Quick Florence Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Florence? Here are a few ideas to help you get started, from things to do to places to stay.
Things to do in Florence:
Hotels in Florence:
- Hotel La Gemma (for a central stay)
- Golden Tower Hotel & Spa (for a spa in the centre)
- FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli (for the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria)
- Hotel Calimala Florence (for a rooftop terrace)
- Donati Luxury Tower Suites (for suites in the historic centre)
Florence is wonderfully compact, but your choice of neighbourhood still shapes the day. Would you like to step out near the Duomo, stay close to the station or cross the Arno for a slower wander through Oltrarno?
Here is a closer look at the areas, followed by five central hotels to help you start your search.
Where to stay in Florence: an overview
For a first visit, the historic centre is an easy place to start: museums, piazzas and the river are within reach. Think about your arrival point, luggage and the kind of evenings you enjoy when comparing addresses.
Santa Maria Novella is useful for train connections; Oltrarno puts you south of the Arno, close to artisan streets and Santo Spirito.
Duomo and the historic centre: best for a first visit
The cathedral area places Florence’s best-known sights on your doorstep. Walk towards Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, leaving room for a coffee stop along the way.
If seeing major museums is a priority, check opening days and reserve the visits that matter to you before building the rest of your itinerary.
Santa Maria Novella: best for train travel
Staying near Santa Maria Novella station makes arrivals and departures straightforward, particularly if you plan day trips. The church and surrounding streets are also part of the city’s historic fabric.
Check the exact hotel address against the station and the places you most want to visit; a short walk can make the difference when carrying luggage.
Oltrarno and Santo Spirito: best for local atmosphere
Cross the Arno and Florence takes on a different rhythm. Around Santo Spirito and San Frediano you will find artisan workshops, neighbourhood squares and places for an unhurried meal.
Leave time to explore on foot and walk back across the river when the light changes. The area is appealing if you enjoy having both the historic centre and a neighbourhood feel within your trip.
Santa Croce and San Lorenzo: two more areas to consider
Santa Croce is a good choice if you enjoy a lively square and easy access to the eastern part of the centre. San Lorenzo places you near the market and within reach of the station and Duomo.
For any area, look at the specific street and transport connections rather than choosing on the neighbourhood name alone.
The places
Five Hotels to Consider in Florence
Here are five central places to start your search.
Florence · for a central stay
1. Hotel La Gemma
Near Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel La Gemma pairs a central Florence address with a spa and restaurant. It is a useful base for exploring the historic centre on foot.
Check rates & availabilityFlorence · for a spa in the centre
2. Golden Tower Hotel & Spa
Golden Tower occupies a historic building near Piazza Strozzi. Its spa adds a little time to unwind between walks through the centre.
Check rates & availabilityFlorence · for the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria
3. FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli
On Via dei Calzaiuoli, this hotel sits between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, a straightforward base for a first visit to Florence.
Check rates & availabilityFlorence · for a rooftop terrace
4. Hotel Calimala Florence
Hotel Calimala brings contemporary rooms and a rooftop terrace to the heart of the city, within reach of Florence’s museums and historic streets.
Check rates & availabilityFlorence · for suites in the historic centre
5. Donati Luxury Tower Suites
Donati Luxury Tower Suites offers suite accommodation in central Florence, placing the historic streets and sights of the city close at hand.
Check rates & availabilityLive availability
Explore more stays in Florence
Choose your dates in the map to compare live Booking.com options around Florence.
Prices and availability are supplied inside the Stay22 map and can change with dates, guests and room availability.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
A few answers to help you feel ready for your trip.
How many days do I need in Florence?
Three days provide a comfortable introduction to the historic centre, museums and Oltrarno. Add a day if you want to explore more of Tuscany.
Can I explore Florence without a car?
Yes. The historic centre is walkable and Santa Maria Novella station connects Florence with other cities. Check current timetables for any excursions.
Should I book museums in advance?
For popular galleries and any timed visit that matters to you, checking availability ahead is sensible. Confirm opening days and ticket conditions with the official venue.
Where should I stay for a first visit?
The historic centre puts major sights close together. Santa Maria Novella is useful for rail travel, while Oltrarno offers another perspective across the river.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
Spring and autumn are good starting points for sightseeing. Summer can be hot; winter suits a flexible mix of museums, food and walks.
Is Florence suitable for families?
Yes. Build in breaks, balance museums with outdoor time, and check age requirements and accessibility for tours and attractions.
What should I pack?
Comfortable shoes help on stone streets. Bring layers and check the forecast; sun protection can be useful during warmer months.
Can I take a day trip from Florence?
Yes. Pisa, Siena, Lucca and other Tuscan destinations are possible outings. Compare transport and give yourself enough time for the return.
Keep exploring
More Florence guides
Plan the rest of your trip with our other Florence guides.
Useful resources
Check the official sources for current opening details, access and events.