Our Favorite Florence Hotels
• 5-Star: Portrait Firenze
• 4-Star: Calimala
• 3-Moderate Option: A Florentine Inn • Boutique: Casa G.
.” • Family-Friendly: A Luxury Hotel • ‧ For Couples: Ville Sull’Arno
• Best Pool: Villa Cora
• ‧ Near Duomo: Brunelleschi
• ・ On Ponte Vecchio: Portrait Firenze
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- The accommodation called Mykonos Ammos, located in Ornos, can be found at the following link: Mykonos Ammos.
1. The Marketplace • 2. San Giuliano Inn • 3. Four Seasons • 4. House G. • 5. Brunelleschi • 6. Calimala • 7. Portrait Florence • 8. Ville on the Arno • 9. Villa Cora
The Best Areas to Stay in Florence
- Best Accommodations in Florence
- This link reviews top family-friendly hotels in Florence: Best Places to Stay with Children in Florence, Italy
- Florence Hotel Plan
Florence, known to locals as “Firenze”, was once the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance and remains amongst Europe’s top destinations for visitors. With astonishing works of art and architecture by legendary figures like Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and Michelangelo, the city captivates people throughout the year, save for the “slow” season from January to mid-March. Fortunately, Florence’s compact city center can easily be navigated on foot and houses a wealth of top-tier hotels, creating a convenient and pleasurable experience for travelers. While small in size, Florence comprises distinct neighborhoods that differ in atmosphere and tourist traffic, meaning where one chooses to stay can notably impact their time there. While the City Center is home to most of the city’s primary attractions, other areas offer their own unique highlights and traversing by foot is relatively straightforward, so there is no single “best” area for tourists – and Florence’s best hotels are scattered across the entirety of the city.
Florence Neighborhoods
Florence lies along the flowing Arno River, with most destinations popular with visitors located north of the waterway. South of the Arno, amid the river and the high grounds, the Oltrarno neighborhoods offer hotels with the most affordable rates, though good prices can also be found near the train station in Santa Maria Novella.
The medieval and Renaissance center of Florence, focused between the Duomo in the northern region and the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio to the south, is known as the City Center. It is a major tourist attraction with narrow (often busy) streets, home to impressive museums like the Uffizi and Bargello, historic churches, and Renaissance palaces – this is where Florence’s status as a cultural force finds genuine expression. It is also the best region for mainstream and luxury shopping; however, there are quite a few tourist traps in addition to outstanding bars and restaurants.
San Lorenzo lies northwest of the Center, home to opulent chapels belonging to the Medici family, the beloved Central Market, and excellent local eateries and vintage boutiques; it’s a great area for first-time visitors to explore. Further north, San Marco is the city’s university quarter, best known for housing Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture David at the Accademia and usually somewhat calmer at night, with reasonably priced hotels and bed and breakfast establishments within easy reach of the Center.
West of downtown is the Santa Maria Novella district, extending from the main train station to the river. Traveling south from the grittier end closer to the station, the atmosphere quickly becomes more refined with trendy boutiques and bars lining the way to the Arno River. Some outstanding luxury hotels sit near the river here and bordering the City Center, while a large selection of quality affordable accommodations are positioned nearer the train station.
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Lying east of City Center are the strongly emphasized Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio districts. Santa Croce revolves around the magnificent basilica and piazza sharing its name. Somewhat less crowded than Center, it provides an excellent opportunity to savor the local café culture and visit the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio food marketplace in the neighboring area directly to the north. At night, these regions come alive noisily with an energetic bar and club scene. Some outstanding high-end hotels are situated here, and both areas can serve suitably as a base for families, with Sant’Ambrogio standing out for its more authentic qualities.
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North of the City Center (next to San Marco) is Santissima Annunziata. This area centers around Piazza della SS Annunziata, an elegant Renaissance square featuring its namesake, medieval basilica (filled with Renaissance and Baroque frescoes, paintings, and sculpture) and the Ospedale degli Innocenti (Europe’s first orphanage, and now a museum). Though located close to all of Florence’s most well-known sights, this neighborhood remains fairly tranquil, with a few hotels spread throughout.
