Where to stay in Florence. Best part and accommodation for any budget

Where should I stay in Florence for the first time? I have answered that question so many times! So I have made a list of my favorite accommodations in the city center to help you choose the best place where to stay in Florence. You’ll find a lot of different options of any kind and for any budget, from low cost hostels to luxury hotels. If you have any question you can leave a comment below.

I personally selected these hotels to ensure you the best stay in the heart of Tuscany, one of the most charming cities in Italy. I am always doing my best to give my customers the best tips about my city, so you can be sure that I recommend these accommodations because I really think they are offering a valuable service. Plus, this post is constantly updated with my new findings about where to stay in Florence!

I am Claudia, a native Florentine and a licensed tour guide. If you want to visit Florence with me you can contact me via email.

Best part of Florence to stay: areas and neighborhoods

Florence is a smaller city than many think. Furthermore, almost all the tourist attractions are concentrated in the historic center, or are within walking distance from it. Many Florentines (including me!) do not have a car because we don’t need it: ​​you can go almost anywhere on foot or by bicycle.

Therefore, the best area to stay in Florence is in the historic center: in this way you will be close to everything you want to see and you won’t have to take public transport to get around. The historic center is between the Arno river and the ring made up of large avenues.

The Oltrarno district is also an excellent solution: it’s a neighborhood of ​​Florence that is still very authentic and very close to the center, which can be reached on foot by crossing the river.

The historic center and Oltrarno are the most comfortable areas to stay in Florence, but also the most expensive. To save something, you can decide to stay on the edge of the center or just beyond the ring of avenues. Even more suburban neighborhoods are even cheaper, but you’ll have to take public transport to get to the center.

Where should I stay in Florence? Best accommodation in the center

These hotels have a gorgeous value for money, and are all located within the historic center. All the unmissable places in Florence are within walking distance, from the Ponte Vecchio to the Uffizi Gallery. If I had to choose one, I would pick Hotel Duomo Firenze!

• Hotel Duomo Firenze – It’s located in piazza Duomo, right in front of the Cathedral, and some rooms has a magnificent view on it. Considering the location it’s incredibly cheap! It’s also clean, modern and with a helpful staff. The continental breakfast is remarkable.
• Hotel del Corso *** – The rooms with a contemporary style and a very nice staff are making this hotel a perfect choice. Breakfast is included. It’s in a super central position, right in between Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo!
• Hotel La Casa di Morfeo *** – Less then 400 meters away from piazza Santa Croce, this boutique hotel offers a generous breakfast and charming rooms with a massage shower. Each room is different, and some of them have painted or stucco ceilings.
• Bellevue House Hotel – Warm Florentine hospitality at its best in a cozy hotel run by a family with more than 50 years of experience in hospitality. The staff is really special, and the position is very convenient, just a few steps away from Santa Maria Novella Church (and also from the train station).

Best luxury hotels in Florence

If you want to treat yourself to a special stay in Florence, even just for one night, here are the most beautiful and exclusive luxury hotels in Florence. Obviously these require a certain budget, but you will also find my recommendations for cheaper accommodation later. Most of the luxury hotels are located within the historic center, except Villa Cora and Villa San Michele which are located on the hills just outside the city. The award for the best luxury hotel in Florence ever goes to Villa San Michele.

• Villa San Michele. Definitely the best luxury hotel in Florence and surroundings. It’s housed in a Renaissance villa in the farming village of Fiesole, with wonderful views of the city, which is less than 15 minutes away. The opulence of the past meets a perfect service, fantastic gourmet food and modern luxury that Belmond hotels are always offering.
• Villa Cora ****** – a wonderful villa surrounded by a private park with pool. next to piazzale Michelangelo, it’s just 2 km away from the historical center but it’s miles away from chaos and crowds. The restaurant has a beautiful view and fine dishes.
• Hotel Brunelleschi **** – one of my favorite places in Florence, Hotel Brunelleschi is hosted in the most ancient tower of Florence, dating back to the early Middle Age and built on an ancient roman thermal bath (that you can actually see!). The main suite has an amazing view on the Brunelleschi’s Dome (the Duomo is right across the corner). Everything is classy and elegant down the last detail, and their restaurant is great.

