Where To Stay In Florence Without A Car 2025 - A Simple Guide
When deciding where to stay in Florence without a car, the best options are quite straightforward.
The goal is to minimize travel hassle and maximize your time exploring this breathtaking city.
If you’re arriving in Florence by train, plane, or bus, staying near the main train station or the historic center is key. These areas eliminate the need for expensive taxis, save you from lugging heavy suitcases around, and put you right at the doorstep of Florence’s iconic attractions. The convenience of being centrally located allows you to explore on foot, as Florence is a wonderfully walkable city.
During the summer of 2024, we embarked on an unforgettable train journey through Italy, with Florence as one of our stops. This experience, combined with our extensive travels in Italy and Florence, allows us to confidently recommend the best areas to stay for visitors without a car. Whether you’re here for a short city break or a longer Tuscan adventure, these insights will help you make the most of your trip!
In short: The best areas to stay in Florence without a car are Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, and the historic center (Centro Storico).
You want to stay as close as possible to or inside the historic center, as you can find almost all major attractions in that area.
Keep in mind that this is also the most expensive area. If your budget allows it, then simply stay here.
But that’s not what we did when we travel through Italy by train in the summer of 2024.
When you arrive by bus, train, or even airplane, and you don’t want to carry your luggage all around, it’s quite convenient to simply stay at Santa Maria Novella.
The T2 tram line runs between the airport and the city center, terminating at Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, right next to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station.
Trams operate from around 5:00 AM to midnight, with departures every 5–10 minutes.
Most Busses also arrive nearby at Piazzale Montelungo, located next to the Firenze SMN train station.
In other words, the majority of tourists without a car arrive in the heart of Florence at the train station.
San Lorenzo is also a good option, as you can find quite some affordable hotels here.
Just keep in mind that it’s located a bit further away from the main train station.
You can easily navigate to each neighborhood and part of the article by tapping the link.
In the next paragraph, you can find a map of the best areas.
You can also go straight to the overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Florence without a car.
Map of the best areas to stay in Florence without a car
The best areas to stay in Florence without a car are:
1. Santa Maria Novella
If you’re traveling to Florence without a car, Santa Maria Novella is one of the best areas to stay.
This neighborhood revolves around Florence’s main train station, making it ideal for those arriving by train, plane, or bus.
If you’re flying in, there’s a tram line that connects the airport directly to the train station, offering the cheapest and most convenient route into the city.
For those arriving by bus—perhaps from Rome or another major Italian city—most bus companies also stop at the train station.
Once you arrive, you can drop your luggage at a nearby hotel and start exploring right away.
The historic center, including the iconic Duomo, is just a ten-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella.
Staying here also comes with the benefit of more affordable accommodation compared to the pricier historic center.
However, it’s worth noting that the area primarily functions as a transportation hub.
While it’s incredibly convenient, it lacks the lively atmosphere and charm of Florence’s central districts.
Additionally, the neighborhood can be noisy, especially at night.
During our stay in the summer of 2024, we noticed frequent sounds of people chatting loudly on the streets and sirens from ambulances and police cars.
Despite the occasional noise, Santa Maria Novella is a strategic base for exploring Florence.
Its convenience cannot be overstated—when it was time for us to move on to our next destination, it took us only five minutes to walk from our hotel to the train station.
If you’re looking for practicality and easy access to transportation while keeping accommodation costs down, this area is a great choice.
2. San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is another excellent area to stay in Florence, particularly for travelers seeking affordable accommodation with easy access to the city’s highlights.
Just a short 5-10 minute walk from the main train station, it’s a convenient base while offering a more vibrant and dynamic atmosphere than the nearby Santa Maria Novella area.
One of the major highlights of San Lorenzo is the Mercato Centrale Firenze, a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
This market is a paradise for foodies, offering a wide range of fresh produce and delicious dishes.
If you’re a pasta lover, you’ll find plenty of tasty options here.
The area’s central location also means you’re just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo, making it easy to explore the tourist heart of Florence on foot.
While tram lines don’t run conveniently through the main streets of San Lorenzo, the short distances to major attractions make up for this.
San Lorenzo has a lively charm with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it as enjoyable to explore as the Historic Center.
The difference? You’ll pay significantly less for hotels here.
If you want to stay near the train station while enjoying a bustling neighborhood filled with fantastic eateries and a fun vibe—but without the premium price tag of the Historic Center—San Lorenzo is a top choice.
3. Historic Center
The Historic Center of Florence is undeniably the best area to stay for sightseeing.
With the majority of Florence’s iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, located within walking distance, it offers unparalleled convenience for exploring the city.
Staying here means immersing yourself in the vibrant heart of Florence, surrounded by stunning architecture and rich history.
However, this prime location comes at a price.
Hotels in the Historic Center often charge a premium due to the high demand, making it less suitable for budget travelers.
Additionally, accessibility can be challenging, especially if you’re arriving by train.
Navigating the narrow streets with luggage or relying on taxis to reach your accommodation can be inconvenient.
If your budget allows, the Historic Center is an exceptional choice for its unbeatable proximity to Florence’s highlights.
But if convenience and budget are priorities, you might prefer staying in areas like Santa Maria Novella or San Lorenzo, which are close to the train station and offer easier access upon arrival.
Overview of where to stay in Florence without a car
This part will be updated very soon.
*If you tap on the neighborhood, you will go directly to the relevant part of the article for more detailed information.