Where to Stay in Florence
Italy
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Florence at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Florence
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Venture into the Oltrarno district to find authentic artisan workshops (botteghe) where you can see craftsmen at work and purchase unique, handmade souvenirs directly from the source.
Getting Around
Wear comfortable shoes; you'll be doing most of your exploring on foot, and cobblestone streets can be tiring.
Watch Out For
Overcharging at taxis (insist on meter or confirm fixed fare)
Solo Female Travel
Florence is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas and at night, as you would in any major city, but violent crime is rare.
Hidden Gems in Florence
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Officina Profumo-Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella
This historic pharmacy is a step back in time, showcasing beautiful ancient apothecary equipment and offering exquisite, handcrafted perfumes and soaps. It's a sensory experience with a rich history dating back to the 13th century.
Bardini Garden
Often overlooked for the Boboli Gardens, Bardini offers stunning panoramic views of the city, a charming wisteria tunnel (especially beautiful in spring), and a more tranquil atmosphere. It's a perfect escape from the crowds.
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
FREEWhile Mercato Centrale is famous, Sant'Ambrogio offers a more authentic local market experience, with fresh produce, local specialties, and small eateries frequented by Florentines. You can find delicious and affordable food here.
Osteria Santo Spirito
Located in the lively Santo Spirito square, this osteria is beloved by locals for its traditional Tuscan dishes, especially their famous truffle gnocchi. It's a great spot to soak in the local atmosphere and enjoy hearty food.
San Miniato al Monte
FREEPerched on a hill above Florence, this stunning Romanesque basilica offers breathtaking, less crowded views of the city than Piazzale Michelangelo. The church itself is also a masterpiece of Florentine architecture and art.
Oltrarno Artisan Workshops
FREEWander through the Oltrarno district and discover the traditional artisan workshops where Florentine crafts like leatherwork, ceramics, and jewelry are still made by hand. It's a chance to see genuine craftsmanship and perhaps find a unique souvenir.
What It Costs in Florence
Daily budget per person in EUR
💡62% cheaper than New York
EUR 70/day
EUR 150/day
EUR 300/day
Where to Stay in Florence
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Piazza della Signoria5 min
- Uffizi Gallery8 min
- Ponte Vecchio10 min
Pros
- +Unbeatable central location for sightseeing
- +Abundant dining and shopping options
- +Immersive historical atmosphere
Cons
- -Extremely crowded and noisy
- -Can feel overwhelming for some
Top stays in Duomo
Hotel Brunelleschi
$$$Historic hotel with a private museum and rooftop terrace offering Duomo views.
Grand Hotel Cavour
$$$Elegant hotel with a rooftop bar providing panoramic city vistas.
Hotel Pendini
$$Charming, family-run hotel overlooking Piazza della Repubblica.
Residenza d'Epoca Santa Croce
$$$Luxurious boutique accommodations in a historic building steps from Santa Croce.
Best for
Walk to
- Pitti Palace5 min
- Boboli Gardens10 min
- Ponte Vecchio8 min
Pros
- +Less touristy than the Duomo area
- +Excellent local restaurants and artisan shops
- +Beautiful views from Piazzale Michelangelo nearby
Cons
- -Fewer major sights within immediate walking distance
- -Can be hilly in parts
Top stays in Oltrarno
Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio
$$Offers rooms with balconies overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.
AdAstra Florence
$$$Unique boutique hotel set in a historic villa with a large private garden.
Palazzo Guadagni
$$$Elegant boutique hotel with a stunning loggia and terrace.
Oltrarno Splendid
$$$Stylish boutique hotel with individually designed rooms.
Best for
Walk to
- Basilica di Santa Croce2 min
- Uffizi Gallery10 min
- Piazza della Signoria12 min
Pros
- +Home to the famous Santa Croce church
- +Good selection of trattorias and cafes
- +Central yet slightly less chaotic than Duomo
Cons
- -Can still get very busy, especially around the Basilica
- -Limited public transport within the immediate area
Top stays in Santa Croce
Hotel Calzaiuoli
$$$Modern hotel with a prime location between the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
Hotel Spadai
$$$Chic hotel with a focus on art and design, very close to the Duomo.
Placido Buonarroti
$$Boutique B&B offering a more intimate stay near Santa Croce.
Hotel Balestri
$$Riverside hotel with rooms offering Arno views.
Best for
Walk to
- Mercato Centrale1 min
- Duomo5 min
- Accademia Gallery8 min
Pros
- +Incredible food experiences at Mercato Centrale
- +Great for souvenir shopping (leather goods)
- +Very central and convenient for major sights
Cons
- -Can be very crowded and chaotic, especially market days
- -Accommodation can be basic and noisy
Top stays in San Lorenzo
Hotel Giglio
$$Simple, clean hotel directly opposite the Mercato Centrale.
B&B Mercato Centrale
$Budget-friendly hostel and B&B located right by the market.
Hotel Pendini
$$Historic hotel overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, near San Lorenzo.
Palazzo dei Congressi
$$Apartment rentals offering more space and kitchen facilities.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas immediately surrounding the train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) late at night.: While generally safe, this area can attract petty crime and loitering after dark, and it lacks the charm of other Florentine neighborhoods.
Insider tip: Venture into the Oltrarno district to find authentic artisan workshops (botteghe) where you can see craftsmen at work and purchase unique, handmade souvenirs directly from the source.
Safety in Florence
SafeSolo Female Travel
Florence is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas and at night, as you would in any major city, but violent crime is rare.
At Night
Most central areas are well-lit and populated with people dining and socializing, making them feel safe. Stick to main streets and avoid poorly lit alleyways.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging at taxis (insist on meter or confirm fixed fare)
- 2Distraction theft (pickpockets targeting tourists in crowded areas)
- 3Fake police officers asking for passport/wallet checks
Getting Around Florence
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Airport bus (VolaInBus) to Santa Maria Novella train station: €6, 20-30 mins. Taxi: €25-€30 fixed rate, 20-30 mins.
🎫
Day Pass
€5 (24-hour pass for buses and trams)
Single: €1.50 (for 90 minutes on buses/trams)
🚶
Walkability
Very WalkableUber
📶
WiFi
Good30-70 Mbps
Public Transport
Limited bus network (ATAF) for longer distances, but Florence is highly walkable. Tram lines T1 and T2 connect the airport and outskirts to the city center.
Ride-share
No major rideshare apps like Uber are widely available; taxis are the primary alternative. Taxi cost from city center to airport approx €25-€30.
Transport Tip
Wear comfortable shoes; you'll be doing most of your exploring on foot, and cobblestone streets can be tiring.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi with purchase; some public squares have limited free access.
Coworking
Several options available, such as Lo.bi.co Coworking and Firenze Coworking, with daily passes ranging from €15-€30.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Apr, May, Oct
Hotels & Accommodation in Florence
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Who Is Florence Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Provides immediate access to Florence's most iconic landmarks and a central base for exploring.
Foodies
Offers unparalleled access to the vibrant Mercato Centrale and numerous authentic eateries.
Couples Seeking Romance
Provides a charming, slightly quieter atmosphere with artisan shops and beautiful evening strolls.
Budget Backpackers
Offers more affordable accommodation options and cheap, delicious eats near major attractions.
Culture Enthusiasts
Centrally located with proximity to numerous museums, galleries, and the significant Basilica di Santa Croce.
About Florence
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital and most populous city of the Italian region of Tuscany, with 362,353 inhabitants as of 2025. It is also the capital of the eponymous metropolitan province, which counts 989,460 inhabitants. Florence was a centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of that era.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florence
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Florence Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel