Heart of the Renaissance, home of some of the best works of art on the planet and culinary capital of Tuscany; Florence is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Michelangelo and Leonardo are so much more than Ninja Turtle names; they are the great individuals on whose legacy the city has been built.
The city centre has far more sites of interest than can be handled in just a few days, but with the tourists coming here in droves it’s worth noting that finding a bed can be tricky even in the shoulder season. Hostels in Florence are the best way to save money and here at TravelMag.com we have unearthed the top five in terms of price, location, comfort and more.
HOSTEL MY FRIENDS
Dorms from €35/ night
The breakfast that is included with a stay at Hostel My Friends is excellent, and provides a perfect start to a day full of exploration and adventure. The hostel is situated less than 500 metres from the main train station and the hostess Nadina regularly receives rave reviews. It is that personal touch that can often be the key difference to a great holiday. For that reason Hostel My Friends feels more like a home than a hostel at times.
ACADEMY HOSTEL
Dorms from €36/ night. Privates from €88/ night
Although the rooms at Academy Hostel look a little like a hospital, the location of this hostel is so good that it could look like a prison and the beds would be full every night. Luckily Academy Hostel has plenty of spirit beneath the veneer. The rooms are clean, breakfast is included and the building housing the hostel is a part of the city centre’s rich history. Some of the finest palaces in Florence are neighbours to Academy Hostel and Florence Cathedral is a minute away on foot.
HOSTEL ARCHI ROSSI
Dorms from €24/ night. Privates from €75/ night
There are plenty of reasons why Archi Rossi is such a popular choice for travellers. Around the corner from Santa Maria Novella, the main train station in Florence, this hostel includes toiletries and breakfast in the price, making it excellent value. There are a good range of private rooms available for groups of varying sizes and the rooms all have a fan, but no air conditioning. However the spa and wellness centre is a great little feature that few hostels can boast.
WOW FLORENCE HOSTEL
Dorms from €20/ night. Privates from €40/ night
Located to the north of the centre, 5 minutes from Piazza San Marco on foot, Wow Florence has some great value private rooms in a decent location. The hostel has been praised for its atmosphere and cleanliness. There is a great view from the hostel’s panoramic terrace, out towards Florence Cathedral. Rooms are colourful and superhero artwork is dotted all over the place, when the Renaissance heroes revered across the city are not enough.
YOUTH MEETING HOME
Dorms from €28/ night
For those whose budget can only allow for the lowest priced hostels, Youth Meeting Home is a great option in the centre of the city. Not considered to be the cleanest place, it is however one of the better hostels to find friends and travel buddies. Not surprisingly, this place is huge with solo travellers. Rooms are basic, but air-conditioned. Price does not include breakfast.