Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Florence: A Guide for Every Vibe and Budget

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From the bustling Centro Storico to the charming Oltrarno and serene Campo di Marte, here’s a definitive guide to choosing where to stay in Florence, by neighborhood and by budget.

Florence might be small, but every part of the city has its own distinct rhythm — from the artisan-filled lanes of Oltrarno to the café-lined streets of Santa Croce. Where you stay shapes your entire experience here: how you explore, what you eat, and how you fall in love with this Renaissance city.

Whether you want to wake up to the sound of church bells near the Duomo, sip wine by the Arno, or blend into local life in a quieter residential pocket, this guide breaks down the best neighborhoods to stay in Florence — and the hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and hostels worth booking in each.

Duomo / Historic Center

Best for: First-time visitors, short stays, easy access to everything

If it’s your first time in Florence, this is where you’ll want to be. The Duomo’s terracotta dome rises above everything, cobblestoned lanes twist between Renaissance palaces, and nearly every major sight — from the Uffizi Gallery to Ponte Vecchio — is just a stroll away.

It’s busy, yes, but the trade-off is waking up in the middle of the most breathtaking open-air museum in Europe. Step outside for an early morning espresso before the crowds arrive, and Florence feels like it’s yours alone.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel La Gemma — design-forward five-star hotel with a subterranean spa, a Michelin Star chef-helmed restaurant, and rooftop terrace

• Helvetia&Bristol Firenze — luxury hotel with spa, fitness facilities, and exceptional attention to detail

• Duomo Luxury Florence — mid-range hotel with top-notch amenities including a rooftop terrace, complimentary drinks and snacks, gallery-like rooms

• Hotel Pendini — family-run hotel dating back to 1879 with rooms overlooking the Piazza della Repubblica

Oltrarno

Best for: Creative travelers, couples, authentic local feel

Cross the Ponte Vecchio and you’ll find Oltrarno — literally “the other side of the Arno.” This is where Florentines live, artisans craft in tucked-away workshops, and the pace slows down the further from the Arno you go.

You’ll find cozy piazzas, independent galleries, and some of Florence’s best trattorias. It’s romantic, grounded, and full of character — a place where you might stumble on a local jazz night or a handmade leather shop that’s been around for generations.

Where to Stay:

• AdAstra Suites — luxury stay in spacious rooms with access to the city’s largest private gardens

• Hotel La Scaletta al Ponte Vecchio — boutique hotel in a 15th century building with rooftop terrace and bar

• San Pier Novello — cozy boutique hotel with common spaces, homemade breakfast, and terraces off the rooms

• La Torre del Castello — affordable and spacious apartment suites in the lively Santo Spirito district of Oltrarno

Santa Croce

Best for: Nightlife lovers, foodies, and a lively atmosphere

Santa Croce hums with energy. You’re still close to everything, but this side of town feels more local, more social, and a little more spontaneous. The namesake basilica anchors the neighborhood, surrounded by bars, trattorias, and aperitivo spots that spill into the streets at sunset.

You’ll find young locals gathering in Piazza Santa Croce and great dining in the side streets beyond it. If you want a neighborhood that buzzes day and night — and where you’ll never go hungry — this is it.

Where to Stay:

• The Sonetto Hotel Piazza Santa Croce (Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy) — luxury stay with Ponte Vecchio views and newly renovated rooms

• Boutique Hotel La Casa di Morfeo — brand-new boutique with hydromassage showers, chromotherapy-designed rooms, and daily breakfast buffet

• Residenza Marchesi Pontenani — self-catered apartments with fully-equipped kitchenettes and garden access

San Lorenzo & Santa Maria Novella

Best for: Budget travelers, short stays, and convenient transit access

Just northwest of the Duomo, San Lorenzo is home to Florence’s famous Central Market — a must for tasting local specialties — and tons of affordable hotels and guesthouses. The adjacent Santa Maria Novella area is ideal if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips, as it’s right by the main station.

This part of the city has a practical, down-to-earth feel. It’s not as polished as the center, but it’s safe, well-connected, and great value for money.

Where to Stay:

• Casa Howard Firenze - Residenza d’Epoca — heritage and luxury with breakfast delivered to your doorstep each morning

• Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel — Renaissance palazzo turned boutique hotel with frescoed walls and seasonal rooftop terrace

• Adler Cavalieri Hotel — mid-range hotel with private spa, gym, and car park

• The Social Hub Belfiore — digital nomad-friendly stay with on-site fitness center, coffee shop, bike hire, and activities

• YellowSquare Florence — backpacker hostel with rooftop pool, restaurant, bar, and options to book dorms or private rooms

San Niccolò & Piazzale Michelangelo

Best for: Views, romance, and a quiet, residential atmosphere

Tucked against the hill below Piazzale Michelangelo, this area is one of Florence’s most picturesque corners — leafy streets, artisan studios, and spectacular views of the city skyline. It’s slightly uphill, which means fewer crowds and peaceful mornings with the sound of birds instead of church bells.

Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset and watch Florence glow golden below. It’s one of the city’s most romantic spots.

Where to Stay:

• Casa Profumoir — adults-only one-bedroom apartment inside a working Florentine perfumery

• Serristori Palace Residence — aparthotel living by the Arno, with spacious rooms, kitchenettes, & a garden courtyard

• Hotel Silla — elegant and affordable 16th-century riverside hotel with sweeping Arno views and a rooftop terrace

Campo di Marte & Beyond

Best for: Long stays, families, and feeling like a local

Just outside the main historic core, Campo di Marte offers a more residential side of Florence. You’ll find neighborhood cafés, small parks, and easy access by bus to the center. Prices are lower, space is bigger, and you’ll blend right in with locals heading to work or picking up groceries at the corner market.

If you’re staying more than a few weeks or traveling with family, this area hits the sweet spot between convenience and calm.

Where to Stay:

• Ville Sull’Arno — a lush riverside hideaway with pool, spa, and refined Tuscan design

• Ruby Bea Hotel — design-forward and relaxed mid-range option with stylish rooms and quiet charm

• Hotel & Hostel 7 — affordable and welcoming, with a warm communal atmosphere

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Florence Neighborhood

No matter where you stay in Florence, you’ll never be far from Renaissance beauty, great food, and that golden Tuscan light that makes the whole city feel like a painting. The best neighborhood really depends on the kind of trip you’re after — whether it’s early-morning cappuccinos by the Duomo, evenings spent sipping wine in Oltrarno, or quiet riverside walks near Campo di Marte.

If it’s your first visit, base yourself in or near the historic center or Santa Croce so you can walk everywhere with ease. For something a little more local and laid-back, cross the river to Oltrarno or San Niccolò. And if you’re staying a little longer or want more space for your money, Campo di Marte or Santa Maria Novella offer a great mix of authenticity and comfort.

Wherever you end up, Florence is a city best explored slowly — one espresso, one sunset, one side street at a time.

Ready to plan your stay?
Browse top-rated hotels in Florence here or explore my Florence travel tips for where to eat, drink, and explore while you’re in town.

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