Where To Stay On A Budget In Florence - 5 Affordable Options
Wondering where to stay on a budget in Florence?
Having visited this incredible and historic city several times, including the summer of 2024, I’m very confident to give you some proper advice regarding that question.
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a treasure trove of history, art and stunning architecture. This former capital of the Kingdom of Italy boasts some of the world’s most famous art galleries and attractions, including Michelangelo’s David, the iconic Duomo and the Gates of the Baptistery of St. John. Walking through its historic centre is like stepping back in time, with stunning views around every corner.
Staying in the heart of Florence can be pricey, however, especially if you’re travelling on a budget. Hotels in the historic centre often come with a hefty price tag. But don’t worry – there are plenty of affordable alternatives just outside the city centre, offering great value without sacrificing convenience.
Luckily, most of these budget areas are within walking distance of the historic center or a short tram ride away. This means you can enjoy the beauty of the Bardini Gardens, Brancacci Chapel, and Rose Garden during the day while keeping your accommodation costs low. The tram network makes it easy to explore the city, even if you’re staying a little further away from the tourist epicenter.
In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for the best budget neighborhoods in Florence. Each area has its own vibe, pros, and cons, which we’ve conveniently summarized after each section.
Comparing those summarized sections will definitely come in handy to pick the area that suits you the most in terms of budget and travel style. To help you plan even better, we’ve included a map with all of our recommended areas.
Let’s check out the best places to stay in Florence without spending a fortune!
What are the best areas to stay in Florence on a budget?
The best areas to stay in Florence on a budget are Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, Oltrarno, Campo di Marte, and Novoli.
Florence is a relatively compact city, with its main attractions clustered around the iconic Duomo.
While the historic center is undoubtedly beautiful, it is also the most expensive part of the city to stay.
For budget-conscious travelers, nearby neighborhoods offer fantastic alternatives that balance affordability with convenience.
In adjacent neighborhoods, you can already find more affordable accommodation options. But if you’re willing to stay a bit away from the center at all, you can easily find a three-star hotel that won’t break the bank.
The only two things worth noting are that you will be more dependent on public transportation and of course, these areas are not tourist-centric.
In the following paragraph, you can find an overview of each recommended neighborhood with a brief description. Click on the neighborhood and you will go directly to that part of the article.
Santa Maria Novella: Home to Florence’s main train station, this area is perfect for those traveling around Italy by train. It’s well-connected, central, and offers reasonably priced accommodation.
San Lorenzo: Located northeast of the historic center, this vibrant area is famous for its lively markets, including the foodie haven Mercato Centrale Firenze. It’s a great choice for those looking for a lively atmosphere close to the center.
Oltrarno: Located across the river, this quiet neighborhood is ideal for families and travelers looking for a more relaxed stay. It offers a charming local atmosphere while still being within walking distance of the city’s main attractions.
Campo di Marte: A quiet residential area just outside the historic center, Campo di Marte lets you enjoy authentic Florentine life. It’s less touristy but still close enough to reach the heart of the city in about 10-15 minutes on foot.
Novoli: Novoli offers modern accommodation at significantly lower prices for travelers willing to use the tram. Located outside of the tourist areas, this area is ideal for those who prioritize budget over charm. Just make sure you’re close to tram line 2, which connects directly to the historic center. Keep in mind that Novoli is primarily a residential area, so it lacks the character and attractions of central Florence.
The best areas to stay in Florence on a budget are:
1. Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is Florence’s main transportation hub, home to the central train station that connects the city to the rest of Tuscany and beyond.
It’s a handy option for budget travelers who value convenience and accessibility.
In the summer of 2024, we explored Italy by train, and Florence was one of our stops.
We chose to stay near Santa Maria Novella for several reasons, and it turned out to be a fantastic base for our adventure.
The biggest perk? You can hop off the train, cross the street, and check into your hotel in a matter of minutes.
After dropping off our luggage, we found ourselves within walking distance of Florence’s top attractions, including the iconic Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the Uffizi Gallery, and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio.
While Florence does have a tram, most visitors find that exploring the city’s compact historic center on foot is the best way to soak up its charm.
Accommodations around the train station are often more affordable than those in the heart of the historic center, making it a great area for budget travelers.
The neighborhood is lively and offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, markets, and supermarkets, perfect for grabbing a quick bite or picking up essentials.
There are some downsides, though.
Being so close to a busy train station means the area can be noisy, especially at night.
If you’re a light sleeper, bringing a pair of earplugs is a good idea. Plus, the further you get from the train station and the city center, the less convenient the location is for sightseeing.
For budget travelers who prioritize convenience, staying near Santa Maria Novella station is hard to beat.
But if you prefer a quieter atmosphere or plan to spend more time in Florence than just a few days, you may want to explore other neighborhoods.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding what suits your travel style.
2. San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is the neighborhood that’s right next to Santa Maria Novella and has its own unique charm.
At the heart of this area is the iconic Mercato Centrale, Florence’s largest covered market and a foodie’s paradise.
Whether you’re craving traditional Tuscan dishes or international flavors, this vibrant market is a must-visit.
Beyond the market, San Lorenzo is packed with affordable restaurants, making it a great choice for travelers on a budget.