Across the river in the Oltrarno (the southside of the Arno) lie the adjacent neighborhoods of San Frediano and Santo Spirito. Once poorer regions, these rejuvenated districts now exude bohemian sophistication while maintaining an unpretentious feel. Home to artisans’ workshops and independent boutiques, they also boast an inventive restaurant and bar scene – with slightly lower prices than the Center. There is a good selection of quality accommodations for all budgets here; hotel rates tend to be less expensive, and the City Center remains conveniently near.
Charming and romantic San Niccolò and the picturesque Piazzale Michelangelo lie further east in Oltrarno. San Niccolò follows alongside the riverbank with an creative and familiar vibe, its slim streets sprinkled with bars and shops. Heading south, the lanes twist upwards through gardens to Piazzale Michelangelo’s iconic perspective over the city. There are few hotels here, which is also accurate of the Hills of Oltrarno further south – where peaceful leafy streets, gardens, and postcard-perfect villas rise easily behind the lovely church and monastery of San Miniato al Monte. You can find some lovely high-end hotels with pools here, and lodgings tend to be bigger than those nearer to the City Center, perfect for family members or groups
Getting Around Florence
Florence is best explored on foot; nearly everything you’ll want to see lies within a 20-minute walk from the Duomo. Florence possesses an effective bus network and a recently applied tram system, but you are unlikely to need these during your trip unless staying on the outer edge of the city.
The most useful buses are route 7 (for Fiesole) and routes 12 and 13 (for Piazzale Michelangelo). The tram line T2 offers cheap and efficient transportation from Santa Maria Novella station to the airport.
The Best Places to Stay in Florence
- Best Luxury Hotels in Florence
The Portrait Firenze and Four Seasons as well as the Helvetia & Bristol and St. Regis along with the Villa Cora are highly reputed lodging establishments - Best Boutique Hotels in Florence
Calimala – Casa G. – Palazzo Ridolfi – Palazzo Vecchietti – The Place – Brunelleschi - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels in Florence
The hotels Alfieri9,B&B San Remigio,Drom Florence,Hotel Alessandra, and San Giuliano Inn, along with the Torre dei Lari are places to rest in Florence - Best Hotels for Families in Florence
Four Seasons (luxury) • La Farina Apartments (midrange) • Alessandra (affordable) - Best Hostels in Florence
My Friends • Ostello Bello • YellowSquare
Best Places in Florence for…
- Best Area in Florence for Sightseeing: City Center
The narrow, cobbled streets of City Center hold Florence’s most iconic landmarks. Between the glittering jewelry shops of the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the impressive Duomo’s spectacular marble facade lies the best-preserved Renaissance old town in the world. Add in the imposing grandeur of the Palazzo Vecchio and the unrivaled art collections of the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Bargello, and you have an astonishing abundance of great art and architecture fitted in a very tight space. For additional gorgeous art and churches, head to the Cappelle Medicee in San Lorenzo and the Galleria dell’Accademia in San Marco, home to Michelangelo’s colossal David. Because Florence is so compact and walkable, however, it is easy to lodge in cheaper accommodations in neighborhoods beyond the City Center – San Marco, Santa Maria Novella, and the Oltrarno – and not lose out regarding convenience.
- Best Areas in Florence for Nightlife: San Frediano and Santo Spirito (Oltrarno), Santa Croce
There are many hip bars and nightspots spread all across Florence, but when looking for a place that truly comes alive at night, full of craft beer, cocktails, perhaps live music or film screenings, head for hip Santa Croce, especially around Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. South of the Arno River, San Frediano and Santo Spirito offer a similarly diverse mix of venues, especially along Borgo San Frediano and Piazza Santo Spirito. Rasputin is superb for cocktails and Il Santino is best for wine, while the Loggia Roof Bar of the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni has incredible scenic views. For a splurge, visit the Picteau Bistrot & Cocktail Bar overlooking the river - Popular neighborhoods in Florence for quality cuisine and dining establishments included San Frediano, Santo Spirito and Santa Croce.
