Where to stay in Florence: which quarter, and when to stay outside the city
TLDR
- •The Oltrarno, across the river, is where Florence still lives
- •Near the Duomo puts everything on foot, at a price and with crowds
- •Santa Croce is the middle ground, with good places to eat
- •Near the station is for one night before a train
- •The centre is a restricted traffic zone: arrive by train, or leave the car outside
Stay in the Oltrarno for the best evenings, near the Duomo if you want everything on foot. Santa Croce is the middle ground. And whatever you choose, do not arrive by car, because the whole centre is a restricted traffic zone with cameras on every gate.
The Oltrarno
Across the river from the cathedral, around Santo Spirito and San Frediano: artisans' workshops, a square full of locals on a summer night, and the best evening food in the city. Il Santo Bevitore on Via di Santo Spirito and Osteria Santo Spirito on the piazza itself are both here. The quarter to choose if you want Florence to feel lived in.
Near the Duomo
The heart of the centro storico, with the cathedral, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio all a short walk away. Convenient, beautiful and the most crowded and expensive part of the city. For a first, short visit, when walking everywhere matters most.
Santa Croce
East of the centre, around the great Franciscan church: livelier than the Oltrarno, calmer than the Duomo, and full of places to eat. Vivoli, making gelato since 1930, is in a lane nearby. The sensible middle.
San Lorenzo and the station
Around the central market and Santa Maria Novella station. Practical, busy, and close to the trains. One night before an early train, not a holiday.
Above the city: Fiesole and the hills
The hills round Florence give you the city by day and a pool and a quiet night after it. You are in suburbs with views rather than truly in the country. Choose them only if the trip is really about Florence; for a countryside week, stay in Chianti instead.
Do not bring the car in
Florence's centre is a Zona a Traffico Limitato. Every gate has a camera, every crossing is a separate fine, and the letters arrive months later. Come by train, or collect the hire car at the airport on the day you leave the city.
Book it
Things to book in Florence
The Florence Pottery Experience: Factory Tour & Masterclass
Hi, my name is Matteo, and I grew up surrounded by clay, watching my father and grandfather shape ceramics by hand. Florence is full of incredible things to see, but there is an Italy beyond the tourist routes that is worth discovering. We are right there. Montelupo Fiorentino is where Florence's ceramics have been made for over 700 years. When you visit us, you step into the daily life of a pottery family. You meet my father Salvatore, who has been at the wheel for 50 years, and the artisans who hand-paint every single piece — it gives you a whole new appreciation for handmade things. If something catches your eye, you can also order custom-made pieces directly from the factory! After the visit you get into it yourself, sit at the wheel, and make something with your own hands. We are proud to enrich the Italy trip of the people who come to us, so they can say they did not only visit Italy — they explored it, understood its traditions, and left with something they created themselves.
Farm To table Experience on an organic hilltop estate in Tuscany
For a day you will get away from the crowds, heat, noise and queues. Enjoy a day of nature, incredible views, friendly people, great food and wine! Our experience starts in Florence Santa Maria Novella Central Station where you will meet and we will help you buy the train tickets to San Miniato. The train ride to San Miniato will take 40 minutes. The name of our farm is Agriturismo Tenuta Chiudendone. Upon arrival, we'll walk around the estate so you can see our vineyard and olive grown. We'll visit the gardens to gather ingredients for our lunch, which we'll prepare together. You'll find out how traditional Tuscan cuisine is simple, fresh, and delicious. Depending on the season, we might pick grapes, olives, wild asparagus, wild herbs, or even hunt for prized white truffles in autumn....PLEASE NOTE! When booking you need to leave a active Whatsapp number so that we can contact you 48 hours before with the instructions to meet us. THIS EXPERIENCE IS ONLY FOR EXTROVERTED SMILING PEOPLE
The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience
I have a real passion for quality food and I am impatient to share it with new people. Cooking and eating all together is such a good experience that I don't want to keep it just for me! I'm realy enthusiastic for the genuine italian cuisine since childhood and I look forward to meet new "lovers" every day!
UFFIZI Private Tour in Florence Italy
Unlock centuries of Italian genius with an exclusive private tour of Florence’s legendary Uffizi Gallery — home to some of the most extraordinary masterpieces ever created. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll journey through the stories and passions that shaped the world of art forever. Stand face-to-face with Botticelli’s “Primavera” and “The Birth of Venus,” two icons of beauty that continue to captivate hearts centuries later. Uncover the mystery behind Michelangelo’s only panel painting — and why he ultimately chose marble over canvas. Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation” and hear the tale of his “Adoration of the Magi.” As you wander through this maze of masterpieces, your guide will bring to life the saga of the powerful Medici family — the patrons who made Florence the cradle of the Renaissance. This isn’t just a museum visit — it’s a journey through time, passion, and genius. Experience art as it was meant to be seen: up close, personal, and unforgettable.
Small group Expert-led Florence Foodie Tour
Ditch the generic big group tours and come experience a side of Florence most tourists miss! This small group tour (8max) takes you to 5 carefully picked stops with a local expert to discover hidden gems in the heart of Florence. Curious Appetite tours are designed by a sommelier food blogger and have been featured in Lonely Planet, Frommer's and Fodor's Fit for first timers and seasoned foodies alike, this culinary walk blends food and history between stunning piazzas and charming backstreets while gaining familiarity with key Florence sites. You'll meet artisan bakers, family-owned delis slicing up cured meat delicacies from their own farms, extra virgin olive oil producers, a truffle cafe, prized gelato parlors and more. Taste top quality Italian wine, Tuscan cheeses & wine, salami specialties (i.e. finocchiona), and learn Florentine's food history. You'll find places hard to find on your own and learn to pick out the highest quality Tuscan foods with a local guide in the know.
Florence San Lorenzo Food Tour by Secret Food Tours
Join us for an exclusive food tour in the heart of Florence’s vibrant San Lorenzo neighborhood. Escape the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in the authentic culinary treasures of this historic area. Discover the lively San Lorenzo area, indulge in hand-made pasta, and enjoy a curated selection of the finest local cheeses, cold cuts, and wines expertly paired to enhance your experience. Throughout this immersive journey, you’ll not only savor some of Florence’s most iconic dishes but also learn about the city’s rich cultural and culinary heritage from our expert guide. This experience goes beyond just tasting; you’ll gain insights into the flavors, history, and culture that make Florence a culinary capital. Our tour also includes a Secret Dish, adding a fun, surprise element to your day!
Prices, durations and ratings are Viator's, shown as Viator published them on 2026-11-04. They change. Booking goes to Viator, not to us, and we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Florence?
The Oltrarno for atmosphere and evenings, near the Duomo for having everything on foot, and Santa Croce as the middle ground between the two.
Is the Oltrarno a good place to stay?
Yes. It is across the river from the cathedral, around Santo Spirito and San Frediano, and it is where Florence still feels lived in, with the best evening food in the city.
Can I drive to my hotel in Florence?
Only if the hotel registers your number plate for the restricted zone before you arrive. Otherwise every camera gate you pass is a separate fine. Most visitors are better arriving by train.
Should I stay in Florence or in the Tuscan countryside?
In Florence if the trip is about the city, in the countryside if it is about Tuscany. For a week, most people are happier in Chianti with one or two days in Florence.