Here’s my review of the Brunelleschi Hotel in Florence

• The Place Florence ***** – a glass covered courtyard where enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea, a terrace with a stunning view and a gourmet restaurant are just some of the amenities of this very exclusive hotel located in piazza Santa Maria Novella.
• Palazzo Tolomei Residenza d’epoca – a wonderful Renaissance palace which once hosted Raffaello, a few steps away from the Accademia Gallery. Frescoed suites, salons full of art treasures and a gourmet breakfast are just some of the treats of this sumptuous hotel.
• Portrait Firenze ***** Elegance and attention to detail is at the top, interiors are signed by th famous local architect Michele Bonan, but the best gift of this luxury accommodation is the stunning view on the Arno river. It’s just 30 meters away from Ponte Vecchio!

Bed and breakfasts in Florence

Bed and breakfasts are a perfect choice for those traveling on a budget and want to experience a more authentic stay in city. And maybe enjoying a nice homemade breakfast! Here is the list of my favorite b&bs in Florence. The best one in my opinion is the Secret Garden Firenze!

• Giglio Rosso – a modern b&b close to Santa Maria Novella Station. Design rooms are furnished in white and red with a contemporary syle. Attention to the detail is everywhere, also in the breakfast.
• Alloro b&b – two steps away from the Duomo and San Lorenzo area, this b&b offers spacious rooms with warm colors and a classical italian design. A complete brakfast is included and the staff is super welcoming!
• Novella House – a delightful b&b close to Santa Maria Novella church. Some rooms have beautiful painted ceilings, staff is friendly and cleanliness is at the top. Two apartments are also available (with 1 or 2 bedrooms).
• Secret Garden Firenze – a lovely property with a cozy garden, owned by a careful host and located in a quiet corner of the historic area, very close to the Accademia Gallery museum. The rooms are decorated with neutral colors, organic materials and plants!

Read my review of the Secret Garden Firenze!

Apartments in Florence: accommodation for families with kids

If you are traveling with family and children, an apartment is probably your best bet. Having a kitchen available allows you more flexibility in managing the meals of your kids, and can also save you some money. Here are some apartments in Florence that I recommend, the best one in my opinion is Forte 16 View & Spa!

• Forte 16 View & Spa – Spacious and modern apartments with great value for money. The rooftop pool with panoramic views and the spa are a nice addition! This aparthotel is located on one of the avenues that delimit the historic center: the Cathedral and the Accademia Museum are a 15-minute walk away.
• Palazzo Branchi – colorful, elegant and modern apartments in a charming palace from the 19^th century. A perfect place where to stay in a quiet part of the historical center of Florence, 10 minutes away from the Duomo.
• Residence Hilda – very close to the Accademia Museum and to the Cathedral, the residence offers comfortable suites with modern amenities and a private parking. Apartments are spacious, clean and fully furnished.
• Relais Piazza Signoria – wonderful apartments located in the very heart of Florence, right in Piazza della Signoria. The studios can host from 2 up to 4 people and some of them have a nice balcony. The penthouse has a terrace with a terrific view on Palazzo Vecchio.

Where to stay near Florence: agriturismo around the city

Florence is embraced by the famous rolling hills of Tuscany, and the surroundings of the city are wonderful. If you are in Florence with a rental car and are looking for an experience in the countryside, where you can discover traditional cuisine and have wine tastings, then you should stay in an agriturismo!

The best agriturismo near Florence in my opinion is Castello del Trebbio, housed in a medieval castle once belonged to the Pazzi family. Here guests can rent villas and apartments, have wine tasting and cooking classes, or enjoy the restaurant’s dishes made with local organic ingredients.

Here are some of my favorite and best Agriturismo near Florence, if you’re looking for a countryside escape.

That’s it for this time! Thanks for reading, I hope this post is useful for you to organize your trip to Italy and choose the best place to stay in Florence. If you have any questions you can leave a comment or contact me via email or whatsapp.

Other kinds of accommodation in Florence:

• For a complete list of budget accommodation check the complete list of the best hostels in Florence.
• For a wellness experience in the heart of Tuscany check my best hotels with spa in Florence.
• Here is the complete list of all of the 6 hotels with a rooftop pool in Florence.