Where to Stay in Florence Italy? A Quick Planning Guide To Get You Started

If you’re visiting Florence for the first time, I’d say Centro Storico (aka District 1) is where you’ll wanna to stay. But Centro Storico technically covers a huge area, so it’s more of “where” in Centro Storico?

I like to use Piazza Duomo as the marker. An easy rule of thumb is the closer you’re to it, the more touristy and convenient it is to many major attractions. Some people are actually referring to San Giovanni (the area between Arno river and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) when they say Centro Storico. 

But here are the districts to look into if you consider the actual big zone and want to explore the best areas to stay in Florence.

Planning A Trip To Florence

Be sure to read til the end to see all our guides to help you plan your trip in Florence. We collated the popular food tours, best day trips and even a 3-day itinerary that you should check out.

San Giovanni

This is the heart of Florence. You step outside and you’re in it. The Duomo’s right there, same with the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, and a bunch of other big-name spots. The streets are full of gelato, little shops, old buildings, and more museums than you’ll know what to do with.

Everything’s walkable. You won’t need buses or trains. You can just wander, get a little lost, and end up somewhere cool. It’s also nice if you don’t wanna think too hard about planning. The big stuff is just outside your door.

But just know, it does get crowded, especially in summer. Streets here are tight with tour groups everywhere. It’s loud sometimes, especially if your hotel’s near a main square. Also, it is cheap. And yeah, some buildings don’t have elevators, so don’t bring a giant suitcase unless you’re sure you can carry it up stairs.

Hotels here cost more than other areas. Helvetia & Bristol is that classic elegant luxury with old-world elegance. For a solid mid-range pick, Hotel Perseo is clean, central, and blessedly air-conditioned. But if you wanna go something wallet-friendly, Maxim Axial gives you easy access to the sights without breaking the bank.

Who It’s For

I’d suggest San Giovanni if it’s your first time in Florence or if you wanna be right in the middle of everything. Easy to get around, so no extensive planning needed. Although I don’t think it’s ideal if you’re after peace and quiet or traveling on a tight budget. But if you’re here for the big sights and don’t mind the crowds, this area makes things easy.

Santa Croce

If you’re figuring out where to stay in Florence and want a blend of history, good food, and lively nights, Santa Croce is a solid bet. The big landmark here is the Basilica di Santa Croce, where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. The streets feel a bit less touristy than the main center, but you’re still super close to all the big sights

If you’re here to eat, you’ll like it. Lots of trattorias, wine bars, and street food. Some spots are fancy, some chill. You can try Tuscan classics or newer stuff.  I’d say it’s worth carving out time for the Sant’Ambrogio Market that’s also nearby if you wanna grab fresh stuff or just wander and snack.

At night, it gets busy. The bars and pubs fill up, especially around Via dei Benci. Some places stay loud till late, so don’t book a room right on that street if you’re tryna sleep early. But if you’re into a buzzy atmosphere, you’ll probably love it.

For a wallet-friendly stay in this area of Florence, Hotel Santa Croce puts you steps from the basilica. Hotel Orcagna is a solid midrange pick. And if you wanna splurge a bit, Residenza Marchesi Pontenani costs more but makes up for it with gorgeous rooftop views and a prime location.

Who It’s For

Santa Croce works well if you want a taste of local life without giving up easy access to the major attractions. I suggest it for food lovers, couples, and anyone who enjoys an active nightlife scene, just keep in mind it’s not the quietest corner of Florence.

Santa Maria Novella

This area’s right by the main train station, so it’s super handy if you’re coming in by rail or planning day trips. You can walk to the Duomo, the river, or fancy shopping streets in like 10–15 minutes. It’s a mix of busy and quiet, depending where you stay.

The district is quite wide but the closer you are to the station, the more it feels like a transport hub. But walk a few blocks toward the river and it gets more local and chill. There’s a good balance between convenience and comfort.

Near the station, you’ll find more grab-and-go food and casual spots. Keep walking and you’ll hit the fancier restaurants and boutiques. There’s a little bit of everything here, which makes it easy.

