How to Visit Florence, Italy on a Budget: Where to Stay + Eat

Florence is one of Italy’s most charming cities. From bustling streets in the shopping district to the incredible architecture of the Duomo, Florence has something for everyone. And that’s why you need to add it to your Italy itinerary!

As I’ve visited a couple of times and stayed in various places, and traveling for less is my forte, continue reading to learn where I recommend to stay in Florence on a budget.

Choosing the best place to stay in Florence will make or break your time here, but I’ve done the work so you can plan your trip to Italy with ease. Check out the best budget hotels in Florence, Italy for couples and choose the one that best fits your needs.

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Where to Stay in Florence on a Budget

Florence is very walkable. If you stay near the city center, you'll be close to many sights and activities. The best locations to stay in Florence are Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. These two neighborhoods have many hotel and Airbnb options and are walkable.

• Santa Croce: quieter, but still many restaurants, cafes, activities, etc

• Santa Maria Novella: city center, busier, close to many things

Best Budget Hotels in Florence

Finding a place to stay for your vacation can be a hassle. We've gone ahead and found the best budget hotels in Florence.

All of the following places to stay in Florence are wonderful and have their own perks, so pick the one that best meets your needs and get booking! You do not want to miss out on this vibrant Italian city.

Hotel Dali

The perfect, affordable hotel for couples is Hotel Dali. It is very close to the Duomo and many other popular sites. Along with being affordable, Hotel Dali is spacious, comfortable, and charmingly decorated.

It also offers wifi, free parking (which is incredibly rare for Florence), and a very welcoming atmosphere. The owners truly want you to have an excellent stay. Some rooms even offer a fridge and stovetop which is great if you want to save more money and cook your own meals.

• Affordable and comfortable

• Free parking, wifi, & amenities

• Welcoming atmosphere

  
  

✅ Book your stay at Hotel Dali here

Soggiorno Arcobaleno

Another one of the best budget hotels in Florence is Soggiorno Arcobaleno. This quaint hotel is in a great location, close to the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze which is home to the famous “David” sculpture, and it’s within walking distance of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and other historic sights.

One of the best parts of staying at Soggiorno Arcobaleno is the incredibly friendly staff. The rooms are also fairly modern and spacious with comfortable furniture and a tea and coffee maker.

• Walking distance from train station

• Close to many Florence sights like Ponte Vecchio

• Comfortable stay, private bathroom, & friendly staff

  
  

✅ Book your stay at Soggiorno Arcobaleno here

'RE-Dama Hostel

While staying at a hostel might not be on your radar, Re-Dama Hostel may make you change your mind. There are a variety of rooms to choose from here, including single bed rooms, double bunk rooms, and double bed rooms with private balconies.

Another plus about staying at this chic, modern hostel is the delicious breakfast that’s included with your stay. The common spaces here are really nice, you can enjoy breakfast here and meet other travelers.

Note that ‘Re-Dama is farther out of downtown, but it’s very close to public transport options.

• Breakfast included with rooms

• Great for couples and solo travelers

• Modern, chic decor with common spaces and select terraces

• Farther out of downtown, but close to public transport

  
  

✅ Book your stay at ‘Re-Dama Hostel here

Residenza Le Rondini

Enjoy a more traditional Florencian feel at the Residenza Le Rondini. Close to the train station and within walking distance of famous Florence museums and sights, this budget Florence hotel is great for couples. Guests also love the personal touches left by host Lorenzo.

• Free high speed internet

• Great location close to many sights

• Spacious and charmingly decorated

  
  

✅ Book your stay at Residenza Le Rondini here

Budget Apartment Rentals in Florence

Below is the best budget apartment rental Florence has to offer. There are so, so many to choose from, and sorting through them all is time-consuming, so we've done the tedious work for you. Take a look at this affordable accommodation option and book your Florence stay.

Panzani 13 Apartment

If you enjoy staying like a local, a budget VRBO is the way to go! This “Panzani 13 Apartment” is one of the best budget stays in Florence. The price is great and the apartment is not only cute, but has nice amenities and is in a great location.

• Walking distance to Florence sights like the Duomo

• Private kitchen for budget eating

• Free wifi and pet friendly

  
  

✅ Book your stay at Panzani 13 Apartment here

Where to Eat in Florence on a Budget

Florence is a great city for foodies to explore. We all know Italian food is top notch, and Florence in particular offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. Enjoy all the gelato you can, and devour pizza and pasta every day. Here’s where to eat in Florence on a budget.

• I'Pizzacchiere (Pizza)

• La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale - Firenze Duomo (Gelato)

• Cantina del Gelato Il Gelato Artigianale (Gelato)

• I' Girone De' Ghiotti (Sandwiches)

• Trattoria Il Contadino (Pasta, meat, etc.)

• Mister Pizza (Pizza)

• Lunetta Café (Breakfast)

What to Do in Florence, Italy on a Budget

There are many things to do in Florence, Italy. From admiring historical monuments and marvelous gardens to enjoying local cuisine and sipping on a cappuccino with a view. While the options are endless, there are several things you can't miss here, tons of which are free or cheap.

• Admire the Duomo

• Go inside the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

• Wander through Boboli Gardens

• See "David" at Galleria dell'Accademia

• Visit Pitti Palace

• Stroll down the river and Ponte Vecchio

• Take yourself on a gelato tour

• Go window shopping at the luxury brand stores

Take a look at my 2 day Florence itinerary to plan your visit!

Before You Visit Florence

Make the most of your time in Florence. Prepare for your trip with these travel guides. There's a lot to see and do in Florence (and in Italy in general); here's how you can enjoy your trip to the max.

• Ultimate 2 Day Florence Itinerary

• How to Travel by Train in Italy

• Italy Packing List: Summer and Fall

• 21 Things to Know Before Going to Italy

Visiting Florence on a Budget

You now know the best places to stay in Florence on a budget. The Tuscan capital city of Florence has so much to offer, and each neighborhood has its own unique vibe. There’s so much to explore here, so having a great place to relax and recharge will make your trip all the better.

Make the most of visiting Florence on a budget, save money on accommodation, and eat delicious food at affordable restaurants. Check out my Florence itinerary if you’re looking for travel inspiration! This charming Italian city needs to be on your Italy vacation itinerary, it is such a wonderful place.

There are pros to all the hotels and Airbnbs above, so choose the one that best fits your needs and get booking your stay! Where will you be staying in Florence, Italy? Let us know in the comments below!

You might also like to read...

• 2-Day Florence Itinerary

• Summer Packing List for Italy

• Packing for Italy in the Fall

• Airbnb vs Hotel

• Most Beautiful Cities in Italy