Where to stay in Florence: 5 districts and 26 hotels for any budget

Florence is compact, but the choice of accommodation is huge. On major booking platforms, a search for "Florenz Hotel" returns about a thousand options: palazzo hotels, family-run guesthouses, boutique hotels with rooftop terraces, estates at the gates of the old city. It's hard to sort through all of it right away.

The city isn't cheap, and the best options get booked months in advance. So the question of where to stay is worth settling early, before you even buy your tickets. We've broken down five Florence neighborhoods and 26 overnight options in every price segment, with honest pros and cons.

Below you'll find a map with exact locations and a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown: the center near the Duomo, Santa Croce, San Marco with San Lorenzo, Oltrarno across the river, and the Due Strade hills.

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Florence neighborhoods: how the city is laid out

💡 In short:

• Five neighborhoods: the center near the Duomo (expensive, everything nearby), Santa Croce (quieter and more authentic), San Marco with San Lorenzo (cheaper, student vibe), Oltrarno (green, food scene), Due Strade (hills and villas).
• First visit for 1-2 nights: stay in the center near the Duomo, you can walk to all the museums.
• Want quieter and cheaper: look at San Marco or Santo Spirito across the Arno.
• From Amerigo Vespucci Airport to Santa Maria Novella station, take tram T2; the ride takes about twenty minutes and a ticket costs under two euros (check the current fare on site).
• Accommodation prices and city tax: verified 09/2026 according to Florence tourist tax rates.

Florence sits on the Arno River. Most sights are north of the river, around two squares: Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio. This is also where you'll find the cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio.

The south bank is called Oltrarno, literally "beyond the Arno." It's calmer, greener, and home to the city's best food.

From any of the five neighborhoods, the center is reachable on foot or by bus. The difference is how long you walk to the cathedral, how quiet it is in the evening, and how much you pay per night. Below, we break down each neighborhood separately.

Within the city, everything is close. From Santa Croce, San Marco, and Oltrarno you can reach the cathedral in 10-20 minutes; from the center near the Duomo, in just a few minutes. The Due Strade hills are the farthest, at 30-50 minutes on foot or 10-15 minutes by bus on lines 11 and 131. Public transport exists, but in Florence you'll mostly walk: the center is small and largely pedestrianized. Keep that in mind when choosing a neighborhood if you struggle with long walks or are traveling with children.

How much an overnight stay and the tourist tax cost

Florence isn't cheap. The closer to the Duomo, the more expensive the night, the food, and the shopping. Good deals in the center get snapped up first, so book 2-3 months ahead, especially for summer and holidays.

The city tourist tax is paid separately on site, usually at checkout. For hotels it ranges from €3.50 (1 star) to €8 (5 stars) per person per night, for B&Bs and apartments it's about €6, and for historic residences €7 (as of 2026, TTG Italia). The tax is charged for a limited number of nights; get the exact amount at the front desk.

In practice this means: budget for the tax in advance. A couple staying four nights in a 4-star hotel will pay several dozen euros on top of the room rate. Confirm the amount when booking.

Accommodation prices vary a lot by neighborhood. The Duomo area is the most expensive: the closer to the central squares, the higher the rate. Santa Croce is slightly cheaper, especially right by the square. The student-heavy San Marco and San Lorenzo are noticeably more affordable, and food prices are lower there too. In Oltrarno the range is wide, from simple guesthouses to hotels with views of the old city. In the Due Strade hills, it all comes down to the type of property: a simple B&B is inexpensive, while a villa or estate is considerably pricier. For each neighborhood below, we've noted the type and price level of every option.

What's included in the price depends on the accommodation format. Guesthouses and small B&Bs almost always include breakfast, and hosts often give tips on where to eat and how to get where you need to go without overpaying. In apartments you cook for yourself, but you save significantly on food and get separate bedrooms, which is especially valuable for a family with children. When booking, pay close attention to the cancellation policy and check whether breakfast and the city tax are included in the displayed total, because the final bill at the front desk sometimes differs noticeably from the price on the website. If your trip falls in high season or a major holiday weekend, it makes sense to lock in an option with free cancellation early and make the final decision closer to the dates, when your plans are more certain.

