document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you have itinerary-related questions, please post them there! City Center the medieval and Renaissance heart of Florence lies between the Duomo in the north and the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio in the south.

Still undecided about the best hotel for your interest and budget? As in most European cities, the area around the station is not the most characterful or charming, especially in the evenings. Piazzale Michelangelo is a largely residential area with lovely gardens and a major attraction the square after which it is named, which boasts a replica of David and glorious views of the city. cuisine, landscapes, and of course, wine! . I know that choosing only one of them all is a hard decision, but I hope that my personalized recommendations below will help you with this: The heart and soul of the city lies in the area around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, so this is definitely an unmissable spot and the best area where to stay in Florence for people visiting for the first time! Escape to the hill town of Fiesole if you crave quiet accommodation close to Florence. READ MORE: Trento, Italy Your Ultimate Accommodation List. SantAmbrogio where to stay in Florence with family, 8. If youre looking for a non-touristic place with a traditional, calm atmosphere where to enjoy the city with the family, head over to SantAmbrogio! Staying close to the station in the Santa Maria Novella district of Florence is a good choice for budget travelers and if you plan to do many day trips by bus or train from the city. Lots of lovely guesthouses, with some standout high-end hotels. The shopping here is some of the best in the city and there are some standout luxury hotels near its border with the City Center and along the river plus several budget choices closer to the station.

We are in Florence for one night in May.

Youll want to enjoy all the atmosphere and spirit of the Renaissance city while ensuring that youre situated in an area close to transport and attractions. Despite its distinctly local feel, San Niccol is just a short walk over the Ponte delle Grazie to central Florence. Previously poorer, particularly towards the train station, now gentrifying, but still less packed with tourists than the center. The stunning view of the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio from the Portrait Firenze Hotel. You wont be disappointed by the choice of clubs and bars here, I promise! Hi Autumn! The view of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella from the Place Firenze Hotel. The area close to Santo Spirito is a good local neighborhood option for families. Excellent local eateries and vintage boutiques can be found here. I created Miss Tourist travel blog to help you organise the perfect holiday. Piazza Santa Croce is truly beautiful and it hosts tons of amazing artisan shops, trattorias, charming cafes and bars. The best area to stay in Florence for first-timers is the Duomo and the area around Piazza della Signoria. The museums, starting with the Galleria degli Uffizi, are some of the finest in the world.

If you want to discover the citys artisan heritage, youll also find the Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) behind the basilica.

One of many trendy bars in Oltrarno, south of the River Arno, and not far from two great hotels: Hotel Lungarno and SoprArno Suites. and San Lorenzo (this one also exists in Rome, so again, dont confuse the two) are definitely one of the best areas in the city for people traveling on a tight budget! There is some great food and drink to be found too, with classy riverside bars, craft cocktails at Manifattura, and plenty of trattorias serving Tuscan cuisine. So if thats important to you then perhaps consider one of the other neighborhoods in the center. Once poorer areas, they now ooze bohemian chic yet still manage to remain down-to-earth. The area around Piazza San Marco (do not confuse it with the one in Venice, though!) BEST FOR: All travelers and especially first time visitors wanting to immerse themselves in the Renaissance city, Looking for an apartment? Explore Via San Niccol, where youll find perfumier Lorenzo Villoresi, and funky street art at Clet. This bridge offers that hero shot down the river Arno towards the Ponte Vecchio. Santa Maria Novella is a large and varied area stretching west from Via de Tornabuoni, between the main train station and the river. I also spent a really amazing time at Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort during my last journey and we came back with many pleasant memories. We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Boboli & San Miniato al Monte are green neighborhoods south of the Arno. To the east are the Santa Croce and SantAmbrogio areas. There is also not much respite from the summer heat. This is considered to be the city center or Florence Downtown, also known as the most attractive and interesting area for all types of tourists out there. In this article we share our favorite Florence neighborhoods and their advantages and disadvantages depending on your style of travel, budget and intended length of stay. They are perfectly situated to access the historic wonders of Florence on foot.

For first time visitors and those who have only a short time in Florence we suggest staying in the centro storico or historic district.

if you are staying only for 1 night then I would say stay in the city center.

Some beautiful boutiques and luxury hotels around the piazza and the river, while closer to the station you will find many budget options.

Excellent accommodation options, from luxury to budget ones, though not a great area if noise or crowds are concerns. However, if you book well in advance you can find reasonably priced AirBnBs and budget hotel rooms too. Learn how your comment data is processed.

BEST FOR: Budget travelers and those that prioritize convenience and access to the main train station over atmosphere.

