The 10 Best Hostels in Florence

A short walk from the Firenze Statuto railway station, PLUS Florence has a fun and social atmosphere. Inside, the walls are painted in a riot of colours, and artwork by local artists adorns the common areas. This Florence hostel’s comfortable dorm-style rooms come with storage lockers and a bedside lamp. There are also indoor and outdoor pools for avid swimmers and even an on-site spa, complete with a sauna and a Turkish bath – the perfect way to recover after a long night out. The cafeteria-style restaurant serves American-inspired cuisine in informal settings, while solo travellers and groups can make new friends on the stylish rooftop terrace with fresh cocktails and panoramic city views.

In an authentic corner of the hip Oltrarno district, Tasso Hostel in Florence is a charming accommodation with a stylish retro atmosphere. Luxurious communal spaces include a sunny garden, a bar that even Florentine residents visit and a unique theatre space that hosts weekend parties, open mics, poetry readings and various cultural events. The 13 guest rooms, ranging from singles and doubles to a six-bed dorm, all have original terrazzo flooring with a mix of vintage and modern furniture. Enjoy Tasso Hostel’s complimentary Italian-style breakfast, served daily in the bar. This exciting creative hub is perfect for meeting new people while experiencing Florence’s nightlife.

At the north end of the historic city centre, WoW is a laid-back hostel in Florence, set in a quiet but friendly neighbourhood. Communal areas are colourful with clashing red, yellow and lime hues and superhero-inspired artwork on the walls, and its central location and excellent service will appeal to anyone travelling on a shoestring budget. The dorms are clean and spacious, while private rooms are available at an additional cost. Strum a guitar in the common room, or enjoy a pleasant view of the Duomo from the rooftop terrace. Take advantage of the complimentary breakfast served from 7.15am until 11.00am to fill up before heading out for the day.

Ideally located between‎ Galleria dell’Accademia (where you’ll find Michelangelo’s David) and the Duomo, Academy Hostel occupies the first floor of a 17th-century palazzo. The beautifully renovated interiors of this Florence hostel are spacious, with original stucco cornices adorning the tall ceilings. The dorms are minimalist in style, with dividers creating comfortable and private spaces, and many rooms have French doors leading to small balconies. The complimentary breakfast includes cereals, biscuits and coffee or juice. There’s no proper bar in the hostel, but due to its central location, it’s easy for partygoers to discover the best of Florence, including popular attractions, restaurants and nightlife.

Not far from the Medici Chapels in Florence’s Medieval city centre, Emerald Fields offers a relaxed hostel atmosphere despite the grandiose name. Common areas are spacious with tile flooring and comfortably unfussy furniture. The clean dormitories include modern furnishings, private lockers and shared bathrooms. There’s a communal area where you can mingle with fellow travellers and a sunny terrace that’s perfect for relaxing with a book. Complimentary breakfast is served every morning in a bright dining room, and a full-size kitchen is available for cooking dinners. Ask reception about the hostel’s ‘Best of Tuscany’ bus tour, which includes lunch, wine tasting and trips to both Siena and the famous Tower of Pisa.

Just a 10-minute walk from the Firenze Campo di Marte train station, Hostel 7 Santi lies inside a stunning former 19th-century convent. Communal areas are simple but welcoming, with comfortable couches. Dorm-style rooms range from six to eight beds and feature personal lockers, colourful decor and shared bathrooms. There is a tree-shaded patio at this hostel in Florence with a bar serving budget-friendly drinks during happy hour and a self-service dinner buffet for a modest extra cost. Situated close to the Stadio Artemio Franchi and Nelson Mandela Forum, this hostel is a place to experience modern Florence with ease while staying within driving distance of the historic city centre.

Tucked away on a side street in the heart of the historic centre, My Friends is a relatively small hostel in Florence, with a homely atmosphere and friendly staff. Six simply furnished rooms (with beds for four or six people) are spread across three floors, and each one comes with private lockers and separate shared bathrooms. A complimentary self-service breakfast of fresh pastries, fruit and juice or coffee is offered in the cosy kitchen every morning. You will feel at home whether you’re on the intimate patio, meeting other travellers while preparing dinner, or getting ready to go out and explore the city.

A short drive to the city centre, Ostello del Bigallo is set in a unique 13th-century monastery surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque views. With its lofty, frescoed ceilings and arched doorways, the Antico Spedale del Bigallo retains much of its ancient charm, while updated features allow for comfort and convenience. Choose from either a five- or an eight-bed dormitory, one of the 10 spacious two-bed alcoves with shared bathrooms, or double rooms with en-suite facilities for a bit more privacy. Relax in the lush garden, go for a long hike, or enjoy panoramic views from the terrace. The regularly hosted cultural events and candlelit pasta dinners at this Florence hostel are a perfect way to unwind, meet travellers and make lasting memories.

A few streets from the historic Piazza Della Libertà in the Medieval centre, Hostel Gallo D’Oro is a retro-style inn. Bright interiors pop with floral-printed walls, flashy accent detailing and light hardwood flooring. The multi-bed dormitories sleep four to eight people and come equipped with private lockers, bedside tables and reading lamps. A complimentary self-service buffet is offered all day, starting with breakfast and shifting towards a range of home-made snacks later in the day. With Florence’s major attractions just a short walk away, this budget stay is an ideal choice whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned digital nomad.