Wondering where to stay in Florence with family? In this post, I will help you to find the best areas to stay in Florence for families with kids and family-friendly hotels for all budgets.
Florence offers a variety of fantastic areas for families to stay and explore. From the historic center with its iconic landmarks to the peaceful Oltrarno district, each neighborhood has its unique charm. Whether you seek cultural immersion or tranquil surroundings, Florence has the perfect spot for your family getaway.
Where to Stay in Florence for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Florence for families with kids include Centro Storico, Oltrarno, Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, and Santa Croce. Each of these neighborhoods offers its unique charm and advantages. The best area for your family depends on your preferences and priorities.
Centro Storico is the heart of Florence, known for its iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery. It’s best suited for families who want to be at the center of the city’s historic and cultural sites, surrounded by charming narrow streets, shops, and restaurants.
Remember that Florence is a compact city, and most areas are easily walkable. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you can easily explore the different neighborhoods and attractions within a short distance.
5 Best areas to Stay in Florence with Family:
1. Centro Storico
Centro Storico (the historic center) is one of the best areas to stay in Florence for a family. It is the heart of Florence and is home to many of the city’s most famous attractions, such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery.
Staying in this area will allow you and your family to be within walking distance of these iconic landmarks, as well as numerous museums, historic buildings, restaurants, shops, and gelaterias.
Additionally, the Centro Storico is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate with children. You can explore the charming streets, piazzas, and hidden corners of Florence on foot without the need for extensive transportation.
Furthermore, the area is well-connected to public transportation, which can take you to other parts of the city if needed. This accessibility is particularly useful when visiting attractions located outside the historic center, such as the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.
While Centro Storico can be bustling with tourists during peak seasons, it also offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere that many families find enjoyable. Keep in mind that some streets in the historic center may be closed to vehicles, making it safer for children to walk around.
The Centro Storico offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. You can find family-friendly hotels and apartments that provide comfortable amenities and services to cater to your needs.
Overall, staying in Centro Storico is an excellent choice for families who want to be in the heart of Florence and enjoy the convenience of being close to major attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Best places to stay in Florence Centro Storico for family:
- Luxury: NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa
- Mid-range: Hotel Calimala
- Budget: Hotel Duomo Firenze
2. Oltrarno
Oltrarno, which means “beyond the Arno,” is the family-friendly neighborhood situated on the southern bank of the Arno River, opposite the city’s main historical center. It encompassess areas of San Niccolò, Santo Spirito, and San Frediano.
To reach Oltrarno from the city center, you can cross one of the bridges over the Arno River, such as Ponte Vecchio or Ponte Santa Trinita. Once there, you can explore the neighborhood on foot and take in its unique atmosphere.
It offers a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere compared to the bustling city center, making it well-suited for families seeking a quieter and less crowded area.
Oltrarno is also home to some of Florence’s most famous landmarks, such as the Pitti Palace, Piazzale Michelangelo, Boboli Gardens, Bardini Gardens, and the Santo Spirito Church. These sites offer a great opportunity for your family to explore art, history, and beautiful gardens.
The neighborhood has several lively squares, such as Piazza Santo Spirito and Piazza del Carmine, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy a coffee or a drink, especially in the evenings.
Oltrarno is known for its traditional craft workshops and artisan boutiques. This gives families the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences and witness the creation of Florentine crafts like leather goods, ceramics, and jewelry.
There are numerous trattorias, osterias, and gelaterias that offer authentic Tuscan cuisine. Exploring the neighborhood’s culinary scene can be a delightful experience for the whole family.
Don’t forget to treat your family to delicious gelato at Gelateria La Carraia, located near Ponte alla Carraia. They offer a wide range of flavors, and you can enjoy your gelato while taking in the river views.
While Oltrarno is close to many attractions, some of the main landmarks like the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery are located on the other side of the river. This means that you may need to cross the river or take public transportation to reach them, which could be less convenient if you prefer to stay closer to these sites.
Overall, Oltrarno is a charming and family-friendly neighborhood with a local feel, offering proximity to attractions and a quieter atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for families seeking an authentic experience while still being close to the main sights of Florence.
