Where to Stay In Florence: Best & Safest Areas (By a Local)

World-class art. Incredible food. Some of Italy's most iconic architecture. Florence is home to it all.

Nestled in the north of Italy in the picturesque region of Tuscany, this beautiful city on the Arno River is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations – and for good reason.

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is best known for its art and culture, offering incredible sights such as Michelangelo's David and the infinitely impressive Duomo, the cathedral of Florence. This certainly doesn't mean Florence is exclusively for culture vultures though.

Equipped with plenty of exclusive cocktail bars, high-quality restaurants, quirky shops, and friendly spaces where you can try a famous Tuscan glass of wine, even those who steer clear of art will find something to love here.

If you plan on visiting Florence but aren't sure which neighborhood or hotel is best for you, I've got you covered, with a guide to the best areas to stay in Florence and the best accommodation in each area.

Check out all my favorite Florence hotels with spacious rooms and the best areas to stay in the city with my ultimate guide to staying in Florence.

The best areas to stay in Florence

Centro Storico – If it's your first time in Florence or you're only visiting for a short period, the historic center is where you'll want to be. Home to most of Florence's biggest sights, you won't be short on things to do or places to eat here. Be warned though, in the height of summer this area definitely attracts crowds!

San Lorenzo – With slightly fewer tourists than the Centro Storico but a significant and popular neighborhood nonetheless, San Lorenzo is perfect for families or couples. Its laid-back but vibrant vibe makes it a great place to experience culture, eat and drink, and get to know Florence.

Sant'Ambrogio – Home to the popular foodie spot Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, this laid-back neighborhood is just around the corner from Santa Croce, offering nearby nightlife with a quieter setting.

San Marco – San Marco perfectly straddles both laid-back elegance with a local feel and boasts one of the best collections of art and culture in the world. Here, you'll find the Galleria dell'Accademia, the San Marco Museum, and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.

Santa Maria Novella – This lively area has a romantic feel that's perfect for couples, but families, groups of friends, and solo travelers will be charmed just as much by its stunning piazza and friendly locals.

Santa Croce – Full of great places to eat and drink, Santa Croce is best known for its impressive central piazza and winding narrow streets lined with leather shops.

Santo Spirito – This one's for the hipsters. Home to a population of artists and alternative communities, Santo Spirito is the best place to visit to unleash your inner hippie.

Campo di Marte – On a budget but still want to be able to walk to the center? Head to Campo di Marte, the local neighborhood with a personality of its own.

1. Where to stay in Florence for first-time visitors: Centro Storico

If you're staying in Florence for the first time and want to stay near the city's main attractions, there's no better area than the Centro Storico (the historic city center).

In the center of this area, you'll find Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo, the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and all other major sites no more than a 10-minute walk away. Even if you don't end up staying in Centro Storico, you won't be able to avoid visiting it during your stay.

As well as being filled with things to do and sights to see, the Centro Storico is just downright beautiful. The cathedral of Florence, the Duomo is genuinely one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen, and the surrounding streets with their narrow cobbled alleys and traditional Italian eateries make for a very picturesque stay.

Plus, the historic center has the biggest range of accommodations and plenty of places to find a bite to eat after a busy day walking around the sights.

Naturally, however, you are staying in the tourist center, so if you're looking for somewhere quiet to escape the crowds, the Centro Storico isn't for you.

Things to do in Centro Storico

• Visit the Uffizi Gallery

• See the Piazza del Duomo

• Bask in the splendor of the Duomo, the cathedral of Florence

• See the Palazzo Vecchio, the city's town hall

• Visit the Pizza della Signoria

Best area for:

• First-time visitors

• Sightseers

• Those visiting Florence for just a few days

• Tourists

Best hotels to stay in Centro Storico

($$$) Hotel degli Orafi

($$) Hotel Calimala

($) Hotel della Signoria

2. Where to stay in Florence for families: San Lorenzo

Located north of the city center, San Lorenzo is extremely well-located, putting you within walking distance of the historic center while being far enough to escape the bulk of the crowds. It's not too noisy, either, making it the ideal neighborhood for families to stay.

The main pull of this area is the Mercato Centrale, a food hall serving up every type of Tuscan traditional food you can think of, making this neighborhood popular with foodies as well as families.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is found here, too, and it's well worth visiting for those who like historical sites. Plus, there are plenty of leather shops (Italy is famous for its high-quality leather) for those inclined to retail therapy.

The vibe in San Lorenzo is vibrant yet laid-back, meaning there's plenty to do but you won't be kept up all night by noisy crowds – the perfect middle ground.