Family Hotel: Four Seasons The smaller areas of Santo Spirito and San Frediano are part of a bigger district called Oltrarno and theyre all great choices for foodies interested in trying some authentic Tuscan dishes or for party animals! Dont forget the views! And, to make things even easier, weve shared our pick of the best hotels, apartments and AirBnBs in each area. If you want to get away from the flocks of tourists around the city center, but still want to be close to the main attractions that this city has to offer (and by close I mean 15 minutes away by foot), theres no better place to book your hotel than in SantAmbrogio! Of course the attractions of Florence are within easy walking distance too. This article may contain compensated links. .

The only thing left to do is choose!

BEST FOR: A quiet escape out of the city or a longer stay in the hills with dreamy views of Florence. Just 30 minutes by bus into the center, Fiesole gives you the peace and charm of a small Tuscan town with easy access to all the attractions of the Renaissance city.

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Florence is surrounded by some pretty gorgeous hills where youll find olive trees and stunning villas and mansions tucked in the lush vegetation. Youll find many trattorias, cafes, wine bars and souvenir shops selling handmade objects around during the day, and pubs and clubs where you can dance until you cant feel your feet anymore at night!

SD Italy Florence Best Places to Stay Even though Florence is not that big, its divided into different neighborhoods and each of them has its own character and vibe. From here it is just a short walk to the station and the wonderful Mercato Centrale an upscale food court above the San Lorenzo street market.

Not to mention its own attractions including a Roman amphitheater. San Niccol & Piazzale Michelangelo are charming, romantic areas south of the river and east of the Ponte Vecchio.

The centro storico is so convenient that unsurprisingly it is also the most expensive. Great for both high-street and high-end shopping. This area is the heart of Florence and heres youll find the magnificent cathedral or duomo Santa Maria del Fiore the Uffizi Gallery, and the Palazzo Vecchio.

San Lorenzo & San Marco where to stay in Florence on a budget, 4.

Less touristy, its a great place to enjoy the local caf culture and shop for food at the Mercato di SantAmbrogio in the adjoining neighborhood directly north. Not to mention the citys iconic piazzas, shopping streets and many museums and restaurants. But, youll also find some interesting boutiques and ateliers including the incredible workshop of jeweller Alessandro Dari. Here youll also find tons of restaurants, designer shops, cute cafes and souvenir shops all nestled in cobblestone streets and a classic, Italian atmosphere charming, right? Though historically important and easily walkable to all of Florences most iconic sights, this area stays remarkably low key ideal for families and for quiet retreats from the crowds. All kinds of great food can be found here, from gourmet panini at AllAntico Vinaio to elegant Michelin-starred dining at Ora dAria; bars range from casual to chic rooftop ones.

Here you will find the most five star hotels in Florence as well as boutique properties with coveted Arno views.

You will likely leave to go shopping or eat out, but its a pretty area for wandering, with villas set on hills, capped by San Miniato and one of the most beautiful churches in town. Train Station: Sina Villa Medici.

Start with the gourmet food stalls on the first floor of the Mercato Centrale, serving everything from traditional lampredotto to artisanal pizza and chocolate.

These areas offer a range of accommodation for all budgets.

If you feel like this could be a great solution for you, here are the best accommodation options I could find as close as possible to the airport: Thats it, you have reached the end of my super detailed guide on Florence accommodation, with the 8 best areas for tourists,!

Full of artisans workshops and independent boutiques, but also hot restaurants and bars with better prices than the center. We handpicked the best AirBnBs near the Duomo in central Florence click here to view. Climb medieval landmark Torre San Niccol for great views and enjoy good food and drink in its shadows, such as fine pasta at Zeb, cocktails at The Speakeasy, and elegant dining at La Bottega Del Buon Caff.

This central Florence neighborhood is quieter and less expensive than the center. Youll find great value AirBnBs, some lovely boutique hotels and luxurious properties with views closer to the river in Oltrarno. This is also a great idea if you want to save some money or if youre traveling in a bigger group there is an apartment out there for every taste and need! I enjoy sharing what I know and helping others as they make their travel plans for Tuscany through our. The piazza is a shady open space that is quite rare in the heart of the city making it one of the best places for families to stay in Florence.

It is an absolute tourist magnet with narrow, always crowded streets. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

BEST FOR: Foodies and wine lovers seeking an escape from the crowds of the historic center.

Florences best midrange and budget hotels can be found in primarily in the San Frediano, Santo Spirito, San Lorenzo, and San Marco neighborhoods. Santa Maria Novella to stay near the train station, 6. Hope that helps, enjoy your italian trip! Head over to Via de Ginori for cool bistro/caf La Mnagre, quality panini at SandwiChic, and fine gelato at My Sugar.

