Where To Stay In Florence With Family – 4 Best Options
Wondering where to stay in Florence with family?
That means less time spent in transit and more time marveling at grand piazzas, climbing medieval towers, and indulging in world-class gelato.
The city is also packed with kid-friendly activities. Climb to the top of the Duomo for jaw-dropping views, wander through the Boboli Gardens for a bit of open space to run around, or visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, where interactive exhibits bring inventions to life.
Even the art—something parents often worry won’t hold a child’s attention—is more engaging here.
The sheer size of Michelangelo’s David or the colorful frescoes inside the Basilica of Santa Croce have a way of captivating all ages.
But where should you stay to make the most of your trip?
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best areas for families to stay in Florence so you can make the most of your time on the island.
Each area comes with its own unique vibe, pros, and cons, which we’ll break down for you in the paragraphs ahead.
At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a map highlighting all our recommended family-friendly areas to stay in Florence, along with the city’s main attractions.
We start with an overview, which allows you to scan quickly which area might be the best option.
Now, let’s dive into our top recommendations!
The best areas to stay in Florence with family are Duomo & Historic Center, Santa Croce, Oltrarno, and Sant’Ambrogio.
Our last visit to Florence was in the Summer of 2024, which was not our first visit.
While Duomo and the Historic Center is by far the most convenient area in terms of accessibility and things to do, it does get crowded during peak season.
Santa Croce, where we stayed, feels more authentic while still within easy reach of the major sights.
Oltrarno is a quiet option along the river with great views, but there are fewer things to do. Especially when you stay further from the center, finding a family-friendly restaurant is more challenging than in the historic center. But you can find far better-priced hotels and apartments here while still being located centrally.
If you travel by car, consider staying at San’t Ambrogio.
Let’s break down these areas very quickly before we dive further into detail.
Remember, you can tap on the name of the area to go directly to that part of the article.
Duomo & Historic Center: Staying in the heart of Florence means you’ll have top attractions like the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery right at your doorstep. This is ideal for families with younger kids who tire easily—less walking and no need for public transport. The area is lively but safe, with plenty of restaurants, gelaterias, and small piazzas where kids can take a break.
Santa Croce: Santa Croce offers a more laid-back atmosphere while still being within walking distance of major sights. Families will love its spacious piazzas, quieter streets, and nearby parks, like Piazza d’Azeglio, where kids can run around. The neighborhood also has great family-friendly trattorias and fewer tourist crowds compared to the Duomo area.
Oltrarno: Across the river from the main tourist zones, Oltrarno is a charming, artsy area with a more local vibe. It’s home to the beautiful Boboli Gardens, a perfect spot for kids to play, and has a variety of spacious accommodations. The streets here are less crowded, making it easier to stroll with little ones.
Sant’Ambrogio: A bit outside the tourist core but still central, Sant’Ambrogio is a fantastic option for families looking for more space at a better price. The area has local markets, great bakeries, and parks, making it a convenient yet affordable choice. Plus, it’s well-connected to the rest of the city while offering a quieter environment for restful nights.
The best areas to stay in Florence with family are:
1. Duomo & Historic Center – Best for First-Time Visitors
Staying in the Duomo and Historic Center puts your family right in the heart of Florence, making sightseeing effortless.
This area is home to the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery—all within walking distance of each other.
That means you won’t have to navigate public transport or deal with long walks, which is a huge plus when traveling with kids.
One of the best things about staying here is the convenience.
Need a midday break?
You can easily return to your hotel for a rest without wasting time commuting.
Hungry kids?
Family-friendly trattorias and gelato shops are everywhere, offering quick and delicious meals.
Many restaurants in the area cater to families, with pizza, pasta, and simple Tuscan dishes that even picky eaters will enjoy.
The Historic Center is also packed with small piazzas and pedestrian-friendly streets, making it safe for kids to explore.
Piazza della Repubblica often has street performers, while Piazza della Signoria features grand statues that spark curiosity.
Even museums here can be engaging—kids are often fascinated by the sheer size of Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia or the towering frescoes inside the Duomo.
While the area is busy, staying on a quieter side street or near Piazza Santa Maria Novella can offer a bit more peace.
If it’s your first time in Florence with kids, staying near the Duomo ensures a stress-free experience, with all the magic of the city right at your doorstep.
Pros
- You’re within walking distance of all major attractions.
- Plenty of restaurants, gelato shops, and pedestrian-friendly piazzas make it easy to find food and take breaks.
- If you’re only in Florence for a few days, this area lets you maximize sightseeing without wasting time on commuting.
Cons
- Hotels and apartments in this area tend to be more expensive, especially those with larger family rooms.
- The Historic Center is always busy, which can be overwhelming for families who prefer a quieter environment.
- Many buildings are historic, meaning rooms can be smaller and less suited for families needing extra space.
2. Santa Croce – Best for a Local Feel with Space to Explore
Santa Croce is a fantastic option for families who want to stay close to Florence’s top attractions while enjoying a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
Located just east of the Duomo, this neighborhood offers a mix of historic charm and local authenticity, with fewer crowds than the Historic Center.
It’s still within easy walking distance of major sights, but its quieter streets and spacious piazzas make it a great choice for families with kids.
