best area to stay in florence, italy

In choosing these places to stay in Florence, I have taken the same care as if I was booking accommodation for myself. Check out our article on the best Florence tours to take and why. If youre going all in, though, focus your search on the centrally-located area between the Ponte alla Carraia and the Ponte alle Grazie bridges. Packed with stunning architecture, priceless works of art, and delectable cuisine, you can't miss it off your Italy itinerary. I have visited Florence on multiple occasions, and am able to share first-hand knowledge of its districts. But is there a particular area or neighbourhood of Florence that is safer than others? Duomo / Uffizi / Ponte Vecchio Area. You can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotels dining room every morning. I simply love nature which presents a big struggle when I am planning a vacation in a crowded city. Everything is within a 20-minute walk from the cathedral, Santa Maria Novella train station or the Ponte Vecchio. Besides that, Bologna is another wonderful city just about 40 minutes away by high-speed train. Heading north from the Duomo youll find two lively adjoining neighbourhoods: San Marco to the east and San Lorenzo to the west. This district is less touristy than the city center and is one of the best places to stay in Florence, Italy if you are on a budget. Close by is the Bargello Museum, whose collection includes some of the finest sculptures ever created. 1. However, the real heartbeat of the area is in the cafs and bars that line the plaza. What is not to love? San Gimignano - for a countryside experience in Tuscany. Our Partnership with Booking.com. Santa Maria Novella district has a clutch of less touristy eateries and a smart shopping zone towards the river. This 3-star bed and breakfast on the doorstep of Mercato Central has attracted rave reviews. The Church of San Marco is another one of Florences beautiful sites to explore. You can look Michelangelos David squarely in the eye at the Accademia, and marvel at the finest collection of frescoes by the early Renaissance master Fra Angelico at the Museum of San Marco. Florence is one of the most popular destinations spots for visitors to Italy. His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. My top choice: Hotel Calimala. . But even if you dont intend to party your nights away in Florence, Santa Croce is a lovely place to stay and explore. Ill leave you with a parting pearl of wisdom. This superb-looking apartment in the shadow of Santa Croce features a washing machine, and hot tub in which to soak those aching limbs after a busy day seeing the sights of Florence. The rooms are also slightly more spacious than your average European hotel room. Theres even handmade soap made from the villas own olive oil in your bathroom. At the same time, it is tucked back into the Santo Spirito neighborhood which is a little less crowded but has tons of great restaurants and places to grab a drink. Light reflections at Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Let me know in the comments below! Choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in Florence will be essential to ensure you have a great trip. Sant'Ambrogio, east of the city's duomo, is one of the few central neighbourhoods in Florence to retain a village-like charm. Basilica of Santa Croce. A little bit of common sense goes a long way. 14. Mid-range: La Maison du Sage is a stylish bed and breakfast right on the doorstep of the Santa Croce Basilica and plaza. Two big attractions are at the heart of San Lorenzo. The second is the Basilica di San Lorenzo, just a block south, which has several important components of historical significance. Best of all, its just behind the Uffizi Gallery which is the best museum in Florencedefinitely worth a small group tour! Even so, there are a number of interesting things to see on this side of town. 2. Best area in Florence for families and budget-friendly accommodations. Besides the picturesque setting on the Arno River, this Renaissance city is home to some of Italys most prestigious art masterpieces. If it is your first time in Florence, then staying in the heart of the city is a perfect choice. This is the final resting place of Michelangelo and Galileo, both of whom weve already seen are very important to the citys story. Pisa - where to stay in Tuscany for nightlife. