Best Places to Stay in Florence for Solo Travelers (2025)
My first solo trip to Florence was when I moved to Italy. I spent three weeks in the city and loved every day of it. It’s such a great spot for solo travel—small enough to feel manageable but full of life, history, and energy. A well-located base makes navigating this Renaissance masterpiece easy, and finding accommodations that offer both comfort and opportunities to meet people can turn a solo trip into something unforgettable.
Florence is compact, walkable, and packed with history at every turn. One moment, you’re standing in front of Michelangelo’s David; the next, you’re sipping a negroni on a quiet terrace. The city is an ideal solo travel destination—safe, easy to get around, and full of ways to connect with locals and other travelers.
To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Florence as a solo traveler, based on personal experience and recommendations from other travelers. Whether you’re looking for a social hostel, a quiet boutique stay, or something in between, I’ve got you covered.
Note: Prices and amenities change, so check the links for current rates. If you find something you like, book it—good places in Florence don’t stay available for long.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. I will only recommend products and services that I would [or currently use] myself.
Where to Stay in Florence as a Solo Traveler
Florence’s neighborhoods all have their own personality. As a solo traveler, you want to stay somewhere central, safe, and well-connected. Here are my top picks:
For Social Travelers: YellowSquare Florence
This is my favorite hostel in Florence. It’s got a great social scene, nightly events, and even a rooftop pool! While it’s located a little outside the city center, the tram and plethora of rideshare bikes around the city make it easy to get into town in 15 minutes or less.
🎒 Book your stay at YellowSquare Florence by Clicking Here
Another great hostel option closer to the city center: Ostello Bello Florence
Ostello Bello is another great option. Ostello Bello has locations all over Italy, and I’ve never been disappointed in a stay with them. Good social scene, close to the city center, nightly events, and well-stocked kitchen for cooking in.
🎒 Book your stay at Ostello Bello Florence by Clicking Here
For a Cozy, Well-Stocked Stay: CASA IVH BNB
CASA IVH BNB offers a homey stay just a short walk from Florence’s main attractions. Guests love the self-check-in, friendly communication, and thoughtful extras—free snacks, drinks, and even luggage storage before and after check-in. Rooms are clean, well-equipped, and feature blackout shades, streaming services, and a well-stocked kitchen for those who want to cook.
The location is slightly outside the busiest parts of the city but still within walking distance of the Duomo and Accademia Gallery. Some guests mention occasional noise from the street, but earplugs are provided. If you’re looking for a comfortable, hassle-free stay with great amenities, CASA IVH BNB is a fantastic choice.
🎒 Book your stay at CASA IVH BNB here
For a Budget Stay with a View: Hotel Cardinal of Florence
A short walk from the Duomo, Hotel Cardinal of Florence offers a central location and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. Rooms are simple but clean, with air conditioning and some offering direct views of Brunelleschi’s dome.
The biggest perk? The friendly staff—guests rave about their helpfulness, from carrying luggage up the 65 steps (no elevator) to giving personalized recommendations. Downsides include older decor, small showers, and slow Wi-Fi, but if you’re after an affordable, well-located stay with a great view, this is a solid choice.
🎒 Book your stay at Hotel Cardinal of Florence Here
For an Affordable Stay in the Heart of Florence: Hotel Por Santa Maria
If you want to stay right in the heart of Florence without breaking the bank, Hotel Por Santa Maria is a solid pick. Just steps from the Uffizi Gallery and a short walk to the Duomo, this no-frills hotel is all about location. Rooms are simple but clean, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Some have private bathrooms, while others share facilities.
Guests rave about the friendly hosts who go out of their way to help with recommendations and make you feel at home. The building has an elevator (a rarity in Florence), and the soundproof windows help block out the noise of the bustling streets below. If you’re looking for an affordable, well-situated stay with great hospitality, this is a fantastic choice.
🎒 Book your stay at Hotel Por Santa Maria Here
For a No-Frills, Central Stay: GB Apartments
GB Apartments is a budget-friendly B&B with an unbeatable central location—just minutes from Santa Maria Novella, the Accademia Gallery, and the Duomo. Rooms are compact, with basic amenities like air conditioning, a private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. The host is helpful, though communication can be tricky if you don’t speak Italian.
Expect small spaces—many guests mention the tight rooms and limited storage. Soundproofing is also minimal, so light sleepers may want earplugs. That said, if you’re after an affordable, no-frills stay in the heart of Florence and don’t mind a cozy setup, it’s a solid option.
🎒 Book your stay at GB Apartments here
Tips for Solo Travelers in Florence
Eat Like a Local – Avoid restaurants with tourist menus and seek out trattorie and osterie for authentic Tuscan food. Grab a schiacciata from I Fratellini and explore Mercato Centrale for fresh, local bites.
Best Views Without the Crowds – Skip Piazzale Michelangelo and head to Bardini Gardens or climb Torre di Arnolfo at Palazzo Vecchio for incredible skyline views.
Florence After Dark – The city is magical at night. Walk along the Arno or visit Santo Spirito for a more local nightlife scene. For live music, check out Jazz Club Firenze.
Aperitivo Like a Florentine – For a great drink and snacks, try Enoteca Alla Sosta dei Papi or Le Volpi e l’Uva. Many spots offer apericena—a budget-friendly way to dine.
Stay Aware & Stay Safe – Florence is generally safe, but pickpocketing happens, especially in crowded areas like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Keep an eye on your belongings, and be cautious of distractions or overly friendly strangers. See also How Not to Get Pickpocketed in Italy
Florence on a Budget – Many churches, including Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, are free or cheap to visit. The first Sunday of each month, major museums like the Uffizi offer free entry—but expect long lines.
Green Spaces & Relaxing Spots – Need a break? The Giardino dell’Orticoltura and Le Cascine Park offer peaceful escapes from the crowds.
Getting Around – Florence is walkable, but the tram is useful for reaching the train station or airport. If visiting churches, dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered).
Final Thoughts
Florence is one of those cities that stays with you long after you leave. Having traveled here solo multiple times, I know firsthand that where you stay can shape your experience. A good location makes everything easier, and accommodations that strike the right balance between comfort and connection can turn a solo trip into something truly special.
Buon viaggio!