The city centre is also a great shopping destination. Best area in Florence for families and budget-friendly accommodations. It houses the citys main train station, the Stazione di Santa Maria Novella, making the area well-connected to other parts of Florence. Im Italian and have visited Florence a number of times, every time staying in a different place. Just about every hotel is on Booking, so our recommendations are not incentivized. I truly believe that a little extra room and fresh air goes a long when traveling with the children. Daily life buzzes around its fresh food market in Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti. Mid-range () Florence Charming Apartments Via Macci, 59. This article will answer all your questions! Unless Milan is a big priority for you I'd take a night or 2 from there and add to Florence and Venice. This is a cool hotel if youre into those clean European lines. Here are our picks for the best hotels in Florence. Consequently, there are a lot of hotels in Florence, covering the whole spectrum of prices: . Clearly, this would be impossible for a single traveller. Piazzale Michelangelo/San Niccol. Close to the heart of the touristy areas of Florence (Duomo, Mercato Centrale, Ponte Vecchio) it deserves its 100 rating for walkability. | 3 Star | Rooftop Restaurant | Pitti Palace. This is a beautiful place to stay for those wishing to be near Florence's best attractions and sights. Dating back to the 1200s, this important Italian Renaissance church is a major symbol of the city. Oltrarno. Oltrarno - offbeat and lively neighborhood across the Arno river, come here for the nightlife, also best place to shop for vintage and antique gems. There are great restaurants in Santo Spirito and access to Florences famed Piazzale Michelangelo for great views. As you can see, this neighborhood is the heart of Florence, and whether youre staying here or not, you will definitely be roaming the streets around the Duomo and city center. Florence is home to roughly 708,000 people in the city and greater metropolitan area. . 5, each house a Michelin-starred restaurant. A great modest choice. OLTRARNO - Where To Stay In Florence With Family. From the summits of its chain of hills squeezed against the Arno, there are the best views in town. Most people visiting Florence will probably arrive via the centrally-located Santa Maria Novella Station, offering connections of less than 90 minutes to Rome and less than two hours from Milan. Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. You can look Michelangelos David squarely in the eye at the Accademia, and marvel at the finest collection of frescoes by the early Renaissance master Fra Angelico at the Museum of San Marco. Best for: art lovers, shoppers with style, return visitors wanting to try a new area of Florence. 4. Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey! Light reflections at Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Where available, I have indicated which of these hotel choices offer single rooms. 3. If you choose to stay in this part of Florences historical center, youll be within walking distance of many of the main attractions. Theres also the Baroque church of Sant Ambrogio which contains fine frescoes by Orcagna and Baldovinetti. Theres plenty more to see around Santa Maria Novella, too: Anyone arriving to or departing from Florence by train will pass through Santa Maria Novella, and there is certainly enough to see here to warrant the short stroll from the historic center. If you are visiting Florence for the first time, stay in its historic core, close to the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Florence? Santa Croce - Coolest Place to Stay in Florence. One of my favourite Italian quotes describes Florence as coloured with a mild violet, like diluted wine, and I think Santa Croce greatly reflects that. Many vendors offer homemade pasta and ready-to-boil gnocchi take some of that back to your vacation rental, and youll never buy boxed spaghetti again. The first time I visited Florence, I stayed at the YHA Hostel of Florence Villa Camerata near Fiesole. As always in Italian cities, it's the center of the action as well as the most touristy and expensive place to stay. What are the best areas to stay in Florence, Italy? Weve done our best to describe each neighborhood so you can choose the one that matches your travel style. Not, as its name might suggest, a hotel for solo travellers in Florence. Duomo - Where to Stay in Florence for your First Visit. Where to stay in Florence | Best areas and hotels Florence city center. Sunset at the Giardino delle Rose in Florence. This covered market offers the freshest Italian ingredients and snacks. If you want to stay at the Four Seasons or St. Regis, it can certainly be very expensive! Here are a few of the top attractions you wont