Fine cuisine is widely available throughout Florence, though visitors must bypass places catering heavily to tourists to find the best places in the city center. San Lorenzo offers the Mercato Centrale, full of fresh produce, quality food stands, and a variety of excellent eateries, ranging from the authentic Tuscan stall Da Nerbone to Pescheria Sugarello’s seafood and chips. However, Santa Croce, as do San Frediano and Santo Spirito in Oltrarno have the best assortment of outstanding food, often at reasonable prices. The former features great cafes, gourmet street fare at Mercato Sant’Ambrogio, dining theater at Teatro del Sale, the renowned Cibrèo restaurants, and Florence’s sole 3-Michelin-star at Enoteca Pinchiorri. San Frediano and Santo Spirito’s selections range from traditional Tuscan to modern reinventions at Essenziale and Il Santo Bevitore, to authentic tapas and vegan cuisine. For exceptional occasion dining, try Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo or iO-Osteria Personale - Best Districts for Shopping: City Center
Florence is most notably known for luxury items, from the fashion houses of Gucci and Ferragamo, to fine gold jewelry and high-quality leather goods. It is very touristy, but the jewelers and goldsmiths on the Ponte Vecchio are authentic. Via de’ Tornabuoni is where the showrooms of all the top fashion designers and luxury brands can be found: Tiffany & Co, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Gucci, Prada and more. For cheaper items, check out the stalls surrounding the Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo, or department stores like Rinascente on Piazza della Repubblica (where there is also a huge Zara store, Michael Kors boutique, and a Red Bistrot bookstore).
- Top Neighborhoods in Florence for Families: Santa Maria Novella, Santissima Annunziata, and San Niccolò
Santa Maria Novella is conveniently situated between the main train station, City Center, and river. It’s near all the major historic attractions as well as the huge Parco delle Cascine to the west, and proximity to the station allows for easy day trips to rural Tuscany and beyond. San Niccolò is more peaceful and residential than the Center, with beautiful parks like Giardino delle Rose. Hotels here often have gardens and may even boast a pool. Santissima Annunziata offers easy walking access to Florence’s top attractions and dining options, while remaining calm and quiet through the night. - Best Neighborhood in Florence for First Time Visitors to Stay: City Center
For a tenderfoot, there is nothing superior to completely plunge yourself in the concentrated sights of the City Center. From here, it’s a simple walk to all the other referenced neighborhoods. Santa Croce is another great alternative, simply east of those focal attractions, however with more of a local feel, and calmer territories on the off chance that that’s what you need. The two offer great lodging for all financial plans. - Most Romantic Neighborhood in Florence: San Niccolò & Piazzale Michelangelo
The City Center’s lively amalgamation of picturesque roads, magnificent art, and history synergize to establish an almost unbelievably romantic atmosphere. However, San Niccolò and the hills behind Piazzale Michelangelo offer you quaint, aged streets with sweeping perspectives of the city, as well as elegant boutiques and fine dining – and a bit more privacy. - Best Areas in Florence for Local Atmosphere: Santa Croce/Sant’Ambrogio, San Frediano
Santa Croce is near to, but significantly less crowded than, the City Center. Its narrow roads are seldom jam-packed beyond Piazza di Santa Croce, and the Mercato di Sant’ Ambrogio to its north attracts more locals and students than tourists for lunch and at night – the surrounding streets offer some of the best food stalls, cafés, and dining establishments in the city. San Frediano across the river in Oltrarno is another neighborhood with a strong local identity, with Piazza del Carmine and Piazza Tasso the heart of the community and Borgo San Frediano a good place to seek out no-frills tratorrias and bars. - Best Neighborhoods in Florence for Walking: Hills of Oltrarno
Florence provides much pleasure when exploring on foot. Wandering through the narrow roads of the central city or peeking inside artisans` workshops in Oltrarno allows discovering countless treasures near impossible to find through other means. The green hills south of the river offer a different experience for those seeking to climb pathways and hike trails – an opportunity to explore the stunning Giardino di Boboli, visit the Forte di Belvedere, and walk rising streets with impressive perspectives overlooking the city and along the old walls encircling it. - Safest Areas of Florence
Tourism areas like the residential districts of Santa Croce, Sant’Ambrogio or farther afield in San Frediano, Santo Spirito and San Niccolò generally feel safe, as does Piazzale Michelangelo across the Arno River. Visitors practicing standard precautions regarding possessions after dark and frequenting lively streets will likely feel secure exploring Florence`s appealing neighborhoods like the many who have come before.Areas that are busy with crowds and tourists, such as around the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo, Mercato Centrale, and other locations in the city center, tend to pose a risk of theft, especially pickpocketing. However, the central part of the city is otherwise safe. The streets near Stazione Santa Maria Novella can feel somewhat suspicious and are best avoided during late night hours.
