The Best Airbnbs in Florence: For Slow Mornings, Golden Light & Rooftop Views
Last Updated on March 24, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
Florence has a way of disarming you almost immediately — which is saying a lot coming from someone who has never really considered herself a “city person” and tenses up a little bit in busier environments. I tend to gravitate toward coastal towns, countryside escapes, and anywhere life moves a little slower… yet Florence holds a permanent spot on my list of favorite places in the world.
Maybe it’s the golden light that seems to bounce off every terracotta rooftop at sunset, the quiet hum of early mornings before the streets are fully awake, or the feeling that art and history are simply part of everyday life here rather than something confined to museum walls. Whatever the magic is, Florence invites you to settle in instead of rushing through — and where you stay becomes part of that experience.
Over time (and after far too many hours happily spent scrolling), I’ve found a collection of Airbnbs and vacation rentals that feel less like rentals and more like beautiful Florentine homes — the kind you look forward to returning to after long dinners, spritzes in sunlit piazzas, and aimless wandering down cobblestone streets. If you’re currently planning your Florence itinerary, securing accommodations early is key — especially for spring and summer travel. And if a vacation rental is your chosen style of stay, I hope one of the spots on this list is your perfect match!
While I haven’t personally stayed at every Airbnb on this list, each one was hand-picked for its dreamy decor, great location, thoughtful amenities, and glowing guest reviews
Penthouse in the Heart of Florence
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
Three things caught my eye immediately when I stumbled across this penthouse during our Italian honeymoon research: the stunning amount of golden light that leaks through the large windows and illuminates seemingly every inch of the space; the beautiful decoration — deep brown couches, warm accents, and a bed that has that boutique-stay-meets-stylized-home feel I’m always searching for; and the private terrace, complete with a hot tub, perfect for winding down after long days of wandering the city. Located right on the Piazza Santa Trinita, it’s steps from Ponte Santa Trinita (ideal for a sunset spritz with a view), a short stroll to Il Santino in Santo Spirito, and very close to Stella d’Italia — the boutique hotel we actually ended up choosing for our honeymoon. An absolute dream for couples looking for something warm, homey, and beautifully Florentine.
Elegant Apartment with Frescoes 209
2 guests · Studio · 1 bed · 1 bath
Just down a side street from the Duomo, this is the one for couples who want to feel genuinely close to Florence’s most iconic landmark — not just nearby, but in it. Tall ceilings, walls adorned in beautiful frescoes, and a small sliver of a Duomo view from a side window: starting and ending your days surrounded by all of that is something I think about often for a future return to Florence. It’s on my personal list, firmly.
Palazzina Maresa – Apartment by a Renowned Designer
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
For a design-centered stay for two, Palazzina Maresa is genuinely one of the most considered vacation rentals I’ve come across in Florence. Crafted by a young, renowned local designer, it blends contemporary design with historic Florentine details — and includes a beautiful private terrace and backyard that’s ideal for slow mornings with espresso or late evenings recapping the day over a bottle of wine. It sits in Porta Romana, slightly beyond the immediate buzz of the center but very walkable — close to the Boboli Gardens, and just minutes on foot from the Ponte Vecchio. Guests with more limited mobility will also appreciate that bus and taxi stops are close by.
New Oltrarno Nest with Court
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
Close to Il Santino and BABAE‘s beloved wine window, this stylish, colorful apartment is just minutes from Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno district — far enough from the center to feel like a personal retreat, close enough to reach everything quickly. The modern kitchen is well-equipped for cooking at home, and there’s a full washer and dryer, which is genuinely invaluable if Florence is a later stop on a longer Italian itinerary and you need to refresh the suitcase.
Dream Loft Next to the Basilica of Santa Croce
3 guests · 1 bedroom · 3 beds · 1 bath
If a collected, eclectic aesthetic is what you’re after, this loft is going to stop you mid-scroll. Perched on the third floor of an 18th-century building above the Basilica di Santa Croce — still central, but slightly quieter than the immediate Duomo or Ponte Vecchio surroundings — it’s light, bright, and equipped with a full kitchen, dining area, a fireplace, and a bathroom that’s actually spacious by city-center standards. The views of the Basilica and Florence’s rooftops from the windows are something I can only imagine are even more transportive in person than they are in the photos. And in the photos, they’re already otherworldly. One practical note: there is no elevator, so 50 stairs stand between you and the front door — not ideal for guests with limited mobility, but very much worth it for everyone else.
