Sunset Over Florence with Duomo View

Best Budget Hotels in Florence, Italy (Affordable Stays for 2026)

Best Budget Hotels in Florence, Italy (Affordable Stays for 2026)

Florence is compact, historic, and incredibly walkable — which means where you stay matters more than how fancy the hotel is. I’ve seen travelers overpay for hotels with views they barely use, while others save money by staying just a few streets outside the tourist core and enjoy a much better experience.

Best Budget Hotels in Florence (Quick Answer)

The best budget hotels in Florence offer clean private rooms, free Wi-Fi, and central locations within walking distance of major attractions, typically costing between €80 and €150 per night. Popular areas for budget stays include the Historic Center, Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, Oltrarno, and near the Duomo, where travelers can balance affordability with convenience.

The good news is that budget hotels in Florence can still offer excellent locations, clean private rooms, and easy access to major attractions — if you know where to look. This guide focuses on value-driven hotels, not hostels, and is ideal for travelers visiting Florence in 2026.

What to Expect From Budget Hotels in Florence

Florence is smaller than Rome, but hotel prices are often similar due to high demand. Still, budget hotels in Florence deliver strong value compared to Paris or London.

You can usually expect:

  • Private ensuite rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air conditioning (important in summer)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Historic buildings with character

What you usually won’t get:

  • Large rooms (space is limited)
  • Elevators in older buildings
  • On-site pools or gyms

In Florence, location and walkability matter more than amenities.

Best Areas to Stay for Budget Hotels in Florence

Comparison Table: Best Areas for Budget Hotels in Florence

AreaBest ForWalkabilityAvg PriceWhy It Matters
Historic CenterFirst-timersVery High€100–€150Walk everywhere
Santa Maria NovellaValue + trainsHigh€90–€130Best price-to-location
San LorenzoFood & marketsHigh€90–€140Central at lower cost
OltrarnoLocal charmHigh€85–€130Quieter, authentic
Near DuomoShort staysExcellent€110–€160Ultimate convenience

Historic Center (Best for First-Time Visitors)

Staying inside the historic core means you can walk to nearly everything — the Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and major museums.

Several budget hotels in Florence are tucked into historic buildings just steps from top attractions.

Best for: Short stays, sightseeing
Downside: Smaller rooms, higher demand

Santa Maria Novella (Best Value + Transport)

Located near Florence’s main train station, this area offers some of the best hotel value in the city while remaining walkable to the historic center.

Best for: First-time visitors, train travelers
Downside: Less atmospheric at night

San Lorenzo (Best for Market Lovers)

Close to the Mercato Centrale and the Duomo, San Lorenzo offers central access at slightly lower prices.

Best for: Food lovers, budget-conscious travelers
Downside: Busy during the day

Oltrarno (Best for Local Charm)

Across the Arno River, Oltrarno feels more residential and authentic while still being close to the main sights.

Best for: Couples, longer stays
Downside: Slightly longer walks to museums

Best Budget Hotels in Florence for 2026

Comparison Table: Best Budget Hotels in Florence (2026)

HotelAreaTypical PriceBest ForKey Advantage
Hotel DaliDuomo€90–€130SightseeingPrime location
Alba PalaceSMN€100–€140First-timersQuiet comfort
Hotel CollodiSan Lorenzo€100–€140CouplesHistoric charm
Hotel SillaOltrarno€95–€135Longer staysLarger rooms
Hotel BavariaHistoric Center€85–€120Value huntersBudget-friendly

How Much Do Budget Hotels in Florence Cost?

SeasonAverage Nightly Price
Low season (Jan–Feb, Nov)€80–€110
Shoulder season (Mar–May, Oct)€100–€140
Peak season (Jun–Sep)€130–€170

Budget vs Cheap Hotels in Florence (Reality Check)

FeatureBudget HotelsCheap HotelsWhy It Matters
Private Bathroom✔ YesSometimesComfort
AC✔ UsuallyNot alwaysSummer heat
Central Location✔ YesOften farWalkability
English Spoken✔ YesLimitedEase of stay

People Also Asked: Budget Hotels in Florence FAQs

Are budget hotels in Florence safe?

Yes. Budget hotels in Florence are very safe, especially in tourist areas like the Historic Center, San Lorenzo, and Santa Maria Novella. Choose hotels with strong recent reviews and avoid ground-floor rooms on busy streets.

How much should US travelers budget for hotels in Florence?

US and European travelers should expect €90–€150 per night for well-located budget hotels in Florence, depending on season and proximity to major attractions.

Do budget hotels in Florence have air conditioning?

Most budget hotels in Florence include air conditioning, but always confirm in summer months, as some historic buildings still rely on fans.

Is Florence walkable from budget hotels?

Yes. Florence is one of Europe’s most walkable cities, and most budget hotels are within a 10–20 minute walk of major sights.

Is it better to stay near the Duomo or Santa Maria Novella?

Near the Duomo offers maximum sightseeing convenience, while Santa Maria Novella provides better value and train access. First-time visitors often prefer SMN.

Are Florence budget hotels suitable for couples?

Yes. Areas like Oltrarno and San Lorenzo are especially popular with couples looking for charm, quiet evenings, and good dining nearby.

Is Florence more expensive than Rome for hotels?

Florence can be slightly more expensive during peak season, but overall prices are comparable when staying in similar central locations.

How far in advance should I book?

For April–September travel, book at least 2–3 months in advance, especially for centrally located budget hotels.

Are Budget Hotels in Florence Worth It?

Yes — especially if you value location over luxury. Florence is best experienced on foot, and choosing the right budget hotel in Florence lets you maximize your time while keeping costs under control.

Find More Value With These Budget Hotels in Italy

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