The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Florence for Tourists
1. City Center
- Dining: This city offers many excellent dining establishments and cafes. Some of our preferred choices are Candouni,Ambrosia,Roka,Elinikon,Karma, and Lotza
The street known as Via dei Calzaiuoli, lined with upscale boutiques, leads south from here to Florence`s political center, Piazza della Signoria, dominated by the medieval Palazzo Vecchio (town hall) and mesmerizing statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi, as well as old-school café Rivoire. Nearby is the entrance to Italy`s most famous art gallery, the Galleria degli Uffizi. A short walk northeast lies the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, the second of Florence’s “big three” art museums – this one devoted to sculpture, and the Casa di Dante, residence of the medieval Italian writer, while on the riverbank the Museo Galileo contains a one-of-a-kind collection of historical scientific equipment. It’s also the prime location to photograph the Ponte Vecchio, the city`s iconic store-lined bridge over the Arno river.
Situated between these two main plazas is the church and museum of Orsanmichele, and just to the west lies the more formal Piazza della Repubblica, with its antique carousel and historic cafés like the Gilli and the Paszkowski. Also present is the Mercato Nuovo (also known as the Mercato del Porcellino), with souvenir stalls clustered around a bronze boar statue called “Il Porcellino” said to guarantee a return to Florence for those who stroke its snout.
A short distance farther west, the Palazzo Strozzi hosts traveling artistic exhibitions, while the Museo Marino Marini focuses on the iconic Tuscan sculptor. Gain an understanding of the history of fashion boutiques along the Via de’Tornabuoni at the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, established by the local shoe designer (Gucci, Pucci, and Cavalli were the other members of fashion’s “Florentine four”). All kinds of tasty eats can be discovered in the City Center too, ranging from gourmet panini at All’Antico Vinaio to elegant Michelin-starred dining at Ora d’Aria; bars vary from casual to chic rooftop perches.
Staying in the City Center is highly convenient but usually very expensive – it’s also the busiest part of town, with the main streets and piazzas crowded in high season. There are some bargains to be had in the B&Bs to the north and east of the Duomo, noted below).
- Best Hotels in Florence City Center
- Bernini Palace − Hotel phone: +39 055 288621
Brunelleschi Hotel • Hotel contact number: +39 055 27370 - Catalonia Gracia • Hotel contact: +34 932 08 19 19
- Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
The B&B Emozioni Fiorentine provides accommodations. Guests can reach the B&B by calling +39 055 290136 The B&B Magnifico Messere contact number is +39 333 969 9308 B&B San Remigio – Hotel contact number: +39 055 238 2694
Hotel Alessandra – Hotel phone: +39 055 283438
The Best Cheap Hotel: Mi Casa By The Sea offers affordable accommodations
The Golden Tower Hotel & Spa provides lodging and wellness facilities. Guests can contact the property by calling +39 055 287860 The Helvetia & Bristol Firenze hotel can be reached at +39 055 26651
Hotel Calimala – Hotel phone: +39 055 093 6360
Hotel of Craftsmen • Hotel phone: +39 055 26622
Palazzo Vecchietti Residence – Hotel phone: +39 055 230 2802
Monolia Maisonettes — This lodging`s contact number is +30 6944 275524 Room Mate Isabella • Hotel phone: +39 055 239 6464
The Savoy • Hotel phone: +39 055 27351
2. San Lorenzo and San Marco
Northwest of the large cathedral and east of the train station lies the small locality of San Lorenzo, which was long associated with the powerful Medici relatives and today presents a fantastic location for food lovers. Begin with the gourmet food stalls on the first floor of the Mercato Centrale, offering every thing from traditional lampredotto (tripe) to artisanal pizza and chocolate. Head over to Via de’ Ginori for relaxed bistro/café La Ménagère, quality filled rolls at SandwiChic, and fine gelato at My Sugar. The main attraction here is the Cappelle Medicee, the lavish final resting place of the Medici (with tombs carved by Michelangelo), adjoining the grand basilica of San Lorenzo itself (with two bronze pulpits by Donatello).