Duomo and Centro Storico: in the heart of the city

This is where Florence began. Julius Caesar founded the colony of Colonia Fiorentina back in 59 BC. Around Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria you'll find what may be the highest density of monuments in the world: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Campanile, the Baptistery, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio.

© User:MatthiasKabel · CC BY-SAPhoto: User:MatthiasKabel, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

In the narrow lanes of the center, restaurants, cafes, gelaterias, and boutiques are everywhere. Everything is geared toward international tourists, and that cuts both ways.

The neighborhood stretches north of the Arno. Staying here is ideal for a first visit and short stopovers of 1-2 nights: you can cover the main highlights on foot, with no transport. It's convenient if you're passing through Florence on a longer Italy itinerary.

The catch is one, but significant: the price. The closer to the squares, the more expensive the hotel. In summer and during holidays the lanes get very crowded, and the old center's charm can get lost in the crowds. If you value quiet, look at the neighboring quarters.

Where to stay in the Duomo area

Six options in the center, from the best value to a luxury stay with a cathedral view.

1. Hotel de Lanzi

A room overlooking Piazza del Duomo at a fair price, breakfast included. The best value-for-location ratio in the Duomo quarter.

• Who it's for: first visit, want everything nearby without overpaying.
• Type: value price (Top Deal).
• check prices at Hotel de Lanzi on Trip.com

2. La Residenza del Proconsolo

A lovely family-run guesthouse with large rooms right by Piazza del Duomo. The owner runs the place with heart, and the atmosphere is homey.

• Who it's for: those who like an intimate B&B steps from the cathedral.
• Type: bed and breakfast.
• rooms at La Residenza del Proconsolo on Trip.com

3. B&B Dante Alighieri

An impressive building on Piazza della Repubblica with ceiling frescoes. The host creates a personal, welcoming atmosphere.

• Who it's for: lovers of historic interiors in the center.
• Type: bed and breakfast.
• check availability at B&B Dante Alighieri

4. Hotel Pendini

A stylish boutique hotel with a long tradition, antique furniture, and historic character. Right on Piazza della Repubblica, in the heart of the old town.

• Who it's for: those who want atmosphere and a central location.
• Type: boutique hotel (Charme).
• current prices at Hotel Pendini

5. Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo

Luxury for a special occasion: some rooms have a freestanding bathtub with a view of the cathedral dome. This is a status stay and not cheap.

© Angela Stefanoni · CC BYPhoto: Angela Stefanoni, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Who it's for: a special occasion, the Duomo view matters more than the price.
• Type: luxury.
• see rooms at Palazzo Niccolini

6. Palazzo Gamba apartments al duomo

Apartments with a kitchen and 1 to 3 bedrooms right by the cathedral. A sensible option for a family or a small group.

• Who it's for: families and groups who need a kitchen and space.
• Type: apartments.
• prices at Palazzo Gamba Apartments

Santa Croce and Sant'Ambrogio: quieter and more authentic

Santa Croce stretches around the beautiful historic Piazza di Santa Croce. The neighborhood is close enough to the Duomo to walk to the sights, but far enough removed to avoid drowning in daytime crowds.

© Rhododendrites · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

It's calmer and livelier at the same time. Along Via dei Benci there are plenty of restaurants and bars with live music, making it a popular evening spot. Further north, in Sant'Ambrogio with its markets and antique shops, it's even quieter and more relaxed.

Piazza del Duomo is a 10-15 minute walk from here. The neighborhood's main landmark is the Basilica of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. From the Arno embankment here you get some of the best views of Ponte Vecchio.

The neighborhood suits you if an authentic setting with fewer tourists matters, and a few extra steps to the museums don't bother you. Sant'Ambrogio is good for families and anyone who loves quiet evenings. The catch: accommodation here is only slightly cheaper than the center, and the area has no large parks. If you want to sit with gelato surrounded by greenery, look at the neighborhoods south of the Arno.

In terms of distance, Sant'Ambrogio is roughly as close to the cathedral as Santa Croce itself. Choose based on mood: evening life around the square or a laid-back residential quarter.