want to miss here: The area around the Duomo is certainly the best neighborhood for many types of travelers, though hotels can be a bit expensive here. Book tours, activities, and attractions with The Tour Guy, Sean Finelli Last Updated: February 21, 2023. Historic Florence has long been an all-time favorite for travelers to Italy. The Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels, Areas, Neighborhoods, & Places to Stay in Florence, Italy. This small 3-star property offers air-conditioned rooms, including a single room for solo travellers. . These districts are very popular with tourist that offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities. Besides full restaurants, Santo Spirito has plenty of cafes and gelaterias for relaxing in between sightseeing as well. 2. Florence for Local Flavor. West of the Duomo is Florence's Santa Maria Novella neighbourhood, home to its main train station. Sometimes you cannot beat staying in an apartment, both in terms of independence and value for money. Hotel Lungarno, No. Located just 50 yards from SantAmbrogio Market, these split-level apartments accommodate a maximum of four adults. Book your stay at La Maison du Sage here! All these reasons are why Santo Spirito and the nearby Oltarno is our top neighborhood choice when visiting Florence. San Spirito/San Frediano - Where to Stay in Florence for Nightlife. Similarly to choosing a place to stay in Rome, Milan, Venice or Cinque Terre, it can greatly affect your trip. One of the biggest and busiest cities in Tuscany, Florence boasts some of the best Italian museums for Medieval and Renaissance Art. The colorful houses are breathtaking up against the blue waters. Apartment 10 Meters from the Medici Chapels, Best Tours in Italy: Food, Walking & Bike Tours, Best Wine Regions in Italy Indulge in Vineyards and More, Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic: 12 Best Areas & Neighborhoods, 25 Fun & Best Things to Do in Naples, Italy, 20 Fun & Best Things to Do in Arenal, Costa Rica, 16 Best Digital Nomad Destinations in the World, Dom Prignon Tour: History & Experience of the Champagne House. Some of the best hotels in Florence, Italy, can be found along the river that so beautifully divides the city. Borgo San Lorenzo. Dont miss out, book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze here! But even if you dont intend to party your nights away in Florence, Santa Croce is a lovely place to stay and explore. Facing parkland on one side and a historic square on the other side, this 5-star hotel offers high-quality rooms in peaceful yet central surroundings. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant where you can dine on authentic, yet creative Italian cuisine. Arezzo is the hidden secret. Budget: The Hotel Lorena in the San Lorenzo district is close to the city centre. The most popular is probably the Bardini Villa, Museum, & Gardens, which once belonged to a famous art dealer who collected all kinds of items from Florences history. FLORENCE, ITALY - SEPT 26: Busy street life in center of the ancient Tuscany . Florence has some exceptionally beautiful hotels, some of which are in former palazzi. There are some great hotels and rentals in Santo Spirito as well, such as: To the east of Santo Spirito is the smaller and quieter neighborhood of San Niccol. Golden hour over the River Arno in Florence, Italy. This is where I can help. If youre renting a car and driving here, be warned Italys infamous ZTL local traffic-only zones basically encompass all of central Florence. Read the full disclosure here. For any type of traveler, but especially first-time visitors, one of the best places to stay in Florence, Italy, is definitely the historic city center around the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore. A mixture of artistic styles and feelings make for the perfect happy hour. One of the coolest things about the hotels is the classic furniture and design in each room. It is the center of everything in Florence, Walking distance from all of Florences attractions, Close proximity to other neighborhoods so you can see them all, The Baptistery of St. John (Bronze Doors). Theres even handmade soap made from the villas own olive oil in your bathroom. San Frediano: Best Area for Long Stays. Staying along the Arno could mean staying in one of a number of neighborhoods like the historic center, Porta al Prato, Santa Croce, or others on the south bank. Have you been to Florence before? Piazza della Signoria or Duomo - Best area to stay in Florence for first-time visitors. Set in a historic building close to Palazzo Pitti, this well-reviewed bed & breakfast offers cosy double and twin rooms and a one-bedroom apartment. Admissions included. Theres also a terrace on which to sip your Chianti in the evening. | 5 Star | Small Luxury Hotel | Family Friendly. Along with the bright and spacious rooms, this is a great option for an affordable hotel in Florences city centre. The south bank of the river is packed with great restaurants and bars while venturing a bit out of the center can yield lower nightly rates. The Florence Cathedral, aka il Duomo, is without argument the center of Florence. Florence for Foodies. 