A short distance further to the north, San Marco is the city`s college area, the long narrow streets full of students walking between classes at the University of Florence. The primary attractions in this part include the Galleria dell`Accademia (home to Michelangelo`s David and Slaves; reservations essential), the beautifully designed Monastery of San Marco, painted by Fra Angelico and his pupils, and the university`s peculiar yet fascinating Natural History Museum. Nearby, the former Benedictine convent of Sant`Apollonia houses Andrea del Castagno`s Last Supper.
These two districts contain a massive stock of hotels, and we regard San Lorenzo to be one of the best places to lodge in Florence; centrally placed and within easy walking distance of both the Duomo and the train station. Rates are generally high here, but cheaper B&Bs can be found in San Marco, a bit further from the activities.
- Best Hotels in San Lorenzo & San Marco
Arte’ Boutique Hotel — Contact number: +39 055 1993 3011
Firenze Number Nine • Hotel contact number: +39 055 293777
Hotel Spadai – Hotel contact number: +39 055 627 0800
ViewpointPalazzo Castri 1874 • Hotel phone: +39 055 472118
Palazzo dei Conti – Hotel phone number: +39 055 1993 8442
Room Mate Luca • Hotel phone: +39 055 264 5539
Casa G. Firenze • Hotel contact: +39 055 802 8859 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
The B&B Lorenzo de’Medici can be contacted at +39 380 238 4105
HomEdo B&B – Hotel phone: +39 324 083 3307
Il Guelfo Bianco — Contact number: +39 055 288330
The Residenza San Gallo 79 provides lodging. Guests can contact the property by calling +39 338 425 9357 San Giuliano Inn • Hotel contact number: +39 055 239 6450
Hotel City • Hotel phone: +39 055 211543 - Best Hostel
PLUS Florence – Hotel telephone: +39 055 628 6347
3. Santa Maria Novella (train station)
The expansive Santa Maria Novella area extends west from Via de’ Tornabuoni, bridging the central train terminal and river. While close proximity to the station enhances convenience, avoid the run-down surroundings and instead focus on the bustling Piazza di Santa Maria Novella with its lovely church housing exceptional works by Masaccio, Filippino Lippi, and others. At the square`s opposite end, the Museo Novecento features Italian 20th century art from artists such as Giorgio Morandi and Giorgio de Chirico. Scattered between here, central Florence, and the river lie quality shopping, with high brands along Via de’ Tornabuoni and diverse boutiques, galleries, and vintage shops on Via della Spada, Via dei Fossi, and beyond. The region also offers superb dining and drink options including elegant riverside bars, craft cocktails at Manifattura, and many trattorias serving Tuscan cuisine.
There are charming boutique and luxurious hotels surrounding Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and the river, but this is the also best part of town for affordable options, particularly at B&Bs and hostels – the standard has enhanced significantly in recent years and the area close to the train station is not as dubious as it once was).
- Best Hotels in Santa Maria Novella
The 25hours at Piazza San Paolino hotel can be reached at +39 055 296 6911
Palazzo di Camugliano • Hotel phone: +39 055 265 4578
The ” AssessmentsVilla Sina Medici • Hotel phone: +39 055 277171
The Market Urban Hotel • Hotel contact: +39 055 212676 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Bed and Breakfast Santa Maria Novella – Hotel phone: +39 055 936 1170
Apartment Terrazza Belfiore • Hotel contact: +39 329 173 5876
BBH Firenze • Hotel phone: +39 349 748 7027
The next entry is for ” Hotel Accademia” in Florence, Italy, with a contact phone number of +39 055 293451. - Best Hostels
Hostel Archi Rossi • Hotel contact number: +39 055 290804
My Friends – Hotel phone: +39 055 280115
Highly regarded hostel in Florence • Hotel contact number: +39 055 213806
The YellowSquare Florence contact number is +39 055 031 7718
Sea View Resorts and Spa – Hotel contact number: +30 2271 033354
4. Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio
Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio provide the best places to experience local flavor north of the river. Located just east of Via del Proconsolo and steps from major attractions, these areas manage to be less crowded by tourists and more relaxed, with narrow, atmospheric roads, an excellent community marketplace, and the old Jewish quarter. Santa Croce boasts substantial attractions, such as the lovely Basilica di Santa Croce itself, resting place of many famous Florentines including Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, and Galileo, as well as priceless work by Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello, and others. Nearby, the Casa Buonarroti marks the site where Michelangelo likely resided in the early 16th century, containing a few early pieces by the Renaissance master.