There are tons of options for accommodations here. If you want something a little fancy, Hotel Santa Maria Novella has that boutique charm plus a spa, and it’s only a short walk from the cathedral. C-Hotels Joy is sleek and modern and right by the station, so it’s super handy if you’re coming and going by train. And The Market Urban Hotel has artsy, comfy within an easy walk to the city’s main sights.

Who It’s For

I’d say Santa Maria Novella works well if you’re hopping on trains a lot or just want a central base without being smack in the middle of the busiest streets. It’s great for families, solo travelers, and anyone looking for good value. If peace and quiet’s a priority, avoid staying right next to the station. Head a few blocks out and you’ll get a calmer vibe.

San Marco

If you’re thinking about where to stay in Florence and want to stay close to the historic center without all the noise, San Marco is a really solid option. San Marco’s just north of the Duomo, but way less busy. It’s more local, more chill, and usually cheaper. You can still walk to all the main sights, just without dodging tour groups every five seconds.

It’s got a student feel thanks to the university, but there’s plenty of art mixed in too. The Accademia Gallery’s here (yep, that’s where you find Michelangelo’s David). The main square tends to be filled with people sketching, grabbing coffee, or heading to work.  It feels more like real-life Florence instead of a sightseeing bubble.

There’s a good amount of local restaurants, less tourist traps. You’ll find small grocery shops, bakeries, cheap bars, and family-run trattorias. It’s not flashy, but it’s got the kind of casual local food that’s hard to beat.

For good value, Room Mate Luca has a fun design and a comfy feel, while IQ Hotel Firenze is modern and clean. Il Guelfo Bianco has more of a classic vibe but still pretty affordable.But ig you wanna stay a little fancier, Hotel Orto de’ Medici has these historic vibes, plus a 16th-century internal garden and a terrace that looks out over Florence.

Who It’s For

San Marco’s a good fit if you’re on a budget, into art, or just want a more laid-back base. I’d say it works especially well for longer stays or for anyone who wants a quieter vibe without being far from the main attractions.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is full of energy, food, and market chaos in a fun way, and a good choice if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Florence and want someplace lively. It’s where you go if you wanna be around markets, food, and shopping. The big draw here is the Central Market, and yeah, it smells of food in the best possible way.

The market’s got it all: sandwiches, wine, fresh pasta, and sweets. Upstairs is like a food court where you’ve lotsa option. Around it, you’ll find leather stalls, clothes, souvenirs, all kinds of stuff. Some things are legit, some… less so, so I wouldn’t go shopping for branded items here, but it’s still great for bargains and random finds. Just be ready to haggle a little.

The place is chaotic, but kinda fun. You’ll see a good mix of locals and tourists going about their day. The Medici Chapels are right here too, so you get some culture with your shopping.

If you’re looking for a budget or mid-range option, Solo Experience Hotel gives you big rooms inside a 17th-century building and it’s only a short walk from the Cathedral. The Artists’ Palace Florence has stylish rooms right by the basilica. And if you just want something cheap and super central, Hotel Lorena keeps things simple and puts you right near the market and main sights. There’s also lots of B&Bs around, so there’s plenty of options for you.

Who It’s For

I’d say San Lorenzo works well if you’re into food, don’t mind a little market chaos, and want to stay close to the train station. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of energy and great for people who like being right in the middle of things.

Oltrarno

Cross the river and it feels like a different Florence. Oltrarno’s got that lived-in, local vibe. Way less touristy. It’s quieter, chill, and full of artists doing real stuff like leatherwork, gold, wood carving. The streets are older, slower, and way more relaxed than the busy side near the Duomo.

These are 3 districts within Oltrarno worth checking out.

Santo Spirito (Oltrarno)

Santo Spirito is a great corner of the Oltrarno to look at for those  still figuring out where to stay in Florence and want somewhere laid-back but full of life. The main square is where stuff happens. People hang out, grab drinks, eat, chill. You will find many family-run trattorias, little wine bars, solid aperitivo spots in Santo Spirito. Mornings usually start with a market, and then the whole area shifts into a busy, local nightlife hub after dark.

There’s still a proper artisan vibe here too. You’ll see locals repairing furniture, crafting shoes, and running old-school studios. The church looks plain, but inside are lots of treasures. The streets are a little messy and rough around the edges in the best possible way, and prices are generally fair compared to the more touristy parts of the city. 

