The Duomo and the historic centre
The cathedral, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio within a few minutes of each other. Everything on foot, and busy by day.
Sources and further reading · The Duomo and the historic centre
Italy
Hotels in Florence
Florence is compact and almost entirely walkable, with the great museums and churches close together. Decide between the busy streets around the Duomo, the quieter Oltrarno across the river, or the area by the railway station for easy arrivals.
This guide helps you choose an area. Hotel prices and availability are checked when you search with dates and guests.
Get to know the area before choosing a hotel
Oltrarno
Across the river: artisans’ workshops, Santo Spirito and the Pitti Palace. Calmer in the evening, a short walk over the bridges.
Sources and further reading · OltrarnoSanta Maria Novella
Around the main railway station and its church. Practical for arriving and leaving by train, and a short walk from the Duomo.
Sources and further reading · Santa Maria NovellaGetting in from the airport
Florence (FLR) and Pisa (PSA)
From Florence airport, a tram line runs to Santa Maria Novella station in the centre. Many flights land at Pisa instead: the PisaMover shuttle runs to Pisa Centrale, and trains run from there to Florence. Check which airport your flight uses.
Before choosing your address
- The centre is a limited-traffic zone: a private car cannot drive to most hotels. Taxis can; check how the hotel suggests arriving.
- A city tax is charged per person per night. Read the rate terms to see whether it is included.
- Many hotels are in historic buildings: check for a lift and air conditioning if you travel in summer.
Worth reading before you book
How to choose a hotel: what to check before you book
The right hotel is not the grandest on the list; it is the one that fits the days you planned. Five checks, in this order.
What you pay at the hotel: taxes, fees and the deposit
The booking closed at one price and the bill shows another. Usually that is not a mistake but a local tax.
How to read a flight before you book: times, stops, duration and the fare rules
Two flights at the same price can be very different trips. Everything that tells them apart is already on the result — it only has to be read in the right order.
