Where to Stay in Florence 2025: From Renaissance Palazzos to Art District Hostels
Discover Florence's best accommodations from €25 hostels to Renaissance palace hotels. Complete guide to the cradle of art.
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Where should I stay in Florence, Italy?
The best area to stay in Florence, Italy depends on your budget and interests. Historic Center is ideal for First-time visitors and art enthusiasts with prices around €150-400/night. Budget travelers should consider hostels in Oltrarno (€25-70/night), while luxury seekers will find excellent options in Santa Croce (€350-800+/night).
Related questions:
- • What's the cheapest area in Florence?
- • Is Florence safe for solo travelers?
- • When should I book hotels in Florence?
Essential Florence Accommodation Info
TL;DR: Stay in Historic Center for first-time visitors, book 2-3 months ahead, budget €80-160-€160-350 per night for good value.
- 1 Budget accommodation in Florence ranges from €25-70 for hostels to €80-160 for budget hotels
- 2 Best neighborhoods include Historic Center, Oltrarno, Santa Croce
- 3 Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates, especially during April-June, September-October, Easter Week
- 4 Mid-range hotels (€160-350) offer the best value for most travelers
- 5 Consider location carefully - staying centrally saves on transport costs
💰 Florence, Italy Accommodation Prices 2025
Prices vary by season, location, and booking timing. Peak season rates can be 50-100% higher.
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, offers accommodations as artistic and elegant as the masterpieces housed in its world-renowned museums. From €25 hostel beds in historic buildings to €800+ suites in Renaissance palazzos, Florence provides lodging experiences that immerse you in centuries of art, culture, and Tuscan charm. Whether you're seeking central convenience near the Duomo, artistic atmosphere in Oltrarno's artisan quarter, cultural immersion near the Uffizi, or peaceful stays in residential areas, I'll guide you through Florence's accommodation landscape to find your perfect base for exploring the cradle of Renaissance art in 2025.
Best Florence Hotels by Category
🏰 Best Historic Hotel: Hotel Brunelleschi
€300-600/night • Museum hotel in Byzantine tower and medieval church
Location: Near Duomo
Why it's great: Unique architecture, museum setting, Duomo proximity, and authentic Renaissance atmosphere
🏊 Best Hostel: Plus Florence
€30-75/night • Modern hostel with swimming pool and garden
Location: Campo di Marte
Why it's great: Swimming pool, modern design, garden setting, and easy bus access to center
💎 Best Luxury Boutique: Portrait Firenze
€400-800/night • Ferragamo family's intimate luxury hotel
Location: Arno Riverfront
Why it's great: Arno views, Ferragamo heritage, intimate setting, and unparalleled Florentine elegance
🎨 Best Mid-Range Classic: Hotel Davanzati
€120-220/night • Historic palazzo with antique furnishings
Location: Historic Center
Why it's great: Central location, historic charm, antique details, and authentic Florentine character
Quick Comparison of Top Accommodations
Hotel Brunelleschi
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Plus Florence
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Portrait Firenze
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Hotel Davanzati
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
| Accommodation | Price | Location | Features | Pros | Cons | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Brunelleschi ★ 4.5 | €300-600/night | Near Duomo | Unique architecturemuseum settingDuomo proximityand authentic Renaissance atmosphere |
|
| Historic Hotel | View |
| Plus Florence ★ 4.5 | €30-75/night | Campo di Marte | Swimming poolmodern designgarden settingand easy bus access to center |
|
| Hostel | View |
| Portrait Firenze ★ 4.5 | €400-800/night | Arno Riverfront | Arno viewsFerragamo heritageintimate settingand unparalleled Florentine elegance |
|
| Luxury Boutique | View |
| Hotel Davanzati ★ 4.5 | €120-220/night | Historic Center | Central locationhistoric charmantique detailsand authentic Florentine character |
|
| Mid-Range Classic | View |
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Florence, Italy
🎨Historic Center
Florence's UNESCO heart with the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and luxury shopping all within walking distance.
Best for:First-time visitors and art enthusiasts
Average cost:€150-400/night
Vibe:Artistically inspiring, culturally rich
Pros:
- Major sights
- Art museums
- Shopping
- Central location
🔨Oltrarno
The 'other side of the Arno' offers artisan workshops, local trattorias, Pitti Palace, and fewer tourists than the center.
Best for:Culture seekers wanting authentic Florence
Average cost:€100-250/night
Vibe:Authentically Florentine, artistically vibrant
Pros:
- Artisan workshops
- Local atmosphere
- Pitti Palace
- Less crowded
🍷Santa Croce
Trendy area around the beautiful Santa Croce Basilica with excellent restaurants, wine bars, and nightlife.