If you want something stylish, Hotel La Scaletta al Ponte Vecchio puts you in a 15th-century building right on the river and comes with a rooftop terrace overlooking Florence. SPIRIT OF FLORENCE Boutique Rooms keeps things modern and comfortable, just a quick walk from Pitti Palace and the Uffizi. Palazzo Ridolfi – Residenza d’Epoca has soundproofed rooms and an elegant, historic feel, plus extra perks like beauty treatments and super attentive staff. And if you’d rather have your own space, there are tons of Airbnbs scattered around the neighborhood.

Who It’s For

I’d recommend Santo Spirito is a great pick if you’re into art, food, and that gritty-but-cool kind of energy. It works well for younger travelers, couples, or anyone who wants something more local and less touristy. It’s not ideal if you’re after peace, quiet, or high-end luxury—but it definitely has soul.

San Frediano (Oltrarno)

San Frediano is in the west part of Oltrarno, kinda tucked away, but super local and not touristy at all. This is where people actually live and work.  The pace is slow, the vibe is real, and you’ll walk past old-school shops, workshops, and locals going about their day without any rush. It feels like pure Italian daily life. I’d recommend it as a place to stay in Florence if you want something slow.

What’s fun is you’ll pass carpenters, little food markets, and tiny bakeries with folks grabbing their morning coffee. Food’s simple and good, usually old family-run spots, nothing fancy. Just solid Tuscan stuff that tastes homemade. The bars are low-key but friendly. You won’t see a ton of tourists, more of locals hanging out with a glass of wine.

If you’re staying in the area, La Torre del Cestello has a charming, character-filled feel that matches the neighborhood. B&B Stupido Hotel has spacious, straightforward rooms with everything you need and a super handy location near the center. Horto Convento has a peaceful garden and an on-site bar, all within walking distance of the main sights. There are also plenty of cozy B&Bs in old buildings and a bunch of apartment rentals if you want to feel like you actually live here.

Who It’s For

I think San Frediano is ideal for second time visitors or travelers who want a real, local experience like foodies, long-stay visitors, or anyone who appreciates slow living and neighborhood vibes. Probably not the best if you’re looking for nightlife or luxury, but great if you want authenticity and a quiet base on the edge of the city center.

San Niccolò (Oltrarno)

Should you want an area to stay in Florence that feels more like a little village than a city, San Niccolò might be the one.  San Niccolò feels like a little village inside Florence. It’s quiet, local, and right under Piazzale Michelangelo. Super chill. You’ll see locals sipping wine outside, artists setting up for the day, and couples walking hand in hand. It’s slower here, but in a good way. 

It’s also one of the best areas to stay in Florence if you like being close to green spaces and stunning views. You’re surrounded by art studios and can walk up the hill in the morning or at sunset for that golden light spilling over the rooftops in like a total “this is why I came to Florence” moment.

For places to stay, you’ll find tiny boutique hotels tucked into old historic buildings, charming B&Bs with leafy gardens, and cozy apartments that honestly feel like someone’s grandma used to live there in the best, most comforting way.

Who It’s For

I’d recommend this as perfect for couples, photographers, or anyone who wants the quiet side of Florence without being too far out. You’ll walk more, but the calm and the views make it worth it.

Wrapping Up: How to Pick the Right Florence Neighborhood

At this point you’ve got a good feel for where to stay in Florence: the historic buzz of San Giovanni, the food and nightlife around Santa Croce, the transport-friendly base of Santa Maria Novella, and the quieter, more local corners of San Marco and the Oltrarno districts. The best way to decide is to think about how you want to experience your mornings and evenings. Either way, I’d plan a loose 3-day itinerary so you hit the highlights and still leave room to get pleasantly lost in the side streets.

To really round it out, I’d suggest adding a food tour (best way to dive into the local food scene), plus one day trip from Florence so you get a taste of Tuscany’s countryside. Those small add-ons make a huge difference and give your trip a nice rhythm. 

• Best Food Tours in Florence
• The Best 3 Days Florence Itinerary
• Best Day Trips from Florence

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