North of Santa Croce, the Sant`Ambrogio cuisine scene is exceptional, whether you are shopping for produce at the Mercato di Sant`Ambrogio market, sampling the traditional lampredotto sandwiches at the famous Tripperia Pollini food cart, or enjoying the superb Tuscan fare at one of the Cibrèo restaurants nearby. A little further north stands the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence, testament to the city’s long Jewish history. At night, the neighborhoods draw a hip, youthful crowd to their great bar scenes – especially on busy Via dei Benci and around the market, like the live music venue Le Murate.
Accommodations out here can be fairly expensive, reflecting the area’s sophisticated reputation – it’s somewhat of a walk to major attractions in the center, but it’s significantly less busy than locations nearer the train station).
- Best Hotels in Santa Croce & Sant’Ambrogio
Baglioni Relais Santa Croce Hotel – Hotel phone: +39 055 234 2230
The Palazzo Roselli Cecconi hotel can be reached at telephone number +39 055 074 9120.
Ville Sull’Arno – Hotel telephone: +39 055 670971 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Bed and Breakfast La Casa dei Tintori – Hotel phone: +39 055 263 9771
Hotel Bodoni – Hotel contact number: +39 055 240741
La Maison du Sage” The contact number for this hotel is “+39 055 094 8343 Moxy Glasgow SEC — Hotel phone: +44 141 406 0727
Locanda de ‘Ciompi Inn – Hotel phone: +39 055 263 8034
5. Santissima Annunziata
The Santissima Annunziata area lies northeast of the City Center (bordering San Marco), constructed around a serenely designed Renaissance piazza featuring the Santissima Annunziata basilica, dating back to medieval times with an elegant facade. The Ospedale degli Innocenti (a former orphanage now a museum) features a graceful colonnade and arched loggia designed by Brunelleschi and imitated over the centuries on other structures comprising the square. The nearby Museo Archeologico boasts an especially impressive Etruscan collection. One of Florence`s hidden gems lies in the center of the ring road a stiff walk eastwards – the English Cemetery is the tranquil final resting place of poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Arthur Clough, and Walter Savage Landor.
Though historically important and readily walkable to all of Florence’s most iconic sights, this area stays remarkably low key – ideal for families and for quiet retreats from the crowds. There are a number of excellent restaurants, especially toward the southern and western parts near the City Center, San Lorenzo, and San Marco areas. There are far fewer hotels up here, but they tend to be high quality and much quieter than in the City Center).
- Best Hotels in Santissima Annunziata
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze contact number is +39 055 26261
Loggiato dei Serviti • Hotel contact number: +39 06 9437 7220
Morandi alla Crocetta • Hotel contact number: +39 055 234 4748
Hotel Orto De’Medici – Hotel contact number: +39 055 483427
Residence Hilda – Hotel phone: +39 055 288021 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Alfieri9 – Hotel contact number: +39 055 263 8121
The B&B Giorni Dipinti provides accommodations. Guests can reach the B&B by calling +39 055 226 0229
6. San Frediano and Santo Spirito
These two intriguing neighborhoods lie on the south bank of the river Arno, between the Ponte Vecchio and Porta Romana gates, in the historic Oltrarno district of Florence. The vibe here has a Bohemian and local flair, although gentrification has made this part of town trendier, with numerous new eateries, cocktail bars, and wine shops now populating spots like Piazza Santo Spirito and Borgo San Frediano. Also known as the artisanal quarter, it`s packed with antique stores, hip boutiques, galleries, and workshops; exploring the shopping along Borgo San Jacopo, Via Santo Spirito, and Via Romana can yield finds. Notable sights include Brunelleschi`s Basilica di Santa Spirito, the church Santa Felìcita (with paintings by Pontormo), and the grand Palazzo Pitti housing eight museums – most intriguing is the art collection within the Galleria Palatina. You`ll need to reserve a time slot for the renowned Cappella Brancacci, the famous medieval chapel covered in gorgeous frescoes by Masolino and Masaccio.
