Where to stay in Florence
If you're planning a trip to Florence and wondering where to stay, don’t worry! The city offers a wide range of accommodation options. In fact, Florence is one of the European cities with the highest number of accommodation facilities relative to its population. This means a wide choice and varied prices to suit every type of traveller, from those on a budget to those seeking luxury.
To fully experience Florence and make the most of your time, it is essential to choose the right place to stay. This will enable you to easily move between museums, monuments and typical restaurants. This comprehensive guide will help you understand which areas to favour, what type of accommodation to choose, and how to find the best deals.
Sleeping in the historic centre of Florence
The true heart of Florence is undoubtedly its historic centre, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the city's main attractions.
Staying in the city centre means you can reach everything on foot, without having to use buses or trams. The best option is to stay within a 15–20 minute walking distance of iconic places such as Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. This way, you can also enjoy the city in the evening, when Florence becomes even more charming and romantic.
The historic centre is perfect for:
- first visits to Florence;
- cultural weekends;
- couples and romantic getaways;
- those who want to experience the city without stress.
Hotels in Florence
There are hotels in Florence to suit all budgets. From luxury hotels offering views of the River Arno or Florence Cathedral, to simple yet well-maintained two or three-star hotels in excellent locations, there is something for everyone.
It's true that some establishments, especially those in the city centre or popular tourist areas, can be expensive. However, with a little advance planning or flexibility over dates, it is possible to find great deals, even in the historic city centre.
Apartments in Florence
Staying in an apartment in Florence is an increasingly popular choice for families, groups of friends and travellers staying for more days.
Apartments offer numerous advantages:
- lower prices than hotels, especially for medium to long stays;
- greater privacy and independence;
- a kitchen available for breakfast and quick meals.
Just be careful: cooking is fine, but don't go overboard! One of the main reasons to visit Florence is to try its wonderful food, ranging from traditional trattorias to street food and historic restaurants.
Hostels in Florence
Whether you're travelling alone, on a backpacking trip or with a group of friends, hostels in Florence are a great way to save money and meet people. Many hostels in Florence have undergone significant improvements in recent years, offering modern, clean and well-organized facilities.
On average, you'll pay around €20 per night for a hostel in Florence, with shared or private rooms available. Many hostels also organize:
- social events;
- guided tours;
- aperitifs and themed evenings.
This is an excellent opportunity to meet fellow travellers from all over the world who share your love of Florence.
Alternative areas to stay in Florence
If the historic centre is too expensive or fully booked, consider staying in one of the following well-connected areas:
- Santa Maria Novella: convenient for the station and the centre;
- Campo di Marte: perfect if you are travelling by car;
- Novoli: well connected by tram and more affordable.
These areas let you save money without losing any convenience.
Handy tips to help you choose where to stay in Florence.
- Book in advance, especially during high season;
- Don't just think about price, think about location, too;
- Always check reviews and included services;
- Choose a central area if it's your first time in Florence.
