Where to stay in Florence: the best areas, with a walk through each
5 areas compared. Watch the streets before you book.
Florence's historic centre is small enough to cross on foot in half an hour, and much of it is closed to traffic. Almost anywhere in the centre puts the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio within a short walk, so the choice is really about atmosphere, noise and price.
These are the five areas most visitors choose between, on both banks of the Arno. For each you'll find who it suits, who should look elsewhere, what is on foot, and a walk through its streets so you can feel the place before you book.
The best areas to stay in Florence at a glance
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duomo & Signoria | First-timers, Sightseeing, Short stays | Renaissance masterpieces at every corner, and the crowds that come with them | Car-free centre: walk everywhere |
| Santa Croce | Food lovers, Nightlife, Couples | A grand square, leather workshops and lively evening bars | 5 to 10 minutes' walk to the Duomo and Uffizi |
| Oltrarno | Local life, Artisans, Romance | Artisan workshops, piazzas and the hills across the river | Walk over the Ponte Vecchio to the centre in 10 minutes |
| Santa Maria Novella | Transport links, Day trips, Shopping | The main station, an elegant church square and fashion streets | Main train station and tram to the airport |
| San Lorenzo | Budget, Food markets, Central location | A famous food hall, leather stalls and the Medici chapels | 5 minutes' walk to the Duomo and the station |
1.Duomo & Signoria
- First-timers
- Sightseeing
- Short stays
Walk through Duomo & Signoria: video by Action Walks on YouTube.
The core of Florence between the cathedral and Piazza della Signoria, with the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio a few minutes away. It is the most convenient base for a short visit, and the views of Brunelleschi's dome never get old.
Stay here if
- It's your first visit and you have only two or three days
- You want to see the Duomo at dawn and at night
- You'd like every major sight within 10 minutes
Skip it if
- Crowds and tour groups wear you out
- You're looking for local prices and quiet streets
Within a 10-minute walk
Florence Cathedral · Giotto's Bell Tower · Baptistery · Piazza della Signoria · Uffizi Gallery · Ponte Vecchio
2.Santa Croce
- Food lovers
- Nightlife
- Couples
Walk through Santa Croce: video by Walkverse on YouTube.
The district around the great Franciscan basilica where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. It mixes artisan workshops with some of Florence's best restaurants, a busy food market and a young crowd in the evenings.
Stay here if
- You want to be central but in a more local area
- You love eating out: the Sant'Ambrogio market and many trattorias are here
- You'd like bars and aperitivo spots nearby
Skip it if
- You're a light sleeper and the room faces a lively street
- You want postcard views of the Arno from your window
Within a 10-minute walk
Basilica of Santa Croce · Sant'Ambrogio market · Casa Buonarroti · Bargello museum · Piazza dei Ciompi · Via de' Benci
3.Oltrarno
- Local life
- Artisans
- Romance
Walk through Oltrarno: video by Through Eternity Tours on YouTube.
The 'other side' of the Arno, home to the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens and the neighbourhoods of Santo Spirito, San Frediano and San Niccolò. Craftsmen still work in its side streets, and the piazzas fill with locals in the evening.
Stay here if
- You want a more authentic Florence that's still central
- You love artisan workshops and neighbourhood piazzas
- You'd like to walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset
Skip it if
- You want the Duomo outside your door
- Uphill walks to the viewpoints would be hard for you
Within a 10-minute walk
Pitti Palace · Boboli Gardens · Piazza Santo Spirito · San Niccolò · Piazzale Michelangelo · Ponte Santa Trinita
4.Santa Maria Novella
- Transport links
- Day trips
- Shopping
Walk through Santa Maria Novella: video by SERG PA Walker on YouTube.
The area around Florence's main station and the beautiful Santa Maria Novella church. It is the practical choice for train travellers and day trips to Pisa, Siena or Lucca, with Via de' Tornabuoni's fashion houses a short walk away.
Stay here if
- You're arriving by train or plane and want a short walk with luggage
- You plan several day trips around Tuscany
- You want a wide choice of hotels
Skip it if
- You want charm: the streets right by the station are busy and plain
- You'll be walking back late at night near the station
Within a 10-minute walk
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella · Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica · Via de' Tornabuoni · Palazzo Strozzi · Ognissanti church · Santa Maria Novella station
5.San Lorenzo
- Budget
- Food markets
- Central location
Walk through San Lorenzo: video by The Four Chains Travel on YouTube.
A lively, central district around the San Lorenzo church and the Mercato Centrale, Florence's covered food market. Prices are often lower than near the Duomo, and the Accademia with Michelangelo's David is around the corner.
Stay here if
- You want a central base at a lower price
- Food markets are a highlight for you
- You plan to see David at the Accademia
Skip it if
- Street stalls and busy shopping streets bother you
- You want a quiet, residential atmosphere
Within a 10-minute walk
Mercato Centrale · San Lorenzo market stalls · Medici Chapels · Basilica of San Lorenzo · Galleria dell'Accademia · Palazzo Medici Riccardi
How to choose
Every area on this page is within a 15-minute walk of the Duomo. Choose the Duomo area for a short first trip, Santa Croce or the Oltrarno for atmosphere and food, Santa Maria Novella for train and day-trip convenience, and San Lorenzo for value.
Cars, trains and the airport
Most of the historic centre is a limited traffic zone, and driving in without a permit brings heavy fines. If you arrive by car, choose a hotel with parking outside the zone. The tram links the airport with Santa Maria Novella station in about 20 minutes.
Summer heat and crowds
Florence is hot and very busy from June to August. Air conditioning is essential, and booking the Uffizi and the Accademia in advance saves hours of queuing.
Where to stay in Florence: common questions
What is the best area to stay in Florence for first-timers?
Around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. The cathedral, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio are all a few minutes' walk away.
Is the Oltrarno a good place to stay?
Yes, especially if you want a more local feel. It's just across the Ponte Vecchio from the centre, with lively piazzas, artisans and the Boboli Gardens.
Is it safe to stay near Florence's train station?
Generally yes, and it's very convenient, but the streets right around the station can feel unpleasant late at night. A hotel a few blocks towards the church of Santa Maria Novella is a good compromise.
Where should I stay in Florence on a budget?
San Lorenzo and the streets around Santa Maria Novella usually offer the best value close to the centre.
Do I need public transport in Florence?
Hardly at all. The centre is compact and best explored on foot; buses are useful mainly for Fiesole and the hills.
Areas change over time. Check recent reviews and the exact location of your hotel before you book. Hotel links may earn Walking Atlas a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring Florence
The Florence city guide has more 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Florence city guide →