This area is known for its stylish boutique hotels – generally providing better value than locations north of the river, with excellent B&Bs and luxury accommodations as well..
- Top-Ranked Hotels in San Frediano & Santo Spirito
AdAstra Florence – Hotel phone: +39 055 075 0602
The Horto Convento offers lodging with a telephone number of +39 055 223529 The Hotel Lungarno • Hotel phone: +39 055 27261
The ” The Place Firenze” hotel can be contacted at +39 055 264 5181 Ottantotto Firenze • Hotel phone: +39 055 068 3669
Palazzo Guicciardini – Hotel contact number: +39 055 284711
Le Contesse Firenze — Hotel phone: +39 328 036 2843
San Pier Novello in Oltrarno – Telephone number for the hotel: +39 380 775 7786
Guests can book stays at the SoprArno Suites by calling +39 055 046 8719 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Palazzo Ridolfi — Hotel phone: +39 392 715 4809
Drom Florence – Hotel phone: +39 335 617 8817
Foresteria Valdese di Firenze – Hotel phone: +39 055 212576
Portrait Firenze — The contact phone number for this hotel is +39 055 2726 8000 - Best Hostel
The Ostello Tasso can be contacted at +39 055 060 2087 for room reservations
7. San Niccolò and Piazzale Michelangelo
Picturesque San Niccolò lies east of Santo Spirito along the river, while quieter Piazzale Michelangelo rises on the hillside to its south. Like the other Oltrarno areas, San Niccolò is creative and lively, which makes for great exploring. Investigate Via San Niccolò, where you’ll find renowned perfumier Lorenzo Villoresi, and funky street artwork at Clet. Ascend medieval landmark San Niccolò Tower for beautiful panoramas, and enjoy fine food and drinks in its shadow; excellent pasta at Zeb, beverages at The Speakeasy, and elegant cuisine at Hosteria del Bricco. The primary sights here include the artworks inside the Museo Stefano Bardini, and the 17th-century Villa Bardini, featuring art by Pietro Annigoni and lush adjacent gardens with magnificent perspectives over the city.
Piazzale Michelangelo is largely a residential location with lovely gardens and a major attraction – the square for which it is named, boasting a replica of David and magnificent views of Florence. City buses quickly travel up here, otherwise it’s a strenuous but scenic walk up the “Rampe di Poggi” from the river. You can continue walking beyond the Piazzale up to the tiny church of San Salvatore al Monte and the much larger monastery of San Miniato al Monte beyond, one of the city’s most beautiful churches.
This section of Oltrarno is much calmer with far fewer hotels and subsequently less tourists. Rates are cheaper than north of the river, with especially good value bed and breakfasts further east along the Arno River..
- A top rated hotel in San Niccolò & Piazzale Michelangelo
The Serristori Palace provides lodging facilities. Guests can contact the property by calling +39 055 200 1623 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
That distinguished lodging • Hotel phone: +39 055 241950
Hotel David – Hotel contact number: +39 055 681 1695
The Residence Michelangiolo hotel can be contacted at +39 055 681 1748.
8. The Hills of Oltrarno: Boboli Gardens
The undulating hills south of the main Oltrarno districts are blanketed by leafy, affluent residential neighborhoods. They are restful, replete with lovely views, and can seem much more pastoral and distant than they are – buses travel up and down the hills, but it’s not that far to walk into the center (at least downhill). The key attraction here is the vast, hilly green space of the Boboli Gardens, sprinkled with grand fountains and statuary – mostly notably the stalactites and stone shepherds of the Grotta del Buontalenti. At the zenith of the gardens stands the Museo delle Porcellane’s substantial porcelain collection, and the 16th-century Forte di Belvedere fortress. It’s possible to follow the line of the ancient city walls from here, with Via di Belvedere the most atmospheric (and least busy) segment.