6. Its reportedly quiet, considering its location, and provides first-class service. Our Partnership with Booking.com. 3. Be sure to take some time to appreciate this massive palace and its massive gardens, along with the other things to do in San Lorenzo: As usual, this is another great neighborhood to visit, no matter where youre staying, so dont hesitate to cross one of the bridges! Read up on the best areas to stay in Florence. Its just a case of picking the one thats right for you. A little bit of common sense goes a long way. Dont underestimate the popularity of Florence. You can enjoy splendid views from the hotels terrace, or relax with a cocktail in the on-site bar. The location, close to Pitti Palace, Basilica di Santo Spirito and Ponte Vecchio is hard to beat. Climb the Tower of Palazzo Vecchio. Neighborhoods in Florence. What is the best month to visit Florence Italy? The Santa Maria Novella neighbourhood stretches along the bank of the Arno River and is quite a varied area. Check out where I would recommend below. In case it is, these are some of the best luxury hotels in the area: The small neighborhood of San Marco is centered around the University of Florence and is found just north of the Duomo and historic center. There's often live music, too. Book well ahead if you are arriving in the peak summer season or if your visit coincides with one of the citys major holidays or festivals (there are quite a few of them). Some of Florences neighbourhoods overlap slightly, but here is a basic breakdown of what to expect in each area. One of the disadvantages of travelling alone is that solo travellers pay more for their accommodation. Each neighbourhood has its own vibe and price tag. Theres also the other main marketplace of the city, Mercato di SantAmbrogio, in the northern part of the neighborhood. Heading north from the Duomo youll find two lively adjoining neighbourhoods: San Marco to the east and San Lorenzo to the west. Splurge () Casa Howard Firenze Residenza dEpoca. Being within a very short walking distance of both Florences main train station and all the main sights of the historic center, plus hosting plenty of dining and accommodation options, wed call San Lorenzo a great place to stay for families. The features of the town are strict structures, for example, the Abbey of St. Lawrence, the Parish of St. Cresci in Valcava and the Oratory of the Madonna of the Three Rivers. Recommended hotels in Oltrano. It has beautifully paved wide streets that give it a cleaner and more relaxing feel. This nearby town to Florence is certainly worth visiting for lovers of oil and wine. 4. But to save even more money, you could instead look for a neighborhood set a bit back from the typical tourist sites like Novoli. It houses an excellent Italian restaurant that will make you want to extend your stay. The hotel is close to many prominent museums and the Galleria dellAccademia. Behind the Pitti Palace are the Boboli Gardens, dating just as far back and belonging to the Medici family. Residence Fiesole. Golden Tower Hotel & Spa (from USD 244) Show all photos. The pathways among simple gardens and an obelisk statue make for a great photo with the basilica in the background. Budget: Hotel Palazzuolo offers simply furnished and very affordable family rooms. In between counting all the cash youll be saving by staying in Novoli, be sure to check out some of the spots that locals like to escape to. Youll be within walking distance of almost everything Florence has to offer. Occupying one side of the massive Piazza Santa Croce, this 14th Century Franciscan church houses the tombs of the great and the good of Florence, including Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini. SANTA CROCE - Where To Stay In Firenze For Nightlife. If youve ever dreamt of having a Room with a View my favourite of the many movies set in Italy then book a room at this 5-star hotel on the south side of the Arno River. Use Skyscanner to find flight deals. We want to make planning as easy as possible so weve added why we love each area and the top attractions too! Not to mention the top architecture. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested. Santa Croce is a wonderful place to experience Florences local vibe. Close proximity to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch sunsets. 1. I really like Plaza Hotel Lucchesi for many reasons. Santa Maria Novella is a large neighborhood along the Arno River. Many influential artists and historical figures once called this captivating city home, including the famous Medici family. Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore): Best Area for First-Timers/Tourists, 2. There isnt a huge range of hotels here, but there are a number of vacation rentals, which should also match the preferences of a seasoned traveler. + | Rooms and Suites | Family Friendly | Traveler Favorite. Luxury: The Westin Excelsior is an impressive luxury hotel in Florence that sits right on the bank of the Arno River. Florence's Best Areas and Hotels. 1. This family-run 3-star hotel is located on the first floor of a stately sixteenth-century palazzo. But which are the best areas of Florence in which to stay? As mentioned, the citys main train station is called Firenze Santa Maria Novella and can be found in the neighborhood of the same name. Theres also the very popular Piazzale Michelangelo, a viewpoint on a hill thats known for its panorama of the city thats especially beautiful at sunset. Santa Croce Best Place To Stay In Florence For Dining And Nightlife. To summarize, dont miss these attractions in Santa Croce: Santa Croce is another neighborhood that belongs on a Florence itinerary, no matter where you stay. Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Where you stay in Florence is likely to be determined by the personality of the area and your budget. If you like our content, please book by clicking on our Booking.com links. The basilica was the parish church and is the burial place of most members of the Medici family. You could easily fill two whole weeks with art viewing. San Niccol: Best Area for Seasoned Travelers, 10. One of the best villages in Tuscany to stay in whilst you're visiting the region is Monteriggioni. Find Cheap Flights Its a luxury apartment set within the historic surroundings of a 13th-century palace. View neighborhood map. Best hostels to stay/best . The area is quiet but also central enough for easy trips to Florences main attractions. You can see it relatively quickly, including its famous leaning tower, and be back in Florence for dinner along the River Arno. You might as well pick a place that has those Tuscan vibes everyone loveswith a bonus of a restaurant using ingredients from a local farm. 3. Copyright 2023 The Tour Guy. quiet location. Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri. | 4 Star Hotel | Elegant Design | Uffizi. This is ground zero of the Renaissance and home to the citys main attractions. Splurge () Hotel Lungarno Lungarno Collection. You have to imagine that the hotel was opened by the owners of one of the worlds greatest fashion houses which says a lot about its decor and design. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Florence had more than 11 million overnight stays, which means the city is always crowded with tourists. Nestled between Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo area, the compact neighborhood of San Lorenzo is a lovely part of Florence to stay in for many types of travelers. The best months to visit Florence are right after Easter until early June, September, and October. Budget: Foresteria Valdese is a peaceful guest house with its own garden. Duomo. Florences historic core is also tourist-central with plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation. Copyright 2023 Bridget Coleman. Borders the main touristic areas but has a less-crowded feel. Its a centrally located guest house set in a 16th-century building. Santa Maria Novella - Best neighborhood to stay in Florence for family travelers. Accommodation is less expensive than that closer to the cathedral and Piazza della Signoria. Check out prices and availability at Hotel Orto de Medici here! Best for families: Santo Spirito with parks, quiet streets and some local flavour. In 2017 I left my life as a management consultant and started chasing waterfalls, sunsets and views around the world. There are a few nice sights in San Frediano itself, like two more of Florences wonderful bridges, some large portions of the remains of Florences city walls, and the Capella Brancacci and its lovely frescoes. 2016 - Greta's Travels. But, as always, places where tourists frequent always have their fair share of pickpockets and scams; San Marco is full of great things for tourists but lacks a high level of crime. Santa Croce is a fantastic Florence location to be in when the city comes alive at night. It will take you around ten minutes to walk from here to the cathedral. Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is close by as is Chiesa di Ognissanti, the final resting place of Botticelli. However, if your budget is more important than a central location, you can save a ton of money by taking the tram and staying at a place like these: See Related: The Ultimate Backpacking Through Europe Itinerary. