Florence Hotels

Florence Hotels

Gilded and shimmering, ethereally beautiful, a darling of the fashion world, Florence epitomises a distinctly Italian sense of style. A collection of terracotta rooftops and rising spires is framed between dusky hills and the light-filled Arno River, creating an intensely Italian vision of loveliness. Close up, the buildings lose none of their shine, and are further enhanced by cozy trattorias and elegant boutiques which inhabit them at street-level. This is a city made for slow wandering and sunset glasses of Chianti.

Things to see

Rising from the midst of the Renaissance terracotta skyline, the Duomo is a gothic beauty of staggering proportions. The great dome of this cathedral measures over 90 meters in height, and the whole thing took 150 years to construct. The exterior is richly decorated and sculpted, while the interior is far more sparse and cavernous. It’s worth braving the climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city. If that’s not enough of a feast for your eyes, visit the Uffizi Gallery, a treasure trove of Ancient Greek sculpture and priceless Renaissance artworks, once the private collection of Florence’s all-powerful Medici family. Never far out of sight is the Arno River, spanned by several elegant bridges. The oldest and most interesting is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval structure with enchanting goldsmiths’ and jewelers’ shops built into its sides, most of which have been operating here for centuries.

Hotels in Florence

Florence has a wide selection of hotels to suit all budgets, and pleasingly, even the cheap hotels in Florence are packed with charm. There are numerous guesthouses tucked away, offering rustic, individually-furnished rooms, for a budget price. Many have a range of room sizes, to suit individuals, couples, or families. Most also offer a continental breakfast. Upgrade to a mid-range, boutique hotel and you’ll have a room with more luxurious furnishings, some with a private balcony looking out over the city. Free WiFi and satellite TV are widely available. Florence’s luxury hotels offer elegant suites with premium bedding and designer touches.

Where to stay

To be right at the heart of this Tuscan beauty, stay in the Duomo district. There are plentiful luxury hotels and charming guesthouses available, basking in the radiance of the cathedral. You’ll be close to Via de Tornabuoni, the fashion designers’ hangout of choice, and most of the major attractions are nearby. If you. For budget accommodation and transport convenience, stay in Santa Maria Novella, where the main train station is located. This district is also home to the city’s oldest basilica. For a calm stay and a new perspective on Florence, cross the Ponte Vecchio and stay in Oltrarno.

How to get to Florence

Florence’s international Vespucci airport is located 6 kilometers from the city and has connections with other airports throughout Europe. It’s a speedy, 15-minute journey by airport shuttle bus or taxi to the center. If coming from outside Europe, it may be easier to get to Rome, then take the train to Florence, a journey of about 2 hours. Florence has good rail connections to the north too. If you’re touring Tuscany by car, it’s best to park outside the center, because much of the historic core is pedestrian-only. Taxis and buses will get you around the rest of the city.