Where to stay in Santa Croce

Five options near the square, from budget to palatial luxury.

7. Palazzo Roselli Cecconi

A charming boutique hotel 100 meters from Piazza Santa Croce with excellent prices. It earns both the Charme label and the budget stay label.

• Who it's for: those who want a boutique hotel atmosphere without overpaying.
• Type: budget and Charme.
• check prices at Palazzo Roselli Cecconi

8. Hotel Bodoni

An older hotel without polish, but with a very convenient location, clean and with the best prices in the area, breakfast included.

• Who it's for: practical travelers who care more about price and location than interiors.
• The catch: the building is dated, with no modern design.
• current prices at Hotel Bodoni

9. Eurostars Florence Boutique

A stylish designer hotel with a romantic rooftop terrace. There are plenty of hipster boutique hotels in Santa Croce, but this one stands out for its taste.

• Who it's for: those who love design and rooftop views.
• Type: boutique hotel (Charme).
• rooms at Eurostars Florence on Trip.com

10. Relais Santa Croce

A small trip back in time: an 18th-century palace with stucco work, frescoes, antique furniture, and understated luxury.

• Who it's for: a special occasion, those who want a palatial atmosphere.
• Type: luxury.
• check availability at Relais Santa Croce

11. La Casa dei Tintori

Of the many small guesthouses, this B&B is the one I like most. The hosts make you feel like you're literally "staying with friends," with a delicious breakfast.

• Who it's for: those looking for a warm, family-run B&B.
• Type: bed and breakfast.
• prices at La Casa dei Tintori

San Marco and San Lorenzo: student-friendly and affordable

North of the historic center sits the University of Florence. It gives the neighborhood its character: cozy cafes, bars with live music, markets, and parks.

© Nelson Pérez · CC BY-SAPhoto: Nelson Pérez, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Life here is cheaper and more relaxed than in the tourist areas further south. At the same time, San Marco is the city's cultural hub, with a high density of museums and galleries. This is where you'll find the Galleria dell'Accademia with Michelangelo's original "David."

From the hotel to Piazza del Duomo you walk about 10-15 minutes, and from neighboring San Lorenzo even less. San Lorenzo is home to the famous Mercato Centrale market, known especially for leather goods. Besides the Accademia, there are also Museo di San Marco and Museo degli Innocenti here.

The area suits you if you want to stay relatively central while spending your budget on experiences rather than an expensive room. The catch: the housing market is geared toward backpackers, and you can run into dishonest hosts. Avoid options near the noisy SS67 ring road. Getting to sights south of the Arno, like Pitti, means a long walk or taking transit.

It's not just lodging that's cheaper: an Aperol spritz or a pizza here will cost less than in the tourist districts.

Where to stay in San Marco and San Lorenzo

Five options with an emphasis on price and location.

© Björn S... · CC BY-SAPhoto: Björn S..., CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

12. Residenza d'Epoca Galleria dell'Accademia

Excellent value for money: large rooms in a great location, right by the "museum of David."

• Who it's for: those who want space near the Accademia.
• Type: top deal.
• check prices at Galleria dell'Accademia

13. Hotel San Lorenzo

Our pick if a central location near Mercato Centrale and a low price matter more to you than comfort and interiors.

• Who it's for: budget travelers who just need a place to sleep.
• Type: budget.
• current prices at Hotel San Lorenzo

14. Guesthouse Bel Duomo

An interesting price alternative just north of Piazza del Duomo. Simple rooms with a private bathroom, but it's located across the hall.

• Who it's for: those who want to save and are fine with a simple setup.
• The catch: the bathroom is "across the hall," not in the room.
• rooms at Guesthouse Bel Duomo

15. Piazza del Mercato Centrale Apartments

Apartments with a kitchen in a great location, sleeping up to four people. A reasonable price for a family or small group.

• Who it's for: families and groups who need a kitchen.
• Type: apartments.
• prices for apartments near Mercato Centrale

16. Relais Dante e Beatrice

The best B&B in the neighborhood. The host serves an excellent breakfast and creates a particularly welcoming atmosphere.

