Florence hotels put the Renaissance on your doorstep. Brunelleschi’s dome rises over the cathedral square, the Uffizi holds Botticelli and Leonardo, Michelangelo’s David stands in the Accademia, and the Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno lined with goldsmiths’ shops. The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, with trattorias, wine bars and markets around every corner.
It suits couples, friends and anyone who loves art, food and history. Stay near the Duomo for the sights, in Oltrarno for artisans and local restaurants, or near Santa Maria Novella for easy trains to the rest of Tuscany. April to June and September to October are ideal, the summer is hot, and the winter is quiet. Flights from the UK take about two and a quarter hours, to Florence or to Pisa.
We offer 21 Florence hotels, from five-star stays on the river to boutique hotels steps from the Duomo. Every one can be booked with flights and transfers as an ATOL-protected package.
Where to stay in Florence
The centre is small, so almost everywhere below is within a 15-minute walk of the cathedral.
The Duomo and the historic centre
The cathedral, the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi, with shops and restaurants all around. The best base for a first visit.
Santa Maria Novella
Around the main station and the church of Santa Maria Novella, handy for day trips by train to Pisa, Lucca and Siena, and a short walk from the Duomo.
Oltrarno
Across the Ponte Vecchio, with the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, artisans’ workshops and some of the city’s best local trattorias around Santo Spirito.
Santa Croce and the river
East of the centre, around the great Franciscan church, with lively squares, the Sant’Ambrogio market and hotels with views over the Arno.
Top-rated hotels in Florence
Some of our favourite Florence hotels, from five-star stays to boutique hotels a short walk from the Duomo. Ratings are TripAdvisor scores out of 5.
All 21 Florence hotels
Florence has 21 hotels to choose from, 2 of them five-star. Ratings shown are TripAdvisor scores out of 5.
Florence 21 hotels
- Eden Rock Resort
- Palazzo Castri 1874
- Ville Sull'Arno
- Brunelleschi
- NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa
- Degli Orafi Hotel
- Room Mate Luca
- C-Hotels Diplomat
- FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli
- Grand Hotel Minerva
- Cellai Hotel
- Kraft Hotel
- Cosimo de Medici
- NH Firenze
- MH Florence Hotel & Spa
- River Hotel & Spa
- Starhotels Tuscany
- Embassy Hotel
- Starhotels Michelangelo
- Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze
- Eurostars Florence Boutique
Best time to visit Florence
April to June and September to October are the best months, with warm days in the 20s°C, ideal for walking the city. July and August are hot, often well over 30°C, and the main museums are busy. Winter is cool, around 10 to 12°C in the day, and much quieter, with shorter queues for the Uffizi and the Accademia.
Getting to Florence
Florence airport (FLR) is about 20 minutes from the centre, with flights from London. Pisa (PSA) has more UK routes and is about an hour from Florence by road or train. Flights take about two and a quarter hours. Our packages include flights and transfers.
Florence and the rest of Tuscany
Florence is the natural start to a Tuscan holiday. Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa and the Chianti hills are all within easy reach, and many visitors spend a few nights in the city before moving to a country hotel or the beach. See our Tuscany holidays for hotels across the region, or pair Florence with Rome by train.
Florence and Tuscany guides
Comparing hotels? Read our guide to the best hotels in Florence and the best hotels in Tuscany, or plan the region with our Tuscany guide. For live deals, browse our holiday offers.
Florence holiday FAQs
Where is the best area to stay in Florence?
For a first visit, stay near the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria, with the main sights on foot. Oltrarno, across the Ponte Vecchio, is quieter and more local, and Santa Maria Novella is handy for trains.
How many days do you need in Florence?
Three nights is enough to see the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Accademia and the Ponte Vecchio at a relaxed pace. Add a night or two for a day trip to Siena, Pisa or the Chianti hills.
Which airport is best for Florence?
Florence airport (FLR) is closest, about 20 minutes from the centre. Pisa (PSA) has more flights from the UK and is about an hour away by road or train. Our packages include the transfer.
Do I need to book the museums in advance?
For the Uffizi and the Accademia, yes, especially from spring to autumn. Booked tickets save hours of queuing, and the cathedral dome climb also needs a timed ticket.
Can I combine Florence with Rome or Venice?
Yes. High-speed trains reach Rome in about an hour and a half and Venice in about two hours, so a twin-centre city break is easy. A Travel Designer can plan both stays in one package.
Is Florence good in winter?
Yes, if you are there for the art and the food. It is cool, around 10 to 12°C in the day, but the museums are quieter and hotels are often better value.
More holidays in Tuscany and Italy
Plan your Florence holiday
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