Best for:Young travelers and food enthusiasts
Average cost:€80-200/night
Vibe:Lively, gastronomically exciting
Pros:
- Great dining
- Nightlife
- Beautiful basilica
- Young atmosphere
🛒San Lorenzo
Market area around San Lorenzo Basilica offering budget accommodations, food markets, and authentic local atmosphere.
Best for:Budget travelers and market lovers
Average cost:€60-150/night
Vibe:Local, market-focused, budget-friendly
Pros:
- Food markets
- Budget options
- Local life
- Central access
Staying in Historic Center
Pros
- Major sights
- Art museums
- Shopping
- Central location
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Staying in Oltrarno
Pros
- Artisan workshops
- Local atmosphere
- Pitti Palace
- Less crowded
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Florence
Florence offers good value compared to Rome and Venice, with excellent hostels and pensiones. The city charges a tourist tax of €1-5 per night.
Top Hostels (€25-70/night)
Budget Hotels (€80-160/night)
When to Book: Seasonal Price Guide
Florence attracts visitors year-round but spring and fall offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices for accommodation.
🔥 High Season: April-June, September-October, Easter Week
Spring and fall bring perfect weather and highest demand. Easter Week sees Italian tourism peak. Book 2-3 months ahead for palace hotels and central locations.
💰 Low Season: November-March (except holidays), January-February
Winter offers 30-40% savings with mild weather perfect for museums and galleries. Perfect for art lovers wanting uncrowded Uffizi visits. Many hotels offer cultural packages.
Essential Booking Tips for Florence
💡 Art Museum Proximity Premium
Hotels near Uffizi and Accademia charge 30-50% more but save time in museum lines and offer walking access to major art. Consider if you're an art enthusiast with limited time.
✅ Palazzo Hotel Character
Florence's palazzo hotels offer authentic Renaissance architecture with frescoed ceilings and period furnishings. Worth the premium for cultural immersion and often include art tours.
ℹ️ Tourist Tax Varies by Season
Florence charges €1-5 per person per night with higher rates in peak season. 4-5 star hotels pay maximum rates. Factor this into budget calculations for multi-night stays.
⚠️ Book Restaurants Early
Florence's best restaurants book weeks ahead, especially near major hotels. Ask your accommodation to help with reservations - many have relationships with top establishments.
Getting Around Florence
Florence's compact historic center makes walking the best transport option - most major sights lie within a 20-minute stroll. The city offers buses and a small tram line, but the UNESCO center restricts vehicle access. Buy day tickets (€5) if using public transport to outlying areas. Many hotels provide bikes for exploring beyond the center. Taxis are useful for luggage transport from train stations but expensive for sightseeing. The central train station (Santa Maria Novella) connects easily to Rome (1.5 hours) and other Italian cities. Consider staying centrally despite higher costs - Florence rewards walking its Renaissance streets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florence Accommodation
1 What's the average hotel cost in Florence?
Florence hotels average €150-250 per night in 2025. Hostels cost €25-70/night, mid-range hotels €160-350/night, and luxury properties €350-800+/night. Peak prices occur March-October.
2 Which Florence neighborhood should I stay in?
Historic Center (Centro Storico) for major sights, Oltrarno for artisan workshops and locals, Santa Croce for nightlife, San Lorenzo for markets. The city center is walkable within 20 minutes.
3 How much is Florence's tourist tax?
Florence charges €1-5 per person per night based on accommodation type. 4-5 star hotels pay €5/night, 3-star €4/night, hostels €2/night. Maximum 7 nights. Children under 12 exempt.
4 Are palazzo hotels in Florence worth the premium?
Historic palazzo hotels offer unique Renaissance architecture, frescoed ceilings, and authentic atmosphere. Expect 30-50% premium over modern hotels but gain cultural immersion and often central locations.
What's the average hotel cost in Florence?
Which Florence neighborhood should I stay in?
How much is Florence's tourist tax?
Are palazzo hotels in Florence worth the premium?
Final Thoughts
Florence's accommodation scene perfectly captures the city's Renaissance heritage and artistic soul. From luxury palazzo hotels where Medici princes once walked to charming pensiones run by local families for generations, every stay connects you to Florence's magnificent cultural legacy. While central locations near the Duomo command premium prices, the ability to walk to world-class art and architecture justifies the cost. Budget travelers find excellent value in surrounding neighborhoods with easy access to everything. Whatever your choice, Florence promises accommodations as inspiring as its art. Book early for peak seasons, embrace the Renaissance atmosphere, and prepare to wake up in the world's greatest outdoor art gallery.
Next stop on your journey? Check out our guide to where to stay in Venice !
Helpful Resources
About the Author
Marco Castelletti
A Rome native with a passion for European culture, Marco has spent two decades exploring every corner of the continent. His architectural background gives him unique insights into Europe's historic cities, while his foodie soul ensures readers find the best local trattorias and hidden wine bars. Currently based in Barcelona, he splits his time between writing and leading cultural tours.
