Where to Stay in Florence: Neighborhood Guide & Top Hotel Picks

Can’t decide where to stay in Florence? From essential neighborhoods to hand-picked hotels, we’ve got you covered! 

Don’t let appearances deceive you: Florence isn’t a big metropolis, but it’s still tricky to understand where the right place to stay is. That’s why we’ve selected the best accommodation for your holiday by neighborhood! Read on to discover where to stay in Florence. 

Centro/San Giovanni 

This is one of the four historical neighborhoods in Florence, and one of the teams in historical football.  Here you can live the real Medici life and wake up among the Uffizi Galleries, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Duomo! 

• Portrait Firenze: This hotel has classy décor and an unbeatable view of Ponte Vecchio. It’s the perfect place if you want your stay to be unforgettable and super romantic!  
• Canto degli Scali: Here you can choose from B&B rooms or apartments. Both options provide an original style and a location on one of the quietest yet most central streets in Florence.  
• Hotel de la Ville: This hotel is on the most prestigious, ancient street in the whole of Florence. The ambience is really old money: a mix of old charm and luxury service. 

Insider’s Tip: If you’re staying in the center, make sure to check out our list of the best restaurants near the Duomo!

Santa Maria Novella e il Prato 

If you want to stay near the Florence train station, this neighborhood is the right choice. The environment is lively and the crowd of tourists is smaller.  

• Milu Hotel: Located in a 14th century building, the rooms have a colorful look and an eye for design. A fun experience for couples and families! 
• Dimora Palanca: Refined and sophisticated: if you want to use these words to describe your stay in Florence, then you should definitely choose this place located just outside the city center. Its restaurant can provide you with the gourmet experience you were looking for.  
• Club Hotel: With leather armchairs and a soothing atmosphere, these rooms have style. The hotel is located near the train station, so that you’ll always be on time to catch your train and leave for your next adventure! 

Santa Croce 

This neighborhood revolves around the Santa Croce Cathedral. It has the perfect balance between sightseeing and nightlife. 

• Relais Santa Croce: If you want a night of luxury, here’s your choice—an 18th century noble palace facing Piazza Santa Croce. 
• Bernini Palace Hotel: This is one of the most iconic places to stay in Florence. The rooms will make you feel like you’re part of the royal family (it doesn’t matter which one). Opulence is the key to this beautiful palace.  
• FORTE16: If you want to stay in Florence for a little longer than the traditional weekend stop, this is the place. They offer a comfortable B&B to live the city in its most authentic way. And you really must check out the beautiful spa! 

Insider’s tip: Staying in this neighborhood? Check out our picks for the best Santa Croce restaurants!

Oltrarno: San Frediano e Santo Spirito 

This is the nightlife district, where people invade the streets during the weekend to celebrate life.  

• SoprArno Suites: Boho vibes are all the charm here. Think of it as a guest house, where you can enjoy your breakfast at Sott’Arno café, a locals’ favorite just next door.   
• Toscanelli Residenza d’Epoca: At this point it may come as no surprise to you that this hotel is in a 14th century building, like many others in Florence. But you never get bored of the view of the city and the wooden beams. The fact that it’s also in Piazza Pitti is definitely a plus.  
• Hotel Horto Convento: This time, the hotel is inside a 12th century monastery. The place has a beautiful garden, matched by an elegant design in the interior. Try their exquisite cocktails at the bar. 

Novoli and Rifredi 

So far we’ve seen only the expensive city center… but what about everything else? Thanks to the tram, you can now reach central Florence in a few minutes from one of these more laid-back residential areas. Or you can rent a bike and have some fun riding around the city!  

• PopArtment: Fun colorful apartments where you can finally feel at home. You can even find two-bedroom apartments, if you’re planning to stay with a large group of friends! 
• B&B Leopoldo: Every room has a different theme in this lovely bed and breakfast. The owners welcome you with hearty smiles and plenty of advice on how to spend your time in the wonderful city.  
• Villino Fiorentino: This boutique B&B is a special place. It has an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, refined in every detail. A jewel to discover and live fully!