Best places to stay in Florence in Oltrarno for family:
- Luxury: Hotel Lungarno – Lungarno Collection
- Mid-range: Oltrarno 1881 Apartments
- Budget: Hotel La Scaletta al Ponte Vecchio
3. Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is a centrally located neighborhood that offers a convenient base for exploring the city’s major attractions. It is bordered by the historic center, Arno River, the city’s main train station, and San Lorenzo district.
Santa Maria Novella is located near the historic center of Florence, making it easy to access famous landmarks such as the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Families can save time on transportation and easily explore these attractions on foot.
The neighborhood offers a range of family-friendly amenities such as parks, playgrounds, and child-friendly restaurants. Families can enjoy a stroll in the nearby Cascine Park or take advantage of the playgrounds in the area.
Santa Maria Novella is well-connected to public transportation, home to Firenze Santa Maria Novella – the transport hub of the city, making it a convenient base for families to explore other parts of Florence or take day trips to nearby cities like Pisa or Siena.
Families can explore the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a major attraction in the neighborhood. It is known for its beautiful facade, and art masterpieces by renowned artists like Masaccio, Ghirlandaio, and Giotto.
In front of the basilica lies Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, a lively gathering place. It features a central fountain and is surrounded by cafes, shops, and historic buildings.
You can visit several museums and galleries. Notable examples include the Museo di Santa Maria Novella, which showcases religious art and artifacts, and the Museo Novecento, dedicated to Italian art of the 20th century.
There are numerous accommodation options in Santa Maria Novella, including budget-friendly hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals. The best family hotels can be found in the area between the neighborhood’s main square and the river.
Best places to stay in Santa Maria Novella for family:
- Luxury: The Place Firenze
- Mid-range: Novella House
- Budget: Oro Nero Florence
4. San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is conveniently located near the main train station of Santa Maria Novella, the historic center, and San Marco neighborhood.
Best suited for: Families interested in Florence’s cultural and culinary scene, as well as budget-conscious travelers.
Highlights: Mercato Centrale (Central Market), Basilica di San Lorenzo, Medici Chapels, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Galleria dell’Accademia, and local trattorias.
Pros: Close to the main train station and budget-friendly accommodation options.
Cons: Can be busy and hectic, especially around the market area.
Best places to stay in Florence in San Lorenzo for family:
- Luxury: Hotel Firenze Number Nine
- Mid-range: The Artists’ Palace Florence
- Budget: Sette Angeli Rooms
5. Santa Croce
Santa Croce is a popular neighborhood located on the east end of the historic center, running along the Arno River. It is known for its vibrant nightlife scene.
Highlights: Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza Santa Croce, Palazzo dell’Antella, Bargello Museum, beautiful squares, and the banks of the Arno River.
The neighborhood is home to the Basilica di Santa Croce, a stunning Gothic church that serves as a final resting place for many famous Florentines, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolò Machiavelli.
The Piazza Santa Croce, located in front of the basilica, is a lively square where you can find local markets, cafes, and street performers.
The Sant’Ambrogio Market is a popular local market in Santa Croce. Here, you can find fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal goods. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local food culture and experience the bustling atmosphere.
Santa Croce is well-known for its leather market, where you can find a wide variety of leather goods, including bags, jackets, belts, and souvenirs.
Santa Croce comes alive at night with its bars, pubs, and music venues, attracting both locals and tourists looking for a fun evening out.
Pros: A more relaxed atmosphere compared to the historic center, with beautiful architecture and local charm.
Cons: Not as centrally located as the historic center, but still within walking distance of major attractions.
Best places to stay in Florence in Santa Croce for family:
- Luxury: LHP Hotel River & SPA
- Mid-range: Pietrapiana Boutique Apartments
- Budget: A Teatro
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In conclusion, Centro Storico, Oltrarno, Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, and Santa Croce are the best places to stay in Florence for families with kids. These areas offer easy access to family-friendly attractions and amenities.
You can choose the area that best matches your family’s interests and preferences for an unforgettable stay in Florence.