One of the highlights of Santa Croce is Piazza Santa Croce, a large open square where children can run around safely.
The famous Basilica di Santa Croce, home to the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, is also here and is an interesting visit for both kids and adults.
Another family-friendly perk is the presence of Piazza d’Azeglio, a park with a playground—something rare in Florence’s historic core.
Food-wise, Santa Croce is packed with fantastic family-friendly trattorias that serve delicious yet affordable Tuscan cuisine.
The nearby Sant’Ambrogio Market is also a fun place to explore local food, with fresh bread, cheeses, and snacks that kids will love.
Accommodation here tends to be more spacious and better priced than in the Duomo area, making it a great choice for families who need extra room.
While it’s still lively, it’s less chaotic than the tourist-packed Historic Center.
During our last visit, we stayed in this part of Florence.
The reason for this was that we did a trip through Italy solely by train, and the train station is located nearby.
But it was not only the convenient location that made it a fantastic base, the ability to escape the massive crowds during peak season is a very welcome perk as well.
But keep in mind that Florence is flooded with tourists nowadays, and the only real escapes are areas outside the city center.
Pros
- Wider streets, spacious piazzas, and a slightly more local feel make it more comfortable for families.
- You can walk to all the main attractions, but you’re not right in the middle of the busiest tourist areas.
- Lots of family-friendly trattorias and access to Sant’Ambrogio Market for fresh, affordable meals.
Cons
- While walkable, it’s a little farther from some top sights, which could be a challenge for families with very young kids.
- The area has a lively nightlife scene, especially near Piazza Santa Croce, which might not be ideal for light sleepers. The area around the train station is also noisy.
- While there are great apartments and boutique hotels, big family-friendly hotels are rarer compared to the Historic Center.
3. Oltrarno (Santo Spirito & San Frediano) – Best for a Relaxed, Authentic Stay
For families who want a more local and laid-back experience, Oltrarno is a fantastic choice.
Located just across the Arno River from the Historic Center, this area offers a quieter atmosphere while still being within walking distance of Florence’s top sights.
Oltrarno is known for its artisan shops, charming piazzas, and relaxed trattorias, making it a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
But keep in mind that on the outskirts of Oltrarno, finding a good variety of restaurants is far more challenging compared to the central areas of Florence.
One of the biggest perks of staying in Oltrarno with kids is Boboli Gardens, a huge green space where children can run, explore fountains, and even see hidden grottoes.
Right next to it is Pitti Palace, which has more space and fewer crowds than the Uffizi, making it a more manageable museum visit with kids.
Piazza Santo Spirito is another highlight—it’s a lively but family-friendly square with casual restaurants and open spaces where kids can play while parents relax.
The streets in Oltrarno are also less crowded and more walkable, making it easier to navigate with a stroller.
Accommodation options in this area tend to be more spacious, with family-friendly apartments and boutique hotels offering better value than those in the Historic Center.
While you’ll need to cross the river to reach some attractions, the trade-off is a much calmer, more enjoyable stay.
If you and your family value a quiet area in a central part of the city, this is where you want to stay at.
Pros
Boboli Gardens offers plenty of room for kids to play, a rare find in Florence’s historic center.
A quieter, more local vibe compared to the busy streets around the Duomo.
Family-friendly trattorias, bakeries, and outdoor dining options make meals easy and enjoyable.
Cons
You’ll need to cross the river to reach the Duomo and other major sights, which can add some walking time.
The area is known for apartments and boutique stays, so traditional hotels with family amenities are limited.
Certain parts of Oltrarno, especially near Boboli Gardens, have inclines that might not be ideal for strollers.
4. Sant’Ambrogio – Best Budget, Family Area With Good Parking & Connectivity
For families looking for a more affordable stay while still being close to Florence’s main attractions, Sant’Ambrogio is an excellent choice.
Located just east of Santa Croce, this neighborhood offers a mix of local charm, quieter streets, and some of the best food markets in the city. It’s a great option for families who want extra space without paying the high prices of the Historic Center.
One of the highlights of Sant’Ambrogio is the Sant’Ambrogio Market, where you can grab fresh fruit, pastries, and snacks—perfect for a quick and budget-friendly meal with kids.
The area also has several small parks and piazzas where children can play, providing a welcome break from sightseeing.
While it’s not as touristy as the Duomo or Santa Croce, Sant’Ambrogio is still within walking distance of major sights like the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria.
The neighborhood is also well connected by public transport, making it easy to explore other parts of Florence.
Accommodations in Sant’Ambrogio are generally more spacious and affordable, with plenty of family-friendly apartments available.
It’s a great option for families who prefer a quieter, more local atmosphere while still being close to everything Florence has to offer.
Pros
Hotels and apartments here tend to be bigger and cheaper compared to the Historic Center.
Sant’Ambrogio Market and nearby trattorias offer great budget-friendly meals.
A more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to Florence’s main sights.
Cons
While walkable, it takes a little longer to reach some of Florence’s main attractions.
The area has more apartments and boutique stays, so big family-friendly hotels are rare.
The neighborhood is more local and less lively at night, which may not suit families who want to be in the heart of the action.