Things to do in San Lorenzo

• Eat at the Mercato Centrale

• Visit the Cappelle Medicee

• See the Catedral di Santa Maria del Fiore

Best area for:

• Foodies

• Families

• Visitors interested in the history of the Medici family

• Being close to but not in the city center

Best hotels to stay in San Lorenzo

($$$) Hotel Palazzo Benci

($$) Hotel Spadai

($) Globus Urban Hotel

3. Where to stay in Florence for foodies: Sant'Ambrogio

Offering the beauty of Florence without (most of) the crowds, Sant'Ambrogio is ideal for laid-back foodies. Home to the fantastic Sant'Ambrogio market which serves up a delightful collection of meats, cheeses, and more, Sant'Ambrogio is also known for its antique marker – Ciompi Antiquariato.

Basically, it's the place for those who like alternative retail therapy. Think shopping, but more flea market than upmarket boutique.

When you work up an appetite from all that shopping, head to the popular spot Cibreo, for tasty Tuscan cuisine served up by expert chefs.

One thing Sant'Ambrogio offers in abundance is the perfect blend of proximity to the main sights with all the charm of a unique neighborhood. You won't encounter the crowds you find in the center, but you'll nevertheless feel like you're in the heart of where it's all happening.

It's quiet enough that it's suitable for families, too, although it's certainly not a boring area.

Things to do in Sant'Ambrogio

• Visit the famous food market

• Grab a bite to eat in one of the friendly local restaurants

• Visit Tempio Maggiore, the incredible synagogue

• Check out the vintage stores in the neighborhood

Best area for:

• Food and drink lovers

• Those who like living like a local

• Families

Best hotels to stay in Sant'Ambrogio

($$$) Hotel Monna Lisa

($$) Boutique Hotel La Casa di Morfeo

($) Guest House Le Contesse

4. Where to stay in Florence to escape the crowds: San Marco

With pretty buildings, countless friendly coffee shops, and world-class art, San Marco is the ideal destination for culture vultures who want to escape the vast swathes of tourists but are still interested in doing tourist activities. It's a win-win!

Florence is known for being the home of the famous art movement, the Renaissance, and San Marco is arguably the best neighborhood to visit if you want a greater insight into what made Florence such a hub of art and culture centuries ago (and still to this day).

There are countless museums and art galleries in this area, allowing you to really get stuck into the cultural legacy of this fascinating city.

In this neighborhood, you'll find the San Marco museum, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Galleria dell'Accademia, the Laurentian Library, and more.

It's not all art, though. As with the rest of Florence, San Marco boasts plenty of eateries, ranging from traditional family-owned trattorias to stylish upscale restaurants, with plenty of bars sprinkled around the area, too. The cozy Caffe Lietta should be your first port of call for your morning cappuccino if you decide to stay in San Marco.

Things to do in San Marco

• See the incredible Hospital of the Innocents

• Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia

• Stroll around the San Marco museum

• Grab a morning espresso with the locals

Best area for:

• Enjoying a quieter vacation

• Art lovers

• Michelangelo and Da Vinci fans

Best hotels to stay in San Marco

($$$) Hotel Orto de' Medici

($$) Hotel Bonifacio

($) B&B La Marmora 39

5. Where to stay in Florence for couples: Santa Maria Novella

Santa Maria Novella, located near Florence's center, is an interesting neighborhood. At times both gritty and romantic, the scruffy edges of this neighborhood add to its charm, and it's home to some of the best places to eat and drink in the city. In fact, it's probably second to Santa Croce in terms of nightlife appeal.

The centerpiece of the neighborhood is undoubtedly the incredible Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, an architectural marvel that's undoubtedly a must-see during any visit to Florence, whether or not you plan on staying in the area.

During warm summer evenings, locals and tourists alike spill out into the streets surrounding the Basilica to eat and drink. It's a great spot to head to for an evening of tasty food and friendly bars, right near the equally charming Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

This area is also home to some of Florence's most important museums, including the Museum of Santa Maria Novella, the Museo Novecento, and the Palazzo Strozzi. You'll even find one of the world's oldest pharmacies that's still in operation today – the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy.

So, what makes Santa Maria Novella so perfect for couples? Essentially, it's Florence's most romantic neighborhood to stroll around. Whether you're checking out a museum, meandering down the cobbled narrow side streets, or sitting outside a bar in the piazza on a balmy evening, there's an undeniable charm about the area that you have to visit to understand.