Visitors spending time here will likely explore the surrounding region for shopping or dining out, but it creates a pleasant location for wandering, with hillside homes and spectacular perspectives at every corner. Lodging includes charming guesthouses and some lovely high-end hotels – expensive and exclusive. It’s a good base if traveling by vehicle, as parking is available here; only locals are permitted to park in central Florence), but factor in extra time to reach the peaks if walking or taking public transportation..
- Best Hotels in the Oltrarno Hills
Art Hotel Villa Agape • Hotel phone: +39 055 220044
Villa Cora – Hotel phone: +39 055 228790
This hotel called Hotel Davanzati can be reached at +39 055 286666. - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Classic Hotel – Hotel phone: +39 055 229351
Torre dei Lari — Hotel phone: +39 337 127 5590
More Florence Neighborhoods
We’ve examined our favorite neighborhoods to explore and lodge in more thoroughly above, but with additional time the following districts also deserve visiting.
- Fiesole: With additional time it’s worth taking the #7 bus up the hills north of Florence to the small community of Fiesole. (If the weather is favorable, it’s a pleasant walk back down to City Center.) The primary sights up here include the Duomo on Piazza Mino, the artwork in the Museo Bandini, the ancient Roman Theater and its small museum, various Etruscan ruins, and the Badia Fiesolana, the town’s 9th-century cathedral. There are a handful of tranquil pensiones and B&Bs if you’d like to stay the night – we especially recommend Pensione Bencistà and Le Cannelle bed and breakfast.
- Artemio Franchi Stadium: The home of Fiorentina, the city’s Serie A soccer team, lies around 2 miles northeast of the city center. It can be enjoyable watching the “Viola”, particularly when rivals Bologna or Juventus visit. See the team website for match info. The best lodgings near Artemo Franchi Stadium are Villa Neroli (which has an outdoor pool) and the charming and affordable A Casa di Lilli guesthouse.
- As it’s so close to the city center, there’s not much point in staying near Florence Airport. The nearest hotels are not especially convenient, or good value. Hotels close to Pisa International Airport tend to be budget B&Bs and guesthouses – Ai 4 Elementi is a good choice.
Florence Travel Tips
- The Florence Airport (also called Peretola) is situated approximately 6 kilometers northwest of the city center. It handles generally low-cost flights from other European destinations as a moderately small transportation hub. The best method to access downtown is using the new tram/light rail link on the T2 line; taxis charge a set €22 (€24 on holidays, €25.30 at night). Pisa International Airport (also known as Galileo Galilei), 77 kilometers west of Florence, serves as the primary airport for the Tuscany region.
- Nearly everyone you are likely to interact with in Florence will be able to communicate (or at minimum comprehend some) English, excluding a few taxi motorists and owners of small cafés/shops. Try to learn a few words and numerals in Italian anyhow before you travel. Note that this alters if you head out of the city for a day expedition – far fewer individuals in rural Tuscany speak English, particularly among the older generation.
- Highly esteemed boutique hotels:Nur Hotel – Linda Boutique Class Hotel – Cinar Boutique Hotel – Lumina Otel – Lycia Hotel
- Bicycle rentals can be obtained through app-based bike sharing programs like Ridemovi or traditional rental shops such as Tuscany Cycle. The central Florence area is relatively flat and not unsuitable for cycling, even though you`ll need to share the narrow roads with pedestrians and vehicles. Further out, there are dedicated bike lanes and trails that can be useful for exploring the Arno riverside and outer suburbs more extensively.
- free wireless internet accessibility is provided at Florence`s airport as well as cafes and museums throughout the city. Locals and visitors can also access complimentary “Firenze WiFi” hotspots dispersed at places like Piazza Duomo and the Uffizi, with a maximum daily 500MB limit per device.
- The official tourism website for Florence is feelflorence.it. Info points can be found at the airport, Piazza della Stazione 4, Borgo Santa Croce 29, and at Via Cavour 1R.