Florence neighbourhoods at a glance
Distances are measured from the city centre. Typical prices are the median nightly rate of hotels nearby.
| Area | Best for | From centre | Typical hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Center (Centro Storico) | First-time visitors, Art and history lovers, Photographers | – | – |
| Oltrarno ('Beyond the Arno') | Artisans and shoppers, Travelers seeking local vibe, Garden lovers | 0.6 km | €111 |
| San Lorenzo & San Marco | Foodies and market lovers, Budget shoppers, Museum-goers | 0.6 km | €96 |
| Santa Croce | Nightlife and aperitivo seekers, Students and younger travelers, Those interested in craftsmanship | 0.6 km | €125 |
Historic Center (Centro Storico)
The UNESCO-listed heart of Florence, packed with the city's most famous monuments, museums, and bustling piazzas. The vibe is energetic, tourist-focused, and utterly awe-inspiring at every corner.
Around Historic Center
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo) & Brunelleschi's Dome
- Uffizi Gallery
- Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio
- Ponte Vecchio
Oltrarno ('Beyond the Arno')
The artisan's quarter across the river, offering a more local, bohemian atmosphere. It's filled with workshops, antique shops, charming cafes, and quieter streets leading to grand palaces.
Around Oltrarno
- Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
- Piazza Santo Spirito
- Santo Spirito Church
- Artisan workshops on Via Maggio
Hotels in or near Oltrarno
Milieu de gamme
Petit budget
Haut de gammeSan Lorenzo & San Marco
A dynamic area centered around the bustling San Lorenzo Market, offering everything from leather goods to fresh produce. It's home to several major museums and has a vibrant, market-day energy.
Around San Lorenzo & San Marco
- San Lorenzo Market (indoor food hall & outdoor stalls)
- Medici Chapels
- Accademia Gallery (home of David)
- Basilica di San Lorenzo
Hotels in or near San Lorenzo & San Marco
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeSanta Croce
A lively district anchored by its magnificent basilica, known for its student population, great aperitivo bars, and leather school. It feels both historic and youthful.
Around Santa Croce
- Santa Croce Basilica (burial place of Michelangelo & Galileo)
- Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School)
- Piazza Santa Croce
- Sant'Ambrogio Market
Hotels in or near Santa Croce
Petit budget
Haut de gamme
Milieu de gammeHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Plan the rest of your Florence trip
Where to stay in Florence: FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Florence?+
For a first visit, Oltrarno is the most central of the areas we cover (0.6 km from the centre). The artisan's quarter across the river, offering a more local, bohemian atmosphere.
Where to stay in Florence on a budget?+
San Lorenzo & San Marco has the lowest typical hotel price of the areas we compared, around €96 a night. A dynamic area centered around the bustling San Lorenzo Market, offering everything from leather goods to fresh produce.
How much does a hotel in Florence cost per night?+
Typical nightly prices near the areas in this guide range from €96 to €125, based on hotel prices checked on February 4, 2026. Prices change with your dates.
Which Florence neighbourhood suits which traveller?+
Historic Center: First-time visitors, Art and history lovers, Photographers. Oltrarno: Artisans and shoppers, Travelers seeking local vibe, Garden lovers. San Lorenzo & San Marco: Foodies and market lovers, Budget shoppers, Museum-goers. Santa Croce: Nightlife and aperitivo seekers, Students and younger travelers, Those interested in craftsmanship.