Quiet leafy streets, gardens, and villas rise uphill toward San Miniato and its beautiful church and monastery. Oltrarno, Santo Spirito and San Frediano for foodies, 5. Dont worry, Im here to help! Between Santo Spirito and Piazzale Michelangelo, there are fewer attractions, though the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens are nothing to sniff at. The Duomo & Piazza della Signoria / Florence city center for first-timers, 2. But how can you make a decision? Almost everything you will want to see and do in Florence is within or a short walk from this small area. italy places visit wallpapers amalfi They are restful, full of lovely views, and can feel much further out of the city than they are. Also known as the artisan quarter, they are packed with antique shops, cool boutiques, galleries, and workshops; start shopping on Borgo San Jacopo, Via Santo Spirito, and Via Romana. BEST FOR: Visitors wanting a thriving local nightlife, scenic city views and artisan workshops to explore close to the center but away from the main tourist zone, Relax and soak up the neighborhood atmosphere at these handpicked AirBnB apartments in San Niccol. Heres a quick summary of Florences neighborhoods. Find your perfect apartment stay in Oltrarno and the Santo Spirito district. Thank you so much for supporting this project!

Local life centers around the basilica of the same name that has stood on this site for centuries. Great for first time visitors to Florence. This neighborhood church has a charming piazza lined with cafes and bars where locals gather at all hours of the day to converse, drink coffee or even better, aperitivo in the early evening.

No matter which neighborhood you choose to stay in you can easily discover the highlights and secrets of the Renaissance city. Feel part of the neighborhood when you stay at one of these charming apartments in Santa Croce. If youre looking for an apartment cosy in the Santa Maria Novella district then browse these lovely stays on AirBnB. North of Santa Croce, the SantAmbrosio food scene is fantastic, whether you are shopping for produce at Mercato di SantAmbrogio, enjoying the fantastic Tuscan fare at one of the Cibro restaurants nearby. I also recommend Ponte Vecchio as being probably the best place to stay in Florence for only one day (or 1 night).

These two areas are also perfect for foodies, as youll be surrounded by many trattorias and amazing restaurants perfect to taste some authentic Tuscan cuisine!

The heart of Florence is a feast of medieval and Renaissance art and architecture. This is the final resting place of famous Florentines Michelangelo, Galileo and Macchiavelli and a must visit site in Florence. Your Ultimate Guide, Trento, Italy Your Ultimate Accommodation List, Accommodation Guide for Bologna 4 Best Areas to Stay for Tourists, Secret Luxury Suite Somewhere in Santo Spirito, 6 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome (With Hotels and Prices! We only recommend the things we actually use ourselves and never accept useless sponsored crap. Accommodation includes pretty guesthouses and some lovely luxury hotels. Its safe to say that Florence is one of the most culture-rich cities in the entire country and a great destination for all types of travelers out there! A stroll across the Ponte Vecchio takes you to the Oltrarno district, home of the Pitti Palace and its famous Boboli Gardens. A great area to find cool hostels, but also some lovely high-end options. This ones for you! etruscus paleontology geology antelope If you want to stay as close to Ponte Vecchio as possible, here are the best options I could find out there, but you better book them as soon as you can, the places here sell out super fast! Some of these stays have views of the Arno River. These two neighborhoods are very similar, kind of small and right next to each other this is why I decided to combine them into a single, bigger area.

Here is where you can get a taste of the local life and I recommend it even more if you love antiques and authentic markets, like the amazing flea market called Mercato di SantAmbrogio in Piazza dei Ciompi. Plus, there are fewer tourists here, I assure you! Ponte Vecchio: Portrait Firenze Ponte Vecchio is actually an area that surrounds Ponte Vecchio bridge and connects the northern part of Florence to the southern one, divided by Arno river. dolfi nd tuscan vase tall imports bonechi Honeymoon Hotel: Ville SullArno Near Duomo: Brunelleschi

Happy exploring! At night, these areas come to noisy life with enough great bars and clubs to satisfy the most demanding hipsters.

Many have pools where you can cool off after exploring under the hot Tuscan sun. Our pick of the AirBnB properties in Fiesole have all the comforts you need for a longer stay in Florence. Lower on big sights, but do stop to enjoy Brunelleschis Basilica di Santa Spirito, relax at Piazza Tasso, and book a tour of the private Giardino Torrigiani. Hi Im Yulia! . When you want to go see the sights its just 15 minutes across the bridge to the Uffizi Gallery and little further onward to the Duomo.

For centuries, Fiesole has been the country retreat of wealthy Florentines including the Medici. Let me give you my favorite choices, both located in the City Center and with great value for price: Hotel Alessandra Florence Looking for a very good mid-range stay in the heart of Florence, in the best neighborhood? Rest assured that youll visit the historic city centre during your stay in Florence nevertheless, as its the most famous area.

Here you find local restaurants and wine bars alongside artisan boutiques selling paper and leather goods and residential buildings. The wonderful outdoor pool at the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel in Florence.

Just east of Via del Proconsolo and just steps from the central sights, it manages to be less touristy and more laidback, with a great local market and the old Jewish quarter.

