The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a living monument to one of the most glorious times in European history. Packed with stunning architecture, priceless works of art, and delectable cuisine, you can’t miss it off your Italy itinerary. The surrounding Tuscan countryside is quite spectacular too!
Though it has several four and five-star hotels, you might want to look at vacation rentals in Florence. They will offer decadent luxury without the eye-watering price tag (in most cases, at least). And with a wide range of properties on offer, there’s sure to be something to suit you.
With so much on offer, it can get confusing trying to decide the right place for you. That’s where I come in. Here is my guide to the best Airbnbs in Florence, sorted by budget and style. Not only that, I’ve found five cool Airbnb Experiences you can enjoy when you arrive too!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Florence
Luxury Apartment with Duomo Terrace
- > $$
- > Four guests
- > Incredible location
- > Exquisite cathedral views
Relaxing apartment for 2
- > $
- > Two guests
- > Awesome location
- > CCTV
Casa di Delizie
- > $
- > Two guests
- > Breakfast included
- > Original fresco on roof
Family home with a view in the heart of Florence
- > $$$
- > Eight guests
- > Incredible location
- > Fully equipped kitchen
Boutique penthouse near the Duomo
- > $$$$$$
- > Four guests
- > Private rooftop terrace
- > 360 views including Duomo
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What to Expect from Airbnbs in Florence
If you’re looking for individuality and character from your accommodation, you’ve come to the right place. Airbnbs in Florence come in all manner of shapes and sizes – from private rooms in bed and breakfasts, to romantic studios under original frescoes or an entire rental unit packed with amenities for the whole family.
What you get from your rentals in Florence depends on your budget and needs. If you book a private room in an apartment or choose bed and breakfasts or farm stays, it’s more like a hotel or a hostel – though your welcoming hosts may invite you to share their kitchen or dining room.
In apartments or flats, you get to enjoy the entire rental unit to yourselves and you should have access to homely amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and/or living area.
Some flats offer terraces with panoramic views, which are particularly sought after! Also, be sure to stay close to public transport such as the train station if you plan on taking any day trips from Florence.
For the most part, you’ll be dealing with local hosts, though in expensive properties you may deal with a business instead.
Let’s take a look at the different types of Airbnbs you can rent:
Palazzo
Palazzo literally translates from Italian as ‘palace.’ While the architecture is palatial and based on wealthy Renaissance families’ properties, you’ll find that these three or four storey homes may have now been converted into flats or apartments. There are quite a few in central Florence!
And they are much more affordable than you might think from the grandiose name. Palazzos will often have a fully equipped kitchen, living area, and multiple bedrooms – often with king or queen beds. They’re the epitome of Italian luxury!
They can be an awesome romantic retreat for a couple, but they will just as easily accommodate a larger group if necessary.
There’s no search function for palazzos on Airbnb, but if you search for entire places, you will spot the name in listings.
Bed and Breakfast
Situated somewhere between a hostel and a budget hotel, bed and breakfasts are usually locally owned establishments bursting with character and charm while being easy on the wallet.
Local hosts not only provide you with a comfortable private room and en-suite bathroom, but your breakfast is included in the price – great news for solo travellers who don’t want to share their sleeping spaces every night!
Bed and breakfasts are common in the historic centre of Florence (the main tourist area). However, you can also find them in the surrounding areas, a great way to experience the Tuscan countryside, should you want to.
Sometimes, bed and breakfasts will have multiple rooms, so bear that in mind when searching.
Farm Stay
Usually, we wouldn’t encourage you to stray too far from the city center when it comes to staying in a new city. However, things are a little different in Florence. Throughout the whole of Italy, farm stays (or agriturismos) are a common way to travel.
Often farmhouses repurposed for tourism, you’ll get to see a slice of real Italian life, as well as do fun activities like cooking classes or going on bike rides in the countryside. As Tuscany is arguably Italy’s most beautiful region, we couldn’t miss those off!
