Pick your base camp
Where to stay in Florence
4 neighbourhoods compared, so you can choose the right base for your trip.
Photo: Raffaella Troiano / Pexels · Pexels License
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Stay near the Duomo to walk everywhere, near Santa Maria Novella for trains and value, in the Oltrarno for a local feel, or in Santa Croce for food.
| Area | Best for | Price level | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duomo & Signoria (historic centre) | First-timers | $$$$ | Walk; 10 min from Santa Maria Novella station |
| Santa Maria Novella & San Lorenzo | Value and short stays | $$$ | Firenze SMN station; tram T2 from the airport |
| Oltrarno | Couples and repeat visitors | $$$ | Walk across the Ponte Vecchio or Ponte Santa Trinita |
| Santa Croce | Food lovers | $$$ | Walk; 10 min to the Duomo |
1. Duomo & Signoria (historic centre)
Our pick for first-timersHistoric, busy, walkable · Best for first-timers · $$$$
Why stay here
- Walk to every major sight
- Beautiful in the evening
Watch out for
- Expensive and crowded
Getting around: Walk; 10 min from Santa Maria Novella station
Hotels to look at
- SplurgeHotel Brunelleschi: Built around a Byzantine tower between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
2. Santa Maria Novella & San Lorenzo
Practical, near the station and the market · Best for value and short stays · $$$
Why stay here
- Close to trains and the airport tram
- Lots of choice
Watch out for
- The streets around the station are less charming
Getting around: Firenze SMN station; tram T2 from the airport
Hotels to look at
- Mid-rangeHotel Santa Maria Novella: On the basilica square, five minutes from the station. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
- BudgetPlus Florence: Large hostel with private rooms, near the station. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
3. Oltrarno
Artisan, local, relaxed · Best for couples and repeat visitors · $$$
Why stay here
- Authentic restaurants and bars
- Near the Pitti Palace and Piazzale Michelangelo
Watch out for
- Piazza Santo Spirito can be noisy at night
Getting around: Walk across the Ponte Vecchio or Ponte Santa Trinita
Hotels to look at
- SplurgeHotel Lungarno: On the river by the Ponte Vecchio. Check live price (affiliate link, opens in new tab)
4. Santa Croce
Lively, foodie, east of the centre · Best for food lovers · $$$
Why stay here
- Great restaurants and the Sant’Ambrogio market
- Slightly cheaper
Watch out for
- Busy bars around the square at night
Getting around: Walk; 10 min to the Duomo
Hotels to look at
Hotel names are suggestions to start your search, not paid placements. Always check recent reviews, the exact location and the cancellation terms before you book.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Florence for first-timers?
Duomo & Signoria (historic centre). Walk to every major sight. The trade-off: expensive and crowded.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Florence?
Duomo & Signoria (historic centre) usually offer the best value with good transport. Prices change a lot by date, so compare live prices.
Do you list exact hotel prices?
No. Hotel prices change daily with demand and events, so instead we show a relative price level and link to live prices for your dates.
Plan your next step
Hotels in Duomo & Signoria
Check prices (affiliate link, opens in new tab)