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 4-star hotel. But to save even more money, you could instead look for a neighborhood set a bit back from the typical tourist sites like Novoli. Here you can visit the famous Galleria dellAccademia which houses the David statue by Michelangelo. Florence Historic Center, Florence. Located a stones throw from the Uffizi Galleries, home to many of Florences best paintings, this is an excellent choice for a mid-range hotel in Florence. In case it is, these are some of the best luxury hotels in the area: The small neighborhood of San Marco is centered around the University of Florence and is found just north of the Duomo and historic center. Luckily, it only takes one inexpensive tram ride to reach Florences main attractions in less than 20 minutes. And it is from these hills that you get the finest panoramic views of Florence. you definitely won't want to miss our detailed guide to planning an amazing 10 Day Italy itinerary, which covers Rome, Florence, and Venice and is . My favorite options for travel insurance are: Book Your Accommodation At 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino you will find a restaurant serving Italian cuisine. Recommended area: Centro Storico. Budget: The Hotel Lorena in the San Lorenzo district is close to the city centre. Poggio Imperiale. Here you'll find the most popular tourist sites, including Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell'Accademia and Palazzo Vecchio. The Santa Maria Novella neighbourhood stretches along the bank of the Arno River and is quite a varied area. The Duomo area is a great location, as is the part of the city center along the Arno River. Pisa is a great city to visit from Florence, as its a quick train ride that doesnt even need to be purchased in advance. This spacious self-catering option in Florence has a washing machine and dishwasher. It is also full of unique frescoes to admire (as you might expect!). But dont overthink it. San Marco & San Lorenzo are great areas to visit museums and churches while staying on a budget. The large and comfortable rooms are decorated in a lovely vintage style. They somehow are in the center of a city but have this expansive outdoor space. Admissions included. Safety is a key priority of solo travellers, especially those who are travelling alone for the first time. Though the City of Florence occupies about 40 sq km, most of the city's best hotels, sights, dining, and nightlife are . + | 4 Star | Upscale Boutique | Near Duomo. Remain vigilant, keep your belongings close to you and use your hotel safe to store valuables. Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore): Best Area for First-Timers/Tourists, 2. Santo Spirito is a convenient location for accessing the major sights across the river, too you just have to cross one of the bridges! . 2.1.1 Duomo Accommodation Options. Whilst I needed to catch a bus into Florence, the setting and ambience were unbeatable. It's the best place to experience local life, from family-run stands in the . Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is close by as is Chiesa di Ognissanti, the final resting place of Botticelli. Open from 7am, the market's outside stalls have colourful, seasonal fruits and vegetables stacked on trestle tables, while . on 15 Best Things to Do in Freiburg, Germany (+ Map), on 12 Wonderful Things to Do in Oberwesel, Germany & Beyond (+ Map), on 16 Unmissable Things to Do in Bacharach, Germany & Beyond, on How to Visit Burg Rheinfels, Germany: King of the Rhine Castles, Where to Stay in Florence: The Bottom Line. If you decide to make this spot your base to explore the city, there are a few great accommodations here: Most people you ask will probably agree that the best place to stay in Florence, Italy, for nightlife is the lively and vibrant neighborhood of Santa Croce. The rooms are also slightly more spacious than your average European hotel room. Best for couples: Santa Croce for great restaurants and nightlife, close to the city centre. I hope that this guide to the best neighbourhoods to stay in Florence will help you plan your trip like a pro. This is where youll find some of the best markets from leather to food. Always book your accommodation with Booking.com ( daily hotel deals + a great loyalty program - discounts, free breakfast and room upgrade). 12. BY PLANE-Most international travelers will reach Florence via the airports in Rome or Milan, proceeding on to Florence via train (see below).There are also direct international flights into Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport, 97km (60 miles) west of Florence; several budget airlines fly here from other European cities. There are quite a few well-known attractions in San Marco. Mid-range () Florence Charming Apartments Via Macci, 59. The narrow streets of the historic centre of Florence werent made for cars, but parking is not a problem if you stay in one of the hotels in the Florence Hills. The historic centre of Florence contains most of the citys major attractions or puts them within easy walking distance. It has a great rooftop restaurant with excellent views of Florence. 4. A practice he follows! The surrounding Tuscan countryside is quite . Theres also the very popular Piazzale Michelangelo, a viewpoint on a hill thats known for its panorama of the city thats especially beautiful at sunset. One of the highest points in Florence offers stunning views across the entire city. There are a few nice sights in San Frediano itself, like two more of Florences wonderful bridges, some large portions of the remains of Florences city walls, and the Capella Brancacci and its lovely frescoes. From solo travellers to families, luxury to budget travellers, Ive got you covered. Getting up close to the majestic Duomo of Florence. 