Planning a trip to Florence and not sure where to stay? We want to help by explaining which neighborhoods are the best and which hotels to consider. We’re Florence experts, so you can trust we know the best hotels and where to stay in Florence.
Florence is easy to navigate, but each neighborhood offers something unique, from elegant boutiques near Santa Maria Novella to artsy eateries in Santo Spirito. Pick the district that suits your style, then explore the rest on foot.
Bordered by the Arno and backed by terracotta rooftops, Santa Croce feels like Florence’s open‑air living room. The district’s cobbled lanes funnel into Piazza Santa Croce, where you can grab an aperitivo with the Santa Croce Basilica as a backdrop.
Why Stay in the Santa Croce Neighborhood
Staying in Santa Croce is a great option because you get the charm of a historic neighborhood with fewer crowds, plus easy access to Florence’s top sights.
Serious food scene: From the Sant’Ambrogio Market to cozy trattorias, Santa Croce has some of the best eating in the city.
Quiet but central: You’re close to the museums and main attractions without being surrounded by tour groups.
A little rougher around the edges: But that means lower prices, better food, and a real neighborhood vibe.
Hotels in Santa Croce Neighborhood
Hotel Regency ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Garden Space • Quiet Luxury • Family-Friendly
Perfect for travelers with kids or anyone seeking a slower pace, the Regency is a refined oasis just outside the main tourist zone.
Top Hotels in the Santa Maria Novella Neighborhood
Hugging the edge of Florence’s historic core, Santa Maria Novella is polished, peaceful, and close to the action. It’s where rooftop cocktails meet Renaissance churches, and where quiet hotel balconies sit minutes from major museums. You can roll your suitcase here from the train station and be sipping prosecco in no time.
Why Stay in the Santa Maria Novella Neighborhood
This neighborhood is ideal for travelers who want great style, fewer crowds, and walking-distance access to everything worth seeing.
Wide, gracious streets: Luggage‑friendly paving, designer boutiques, and café terraces line Via della Scala and Via Tornabuoni.
Date‑night central: Sip Negronis on skyline decks, then wander hand‑in‑hand to Ponte Vecchio or Museo Novecento.
Not the cheapest quarter—but worth it: Higher rates buy quieter nights, spotless sidewalks, and sunrise river strolls without crowds.
Hotels in Santa Maria Novella Neighborhood
Gallery Hotel Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Contemporary Style • Great Location • Art-Focused
An art lover’s retreat with rotating exhibits and luxe interiors, just a short walk from the Uffizi and Florence’s best boutiques.
Top Hotels in Santo Spirito and Oltrarno Neighborhood
Cross the Arno via Ponte Vecchio and you land in Santo Spirito, the left‑bank pocket the Medici once called home. Hand‑painted shop signs, artisan workshops, and Florence’s hottest trattorias line its tucked‑away streets, while the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace anchor the skyline.
Why Stay in Santo Spirito and Oltrarno Neighborhood
It’s the perfect mix of authentic Florence and easy access—quiet in the mornings, lively at night, and full of local flavor all day.
Florence’s best bites: From humble panini to elevated tasting menus, this is the neighborhood where locals love to eat.
Steps from panoramic views: Piazzale Michelangelo is within walking distance—perfect for golden-hour hikes and citywide selfies.
Feels far, but isn’t: The walk across the river keeps crowds away, but you’re still minutes from museums and the Ponte Vecchio.
Hotels in Santa Croce Neighborhood
Luxury Design • River Views • Ferragamo Collection
A Ponte Vecchio icon with boutique luxury vibes, this polished pick has an unbeatable location and interiors worthy of a fashion house.
Smack in the center of the historic core, the Duomo neighborhood is Florence at its most iconic. The cathedral’s famous dome towers over a maze of cobbled streets filled with boutiques, gelato shops, and buzzing cafés.
Why Stay near the Florence Cathedral
For travelers who want to be surrounded by Florence’s greatest hits and don’t mind a little noise, staying here is all about location and views.
Front-row seat to the Renaissance: The Duomo, Baptistery, and Bell Tower are your backyard.
Central without compromise: You’re equally close to the Arno, Accademia, and Santa Croce.
Tourist-packed and proud of it: Yes, it’s crowded—but there’s a reason everyone wants to be here.
First-time visitors: Stay near the Duomo for walkable access to all the top sights.
Romantic couples: Choose Santo Spirito for artisan charm, sunset strolls, and wine bars.
Families: Head to Santa Croce for quiet streets, local eats, and space to stretch out.
Luxury lovers:Santa Maria Novella offers 5-star hotels, designer shops, and spa access.
Foodies: Base yourself in Santo Spirito, where the best bites are steps away.
Traveling without a car: Stay near Santa Maria Novella train station or in the historic center.
Best Tours and Experiences in Florence
With so much art, history, and food packed into one place, a guided tour can make all the difference. You’ll skip lines, learn the stories behind what you’re seeing, and avoid travel stress.
Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David
2 Hours • €
Uncover the best of Florence at the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, and skip the line at Accademia.
Don’t book in the suburbs just to save a few euros. Areas like Campo di Marte or Peretola might look well-connected on a map, but they’re far from the Florence you came to see. Stick to the historic center for a richer, more walkable experience.
Where To Stay in Florence FAQs
Is Florence walkable?
Yes, Florence is compact and designed for walking. Most major sights are within a 20-minute walk.
How many nights should I stay in Florence?
Three to four nights is ideal to see top attractions, take a tour, and enjoy the city’s food scene.
Is Florence safe to stay in?
Very. The city center is well-patrolled and generally safe, especially in tourist areas.
What’s the best area for first-timers?
Stay near the Duomo for easy access to museums, restaurants, and major landmarks.
Where should couples stay in Florence?
Santo Spirito or Oltrarno are great for romantic stays with fewer crowds and great restaurants.
Where do families stay in Florence?
Santa Croce offers quieter streets, space, and a local vibe that works well for kids.
Final Thoughts
Your Florence stay can be as lively, romantic, or laid-back as you want—it’s all about choosing the right neighborhood. Once you’ve picked your base, the Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio are just a leisurely stroll away.
Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!