• Who it's for: those who like an intimate guesthouse with personal care from the hosts.
• Type: bed and breakfast.
• check availability at Relais Dante e Beatrice

Oltrarno: the south bank of the Arno and its food scene

Oltrarno literally means "beyond the Arno." It covers the Santo Spirito and San Frediano neighborhoods on the river's south bank. It's calmer and greener here than in the center, and this is the gastronomic heart of the city.

© Infrogmation · CC BY-SAPhoto: Infrogmation, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The choice of Tuscan restaurants, authentic aperitivo bars, and cozy cafes here is huge. Bridges cross the river every few hundred meters, and you can reach the historic center in minutes, first and foremost via Ponte Vecchio.

The Medici family themselves once moved from the cramped center to the south bank, so the area has its own landmark sights: the Pitti Palace, the clan's residence, and the Boboli Gardens behind it. It's also convenient to climb from here to the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint with the best view of the city.

The area suits you if you want things quieter and greener, and a good dinner with wine and music matters more to you than yet another museum. The catch: the main sights are a bit farther than from the three districts above. You're tied to a few bridges, so sometimes you'll have to take a small detour.

In terms of prices, Oltrarno is diverse: from budget guesthouses to expensive hotels along the river with views of the old town.

Where to stay in Oltrarno

Five options on the south bank, from simple guesthouses to a Renaissance palace.

17. Casa Santo Nome di Gesu

Simple rooms in a picturesque 15th-century building, with a quiet monastery garden in the courtyard. Great price, breakfast included, parking available in the courtyard.

• Who it's for: anyone who wants peace and history at a reasonable price.
• Type: top deal.
• check prices at Casa Santo Nome di Gesu

18. Soggiorno Pitti

Right by the Pitti Palace, with the best prices in the neighborhood. Family-friendly quadruple rooms available.

• Who it's for: families and budget travelers near Pitti.
• The catch: the bathroom is separate, located in the hallway.
• current prices at Soggiorno Pitti

19. Horto Convento

Also set within the walls and gardens of an old monastery, but with modern comfort and atmosphere. Breakfast included.

• Who it's for: anyone who wants history plus a modern room.
• Type: boutique hotel (Charme).
• rooms at Horto Convento on Trip.com

20. Palazzo Guicciardini

Our pick if you're looking for something special: a night in a Renaissance palace with impressive interiors and ceiling frescoes.

© Ricardalovesmonuments · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ricardalovesmonuments, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Who it's for: anyone who wants a palatial atmosphere across the river.
• Type: luxury.
• check availability at Palazzo Guicciardini

21. My Boutique Home

Your own space with a view of the Arno. Studios and apartments with one or two bedrooms, sleeping up to seven people.

• Who it's for: groups and families who want a view and plenty of space.
• Type: apartments.
• prices at My Boutique Home

Due Strade: hills, olive groves, and villas

Maybe Florence is already the fifth stop on your Italy itinerary, and you've had your fill of Renaissance palaces? Or maybe you're more into nature than cities? Then the Due Strade hills give you the best of both worlds.

Just a short distance from the historic center, you find yourself in the middle of Tuscany: olive groves, pine-lined roads, small countryside guesthouses, and accommodation in Tuscan villas.

If you continue south along the south bank past the Boboli Gardens, you enter the hilly landscape of Due Strade. If you like, you can walk to the center from here: depending on the exact spot, it's 2-4 kilometers or 30-50 minutes. Buses 11 and 131 get you to the center in 10-15 minutes. There are no classic sights in the hills, but the Boboli and Bardini Gardens and the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint are nearby.

The area suits you if you're drawn to nature more than culture. If an evening under an olive tree with a glass of Chianti appeals to you more than a bustling square, you'll like Due Strade. The catch: you're noticeably farther from city life and the sights. The roads into the center are long and in places steep, and transport is less punctual than, say, in Switzerland.

Where to stay in Due Strade

Five options in the hills, from a simple B&B to the city's most romantic villa.

© Francesco Bini · CC BY-SAPhoto: Francesco Bini, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

22. Classic Hotel

A 19th-century villa in a large garden with old trees, south of the Boboli Gardens. The best value for money in the area.

