Where to Stay in Florence: from Weekend Getaways to Long Term Stays

Wondering where to stay in Florence? Check this guide below based on what you plan on doing and how long you want to stay!
Ahhh, Florence (or Firenze in Italian). As the capital of Tuscany and the literal home to the Renaissance, this city has more than earned its spot as one of the most incredible cities in Europe.
Back when I first visited Florence as a high school student, I fell in love immediately. We had all of three hours in one afternoon, and I spent a good few years imagining what it’d be like to be a writer holed up in an apartment somewhere here.
While I wasn’t able to return for another 15 years, I’ve been more than delighted to see that Florence has lived up to my grandiose memories. Whether it’s visiting world class museums, eating some of the absolute best food, or just wandering through the streets, I challenge even the most jaded traveler to not fall in love.
When it comes to planning your trip to Florence, the very first thing to consider is where exactly to stay. I’ve stayed in about… five different hotels at this point on my numerous visits and poured over countless hotel about pages while crossing them with my Google Maps pins. Save yourself all the time I’ve spent researching and simply use this guide below!
I’ve split the sections into the following, so you can just click to see:
Where to stay in Florence if…
- it’s your first visit or you’re on a budget
- that “wow view”
- you want a romantic getaway
- you’re thinking of staying longer
For more: check this Florence itinerary for 3 days and this guide to the best places to eat in Florence
Where to Stay in Florence from First Time Visits to Long Term Stays
First Time/On a Budget: Within Walking Distance of the Train Station
By biggest tip when it comes to traveling most places in Italy is to stay within a 15-minute walk to the Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Chances are you’re traveling by train into whatever city you’re visiting, and you’ll want to just get your luggage to your hotel with as little struggle as possible.
This is especially true for Florence! There are plenty of cute little hotels an easy walk from the train station, and then from there you’ll be able to walk all around the main parts of the city.
Hotels Near Firenze S.M. Novella | Walking Distance | Costs |
---|---|---|
Hotel Palazzo del Borgo $$ | ~ 10 minutes | View Here |
Hotel Alba Palace $$ | ~ 10 minutes | View Here |
Ostello Bello $ | ~ 5 minutes | View Here |
Ostello Bello Hotels (Hotel Anna) $$ | ~ 5 minutes | View Here |
Hotel TSH Florence Lavagnini $$ | ~ 11-15 minutes | View Here |
The Curator’s Daydream $$$ | ~3 minutes | View Here |
If You Want a Place with Views: Look for Ones with Views of the Duomo
When it comes to that “wow view” in Florence, you really cannot do better than a view of the Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral). This historic cathedral took 140 years to complete and is made from a mixture of marble and brick. All the detailed design you see on the exterior is thanks to its Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance influences. Just imagine staying somewhere where you can get the best views — all sans a crowd!
I will say these view comes with a major caveat – to get those views many of these hotels are very likely in or near Piazza del Duomo, aka the busiest and most popular area in all of Florence. Do not expect a quiet escape as there will be bustle through the night really no matter the time of year!
Hotels with Incredible Views | How to See the Duomo | Costs |
---|---|---|
The Place Firenze $$$$ | book the suite with balcony or use the rooftop terrace | View Here |
Brunelleschi Hotel $$$ | book specific panoramic room or suite (best is the pool suite) | View Here |
The Milena $$$ | views from apartment window | View Here |
Grand Hotel Cavour $$ | rooftop terrace | View Here |
Grand Hotel Minerva $$$ | rooftop pool, terrace, bar | View Here |
Grand Hotel Baglioni $$ | B-Roof restaurant | View Here |
Laurus al Duomo $$ | breakfast room, rooftop terrace, book rooms with view | View Here |
For a Romantic Getaway: Along the Arno
I would say the nicest way to relax in Florence is to find somewhere along the River Arno. The main parts of town can be quite busy especially during high season, so it’s nice to have a quiet, beautifully decorated hotel with a scenic view to escape for some romance.
Most of these hotels aren’t near the train station, so you’ll definitely just want to get a taxi or ask your hotel to help with transfer unless you don’t mind lugging your suitcase through cobblestone streets.
Hotels Along the Arno | Why Stay | Costs |
---|---|---|
Hotel Balestri $$ | rooms with balcony and river views, rooftop terrace | View Here |
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi $$ | rooftop pool and bar, rooms with views | View Here |
Astride the Arno $$$ | incredible balcony view of Ponte Vecchio | View Here |
Palazzo Alfieri Residenza D’Epoca $$ | rooms with river views | View Here |
Portrait Firenze $$$ | studios and suites with river views | View Here |
St Regis Florence $$$$ | rooms with review views | View Here |
Hotel Lungarno $$$ | rooms with river views | View Here |
For Long Term Stays: Oltrarno
If you’re staying in Florence longer term, I’d actually eschew the main part of town and head across the river (Oltrarno) for more “local” neighborhoods. It’s much quieter once you cross one of those bridges, and it feels more like you can roam around and get to know your neighbors, local eateries, and small businesses a lot better than you would if you picked an apartment closer to the Duomo.
Obviously, if you’re staying long term you’ll want to look into long term rentals or full on renting, which I admittedly know nothing about.
I’ve personally only stayed here one night at Toscanelli Residenza d’Epoca, which is literally across from Pitti Palace. It’s a very cute stay where all the rooms are private but connected with a common room. A lot of really nice hotels are a stone’s throw from Pitti Palace while also being in a good spot to do some apartment hunting while scoping out the neighborhoods.
Here are some more hotels you might like in the same area:
And there you have it – a complete guide on where to stay in Florence whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re thinking of setting up a more permanent residence. Let me know if you need more help below or have some of your own advice to share!
For more Italy travel, read these posts next:
- From Turin to Rome by Train: An Italy Itinerary Guide
- Best Things to Do in Venice in Winter
- Pitigliano: A Guide to this Beautiful Tuscan Village
- How to Spend 3 Days in Milan
- Charming Things to Do in Verona in 2 Days
- How to Visit Trento, the Gateway to the Dolomites
- 28 Venice Travel Tips to Read Before You Go
- Where to Eat in Bologna: 10 Mouthwatering Recommendations
- Pitigliano: A Guide to this Beautiful Tuscan Village
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