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Palazzuolo! Hotel Degli Orafi is in a great location within walking distance of Ponte Vecchio. The 11 Best Restaurants in Florence Italy in 2023, Top Things To See at the Accademia Gallery in Florence in, Best PRIVATE Tours To Take in FLORENCE in 2023 and WHY, 12 Great Places to Eat Near the Florence Cathedral in 2023, The 11 Best Foods and Dishes To Try in Florence in 2023, top restaurant choices near the Florence Cathedral, Excellent food scene including some of the. The promenade along the River Arno, crossed by the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, is just minutes further. Especially if you visit Italy in winter, youll want to get cosy and tuck into a warm restaurant and meal! Budget: You cant beat Hotel Costantini for location, as it is just a few metres away from the iconic Duomo. If youre looking for areas in Florence to experience the city without spending too much, San Marco and San Lorenzo are both ideal choices. I hope you find this Florence accommodation guide useful in planning your trip! Uffizi - a more expensive, high-class area with elegant shopping streets, fashionable cafes and hotels. Its a pretty great price, great location, and awesome amenities. Florence is one of the best Italian cities to get around. Arezzo - great for the local vibe of Tuscany. 50123 Florence, Italy. Where Should a Solo Traveller Stay in Florence? Santa Croce - where to stay in Florence for nightlife. And if youre wondering if any events are happening while youre staying in Florence, just head to Piazza Santa Croce which is the most happening square for activities. Cloister at the Church of Santa Maria Novella. There are a number of historical things to see and local favorites within Santa Croce, too. Santa Maria Novella: Best Area for Access to Nearby Destinations, 3. + | 5 Star | Elegant Luxury | Dining and Spa | Rooftop Terrace. READ THIS NEXT: 10 Factors You Cannot Ignore When Choosing a Hotel. However, the real heartbeat of the area is in the cafs and bars that line the plaza. Close by is the Bargello Museum, whose collection includes some of the finest sculptures ever created. If you decide to find your accommodation in this neighborhood, though, we recommend these places to stay: See Related: Italy vs France: Which is Better to Visit? Location, photos, and booking. Best Places to Stay in Florence at a Glance, Santa Maria Novella Accommodation Options, San Marco & San Lorenzo Accommodation Options. Remain vigilant, keep your belongings close to you and use your hotel safe to store valuables. . As a thank you, youll also receive a FREE solo travel toolkit, packed with valuable resources. 12. The numerous boutique art galleries, the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, and the authentic Florentine restaurants along its promenades have made the riverfront home to some of the top luxury properties in town. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Bernini Palace! The family-run accommodation offers comfortable rooms and a shared lounge, and they even have historical affrescos on the ceilings! First time in Florence and Sightseeing. In the foothills of Fiesole, you'll find one of the best 5-star hotels in Florence, Italy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! City Style - Situated in the heart of Florence this stylish hotel provides the perfect base in a stylish city. 14. Santa Maria Novella . What appears to be a relatively small cathedral is actually a massive complex of chapels, gardens, and frescos, and its amazing to explore. 15 STUNNING Airbnbs in Florence [2023 Edition] The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a living monument to one of the most glorious times in European history. I recommend places like Piazza della Liberta, Borgo Albizzi, Santo Spirito or San Frediano: the last two are very characteristic.If you want to tips on Florence: restaurants, clubs, museums, places to visit,help you with languages issues, etc . Plus youre close to the train station but its still a quiet area. Whats not to love?? The rooms are spacious and you have a rooftop terrace for those perfect Florentine evenings. We love the Brunelleschi Hotel and so do many of our tour customers who stay there. Drinks from the minibar in each room are complimentary . Florence Historic Center, Florence. This quiet area separated from the tourist centre of Florence is home to many artisans shops and a variety of eateries. This area is home to Florences most famous flea market, where you can buy all types of rubbish that you never thought you needed, and the citys oldest Jewish Synagogue, Tempio Maggiore of Florence. 