• Who it's for: those who want quiet and a garden close to the center.
• Type: Top Deal.
• check prices at Classic Hotel

23. Villa Betania

Similar to Classic Hotel in both atmosphere and price. It's a bit further south, but with good bus connections to the old town.

• Who it's for: those looking for a villa with a garden and convenient bus access.
• Type: Top Deal.
• current prices at Villa Betania

24. Torre dei Lari Residenza d'Epoca

Excellent lodging in a historic 15th-century mansion surrounded by greenery. Junior suites with a separate bedroom are a good fit for families.

• Who it's for: families who want history and space.
• Type: boutique hotel (Charme).
• rooms at Torre dei Lari on Trip.com

25. Villa Cora

Romantic luxury for those who have something to celebrate and want the most striking location in the city. Just look at the photos once.

• Who it's for: a special occasion, maximum atmosphere.
• Type: luxury.
• check availability at Villa Cora

26. Sangaggio House

A guesthouse run with heart. The hosts spoil guests with a generous breakfast, homemade pastries, and little surprises.

• Who it's for: those who love a warm, family-run B&B in a quiet setting.
• Type: bed and breakfast.
• prices at Sangaggio House

How to choose the right neighborhood for your trip

In short, let's compare the five neighborhoods by the main criteria. Decide what matters most to you: proximity to museums, quiet, price, or greenery.

If you're unsure, go with Santa Croce or San Marco: the center is close, and prices and crowds are gentler than right by the cathedral.

When choosing a neighborhood, answer three questions honestly: how many days will you spend in Florence, what's your priority, and how well do you handle long walks on hills and cobblestones. For a short trip of a couple of days, the center almost always wins, because the time you save on getting around goes into museums and leisurely strolls rather than waiting for buses. If you're coming for a week or have already seen the main sights on previous visits, it makes sense to stay in a calmer, greener neighborhood across the river and discover a different, less touristy Florence with its markets, artisan workshops, and trattorias for locals.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which neighborhood in Florence should I stay in on a first visit?

Choose the center near the Duomo. From there you can walk to the cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio in minutes, no transport needed. It's convenient for short trips of 1-2 nights. If you're willing to pay for location, look at Hotel de Lanzi or the luxury Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo.

Where is accommodation cheaper in Florence?

Noticeably cheaper in San Marco and San Lorenzo: it's a student neighborhood, and food prices are lower too. Good budget picks: Hotel San Lorenzo and Hotel Bodoni in neighboring Santa Croce. The Due Strade hills are also cheaper than the center, but you're further from the sights.

How much is the city tourist tax in Florence?

The tax is paid on site, usually at checkout. For hotels it ranges from €3.50 per star up to €8 for five stars per person per night; for B&Bs and apartments it's around €6 (as of 2026). Check the exact amount and the number of nights charged at the front desk.

How to get from the airport to the center?

Tram T2 runs from Amerigo Vespucci Airport to Santa Maria Novella station. The trip takes about 20 minutes, a ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 90 minutes (as of 09/2026). Trams run from early morning until midnight every few minutes.

Where to stay in Florence with kids?

Look at quiet Sant'Ambrogio and apartments with a kitchen: Palazzo Gamba al Duomo, Piazza del Mercato Centrale Apartments, or My Boutique Home in Oltrarno. Quadruple rooms at Soggiorno Pitti are also convenient for families. A kitchen and separate bedrooms save both money and stress.

In short: what to book

Florence is compact, and there are no "bad" neighborhoods here. The choice comes down to what matters more to you on this trip: minimal walking, quiet, price, or greenery. Decide on your priority, and the neighborhood will pick itself.

• If it's your first time and you're staying briefly: go for the center near the Duomo, everything is within walking distance.
• If you want it quieter but still close: go for Santa Croce or Sant'Ambrogio.
• If you're on a budget: go for San Marco or San Lorenzo.
• If you value food and greenery: go for Oltrarno across the river.
• If you're drawn to nature and villas: go for the Due Strade hills.

Once you've picked a neighborhood, the next step is your dates. Good options in the center go first, so don't put off booking.

Compare current hotel prices in Florence on Trip.com