Where to stay in Florence: 5 areas to visit on your trip

Florence is a city filled to the brim with culture, arts and romance – so it’s no surprise that this destination in Italy is such a popular holiday spot. So you’re in the know for your next getaway, this article covers where to stay in Florence. From the bustling evening spot of Santo Spirito to the outstanding culinary scene of Santa Croce, discover which area feels most like you.

Piazza del Duomo is perfect for first-time visitors of Florence and history buffs who want to be in the heart of the action. Booking your accommodation in this neighbourhood guarantees a great spot if you want to be steps away from Florence’s culture and main attractions.

Reasons to stay in Piazza del Duomo

Outstanding landmarks

Piazza del Duomo is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the grandest churches in the world. The Gothic style architecture and the dome that is so characteristic of Florence really is a breathtaking spectacle.

If you want a view of all the landmarks that Florence has to offer, escape the city’s bustle by taking an uphill walk to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. Sit on the steps outside of the cathedral and watch the sun gradually set in this dusk-drenched nook of Florence.

Historical charm

Piazza del Duomo, much like the rest of Florence, is home to plenty of other notable historical sites, including the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. This museum, located right behind the cathedral, is home to many of the masterpieces from the Duomo complex, including Michelangelo's Bandini Pietà. Finish your day by stopping at Piazza Santa Maria Novella for people watching and stay at the nearby Palazzo dei Conti Residenza d'Epoca, adorned with elegant decor.

For those looking for a trendy corner of the city, Santo Spirito is the place to be. In the daytime, this is a great spot for immersing yourself in local life, while the evening has a buzzing nightlife that you won’t be able to resist. Booking your stay in this neighbourhood is sure to guarantee an insight into how the locals live, making your stay that bit more authentic.

Reasons to stay in Piazza del Duomo

Daytime bustle

Santo Spirito boasts a great location to simply soak in how the locals live. Stroll past local markets to get a smell of the fresh fruits and pastries, wander around the area’s green spaces, like Pitti Palace’s nearby Bobboli Gardens, or simply find a bench to soak in the atmosphere. 

There are also plenty of hip cafes and bars – perfect for an espresso or an aperitif. For a central stay, San Pier Novello in Oltrarno is a great stay. Situated a mere 10-minute walk from the centre, and also boasting amenities like air-conditioning, this is perfect if you want a comfy stay that’s close to the action.

Nighttime ambience

Santo Spirito is one of the best places to stay in Florence if the buzz of nighttime crowds is what gets you excited. And Piazza Santo Spirito, found in the heart of the area, is just the spot to spend your evening. Explore the various bars and eateries that serve snacks, sparkling glasses of Aperol Spritz and an energetic atmosphere. 

A romantic backdrop

This area also exudes romance, perfect if you’re going on a couples holiday. To feel the charm of the area, take a stroll on Ponte Vecchio – a bridge that connects the Oltrarno district to the main part of Florence. On an evening, the lights twinkle from the buildings above the water, creating an alluring atmosphere. When it comes to accommodation in Piazza del Duomo, Spirit of Florence is an excellent choice. Boasting soundproof rooms in the heart of Santo Spirito, you’re sure to sleep well between your adventures.

For culture-lovers, history buffs and food enthusiasts, Santa Croce is not one to miss. Here, you’ll find everything from Renaissance art to buzzing squares and classic trattorias, making it ideal for exploring, sightseeing and grabbing a great meal without needing to venture far. 

Reasons to visit Santa Croce

A cultural adventure

There are plenty of cultural hotspots to visit in Santa Croce, great if you’re looking for an area brimming with Florence’s local charm. Take the Basilica of Santa Croce, for example. As the largest Franciscan church in the world, its grandeur alone makes this a must-see spot. 

Nearby, you’ll also find the Pazzi Chapel, part of the Basilica di Santa Croce complex and this spot is deemed to be one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance period. You can even find The Tomb of Galileo Galilei here, which is adorned with marble, inscriptions and motifs of the Renaissance period. For lovers of art, make sure to take a stop at the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce. Home to various bits of Florentine art, this spot really is a feast for the eyes. 

After your cultural expedition, consider a stay at Pietrapiana Boutique Apartments. Situated centrally and boasting outstanding reviews, you’ll be able to visit as many historical sites as you like here. 

An array of food and drinks

Santa Croce is arguably the best area to stay in Florence for first time visitors due to its great spread of food and drink spots. Filled to the brim with osterias, trattorias, enotecas and ristorantes, if food is your thing, don’t skip this area. 

Santa Croce’s well-known food spots include All’Antico Vinaio and Vivoli Gelateria, both made more popular by social media, but these places are worth the hype. All’Antico Vinaio, also found on Via dei Neri, offers schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread) sandwiches with a variety of toppings. The outstanding flavour and great location make this a day out in itself. 

Whereas Vivoli Gelateria offers a mouthwatering take on the classic espresso: the cup is neatly lined with ice cream, giving the drink a distinct look and an even more delicious taste. Stay in the heart of the food-loving action at nearby Santa Croce 14 B&B, a high-end stay featuring chic decor throughout.

San Frediano is on the opposite side of the Arno River from the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and Accademia, meaning there’s not as much of a bustle in this area. This makes this spot perfect if you’re looking for a quieter break on your Italian adventure.

Reasons to stay in San Frediano

Greenspace galore

Are you hoping to reconnect with nature on your peaceful break? Well, Torrigiani Garden can be found in San Frediano and promises 17 acres of privately owned English-style gardens. This vast space is the perfect place to spend your day, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly area, as you can simply admire the garden’s natural beauty all day long. A stay at B&B Stupido Hotel is a perfect place to relax after a long day, featuring grand rooms, chandeliers and various amenities.

Retail goods

San Frediano is also a great area if you like a touch of shopping. There are various permanent and seasonal market stalls here, all great for sampling local goods from the city. And Mercato di San Frediano is just the spot if you want to shop like the locals do.

At this flea market, you can expect to find an eclectic mix of trinkets, artisanal goods and vintage gems. Try out the local cheese, wine and handmade leather goods – just make sure you’ve left some space in your suitcase! When it comes to accommodation, Horto Convento is one of the top hotels in Florence if you’re in search of a comfortable, convenient stay. Here, you’ll be greeted with a bar, breakfast and outstanding cleanliness.

San Lorenzo is a brilliant choice if you want to stay somewhere lively with a food-first feel. This area is great for exploring street markets, picking up authentic Italian bites and soaking up an everyday slice of Florence. Planning your stay in this area is great if you want Florence’s food scene right on your doorstep.

Reasons to stay in San Lorenzo

Market hopping

A favourite food market of locals and tourists alike in San Lorenzo is Mercato Centrale. This two-storey market has impressive iron-and-glass architecture and even more delicious food selections. 

On the top floor, you’ll find a buzzing food market where pasta is made right before your eyes. There are plenty of other vendors here too, serving up fresh drinks, delicious Italian snacks like arancini, alongside food from around the world. On the bottom floor, you’ll find a fresh food market that sells cheese, meats and fish.

If you’re after more of an outdoor vibe, Lorenzo Market is just the spot. This market is actually adjacent to Mercato Centrale, so it’s an easy find. Here, you can browse leather goods such as bags and belts, alongside some classic souvenirs. After all that shopping, rest up at B&B Alla Corte dei Medici, where you’ll be treated to spacious, traditional rooms.

With such a variety of areas to choose from, when deciding where to stay in Florence, it’s just about finding a spot that suits your preferences. From the greenery of San Frediano to the markets of San Lorenzo, it’s time to book your flights. Florence is calling.