The beautiful city of Florence has long been a firm favorite amongst travelers looking to explore the historic and scenic Tuscan region of northern Italy.
Perfectly located amongst the spectacular Tuscan Hills, Florence exudes a rustic Italian presence that draws in visitors looking to explore the diverse culture, food and of course, history, of the region.
The city center of Florence is a marvelous UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the historic heart of a city that helped to fundamentally shape Europe during the medieval and Renaissance eras.
The wonderful architecture is complemented by ramshackle, cobbled streets and wide, open Piazzas. There are great museums, fantastic local restaurants and a bustling, lively atmosphere awaiting visitors in Florence.
There are also a great many accommodation options, and deciding where to stay in Florence can become a difficult choice to make.
The city is full of hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and apartments catering to the ever-expanding tourism scene in Florence. From the historic center to the surrounding hills of Tuscany, there are advantages and disadvantages to the different neighborhoods to be found in the city.
To help you to decide where to stay in Florence, here’s our guide to the best hotels in the city.
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Florence & Tuscany (Travel Guide)
Where to Stay in Florence: Best Districts & Hotels
The Duomo di Firenze
The Duomo di Firenze is Florence’s heart and soul. This is the city’s iconic cathedral, the center of the historic old city and an integral component of the UNESCO World Heritage listing that protects the city center.
This magnificent cathedral is built in the Renaissance style and dates back as far as the 13th century. Today, there are some excellent museums to be found at the Duomo and it’s the best place to begin any trip to the city.
When deciding where to stay in Florence, consider the streets around the Duomo if you are looking to be right in the historic center. There is a great selection of accommodation, but of course, the hotels attract a higher price tag here.
It’s always lively in this area, but if you are looking for quiet streets and peaceful walks then this is not the place for you.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Duomo di Firenze:
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Duomo di Firenze:
Top budget hotels we recommend in Duomo di Firenze:
Top hostels we recommend in Duomo di Firenze:
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is a beautiful church that’s found in the historic center of Florence. This basilica is one of the most famous in Italy and it claims to trace its origins back to the late 4th century AD.
It could well be the oldest church in the city, but the current designs can only be traced back to around the 14th century AD. It’s a place that has played an important role in the city’s life though.
This is where many of the infamous members of the Medici family – the ruling family for centuries during the middle ages – are buried.
This is another busy, central location to base yourself, with many of the surrounding streets being full of historic hotels and excellent restaurants.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in San Lorenzo:
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in San Lorenzo:
Top budget hotels we recommend in San Lorenzo:
Top hostels we recommend in San Lorenzo:
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is found to the east of the historic center and encompasses an area that’s focused around the Basilica di Santa Croce, a Franciscan church that dates back to the 13th century.
This is a fantastic area to stay in if you want to escape the busy streets of the city center. It’s much more local here, but still equally as historic, with many hidden museums, shops and unknown restaurants waiting to be found amongst the maze of alleys and streets.
The river is just to the south, while the main tourist sights are still only ever a short journey away.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Santa Croce:
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Santa Croce:
Top budget hotels we recommend in Santa Croce:
Top hostels we recommend in Santa Croce:
Santo Spirito
Santo Spirito is located on the southern side of the river, the opposite side to the main historic sights and the city center of Florence.
That makes this is an excellent, more offbeat location to stay when visiting the city and if you are looking for a quieter area or perhaps are returning for a second trip to Florence, then Santo Spirito makes for a great base.
The district is based around the Basilica di Santo Spirito and although it’s not as well known as the UNESCO areas, this side of the river is just as intriguing and historic.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Santo Spirito:
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Santo Spirito:
Top budget hotels we recommend in Santo Spirito:
Top hostels we recommend in Santo Spirito:
Tuscan Hills
If you are looking for an area outside of the city to stay in, then look no further than the beautiful Tuscan Hills that encircle the city. There are elegant villas and country houses to be found outside Florence, and it’s a wonderful escape from the urban streets you will see below you.
Top luxury hotels we recommend in Tuscan Hills:
Top mid-range hotels we recommend in Tuscan Hills:
Top budget hotels we recommend in Tuscan Hills:
Top hostels we recommend in Tuscan Hills:
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Article by Lina Stock
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