Things to do in Santa Maria Novella

• Grab a drink at The Arts Inn

• Check out the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

• Visit the Museo Novecento

• Check out the Santa Trinita Basilica

• Stroll around the narrow side streets

Best area for:

• Couples

• Romantic getaways

• Enjoying a drink and some people-watching outside

Best hotels to stay in Santa Maria Novella

($$$) 7Florence B&B

($$) C-hotels Ambasciatori

($) Eco Urban B&B

6. Where to stay in Florence for nightlife: Santa Croce

Santa Croce is arguably Florence's most vibrant neighborhood. This is where you're most likely to see groups of friends out for a bar crawl, upmarket families on their way to dinner, and tourists searching for that elusive ‘off-the-beaten-path' Tuscan restaurant.

Home to the supposed two best sandwich places in Florence, Pino's Sandwiches and All'Antico Vinaio (although in my humble opinion, Pino's wins), Santa Croce is the perfect place to search for a vegan-friendly restaurant, craft beer brewery, or Irish pub.

But it's not only for those who love nightlife. Santa Croce also boasts some upmarket areas, churches, and cultural spaces that will keep you busy during the day. It's also right near to the smaller Sant'Ambrogio neighborhood, which boasts an incredible food market.

The best part? You're within less than a mile of the main central sights, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, so you get to see Florence's most iconic spots while enjoying the excellent nightlife on offer in Santa Croce.

Things to do in Santa Croce

• Grab one of Florence's best panini at Pino's Sandwiches

• Visit the Casa Buonaretti to find out more about Michelangelo

• Enjoy the local bars

• Grab a bite to eat or a drink in Piazza Santa Croce

• See the Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze

• Grab a beer at the famous Lion's Fountain pub – especially popular with exchange students

Best area for:

• A bar crawl

• Soaking up the atmosphere

• Students, young people, and groups of friends

Best hotels to stay in Santa Croce

($$$) Hotel Cardinal of Florence

($$) Relais Santa Croce

($) Borgo Signature Rooms

7. Where to stay in Florence for hipster vibes: Santo Spirito

Every city has its more bohemian neighborhood and Florence is no different. In this city's case, it's Santo Spirito, the ultimate hippie hangout spot. While certainly not dangerous, Santo Spirito is a little edgier than other areas, especially at night, so be careful when walking around alone or in a small group.

As you'd expect from a hipster neighborhood, Santo Spirito attracts a rather alternative crowd of residents as well as plenty of independent businesses, such as trendy coffee houses and health food stores. But there's tons of culture here, too.

In Santo Spirito is the incredible Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge in Florence that's home to a plethora of jewelry and gold stores. It's great for finding antiques and hidden treasures. You're also just a stroll away from the Palazzo Vecchio, another must-see sight for your stay in Florence. The Palazzo Pitti is an art museum in the area that's well worth a visit for art fans.

If you're feeling sick of all that gelato and pasta, end your afternoon with a visit to Carduccio, a vegetarian eatery that will revitalize your soul with healthy food and drinks. Because of course, the most hipster place in town has vegan and organic food!

Things to do in Santo Spirito

• Go jewelry shopping on Ponte Vecchio

• Check out the local independent cafes

• Visit the Palazzo Pitti

• See the Palazzo Vecchio

• Grab a drink at Piazza Santo Spirito

Best area for:

• Hipsters

• Jewelry lovers

• Travelers who like to live like locals

Best hotels to stay in Santo Spirito

($$$) Hotel La Scaletta

($$) Palazzo Martellini Residenza d'Epoca

($) Palacco Bianca Cappello Residenza d'Epoca

8. Where to stay in Florence on a budget: Campo di Marte

Campo di Marte isn't as well known as more central neighborhoods like Santa Maria Novella or Centro Storico, but it's an excellent place to stay if you want to keep things budget-friendly and live like a local.

Home to the third biggest station in Florence, Campo di Marte is a mostly residential area, but it has its own set of shops, restaurants, and bars, such as the wonderfully friendly Green Store pub and La Magnolia – the perfect spot for picking up a breakfast pastry.

Here you'll also find the Church of San Michele, the Football Museum of Coverciano, and the Enzo Pazzagli Art Park. While Campo di Marte won't blow you away in the same way as the historic center, its quiet charm and friendly community feel will definitely prove somewhere relaxing to rest your head. Plus, you'll get to experience Florence like the people who live there do.

Campo di Marte spans quite a large area, with parts between 30 minutes and an hour away from the city by walking. Don't forget to prioritize proximity to the center if that's important to you, but even if you stay further afield you'll be able to access the main sights via bus.

It's close on foot to Santa Croce, so you can stroll into the city's nightlife center for dinner and drinks.

Things to do in Campo di Marte

• Grab a pizza in the beautiful outdoor garden of Il Pallaio

• Visit the Nelson Mandela Forum stadium and sports complex

• See the statue of ‘Rain Man'

• Cycle along the right bank of the Arno River

Best area for:

• Travelers on a budget

• Those looking to get off the beaten track

• Sports lovers

• Cyclists

• Fans of green spaces

Best hotels to stay in Campo di Marte

($$$) Hotel Emma

($$) Hotel Villa Liana

($) Hotel Ungherese

Where to stay in Florence – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 What part of Florence should I stay in?