During the day, the area bustles with activity as markets spill out into the streets, attracting locals and tourists alike.
And like Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo is within walking distance of key landmarks like the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Piazza del Duomo, and other historic sights.
In fact, San Lorenzo offers a slightly better location than Santa Maria Novella for exploring Florence’s iconic attractions.
So why do we recommend Santa Maria Novella over San Lorenzo? The main reason is convenience.
For most tourists, staying close to the train station makes getting to and from Florence a breeze.
That said, the differences between these two budget-friendly neighborhoods are minimal.
If you prefer a more lively atmosphere, San Lorenzo may be the better choice.
The streets are full of energy, especially around the markets, which adds to its charm.
The great thing about these two areas is their proximity.
Even if you choose to stay in Santa Maria Novella, you can easily enjoy all that San Lorenzo has to offer, and vice versa.
No matter where you stay, both neighborhoods offer excellent value for money and a gateway to all that Florence has to offer.
3. Oltrarno
Oltrarno is the perfect neighborhood for those looking for an authentic slice of Florence.
Located across the Arno River from the bustling historic center, this area has a quieter, more relaxed vibe that feels far removed from the tourist-packed streets.
From Oltrarno, it’s easy to explore cultural gems like the Pitti Palace and the serene Boboli Gardens, both steeped in history and beauty.
And if you’re a fan of sunsets, don’t miss the stunning views from Piazzale Michelangelo—you’ll capture some of the most memorable photos of your trip.
While Oltrarno is a quieter area, it’s not lacking in charm or personality.
It’s known for its artisan workshops and studios, where traditional crafts like leatherwork, goldsmithing, and painting come to life.
Wandering its streets, you’ll discover unique artisan shops, intimate galleries, and studios where local artists create and sell their works—a true treasure for anyone interested in Florence’s creative heritage.
Food lovers will also feel right at home here.
The neighborhood boasts a variety of fantastic trattorias and osterias, serving authentic Tuscan cuisine at prices that won’t break the bank.
Unlike the tourist-packed areas, dining in Oltrarno is more like eating like the locals do.
While it’s a great option for a quieter, less touristy stay, Oltrarno has a slower pace in the evenings.
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife, you’ll have to venture across the river to find more lively areas.
That said, if you’re looking for affordable accommodation with picturesque river views, Oltrarno is a fantastic choice.
It strikes a balance between authenticity and accessibility, offering a peaceful base that keeps you within reach of Florence’s most iconic sights.
4. Campo di Marte
Although it’s not in the heart of the historic center, its lower accommodation costs and easy access to public transportation make it a great choice.
Campo di Marte is primarily a residential area, meaning that hotel, B&B, and apartment prices are often more reasonable compared to the city center.
This can free up some of your budget to spend on Florence’s world-famous museums, food, and experiences.
What makes this area even more appealing is its connection to the rest of the city.
Campo di Marte train station serves as a transportation hub, with frequent buses and trains that can take you to major attractions in just 10 to 15 minutes.
You won’t have to worry about missing the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, or Ponte Vecchio—they’re all within walking distance.
One of the things I loved about Campo di Marte was the peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike the bustling areas near the main train station or the historic center, Campo di Marte feels quieter and more authentic.
It’s a chance to see a more local side of Florence, away from the tourist crowds.
That said, staying here does have some downsides.
The area doesn’t have much nightlife or a wide variety of restaurants, so you may find yourself heading into the city center for dinner or entertainment.
While public transportation works well during the day, it can be less frequent at night, so plan ahead if you’re going out late.
Overall, Campo di Marte is ideal for travelers who prioritize savings and don’t mind a short commute to Florence’s main sights.
The connection to public transportation is simply amazing.
It’s a budget-friendly base that offers a quiet retreat after a day of exploring the city.
5. Novoli
Novoli is the last area I recommend.
It’s a modern, up-and-coming neighborhood that offers a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to save on accommodation without sacrificing convenience.
Located between Florence’s airport and main train station, it’s incredibly accessible and well-connected, making it a great choice for those traveling on a budget.
This area is home to a good selection of affordable hotels, many of which cater to budget-conscious travelers with clean, comfortable rooms at a fraction of the price you’d pay closer to the historic center.
While Novoli doesn’t boast the historic charm of Florence’s more iconic neighborhoods, its affordability and practical advantages make up for it.
One of Novoli’s biggest advantages is its excellent public transportation connection.
Tram line 2 runs directly from Novoli to the city center, with the final stop at Santa Maria Novella station, Florence’s transportation hub.
The journey takes just 15-20 minutes and is modern, frequent and stress-free, ensuring you can easily explore Florence’s top attractions without spending too much on transport.
While Novoli is primarily a residential and commercial district, it has its advantages for budget travellers.
You’ll find a few local restaurants and supermarkets where you can stock up on basics without the tourist surcharge.
However, the area lacks the lively atmosphere or postcard-worthy streets of neighbourhoods closer to the historic centre.
If you’re looking to save and don’t mind staying in a quieter area, Novoli is a practical choice.
It offers excellent value for money, with lower accommodation costs and easy access to the heart of Florence, allowing you to enjoy the city’s treasures without breaking your travel budget.