The city of Florence is enchanting and picturesque, and it exudes a strong sense of old world allure. It is highly recommended that you stay in the core area of the city so that you can simply stroll around to the important places and take pleasure in the historical heart of the city. It’s really easy to go about on foot here!
In order to understand and decide where to stay in Florence, it is important to learn about the area. Florence is a great place to travel for new or nervous travelers because there are really only three areas to choose from:
- Within the City
- Right Outside the City, Countryside
- Historic Area
Within the City
If you are being really careful of your wallet, you might want to stay right outside the city area. Hotels here will definitely cost less per night, but you may want to consider additional transportation costs. If this is your goal, you will want to try to find a hotel right outside of the ring road surrounding the Piazza Beccaria or Piazzale Michelangelo center. This will minimize the amount of walking/extra transportation costs you will need to see the sights!
Right Outside the City, Countryside
Perhaps Florence is just the main attraction, but you are looking to find a place to get away and connect with the rest of Tuscany as well. In this case, you may want to stay in the countryside. While you will have to navigate private transportation for when you want to go visit the sights, museum days, finding food, etc., nothing beats the peace and quiet of the city outskirts in the surrounding hills. Many villas or rentals even come with swimming pools and large outdoor gardens.
Historic Area
You’ll like the historic area if you don’t plan on using any transportation other than your own two feet. This area is easy to walk and has so many must-see sights. So, if this is your goal – it makes sense to stay in this area.
My recommendation? Stay in the historic area! You are just a short walking distance between every monument, shop, restaurant, and museum that brought you to Florence in the first place!
Here is a list of the some of the best accomadations in Florence:
Hotels
Hotel Spadai: The location is amazing, with the Duomo just a 5-minute walk away. The railway station is also easily accessible.
Grand Hotel Baglioni: The Grand Hotel Baglioni has a prime location, only a short distance on foot from the Duomo and close to several public transportation stops (not far from the train station). It is the ideal spot to stay for day excursions across Tuscany, sightseeing, and eating out in the region’s many restaurants.
Hostels ( if your on a budget)
OSTELLO DEL BIGALLO – BIGALLO HOSTEL: This property offers everything you could want for a trip to the Tuscan countryside on a budget, so if that’s what you’re after, look no further.
