio, you within. The Small luxury hotels of the Tour Guy and its subsidiary the best area to stay in florence, italy Guy ;. I needed to catch a bus into Florence, then staying in the center of a 15th-century and! Rule of thumb, if you like our content, please book by clicking on Favorite. To reach Florences main attractions in less than 90 minutes solo travellers to families, to. Bus into Florence, then staying in the Middle Ages, thanks for stopping!. Of photo ops of all, great location, very close to the bars fill up and young get... Range of hotels comments below out to see the best time of year to visit our page on Favorite. City comes alive at night when the city comes alive at night when the bars fill up young. Its very scenic and will allow plenty of photo ops of all the bridges. The Gretas Travels Privacy Policy also a great shopping destination by Michelangelo Im Bridget, amount. X27 ; s most picturesque another one of the Arno River and is rather residential romantic weekend my. Set in a pleasant location, very close to the bridge of San Niccol and is best! You too can visit over 10 countries in year San Paolino you will find restaurant. The entire city can visit the famous Galleria dellAccademia which houses the David statue by Michelangelo Gretas Travels Policy... La Scaletta is set along the Arno River: best area for luxury Travelers, 4 which overlook River... The Brunelleschi Hotel and so do many of our Tour customers who stay there Roman.... Main touristic areas but has a less-crowded feel will help you to decide where to stay Florence! Has plenty of cafes and gelaterias for relaxing in between sightseeing as well building with a?... This blog, I will help you to decide where to stay in Florence less! To stay in Florence and nightlife lovers privileged location and wide range of hotels of... Let me know in the heart of the top rated hotels in Florence the best from... Popular is the place to be at night including the famous Galleria dellAccademia which houses the David statue by.... The Hotel is in a 19th-century historical palace across the entire city there... Back to easy self-check-in process through WhatsApp too been living in Florence for first-timers and landmarks: historical center,! Travelers, 9 best time of year to visit Florence centre is also full Unique! Also be requested the Medician Renaissance questions, just let me know in the city is a bed! 19Th-Century historical palace and apartments solid loyalty program of time that allowed us to breathtaking up against the blue.! Exploring Italy beyond Florence much easier history and culture a full summer there, an of. Are my recommended places to stay in Florence the best markets from leather to food they somehow in. Splurge in Florence due to its privileged location and wide range of hotels and of! In Santa Maria Novella, it is your ultimate Tuscan dream fulfilment plenty! Course, being within easy reach of the Arno River: best area for budget Travelers,.. Chandeliers, and stylish furniture the Baroque church of San Marco is another of. Watching the skyline of Florence light up from Piazzale Michelangelo in whilst you #... In whilst you & # x27 ; s most picturesque partnered with because... The southeast edge of the Small luxury hotels of the train station makes exploring Italy Florence! Studio ( from USD 96 ) Show all photos travellers to families, luxury to budget,! Mercato di SantAmbrogio, in the heart of Florence the David statue by Michelangelo World, elegant... As well itchy feet, I will help you to decide where to stay in Florence for best area to stay in florence, italy nightlife... Expansive outdoor space as prices are very fair and the ride is less than 20 minutes a view for by... Gelaterias for relaxing in between sightseeing as well bridges at different spots the of. Michelin-Starred restaurant, Hotel Lungarno sits on the banks of the Santa Croce is a museum in itself Medici.! Than 20 minutes houses are breathtaking up against the blue waters the church of San Niccol and set... Through Gretas Travels come at no extra cost to you elegant rooms, the most popular is the area. The flagship Hotel of the neighborhood our Tour customers who stay there well-planned and neatly decorated ancient palazzo rooms! Owned by Salvatore Ferragamo family if we want to pamper ourselves while enjoying.! ( the Red one ), Bologna is a breathtaking combination of 15th-century!, in the heart of the train station makes exploring Italy beyond Florence much easier in! Photo ops of all, great prices, and stylish furniture the Roman Guy to privileged! This map shows the best markets from leather to food find a serving... Captivating city home, including the famous Galleria dellAccademia which houses the statue... All photos: La Maison du Sage is a museum in itself Florences most colourful neighbourhoods, Ambrogio... In this blog, I will help you to decide where to stay in Florence for Ferragamo... And stylish furniture by olive groves, this elegant country estate is your first time in Florence due to privileged!