Looking for an affordable B&B in Florence? You've come to the right place, we'll advise you on the districts in which to choose your accommodation in Florence. 

Florence is one of the pearls of our Italy, full of art, culture and filled with history at every street corner. Everything in this city exudes beauty, also thanks to the stories that writers, painters and sculptors have told about it through their works of art over the centuries.

Tuscany has always enchanted tourists from all over the world for its enchanting and bountiful hillside landscapes, for its wholesome traditional cuisine and for the history that each of its palaces, paintings and sculptures tells. Florence, in particular, is an elegant city, refined in its details, but also particularly demanding from an economic point of view. 

Florence's residential districts, for instance, are not in the centre of the city, as it has become quite impossible to live here. What you can certainly find, however, are an array of B&Bs. 

Tourism is what really animates Florence and drives the city's economy. Hence, finding affordable B&Bs are plenty yet requires a careful choice of the main districts, as well as the type of sightseeing you intend on visiting.

Let us therefore delve into which Florence neighbourhoods to stay in without spending a fortune.

Florence neighbourhoods: where to find cheap accommodation

Florence welcomes its visitors with a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality and unique accommodation offers. Among the narrow streets of the Oltrarno, the beating heart of Florentine craftsmanship and art, are hidden B&Bs that promise a peaceful stay immersed in creativity. 

The areas of San Frediano and Santo Spirito, with their bohemian charm and lively squares, attract those seeking to experience the most authentic and lively Florence, offering cosy and affordable accommodation.

In the dynamic district of San Lorenzo, the atmosphere comes alive around its famous market, where the flavours and colours of the culinary tradition mingle, and where it is possible to find affordable accommodation. San Marco and Statuto emerge as cultural and historical poles, hosting B&Bs located in charming ancient buildings, ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in history and art.

Those who seek more modern accommodation in Florence will find these in Novoli and Le Cure avant-garde neighbourhoods with large green spaces and a more contemporary atmosphere. 

In the historic centre, the heart of the city beats lively, and also here, among the best-known streets and famous monuments, you can discover B&Bs run by Florentine families offering a warm welcome and affordable prices.

Choosing a bed & breakfast in the districts of Florence thus becomes a journey into history, art and everyday life.

Amongst the accommodation options that reflect the variety and uniqueness of Florentine hospitality, establishments such as the Residenza dei Pucci, the Hostel Archi Rossi, Hotel Rapallo and Loggia Fiorentina, offer different experiences, each with its own character and services, reflecting the cultural richness and hospitality that characterise Florence. 

Finding the perfect hotel or B&B for you depends on a combination of factors, first of all economic and secondly, recreational and cultural. 

You need to balance these needs before choosing where to stay in Florence. 

But what do you absolutely have to see if you go to Florence? Let's find out here;

What to see in Florence

The following are some must-see sights if you go to Florence. 

• Florence Cathedral Duomo: this majestic cathedral, with its spectacular dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a key landmark of Renaissance architecture. Its elaborate façade and fascinating bell tower offer a spectacle that enchants visitors and celebrates Florentine creativity.
• Uffizi Gallery: a journey through the epochs of art unfolds in this renowned gallery, where works by masters such as Caravaggio, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci tell the story of artistic evolution in Italy and the world, capturing the admiration of anyone who looks at them.
• Fortezza da Basso: this imposing building, originally conceived for military purposes, has been transformed into a lively cultural centre hosting international events, connecting Florence's military past with its contemporary soul as an exhibition and congress centre.
• Ponte Vecchio: characteristic for its craft workshops, mainly goldsmiths, this historic bridge crosses the Arno offering unique views and a window onto the commercial traditions that have defined Florence for centuries.Palazzo Pitti: the former home of Florence's powerful rulers and later kings of Italy, today this palace houses priceless art collections and opens onto the Boboli Gardens, a magnificent example of an Italian garden that extends the artistic experience outdoors.Basilica di Santa Croce: this monumental religious building serves as a final resting place for prominent Italian historical figures, offering visitors not only a history lesson through its tombs but also an immersion in the sacred art that decorates its interior.
• Piazza della Signoria: this historic square serves as an open-air stage for an impressive collection of sculptures and monuments, surrounded by buildings symbolic of Florence's political and cultural power, including the imposing Palazzo Vecchio.

