Neighborhoods, Areas, and Hotels to Stay in Florence

It’s official: Florence will be your next destination! You’ve called your friends, planned all the stops and must-see sights, but… you still haven’t booked a place to stay. Not sure which neighborhood is the best to spend the night? Leave it to us! Whether it’s a family weekend, a leisure trip, or a business visit, our tips will help you find the perfect area to stay in Florence.

Staying in Florence’s Historic Center

Luckily for you, Florence’s city center isn’t very big and most of it is closed to traffic. That means total freedom to walk, rent a bike, or use public transportation—no need to come to Tuscany by car.

If visiting the historic center is your main goal in Florence, then all you need to do is book a room at the Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace. Not only does it have a stunning 6th-floor terrace, but it’s also just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo.

Right near the hotel, you’ll find the city’s top tourist attractions, such as:

• Ponte Vecchio;
• Piazza della Signoria;
• the Uffizi Gallery;
• the Boboli Gardens.

In short, it’s the ideal spot for a romantic getaway and a strategic base for discovering the artistic and cultural heritage at the heart of Florence.

Staying in the Santa Maria Novella District

Santa Maria Novella is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Florence. Thanks to its strategic location, you can explore countless monuments and artworks without needing a car.

In fact, one of the best ways to reach Florence from anywhere in Italy is by train. And if you're looking for a hotel near the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station, the Hotel Laurus al Duomo is just a 7-minute walk away. With its spacious conference rooms, this hotel is the perfect choice for a business trip or important meetings in the heart of the city.

As if that weren’t enough, in just 10 minutes you can reach Piazza della Signoria, where the Neptune Fountain, the Uffizi Gallery, and plenty of traditional restaurants await—ideal for unwinding after a day of work.

Staying in the Santa Croce District

Small yet full of character, Santa Croce is a great option if you want to stay in a neighborhood not too far from Florence’s main attractions. Packed with restaurants, churches, shops, nightlife, and accommodations for all budgets, staying here means diving into the authentic Florentine lifestyle.

The basilica that gives the neighborhood its name is just a 10-minute walk from the B&B Hotel Firenze City Center, a 3-star hotel known for its great value for money.

Where to Stay Near Florence

Even outside the tourist areas, Florence offers a wide range of accommodations where you can relax in peace. And many of them come with extra perks like free parking, green spaces, and nearby public transport.

• Novoli District: dynamic and constantly evolving, Novoli is very convenient for those arriving from Florence-Peretola Airport. If you're flying into the airport for a business trip, we recommend the B&B Hotel Firenze Novoli; or the B&B Hotel Firenze Nuovo Palazzo di Giustizia if you're driving and want to take advantage of the free parking.
• Fiesole: perched on top of a hill, Fiesole is a charming village with Etruscan origins. Just 20 minutes by bus from the center of Florence, it’s the perfect balance between city and countryside.
• Scandicci: surrounded by green hills and artistic gems, Scandicci is ideal if you’re looking to relax along the banks of the Arno River after a day spent exploring churches and museums. With its wide open spaces, green areas, swimming pools, and transport services, it’s perfect for families with children.

Now that you know the best areas to stay in Florence, our final tip is to book your room at one of the best hotels in Florence. Find your perfect spot and start your getaway in the heart of Tuscany!