Agriturismos often have swimming pools, hiking trails, and lots of cool outdoorsy activities nearby. The one downside is that you’ll probably need a car to get to them.
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Florence
Why Stay in an Airbnb
By now, you’re probably loading up the site to see what you can get. But in case you’re still not convinced, here are five reasons why you should stay in an Airbnb.
- Local Experience: With a local host, you can get recommendations on how to fill up your Florence itinerary with attractions that are off the beaten tourist track. Leave your guidebook at home!
- Unique Properties: As you’re about to see, there are unique properties all through Florence. You’ll be feeling like a star throughout your trip!
- Affordability: Next to equally priced hotels, Airbnbs offer a lot more for your money. And who doesn’t love a good bargain? It’s a great way to explore Florence while staying on a budget.
- Safety: Airbnb’s review system vets host and guest, so you can both have peace of mind for the duration of your stay.
- Airbnb Experiences: It’s not just about having awesome places to stay; Airbnb Experiences offer you a way to see places from a local’s perspective. More on that later, but first…
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Florence
You’ve seen why you should stay in an Airbnb and what’s on offer, so now let’s get to what you’ve been waiting for. Here is a list of the best Airbnbs in Florence – curated with you in mind!
Overall Best Value Airbnb in Florence | Luxury Apartment W/ Duomo Terrace
- $$
- Incredible location
- Four guests
- Exquisite cathedral views
It’s all about location, location, location at this third-floor Florence apartment. Head out onto the shared panoramic terrace on the sixth floor, and you’ve got exquisite views of the Duomo and Giotto’s Campanile. You could spend hours up there! The entire rental unit has basic amenities, such as a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a living area in addition to the queen size bed. While the sofa pulls out into an extra bed, I’d say this place is perfect for a couple. Four could be a tight squeeze!
Best Budget Airbnb in Florence | Relaxing apartment for 2
- $
- Awesome location
- Two guests
- CCTV
Despite being one of the most popular cities in Italy and having a higher cost of living than most, it’s not hard to find budget accommodation in Florence. This entire rental unit is light and bright, as well as being conveniently located within walking distance to Duomo Square, and there are fabulous views across the city’s rooftops. In the apartment itself, you’ve got a comfortable bedroom with a queen size bed, a kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower. Budget travellers will love it!
Budget Tip: Dorms in Florence start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers | Cosy Room W/ Ensuite
- $
- Private bathroom
- Two guests
- Quiet neighbourhood
For solo travellers, it’s easy to just look for the nearest Florence hostel. But why would you stay in a noisy sweaty dorm when you can have a room like this?! Located in a historic building, it’s in a quiet neighbourhood a little out of the main tourist haunts, so you’ll get a glimpse of real Italian life, too. The charming room has its very own private bathroom, and you’ve got access to the living room and fully equipped kitchen. What more could you want?!
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Learn More Now!Best Short Term Rental for Couples | Casa di Delizie
- $
- Breakfast included
- Two guests
- Original fresco on roof
Want to sweep your other half off their feet? If an original fresco in a private Medici tower won’t do that, we’re not sure what will. The king-sized double bed is right under said fresco on a raised mezzanine level, while underneath, there’s a jacuzzi where you can rest your tired muscles after a long day of exploring the best places in Florence. All of that, and breakfast is included too!
Best Airbnb in Florence for Families | Family Home in Central Florence
- $$$
- Incredible location
- Eight guests
- Fully equipped kitchen
This stylish and luxurious home is the ideal base for families of any age visiting Florence. There’s space for up to eight guests across two bedrooms. And though there are only two bedrooms, there are five beds in that space! Its location means it’s easy to get to and from the nearby museums, and there are a whole host of restaurants on your doorstep. If you don’t fancy going out, there’s a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook up a family favourite.
Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Florence | Boutique Penthouse near Duomo
- $$$$$$
- Private rooftop terrace
- Four guests
- 360 views including Duomo
This beautiful home has an absolute showstopper of a private terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee with a view of the Duomo under the warm Tuscan sun. But that’s not the only thing you’ll love. From the moment you come in and receive a thoughtful welcome kit, you’ll know that you’re in one of Florence’s top Airbnbs. Other lovely touches include Ferragamo toiletries and luxury towels and linens!
Best Palazzo in Florence | Renaissance Apartment in Historic Building
- $$$
- King bed
- Three guests
- Incredible antique furniture
This eccentric Italian apartment is exactly the kind of place you come to Airbnb for. It feels like you’re right inside a painting! Though the listing says three guests, we’d suggest this is better for a couple. Despite being packed with antique furniture, there are some subtle mod cons, such as air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. All of that, and it’s slap bang in the historic centre with epic Duomo views. Perfect!
Best Bed and Breakfast in Florence | Arnolfo B&B “Biancone”
- $
- Breakfast included
- Two guests
- Warm and welcoming
This warm and welcoming Florence Airbnb offers budget travellers the chance to save some money. The two single beds setup means this is perfect for two friends travelling together. Breakfast is served between 8 and 10 in the morning, the perfect fuel for getting out and exploring for the day. You’ve got air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a TV – which will keep you from getting bored when you’re at the B and B.
Best Farm Stay in Florence | Casale Giuncarelli
- $$$
- Swimming pool
- Five guests
- Tuscan country house
Located close to nearby town Fiesole, this Tuscan farmhouse is less than 10km and half an hour from Florence by car. While you won’t be in the city centre, you can console yourself with the swimming pool, outdoor dining space, and communal farmhouse kitchen table in the communal area. There’s a choice of five apartments here, each offering superb views of the Chianti Hills. In the nearby town of Fiesole, you’ll be able to enjoy bars, restaurants, and shopping.
Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads | Duomo Suite W/ Workspace
- $
- Awesome location
- Four guests
- Workspace
If you need to inspire your creativity, there are few better places to do so than the city center of Florence. All you need is to find somewhere to stay that has a dedicated workspace and reliable Wi-Fi. Job done… This beautiful entire apartment is a charming home with modern furnishings, a dedicated workspace, king size bed, a sofa bed for additional guests and your very own en-suite bathroom. There is tons of natural light throughout and it is within walking distance of Florence center. It’s at a very reasonable price too.
Best Airbnb Plus in Florence | Duplex Penthouse W/ Terrace
- $$$$$
- Two terraces
- Six guests
- Overlooking river
Airbnb Plus properties are the real cream of the crop. They’ve handpicked for this badge thanks to consistently excellent reviews and attentive hosts. With this one, you can take your pick of terraces overlooking the Arno River. Other cool features include the vintage gramophone with vinyl records, original artwork, and an open-plan kitchen and living area.
Best Airbnb for a Weekend in Florence | Terrace 5 Mins From Duomo
- $$
- Outdoor living room
- Four guests
- Renovated ancient monastery
If you’re only staying in Florence for a weekend, you’ll need a superb location to pack everything in. Thankfully, this apartment in a renovated monastery is within walking distance of the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, and more restaurants than you can shake a stick at. When you need to catch some rest at the apartment, you can do so in the outdoor living room!
Best Airbnb with a Rooftop in Florence | Rooftop Statuto 19
- $$
- Panoramic roof terrace
- Two guests
- Air conditioning
The only thing that makes this panoramic rooftop even better than it looks in the photos is when you find out how much it costs to rent this apartment. With sun loungers, a couch, and a dining table, you could spend your whole Florence vacation up here admiring the view! The penthouse also boasts a complete kitchen with air conditioning and a flatscreen TV inside – for the limited time each year when it’s too cold to use the roof terrace.
Most Beautiful Airbnb in Florence | Signoria Suite Art Gallery
- $$
- View of Piazza Signoria
- Two guests
- Gorgeously-styled entire rental unit
A little warning before you get your heart set on this place; you may never want to leave! This entire residential home is in the heart of the city center overlooking the Piazza Signoria. You are within walking distance to many of the top sites, including the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and Hall of the Five Hundred. This luxury apartment has one bedroom and one bathroom, plus it has tons of natural light and all the amenities you would need for a comfortable stay such as air conditioning and a hair dryer.