These places represent just some of the gems that Florence has to offer, each with its own history and beauty, inviting visitors to explore and discover the many facets of a city that has left an indelible mark on the world's cultural heritage.

5 experiences to do in Florence

Once in Florence, there are many experiences to explore from. Let's highlight the main ones in this list:

• Immerse yourself in the flavours and colours of the Florentine markets: a tour among the stalls of a traditional market, such as the bustling Mercato Centrale, offers an authentic foray into local gastronomy. Here, you can sample Tuscan specialities, discovering the secrets of fresh ingredients and recipes that have made regional cooking history.
• Participate in a leather craft workshop: exploring the ancient Florentine tradition of leather work through a visit to a craft workshop allows you to appreciate the skill and passion that characterise this craft, combining culture and shopping in an unforgettable experience.
• Pedalling to discover Florence: renting a bicycle for a day allows you to ride through the city's historic districts and green areas with ease, offering the freedom to discover Florence from an unusual and fully immersive perspective.
• Exploring the Chianti hills on a wine tasting tour: a food and wine adventure in the Tuscan countryside, visiting wineries known for the production of fine wines, is an experience that combines the pleasures of the palate with the beauty of the hilly landscapes, enriched by delighting in typical local products.
• Admiring the Florentine sunset from a privileged vantage point: ending the day with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, where the panoramic view of the city at sunset offers a spectacle of colours and emotions, represents a moment of pure magic that celebrates the timeless beauty of Florence.



To organise these memorable experiences and discover other must-do activities in Florence, the GetYourGuide website is an invaluable resource, offering a wide range of options for customising your trip to the Tuscan capital and enriching it with unique moments.

Frequently asked questions about cheap accommodation in Florence

Where can I find budget accommodation in Florence?

In Florence, budget accommodation can often be found in the districts slightly outside the historic centre, such as San Lorenzo and Santa Croce, where you can discover advantageous options such as hostels, bed & breakfasts and holiday flats.

What are the best hostels in Florence?

The best hostels in Florence are those that combine a convenient location, useful services for travellers and a friendly atmosphere, making them perfect for those travelling alone or on a budget.

Which hotels in Florence offer good value for money?

There are many hotels in Florence that offer good value for money, especially those located just outside the most touristy areas. Research and advance booking can help you find the best deals.

Where can I find a cheap bed and breakfast in Florence?

Affordable B&Bs in Florence can be found in various neighbourhoods, from the more central ones such as the Centro Storico to quieter areas such as the Oltrarno, offering greater immersion in local life at affordable prices.

Which neighbourhoods in Florence offer budget accommodation?

Neighbourhoods such as San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, and the Oltrarno are known to offer a variety of cheap accommodation, from B&Bs to hostels, allowing you to stay in Florence without spending a fortune.

Is there cheap accommodation near Florence Cathedral?

Although the Duomo of Florence is located in one of the most central and popular areas, it is possible to find cheap accommodation nearby, especially by looking for hostels and bed & breakfasts run by locals.

Is there cheap accommodation near the Santa Maria Novella train station?

The area around Santa Maria Novella railway station offers several cheap accommodation options, thanks to its strategic location and wide choice of hostels and cheap hotels.

Where can I stay in Florence to have easy access to the Uffizi Gallery?

Staying in the historic centre of Florence, particularly in the areas around the Uffizi Gallery, provides easy access to the museum and other main attractions, with several accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to bed & breakfasts.

Is there cheap accommodation near the Fortezza da Basso in Florence?

The Fortezza da Basso, found close to the centre and the Santa Maria Novella station, is surrounded by various budget accommodation options, ideal for those attending events and trade fairs.

What are the best areas in Florence for cheap accommodation?

The best areas to stay in Florence on a budget include the neighbourhoods of San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, and the Oltrarno, where you can find affordable accommodation without sacrificing comfort or accessibility to the main attractions.

23/02/2024