Where to Stay in Florence: Top Neighbourhoods

Florence may be compact, but every corner of this Renaissance jewel has its own personality. Choosing the right place to stay can elevate your trip — whether you want luxury views of the Duomo, artisan vibes across the river, or a quiet retreat near historic palaces.

Here’s our Travey Club guide to the best areas in Florence, paired with a top hotel recommendation in each.

Historic Centre — Heart of Florence

Best For: First-time visitors, walkers, classic sightseeing
The beating heart of Florence, the Historic Centre is where you’ll find the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and lively piazzas all within easy reach. Staying here means you’ll walk everywhere — and often without needing public transport at all.

Hotel Recommendation:  Hotel L’Orologio

A boutique hotel inspired by the world of watch-making, Hotel L’Orologio combines elegant design with unbeatable views just steps from Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Comfortable rooms, excellent service, and a curated breakfast make this a top choice for travellers who want to be in the middle of it all.

Duomo District — Iconic Views & Central Access

Best For: Landmark lovers, culture seekers
If waking up to views of Florence’s red rooftops and magnificent cathedral tops your list, the Duomo district is for you. It’s vibrant, historic, and perfect for museums, gorgeous churches, and evening strolls.

Hotel Recommendation: NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa

One of Florence’s oldest hotels with classic Italian charm and modern comforts. Its rooftop terrace offers stunning city views, and its central location means you’ll be steps from the Duomo, shopping streets, and excellent dining.

Santa Croce — Arts & Local Flavours

Best For: Foodies, history buffs, nightlife lovers
Santa Croce is lively by day and night, with atmospheric piazzas, artisan boutiques, and classic Florentine restaurants. It’s an excellent choice if you want a balance of sightseeing and authentic local life.

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Santa Croce

A stylish, design-forward hotel with warm interiors and a friendly atmosphere. It’s just off Piazza Santa Croce, making it perfect for wandering old streets and sampling Florentine cuisine on foot.

Oltrarno — Artisan Vibes & Sunset Views

Best For: Culture lovers, couples, slow travel
Cross the Arno for Oltrarno — it’s Florence’s creative soul. Think artisan workshops, cozy wine bars, and picturesque piazzas. It’s perfect if you want a more local, relaxed stay with easy access to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunsets.

Hotel Recommendation: Lungarno Collection – Hotel Lungarno

Elegant, art-rich rooms and rare views of the Arno River make this a standout choice. Part of the prestigious Lungarno family, it blends Florentine sophistication with riverside charm.

Near Santa Maria Novella — Transport & Convenience

Best For: Train travellers, airport shuttles, easy logistics
This area surrounds Florence’s main train station (Santa Maria Novella). It’s practical without feeling generic, with great transport links and plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Hotel Recommendation: Grand Hotel Minerva  

A landmark hotel with a rooftop pool and terrace overlooking the city’s skyline. Its mix of style, convenience, and modern comforts makes it ideal for travellers planning day trips or arriving by train.

San Lorenzo — Markets & Local Life

Best For: Market explorers, budget travellers, food lovers
San Lorenzo offers a mix of historic sights and one of Florence’s busiest markets — perfect for travellers who love food halls, shopping, and lively streets.

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Globus

A well-located mid-range option just steps from the San Lorenzo Market. It’s comfortable and modern, with easy access to street food, local markets, and classic Tuscan restaurants.

Santo Spirito — Bohemian & Quiet Nights

Best For: Couples, design lovers, quiet evenings
Santo Spirito is a charming, slightly quieter version of Oltrarno. Think leafy squares, classic cafés, and easy access to artisan shops — ideal for a relaxed Florence experience.

Hotel Recommendation: Portrait Firenze

One of the most stylish hotels in the city, Portrait Firenze offers spacious suites with sweeping river and Ponte Vecchio views. Its personalized service and refined interiors make it perfect for a romantic stay.

Travey Club Tips for Choosing Where to Stay

• Walkability: Florence is compact — most central areas are walkable, so prioritize sights you want close by.
• Noise Levels: Streets near major piazzas can be lively at night. If you’re a light sleeper, choose a quieter street or courtyard room.
• Transport: If you’re doing day trips (Chianti, Siena, Pisa), staying near Santa Maria Novella makes logistics easier.
• Local Vibe: For a more authentic experience, Oltrarno and Santo Spirito offer quieter, artsy surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Florence’s charm lies as much in its streets as in its museums — and where you stay shapes the way you experience this incredible city. From classic Renaissance streets to riverfront elegance, there’s a perfect Florentine base for every type of traveller.

At Travey Club, we always say:
Choose your stay as thoughtfully as your itinerary — it’s part of the journey.

Travey Club specializes in creating custom travel plans tailored to individual interests, travel styles, and schedules. From curated itineraries to detailed logistics, our team helps travelers navigate destinations with confidence and ease. For a fully bespoke experience, contact us or become a Travey Club member and allow us to design a personalized journey based on your preferences. The itinerary below highlights key activities, while our custom planning ensures every detail is thoughtfully arranged to suit you.

Look at our three days Florence Itinerary : Travey Club