Best Airbnb for a Group of Friends | Apartment Near Uffizi Gallery
- $$$
- In a historic palazzo
- Four guests
- Two level apartment
Right in the heart of Florence, this beautiful apartment is perfect for small groups of friends. Step back in time to the 1400s with elegant furnishings and Renaissance ceilings. Despite being more than 600 years old, there are some modern touches, such as a mezzanine level with two beds and a fully equipped kitchen. All of the attractions are right on your doorstep too!
Top 5 Airbnb Experiences in Florence
In a city like Florence, it can be hard to decide what to do. You’ve got art, food, architecture, and the whole of Tuscany on your doorstep. One way to avoid FOMO is by checking out Airbnb Experiences.
These trips and tours are curated by locals who know all the things in Florence that tourists love – but hopefully without the crowds! Airbnb Experiences can be anything from wine tasting in the countryside or hikes through the hills to paddleboarding on the Arno River.
There are more than 600 Airbnb Experiences in Florence, so you’ll definitely find something to suit you. Here are my top five!
Hike and Wine
- €47/person
- 4 hours
- Up to 6 guests
While Florence has no end of things to do, it would be a shame to come here and not get out into Tuscany at least once! Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts should check out this trip as it’ll allow them to hike in the Tuscan hills, admiring vistas of hilltop villages, olive groves, and tree-lined avenues. Should you work up an appetite on your hike, you’ll be rewarded with a lunch of Tuscan meats and cheese, as well as olive oil and wine tasting.
Florence and Ponte Vecchio Paddleboarding
- €55/person
- 2 hours
- Up to 10 guests
The streets of Florence can often become full, and it can be stressful to get around if you don’t like crowds. But seeing Florence from the River Arno first thing in the morning is totally different. Explore and get a workout at the same time with this stand-up paddle boarding adventure. It’s an easy sport for beginners and a totally relaxing way to see the sights.
Introduction Florence Walking Tour
- €19/person
- 2 hours
- Up to 10 guests
There are so many incredible sights in Florence that it can seem overwhelming planning your own itinerary. So, leave it to a local and go on one of their walking tours! Thankfully, Florence’s historic centre is actually quite compact, and it’s easy to tick off the main landmarks in one day. On this tour, you’ll learn more about its history and local legends as you stroll along the streets linking the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Giotto’s Campanile.
Make spaghetti, ravioli, and lasagna
- €32/person
- 3 hours
- Up to 8 guests
Have you really been to Italy if you haven’t been to a pasta cooking class? Over three hours, you’ll be getting the top tips on how to make spaghetti, ravioli, and lasagna. The fun of this trip lasts much longer than your vacation: you can impress friends and family with your new-found culinary skills when you return home!
Unforgettable Tuscan Wine Tasting
- €110/person
- 5 hours
- Up to 4 guests
Along with the pasta, you’ll need to know what wine to serve. In this tour, you’ll travel out into the Chianti hills, exploring vineyards and views. Visit wine cellars, sample wines and enjoy pairings with cured meats and cheeses. A great way to see more of Tuscany!
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Final Thoughts on Florence Airbnbs
Well, there you have it. Those are the 15 best Airbnbs in Florence. Not only that, there are some cool things to do when you arrive, too. Whether you want to stay in a renaissance palazzo, a Tuscan agriturismo, or you just want to be in the centre of all the action, there’s an Airbnb in Florence for you.
Still struggling to make your mind up? If that’s the case, just go for my overall favourite Airbnb in Florence. That’s the luxury apartment with Duomo terrace. You can’t get a more central location, and it’s pretty stylish too!
I hope wherever you choose to stay, you have a fabulous vacation. To make sure that you and your belongings stay safe, be sure to check out travel insurance policies with World Nomads.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