La Dimoretta – Historical Residence
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 2 baths
A historical home with windows that let in plenty of natural light, La Dimoretta is beautifully set up for groups of four: a true two-bed, two-bath property that’s a proper “home” away from home. The walls are adorned with frescoes and tiles, a mix of historic charm and thoughtful modern updates.
It is located right along the banks of the Arno, just steps away from the Ponte Vecchio, making it an ideal location for exploring along the river, heading inward toward the Piazza del Duomo, or toward Santo Spirito and Oltrarno neighborhoods. Given the two-bedroom setup, this would be an ideal Airbnb for two couples traveling together, a group of friends, or a small family.
Apartment in Renaissance Palace
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 4 beds · 1.5 baths
A quick jaunt from the Santa Maria Novella train station and minutes from the Duomo, this Florentine apartment is suitable for four, and in an ideal location for exploring Florence’s historic center.
The apartment is updated, with modern amenities and simple yet tasteful decor. It’s set up in a way that might seem a little strange at first glance: a bed in the living space (like a studio apartment might be), and two single beds upstairs in the loft, making it ideal for a group of friends (girls’ trip?) or a family of four. It also has in-unit laundry!
Destra Terrace 4th Floor
4 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1.5 baths
There is something undeniably romantic about a vacation rental that makes you feel like you’ve actually moved to a city, even just for a few days. This fourth-floor apartment does exactly that — warm, clean, homey, and serene, with rooftop terrace views that would make any morning espresso feel cinematic. Located a short walk from Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, with lovely rooftop views that include the cathedral. Two important things to note: the listing accommodates four guests, but really works best for two or a group comfortable with a sofa bed situation; and there is no elevator, so this one isn’t ideal for guests with limited mobility.
Frescoed Renaissance Palazzo
8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4 beds · 4 baths
Possibly the most impressive vacation rental I’ve found for larger groups traveling to Florence — four bedrooms, four bathrooms, up to eight guests, centrally located near the Duomo, and floor-to-ceiling murals in the living and dining areas that give even some of the most luxurious hotels a genuine run for their money. The bathrooms alone are worth mentioning twice. This is the kind of property that makes a multi-family trip or a big group of friends feel like a genuinely special occasion — and I’m already mentally planning how to convince my own family to make a Florentine escape here.
No matter which neighborhood you choose or how many days you have to linger, finding a place that feels warm, beautiful, and distinctly Florentine has a way of deepening your entire experience of the city. Because in Florence, where mornings begin with church bells and evenings glow in shades of orange, bronze, and gold, coming “home” after a full day of wandering is part of the magic.
Whether you’re planning your very first visit or dreaming up a return (something Florence seems to insist upon in my own mind), I hope this collection helps you find a stay that invites you to slow down, settle in, and live — even briefly — like a local. After all, the best trips aren’t just about what you see, but how a place makes you feel long after you’ve left. And Florence has a habit of staying with you…
Plan a Trip to Florence
- Book These in Advance: The Uffizi Gallery and Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s David) sell out weeks ahead — don’t skip this step. Browse top Florence experiences and skip-the-line tickets on Viator.
- Prefer a boutique hotel? I have a full guide to where to stay in Florence, including my favorite boutique picks.
- Where to Eat: Florence’s food scene is as good as advertised — here’s my guide to the best restaurants in Florence, from a lunch spot worth wandering into to the rooftop dinner you’ll be talking about for years.
- More Italy: Planning a multi-city trip? See my favorite Airbnbs in Rome and my full 12-day Italian honeymoon itinerary, or take a peek at all of my Italy guides.
- Getting to Florence: Search flights to Florence (FLR) or Pisa (PSA). You might have to stop in Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP) first.
- Planning a trip or Italian honeymoon? I offer personalized itinerary planning for a small handful of clients — reach out here.