West of the center is Santa Maria Novella, between the main train station and the river. Though near all of Florences best-known sights, this neighborhood remains fairly quiet, aside from the immediate vicinity of the Accademia. Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Neighborhoods, Oltrarno, Santo Spirito and San Frediano . In fact, this area is divided into two pretty different parts the half thats closer to the train station, which is vivid and a bit noisy at times, and the half thats more distant from it, which is actually a residential area with very good positioning.

Im happy to announce that Florence has a wide range of Airbnbs that you can choose from! READ MORE: Where to Stay in Milan? Trying to decide where to stay in Florence? Considering this is not the cheapest destination in Italy, prices will only get higher with time, especially during high season! Read our Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy travel planning community. Between here, the center and the river, you will find excellent shopping, with top labels on Via de Tornabuoni and a myriad of cool boutiques, galleries, and vintage shops on Via della Spada, Via dei Fossi, and more.

Its actually one of the cheapest areas if you want to be close to the city center! From the gritty north around the station, it shades quickly into an area of cool boutiques and bars running down to the river. We love Italy and are here to help you plan your trip so it is memorable for all the right reasons. BEST FOR: Those craving a local neighborhood a little quieter than the main tourist area with interesting accommodation options.

Also worth noting that this area does become very crowded especially during peak season between May and October. Santa Croce and SantAmbrogio are the best areas for local flavor north of the river.

The main piazza features a basilica dating to the medieval era with a Renaissance facade and the Ospedale degli Innocenti (a former orphanage turned museum) fronted by a beautiful loggia of columns and arches designed by Brunelleschi and copied over the centuries onto other buildings making up the piazza. READ MORE:Where to stay in the Region of Tuscany Best Towns and Hotels. So its an enchanting way to start and end your days in the Renaissance city.

Its also a great shopping destination, with high street brands along Via dei Calzaiuoli and Via Calimala, and luxury labels on the famous Via de Tornabuoni. I definitely recommend it to all types of travelers, but especially to those interested in the vibrant nightlife. I love to explore Italy; it is a lot of fun to try to see everything like I'm seeing it for the first time, keeping you, our readers, always in mind. Best Pool: Villa Cora No worries, staying here doesnt mean you wont have access to the things that are happening in the center of Florence if you have the car youll be there in the blink of an eye, or youll only be one shuttle bus ride away!

Like the other Oltrarno areas on the riverbank, San Niccol is arty and buzzing, which makes for great shopping.

Some high-end accommodation options, but also plenty of delightful guesthouses. Picturesque San Niccol lies east of Santo Spirito along the river, while quieter Piazzale Michelangelo rises on hills south of it.

historical center is off-limits to anyone without a permit, villas in outskirts and hills surrounding Florence, Practical Information & Fun Things to Know.

Just make sure you know where to get the best gelato near where you are staying and everything will be simply perfetto! The architectural heart of the neighborhood is the Piazza della SS Annunziata an elegantly balanced Renaissance square with its namesake, medieval basilica (filled with Renaissance and Baroque frescoes, paintings, and sculpture) and the Ospedale degli Innocenti (the first orphanage in Europe, now a museum and childrens rights institute). Updated: July 24, 2022, Best Hotel: Portrait Firenze After all, here is where Florences status as a cultural force finds true expression overflowing with impressive museums, churches, and palaces.

Formerly poorer areas, particularly towards the station, and now transforming, they make for a great destination for foodies. Where do you suggest we stay?

Copyright 2014-2022 MissTourist | All Rights Reserved |, 1. Plus this town offers some of the best panoramic views of Florence and the surrounding countryside. Although the station is very convenient, avoid the grungy area around it and head for bustling Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and its lovely church.

North of the Duomo and east of the train station are San Lorenzo and San Marco. Santa Croce centers on the gorgeous basilica of the same name. San Niccol stretches along the river bank, while Piazzale Michelangelo rises on hills to the south.

Many of the best hotels in Florence are in the City Center or Santa Maria Novella, though there are excellent luxury options in other neighborhoods too. The area is very beautiful, conveniently located and the opposite of boring whats not to love? West of the Ponte Vecchio, in the Oltrarno (other side of the Arno) down to Porta Romana lie San Frediano & Santo Spirito. Youll need to venture further afield if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere or a hotel with a pool. Our 58,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do. Like most of historic Florence, there a couple of big attractions here: the Galleria dellAccademia, the beautiful monastery of San Marco, painted by Fra Angelico and his pupils, and the Cappelle Medicee, the grand burial place of the Medici, adjoining San Lorenzo itself. We will be coming by train from Cinque Terra and headed to Venice via train the next day.

On this site, youll find countless resources and travel tips. Its a 10 minute stroll to both the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo from the main piazza.



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