Florence is a compact city whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dense with Renaissance art and architecture, museums and galleries such as the Uffizi and the Palazzo Pitti. The Arno river runs through it, and the centre is small enough to cross on foot, which makes the choice of where to sleep more about atmosphere and convenience than about distance.
For a visitor, the city divides into a handful of practical bases: the streets around the main train station, the historic centre around the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, and the areas just outside the centre where cheaper rooms and campsites are found. This guide covers which of those areas suits which kind of traveller, and what to expect at each price level.
Best areas to stay in Florence
1. Historic centre (around the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio)
This is the heart of the city, where the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Palazzo Pitti and the Ponte Vecchio sit within walking distance of one another. It suits first-time visitors who want the sights on their doorstep and are willing to pay for the location. You find bed and breakfasts, small hotels and vacation rental apartments here, many in historic buildings.
Be aware that keyboxes on building exteriors for vacation rental apartments are banned in the UNESCO centre, so confirm your check-in arrangements in advance, as self-check-in may be restricted.
2. Around the train station (Santa Maria Novella)
The area around the main train station is the cheapest option inside the city and is convenient for arrivals, with a tourist information office in the station that also offers hotel reservations. It suits budget travellers and those passing through quickly. You find a good number of one and two star alberghi within a short distance of the station, as well as several small hotels on the surrounding streets.
Note that this area is cheaper but not as safe, especially for women travellers at night.
3. The edge of town and beyond
If you want something cheap, you will have to stay outside the historic centre. Campsites are found round the edge of town, and large chain hotels are usually quite a distance from the centre. This suits travellers with a car, campers and those prioritising low costs over proximity. Expect to rely on buses or driving to reach the sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: one and two star alberghi, particularly within a short distance of the train station; hostels, including dorm beds and private rooms; convents offering very low prices to young women, usually in historic locations, though with early curfews; campsites round the edge of town.
- Mid-range: three star hotels, often simple and central or on the edge of the centro storico; bed and breakfasts, some with just one or a few rooms; small independent hotels with private bathrooms.
- Splurge: four star hotels in central locations; business-oriented hotels, which sometimes offer special reduced rates during weekends or slow weeks; boutique bed and breakfasts in historic nineteenth-century buildings.
Best area for a first visit
The historic centre is the best base for a first visit, because the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Palazzo Pitti and the Ponte Vecchio are all within the area and reachable on foot. Staying here means you spend your time among the city's art and architecture rather than travelling to it. Expect to pay more than you would near the station or outside the centre.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to stay outside the historic centre?
Yes. The golden rule in Florence is that if you want something cheap you will have to stay outside the historic centre. The area around the train station is cheaper than the centre, and campsites and chain hotels sit further out still.
Is the area around the train station a good base?
It is convenient and cheaper than the centre, with many one and two star alberghi nearby and a tourist information office in the station that offers hotel reservations. It is not as safe, especially for women travellers at night.
Can I book a vacation rental apartment with a keybox in the centre?
Keyboxes on building exteriors for vacation rental apartments are banned in the UNESCO centre. Confirm check-in arrangements with your host, as self-check-in may be restricted.
When might I find reduced rates at business-oriented hotels?
Certain hotels, particularly those oriented toward business travellers, offer special reduced rates during the weekend or during slow weeks. It can also be worth reserving online, as substantial discounts are sometimes available that way.
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