The best area of Florence to stay depends on what you're seeking from your vacation in this Tuscan gem. First-time tourists looking to soak up the main sights will be best placed in a central location such as Centro Storico, with proximity to the city's best-known attractions such as Florence Cathedral.

Couples and friend groups will love Santa Marie Novella, while those searching for nightlife and a buzz will be happy in either Santa Croce or Santo Spirito. If you're seeking cheaper accommodation and a more local vibe, stick to Campo di Marte.

Food lovers will be right at home in Sant' Ambrogio, while San Lorenzo and San Marco are both great for those looking to escape the crowds – although San Lorenzo is a little more family-friendly. Luckily, Florence is a relatively compact and walkable city, so in most neighborhoods, you'll be able to easily reach the main sights.

❌ Where to avoid staying in Florence?

On the whole, Florence is a safe city, although it does have a pickpocketing problem, especially in the summer. Most neighborhoods in Florence are safe from most major crimes, although you should avoid hanging around the Santa Maria Novella train station late at night and The Piagge area. Luckily, you'll be fine in central neighborhoods during the day, just keep a close eye on your bags and avoid walking with your phone in your hand.

🚶 Is Florence a walkable city?

One of the best things about Florence is its walkability. All the main sights within the city center are within walking distance of one another, and you can easily walk from the center and the train station to many of the neighborhoods listed above. You'll save plenty of money by not having to hire a car or call taxis, but if the walking gets a little too much, central Florence has a robust public transport system, too.

📅 How many days in Florence is enough?

While Florence isn't a huge city, it certainly isn't short of things to do, so it could be difficult to see everything in just one weekend. Instead, I'd recommend spending at least four days in Florence – up to a week if you want the trip to be a little more relaxed.

If you plan on taking a road trip across the wider region of Tuscany, you'll want to stay between a week and two weeks to thoroughly enjoy the different areas. There are plenty of day trips worth taking from Florence, too, and hiring a car can help with those.

❓ What is the best square in Florence?

Now, that's a tough one to answer! As with many Italian cities, Florence is famous for having beautiful squares (or piazze as the Italians called them) where you can sit with a drink and watch the world go by.

Piazza Duomo is home to Florence's iconic cathedral and it's a great place to grab an espresso and marvel at the stunning architecture all around you. Be warned though – you might pay more than usual for your coffee!

If you want to catch a glimpse of the incredible church of Santa Maria Novella then Piazza Santa Maria Novella is the best place to be. Piazza di Santa Croce takes its name from the church overlooking it and is home to plenty of friendly wine bars and cafes. But arguably, the most beautiful square in Florence is Piazza della Signoria.

Not home to a church but instead to the Palazzo Vecchio, it's arguably the most iconic square in Florence. Here, you'll also find replicas of famous sculptures, including Michelangelo's David and two statues by Donatella. There's plenty of original artwork, too, such as the Fountain of Neptune.

The truth is, there are too many beautiful squares in Florence to even fit into this article. To make the most of your time in this iconic city, simply wander around Florence's city center and make the most of any eye-catching piazzas you come across by stopping for a drink and some people-watching. After all, sometimes the hidden gems are the best spots.

🍴 What are the typical dishes to try in Florence?

There are plenty of dishes to try and love in Italy, but Florence has some of its own unique ones you should take advantage of while you're in the region. And you should wash it all down with a glass of Tuscan wine, of course! Possibly the most famous is Fiorentine steak, which is a delicious treat for meat lovers.

Pappardelle is a type of pasta that's commonly found across Florence and is best served with a ragu sauce. You should also head straight for a gelato store as Florence has some of the best in Italy. Top tip though – avoid any brightly colored gelato that's piled high – this is inauthentic and has artificial coloring for the purpose of attracting tourists. Finally, enjoy a cornetto for breakfast, a croissant-like pastry that's common in Florence. It's simply the best way to start the day!

Where to Stay in Florence – Final Words

Luckily, no matter where you stay in Florence, you'll simply adore this wonderful city that has so much to offer. Every neighborhood has a personality of its home but most are still within walking distance of the main sites and the city's main train station.

To choose the best spot for you in Florence, first, establish what you're looking for – whether you'd prefer to be in the heart of museums and art galleries or closer to the nightlife action.

The good news is that many of the neighborhoods featured in my guide offer a mix of attractions in one place, from art galleries to upmarket bars. Hopefully, with this guide, you'll have a foolproof planning process for your next trip to Florence.