Where to Stay in Florence
Travelling to any big city, especially if you have not been to a place like Florence before can be a daunting and confusing experience.
So below you will see where you can stay in Florence with tips on locations, transport and attractions. First, you need to decide if you want to central, which will be more expensive or slightly on the outskirts of the city.
Public transport is good so being central is not critical for getting about and seeing everything you want to visit.
- Duomo Area (City Centre):
- Pros: A central location may be the best place to stay for first-time visitors as you can easily walk to the major sights of the city. If you want to be in the thick of things – and on the doorstep of such sights as the magnificent dome, the ancient Baptistery, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi gallery – this is where to make your base. Also, a lot of the area is pedestrian-only with very limited traffic.
- Cons: Can be very crowded in peak season, and prices will be higher. We don’t recommend staying here if you have a car as parking is very limited.
- Transport: Well-connected streets for walking, Florence is a great place to explore by foot; public buses are available.
- Oltrarno:
- Pros: Just a short wander from the city’s centre and close to the Arno River, you’ll find this vibrant neighbourhood full of artisanal boutiques, and trendy restaurants and cafes. You will find lots of parks and gardens to explore.
- Cons: Fewer mainstream attractions.
- Transport: Walking distance to major sights; buses are available.
- Santa Croce:
- Pros: Historic, vibrant nightlife. Less Crowded. Being just outside of the city centre, you can expect to find fewer tourists around. It has a lively local market and a large piazza in front of the iconic church.
- Cons: Can be a bit noisy at times.
- Transport: Walkable; buses and taxis accessible.
- San Lorenzo:
- Pros: Central market, budget-friendly options. Lots of restaurants, cafes and bars. San Lorenzo is a sacred destination combining priceless art treasures in a setting of breathtaking architecture.
- Cons: Busy market area. It is quite far away from the major sites.
- Transport: buses nearby to get to major attractions.
Public Transport: Florence has a well-connected public transport system, including buses. However, the compact size of the city often makes walking the preferred choice. Taxis are available, and the main train station, Santa Maria Novella, is a transportation hub.
Here you can read our overview of Florence - The Cradle of Rennaisance.
