Posted: 4/10/24 | April 10th, 2024With its classic Renaissance architecture, lovely streets, world- school museums, and extraordinary food, Florence is one of my favourite cities in Italy. I’ve been a handful of days over the years and it never disappoints. Little is too far from anything else because it’s also a small and livable city. Having said that, each location has its own distinctive atmosphere and choices for lodging. For this reason, picking a community that best fits your travel style and budget is a wise decision. How’s my list of the best suburbs in Florence to help you get there: AreaBest forBest HotelCentro StoricoFirst-Time VisitorsHotel Alba PalaceSee More hotelsSanta Maria NovellaNightlife & FoodiesLa Maison du SageSee More hotelsOltrarnoLocal VibesHotel Palazzo GuadagniSee More hotelsTable of ContentsWhere to Keep for Budget Travelers: Santa Maria NovellaWhere to Keep for Food and Nightlife: Where to Stay for Initially- Time Customers: Centro StoricoThis is Florence’s symbolic historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the classic Duomo ( cathedral ), world- school art at the Uffizi Gallery, and bustling malls like Piazza della Signoria. Be right here and you’ll be right in the middle of it all, with the major landmarks just a few steps away. It’s also a nice location if you’re looking to do some browsing. For comfort, head to Via de ‘ Tornabuoni, where all the higher- close developers have storefronts, while Ponte Vecchio is the place to go if you’re in the market for apparel. The largest selection of lodging choices are also available here for you. Simply keep in mind that it gets very crowded in the summer, and costs skyrocket accordingly. Best lodging options in Centro Storico: BUDGET: Emerald Palace – Offering affordable private rooms and dorms ( including female-only dorms ), Emerald Palace is an excellent no-fussle option for budget travelers who do n’t want to compromise on location. The rooms are spacious, with beautiful painted ceilings and terracotta floors, and everything ( including the shared bathrooms ) is kept sparkling clean. Although there are n’t a lot of amenities here ( though there is a breakfast and a guest kitchen ), it’s a warm and affordable option in the heart of the historic center.
MIDRANGE: Hotel Davanzati– This comfortable three- star resort offers a lot of benefit, with a pleasant continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and an aperitivo hour with prosecco. The rooms are a bit dated in their décor, but they are spacious, with comfy beds, a desk, a flatscreen TV, and a wardrobe. The bathrooms have large, heated showers with excellent water pressure, as well as heated towel racks. The staff really goes above and beyond to assist you with anything you might need.
LUXURY: Hotel Bernini Palace – It feels like you’re staying in a palace in this five- star hotel, set in a 15th- century building. The elegant rooms are spacious and feature wood- beamed ceilings, parquet or terracotta floors, glass chandeliers, antique furnishings, and plush beds with gilded headboards. They also have all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel of this caliber, including minibars, flatscreen TVs, desks, and air conditioning. A frescoed ceiling-style room that was once used as a meeting place for members of Italy’s parliament is now home to a complimentary breakfast buffet.
Where to Stay for Budget Travelers: Santa Maria NovellaA large area west of Centro Storico is known as Santa Maria Novella. It surrounds a basilica, piazza, and train station, all with the same name as the neighborhood. The area is ideal for travelers who are on a tight budget and who want to travel both close to the historic center and the train station for the day. Because all the best hostels in Florence are located here, it’s also a good place for backpackers who want a traditional hostel experience. The area southward toward the river and around Piazza Santa Maria Novella is a little more upscale, whereas the majority of hostels are located just north of the train station. Just avoid staying right next to the train station, as it’s not the not the nicest section of the neighborhood. Best places to stay in Santa Maria Novella: BUDGET: Ostello Bello Firenze– This lively hostel has a cozy common room, guest kitchen, and bar where all guests get a free welcome drink. A rooftop terrace is available as well as numerous social events ( like live music or parties ) throughout the week. Meeting people in this hostel is really simple. Additionally, all dorm rooms have private bathrooms, lockers, and lots of natural light. It’s one of the best hostels in town.
Hotel Alba Palace, a stunning three-star hotel, is set in a traditional Florentine style. Each room is unique, with historic features that include antique terracotta floors, arched ceilings, and exposed brick walls. In a serene atrium with a glass ceiling, guests can enjoy a fantastic complimentary breakfast. All rooms have a flatscreen TV, minibar, desk, Nespresso machine, hairdryer, and safe. While the bathrooms are small, there’s great water pressure in the showers. If you’re traveling alone and do n’t want to pay for a room in a hostel, there are even rooms with twin beds.
The Place Firenze is a five-star hotel that is situated in a restored 17th-century building on Piazza Santa Maria Novella. All the rooms in this award- winning boutique property are decorated in pastel colors, with unique artwork, chandeliers, bespoke furniture, and elegant marble bathrooms. Each soundproofed room comes with a flatscreen TV, minibar, and a desk. A rooftop with incredible views, as well as a complimentary breakfast on the hotel’s outdoor terrace on the piazza, and extremely helpful staff.
Where Can I Go for Food and Nightlife in Santa Croce? The Santa Croce neighborhood is less popular with tourists than Centro Storico, but it’s only ten minutes walk to the east. Along with its beautiful basilica and lively square, it’s filled with restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. It’s especially renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with all varieties of bars, pubs, and clubs centered around the main square and on Via de ‘ Benci. If you’re after good food and a more low- key atmosphere, head to Sant’Ambrogio, a micro- neighborhood that surrounds the market of the same name. Best places to stay in Santa Croce: BUDGET: B&, B Hotel Firenze City Center– This bed- and- breakfast is your best choice for budget- friendly accommodation in Santa Croce. It has flat-screen TVs and simple, light-filled rooms with desks. The bathrooms have a bidet, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. There’s a breakfast buffet in the mornings too ( 9.50 EUR) with croissants, cakes, muffins, cereals, yoghurt, and eggs.
MIDRANGE: La Maison du Sage– This four- star hotel is eclectically designed, with Art Deco furniture, hardwood floors, and brightly colored walls. The rooms are spacious, filled with natural light, and include a minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, Nespresso coffee machine, and kettle for tea. The bathrooms have a walk-in shower and a bidet, while some rooms have separate tubs. There’s also an excellent breakfast buffet boasting pastries, juice, eggs, ham, cheese, and fresh fruit.
This five-star hotel, by Baglioni Hotels, is located in an 18th-century building with all of its historic features, including frescoed ceilings and hardwood floors. Each well-appointed guestroom has its own unique historical features, such as a four-poster bed or exposed beams. All of the airy rooms have a desk, flatscreen TV, minibar, and large bathroom with a bidet, bathrobes, and complimentary bath products. Additionally, there is a delicious, free breakfast every morning that offers a wide selection.
Where to Stay for Feeling like a Local: OltrarnoLocated on the south side of the Arno River ( the name literally means “across the Arno” ), Oltrarno is known for its artisan workshops, antique stores, and more laid- back atmosphere. Although it’s only a short walk to the center of town, trendy Santo Spirito is the best choice for most visitors. However, this region, which includes both the whimsical Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace, has its own attractions. Overall, Oltrarno is the best option for travelers looking for a more traditional and traditional experience away from the tourist crowds. Best lodging options in Oltrarno: BUDGET: “il Pitti” Soggiorno- This hotel directly across the street from Pitti Palace offers moderately priced and comfortable private rooms with ensuite or shared bathrooms. The rooms have parquet floors, lots of natural light, and are painted in cheerful pastel colors. The décor is a bit dated, but all rooms have a desk, wardrobe, electric kettle, and bathroom with a rainfall shower and bidet. For those on a tight budget who prefer to live in a quieter neighborhood, this is a great no-fuss option.
MIDRANGE: Hotel Palazzo Guadagni – Situated in a 16th- century Florentine palace on a quiet square, this three- star hotel boasts elegantly decorated rooms with frescoed ceilings, large windows, antique furniture, and fireplaces. In- room amenities include a minibar, flatscreen TV, safe, and tiled bathroom with a heated towel rack, a bidet, fluffy bathrobes, and slippers. A fantastic complimentary breakfast is served there as well as a rooftop with breathtaking views over the city. I believe that the value for the product you receive here is outstanding. It has a much higher level of luxury than the average three-star hotel.
This stunning five-star hotel features original modern art throughout. It is located just steps from the Ponte Vecchio bridge leading into Centro Storico. The spacious, light- filled rooms have Italian white marble bathrooms with a bidet and luxury toiletries, and all rooms have a desk, a flatscreen TV, a minibar, and sound- proofed walls. A Michelin-starred restaurant and a delicious breakfast spread are also available here.
***Florence is like a giant open- air museum. It is utterly stunning, full of stunning architecture and historic sites. You can make the most of your stay in Tuscany’s largest city by choosing the neighborhood that best suits your needs from the list above. Get Your In- Depth Budget Guide to Europe! My detailed 200+ page guidebook was created for people on tight budgets like you! It eliminates the unnecessary detail in other guides and delivers the essentials for your travels in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non- touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to access more information and order a copy today.
