Where to Stay in Florence (2026): Near the Duomo and Beyond

The area around the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) is the historic core of Florence. Brunelleschi's dome dominates the skyline, the Uffizi Gallery is a 5-minute walk away, and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is 10 minutes on foot. Staying here means stepping out of your hotel directly into the Renaissance.

The trade-off is crowds. The streets between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria are packed with tour groups from about 10 AM to 6 PM. Hotels facing the Duomo also tend to charge a premium for the view.

Mid-range: Hotels from £120 to £250/night. Hotel Davanzati and Hotel Perseo are well-regarded mid-range picks in quiet side streets.

Luxury: The Portrait Firenze (from £400/night) on the Arno riverfront is a Ferragamo-owned property with stunning views. Hotel Brunelleschi (from £250/night) incorporates a Byzantine tower.

Best for: First-time visitors, art lovers, and anyone wanting the classic Florence postcard experience.

Oltrarno ("beyond the Arno") is the neighbourhood on the south bank of the river, reached via the Ponte Vecchio or Ponte Santa Trinita. This is where Florentine artisans still work, restoring antique furniture, binding leather books, and making paper by hand in workshops that have been here for generations.

The Piazza Santo Spirito is the neighbourhood's living room, with a daily morning market, excellent restaurants on the square, and a bohemian evening atmosphere. The Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace are here too.

Budget: Guesthouses and small hotels from £60 to £90/night, significantly cheaper than the centro storico.

Mid-range: Boutique hotels from £100 to £180/night. The Hotel Palazzo Guadagni has a terrace overlooking Piazza Santo Spirito.

Best for: Repeat visitors, foodies, couples, and anyone wanting to live like a local Florentine.

The area around the Basilica di Santa Croce has a more residential feel than the Duomo zone while still being walkable to everything. The piazza itself hosts an annual historic football match (Calcio Storico) and has some excellent restaurants and gelaterias on its edges. Cibreo and Trattoria Mario are nearby institutions.

The streets east of the basilica are less touristy, with local shops, family-run trattorias, and a genuine neighbourhood atmosphere that has survived mass tourism.

Budget: Hotels and B&Bs from £70 to £100/night.

Mid-range: Hotels from £100 to £170/night. The Hotel Monna Lisa (in a Renaissance palace with a sculpture garden) is a highlight.

Best for: Foodies, budget-conscious visitors wanting a central location, and travellers who like exploring quiet back streets.

San Lorenzo sits north of the Duomo, centred around the Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Mercato Centrale (Central Market). The market's ground floor sells fresh produce, meat, and cheese, while the upper floor is a modern food hall with prepared dishes from various vendors.

The surrounding streets have a lively, slightly chaotic energy with leather goods stalls, student bars (the university is nearby), and some of the best value accommodation in central Florence.

Budget: Hotels from £55 to £85/night. Hostels from £15/night for dorms.

Mid-range: The Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti (from £130/night) faces the beautiful Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.

Best for: Budget travellers, food market lovers, and visitors who enjoy a busy, authentic neighbourhood atmosphere.

Florence is one of Europe's most walkable cities. Here is what you need to know:

• Walking: The entire historic centre is walkable in about 20 minutes end to end. This is by far the best way to experience the city. Comfortable shoes are essential on the cobblestones.
• Buses: ATAF buses cover the city and surrounding hills (useful for reaching Piazzale Michelangelo or Fiesole). A single ticket costs about £1.50.
• ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone): Most of central Florence is a restricted traffic zone. If you are driving, do not enter the ZTL or you will receive an automatic fine. Hotels may have ZTL permits; check in advance.
• Taxis: Available but rarely necessary within the centre. A taxi to the airport costs a flat rate of about £25.

Do not rent a car for a Florence-only trip. Parking is difficult, expensive, and the ZTL zone means you cannot drive to most hotels.

Florence is perfectly positioned for day trips across Tuscany and beyond:

• Siena: 90 minutes by bus. Medieval hilltop city with the famous Piazza del Campo. Visit on a non-Palio day for a quieter experience.
• Pisa: 60 minutes by train. See the Leaning Tower, take the photo, and head to the less-touristed areas around Piazza dei Cavalieri.
• Chianti wine region: 45 minutes by car. Book a wine tour or hire a driver for the day (about £80 to £100 including tastings).
• Cinque Terre: 2.5 hours by train. The five colourful fishing villages are manageable as a long day trip, though an overnight stay is more relaxed.
• San Gimignano: 90 minutes by bus. A beautifully preserved medieval town with tower houses and the best gelato in Tuscany (Gelateria Dondoli).