5. Watching the skyline of Florence light up from Piazzale Michelangelo. Your money is well spent if you choose to stay at the Helvetia and Bristol Firenze luxury hotel. The spacious bedrooms have wooden floors and some boast ceiling murals. The city of Florence is about 790 km east of Barcelona, Spain; 890 km south of Paris, France; and 1225 km northwest of Athens, Greece. Mid-range: Palazzo Riblet is where I stayed with my mum during our Florence getaway. It is also a ripe hunting ground for family-run restaurants. In this blog I share all my favourite travel stories and tips, to help you make the most out of your own trips! Set in an exclusive area, close to Palazzo Strozzi, Uffizi Gallery, and Via d Tornabuoni, Golden Tower Hotel & Spa is one of the most luxurious and convenient boutique hotels in Florence. Here you'll find the most popular tourist sites, including Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell'Accademia and Palazzo Vecchio. Galileo 2000 B&B is a nice and centrally located B&B near the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. San Marco & San Lorenzo are great areas to visit museums and churches while staying on a budget. The rooms are comfortable with modern decor. Piazza della Libert. Sant'Ambrogio. Best area to stay in Florence for first-timers and landmarks: Historical center. All rights reserved. How did you find it? Recommended neighbourhoods and hotels to stay in Florence. Hotel Torre Guelfa is one of those hotels that people love to come back to. Map of Florence Hotels. Hotels like Palazzo Castri 1874 are a mystery to me. Lets dive into the best areas to stay in Florence. The hotel sits very close to the SantAmbrogio market and is also within walking distance of the Santa Croce Plaza. The best areas to stay in Florence for first-timers are the neighborhoods of Duomo, Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo/ San Marco, Santa Croce, San Frediano/ Santo Spirito, San Niccol, Sant'Ambrogio, and Florence Hills. Gretas Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Florence is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and its easy to see why. Here you can visit the famous Galleria dellAccademia which houses the David statue by Michelangelo. My top pick: Palazzo Guicciardini. It has a great rooftop restaurant with excellent views of Florence. Many visitors like to simply admire it from the piazza outside, as it is an architectural beauty. A practice he follows! Dont you agree that, on ones first visit to Florence, one must have a room with a view? Click here to book your stay at Hotel Costantini! And it is from these hills that you get the finest panoramic views of Florence. Sant Ambrogio has a relatively calm atmosphere and accommodation to suit all budgets, making it a good area to stay in Florence with a family. Keenly priced single rooms are available and reviews are very good. Nicknames "La Rossa" (the Red One), Bologna is a city rich in history and culture. It once belonged to the Medici family and stored all their treasures, came under the control of Napoleon, and finally became Florences largest museum complex about 100 years ago. While you probably dont want to spend your long stay in a more distant budget area, you also wont want to pay city center prices. However, its proximity to the stunning Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio will make it worth your while. To the west is the Santa Spirito district, and high up on the hill to the east of the Palazzo Pitti is Piazzale Michelangelo. Browse around some of the neighbourhoods flea markets and authentic shops, or head to the nearby SantAmbrogio market for some delicious food. Hotel Pitti Palace is located just across the Ponte Vecchio from all the main attractions in Florence. These two neighborhoods sit to the east of the historic city center. That said, Florence can be busy at any time of year. Luckily, most of the major tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other here, leaving you just to decide which of the great hotels in this city is for you. . Sergii Figurnyi / Adobe Stock. With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we've found the best neighbourhoods and hotels in Florence for travellers. 4. As a bare minimum, spend two days in Florence to explore its most popular sights including the Duomo, Uffizi Galleries, the Accademia Gallery and the Bargello. But dont overthink it. The Arno river separates it from the main attractions which gives SS a more local feel. A tour of the wineries surrounding this area is a must, making sure to see Castello di Nipozzano that was built in the year 1000 as a defense . We've been living in Florence for 4 months now. Here are the neighbourhoods of Florence I recommend, based on how you roll travel-wise. Luxury: Hotel Bernini Palace is set in a 15th-century building in a central location. 2.3 Santa Croce: Best Area to Stay in Florence for Nightlife. Oltrarno / Santo Spirito area. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.
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