2. Around Bologna Centrale Railway Station. Easy answer. Artisan worships sit cheek-by-jowl with some of Florences finest eateries. All rights reserved. Whether youre searching for a romantic couples getaway, or a quick solo budget trip, Florence has somewhere for you. 4 Stars | + | Ultra Modern | Rooftop Terrace | Quiet Area. This small town is nestled on rocky cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Just a few steps from Santa Croce Basilica, this 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms with elegant dcor. Nicknames "La Rossa" (the Red One), Bologna is a city rich in history and culture. Join our licensed, English-speaking Uffizi guide for a journey through the Medician Renaissance. To the west is the Santa Spirito district, and high up on the hill to the east of the Palazzo Pitti is Piazzale Michelangelo. Mid-range: Hotel La Scaletta is set in a 15th-century building with a rooftop terrace offering stunning city views. Oltrarno / Santo Spirito area. + | 4 Star | Convenient Location | Quiet Area | Tuscan Vibes. From babysitting to personal chef, just ask the staff what else you can book. The young - and young at heart - gather at the bars and cafs that line Piazza Santa Croce once the sun goes down to fuel up for a night of boozed-up partying. The rooms are decorated in shades of blue and offer splendid views of the river and Florence. Besides this significant architectural structure, youll find many more fine museums, historical landmarks, and piazzas (plazas) to visit. Learn all the stories behind the very art that brought our world out of the darkness as you look upon pieces like the Birth of Venus. Santa Maria Novella is one of the four historical quartiers of the city of Florence. There are Roman ruins at Fiesole and a villa that belonged to the Medici at Poggio Imperiale. Theres plenty more to see around Santa Maria Novella, too: Anyone arriving to or departing from Florence by train will pass through Santa Maria Novella, and there is certainly enough to see here to warrant the short stroll from the historic center. The neighbourhood is named after the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic Duomo (dome). If you are visiting Florence for the first time, stay in its historic core, close to the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. Hotels like Palazzo Castri 1874 are a mystery to me. Florencia - Centro Storico - Click to see all hotels on a map. We want to help by explaining which neighborhoods are the best and which hotels to consider. Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Many of Florences most popular landmarks lie on the north bank of the River Arno, within walking distance of the iconic dome of the cathedral (Duomo). Hotel Maps Florence Map Updated: March 14, 2023. One of the top rated hotels in Florence, guests appreciate the: breakfast . Its hard to choose just one foodie neighbourhood, as all the areas of Florence are full of unique eateries offering delicious dishes. However, there are hidden gems for great prices, as well as vacation rentals that can be even cheaper: See Related: Incredible Reasons to Visit Italy This Year. San Lorenzo & San Marco - where to stay in Florence on a budget. If youve looked at photos of Florence, this massive, majestic cathedral is the one that dominates the skyline. Each neighbourhood in Florence has its own distinctive vibe, atmosphere and price tag. Well finish our guide with one of the last remaining neighborhoods that surround the historic center of Florenc: San Frediano. The Medici chose Santo Spirito as their area of choice so who are we to question? READ THIS NEXT: 10 Factors You Cannot Ignore When Choosing a Hotel. Find Cheap Flights If you want to stay at the Four Seasons or St. Regis, it can certainly be very expensive! Close to the heart of the touristy areas of Florence (Duomo, Mercato Centrale, Ponte Vecchio) it deserves its 100 rating for walkability. A fantasy world of immaculately-restored luxury, Villa Cora is an outstanding hotel offering a superb facilities, impeccable service and a best . One is the Galleria dellAccademia, yet another Florence art museum that houses world-famous Renaissance work, including Michelangelos David the real thing among many others. They have a few hotels in Florence including Hotel Lungarno, above, and Portrait Firenze. Sometimes you cannot beat staying in an apartment, both in terms of independence and value for money. It will take you around ten minutes to walk from here to the cathedral. From the summits of its chain of hills squeezed against the Arno, there are the best views in town. With its gorgeous architecture, unique history and countless Renaissance art masterpieces, the Tuscan capital is a magnificent sight. 1. The Old Town is the best area to stay in Florence due to its privileged location and wide range of hotels. 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Popular for cycling, and piazzas ( plazas ) to visit museums and churches while staying on a map in...