How to Choose a Hostel in Florence in 2025 (What to Expect)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Florence

So you're planning a trip to Florence and trying to figure out how to choose a hostel in Florence that won’t make you regret your life choices? You're not the only one. The struggle is real: between flashy photos and endless reviews, it's hard to know which hostel will actually give you that perfect mix of new friends, good vibes, and a decent night's sleep.

Choosing a hostel isn't just about finding the cheapest bed; it's about finding your kind of place. Maybe you want a social hub where you can instantly make friends to go wine-tasting in Tuscany, or maybe you're after a chill refuge to recharge after a day of museum-hopping.

Perhaps location is king and you want to roll out of bed and be steps from the Uffizi, or maybe you don't mind a short walk if it means staying in a local neighborhood that feels safer at night.

Whatever your style, this guide will help you navigate the hostel scene in Florence with confidence. It breaks down what to look for in terms of vibe, price, safety, and location — consider it your roadmap to snagging the perfect home-away-from-home while you explore Firenze.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Florence

Best for Hostel Newbies

Aparto Florence Manifat...9.4

from $17.04 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Plus Florence Hostel8.7

from $9.18 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Ostello del Bigallo - B...9.3

from $18.43 | More Details

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Types of Hostels in Florence

Florence might be smaller than other European capitals, but it still has a good mix of hostel options. Whether you’re a party animal or just looking for a cozy bunk, you’ll find something that fits your style. Here are the main types of hostels I’ve encountered:

• Party Hostels: These places are a magnet for outgoing travelers who want to meet new people every night. Expect hostel-sponsored pub crawls, busy common rooms with cheap drinks, and sometimes a rooftop bar. The pros? Instant friends and a lively vibe. The cons? Not the best if you want a good night’s sleep.
• Social (but not party) Hostels: Some places strike a balance—they have communal spaces for chatting or playing board games, offer walking tours, and organize dinners to bring people together. However, they usually don’t encourage all-night partying. If you want to meet folks but also enjoy a quiet bedtime, these are ideal.
• Quiet and Budget-Friendly Hostels: I’ve stayed at a few that are basically “no-frills crash pads.” They’re often tucked away in smaller buildings and have fewer social events. The upside? You can get some rest. The downside? You might miss out on the social scene.
• Female-Only Dorms: Florence isn’t as large as some other European hotspots, but female-only dorms still pop up in most hostels. They can be slightly more expensive than mixed dorms, but sometimes they’re priced the same—it really depends on the property. If privacy is a priority, these are a great option, and the extra cost might be worth the peace of mind.

When deciding, think about your personal travel goals. Want to make a ton of new friends? Go for a social or party hostel. Prefer to recharge your batteries in solitude after a day of sightseeing? A quieter space will be your best bet.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Florence

1. Ostello del Bigallo - Bigallo Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Party Hostel, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
2. Pensione Mary
3. Archi Rossi Hostel - best for Couples, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50)
4. Instituto Gould - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest
5. Hotel & Hostel 7 - best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller

Ostello del Bigallo - Bigallo Hostel

9.3

"…It's far from the bus station, a long hike uphill. If you want to go to a peaceful place after a more

from

$18.43

Pensione Mary

8.3

Piazza Indipendenza 5... more

Archi Rossi Hostel

9.2

Porta al Prato

"…It was by far the best hostel I have stayed at. We met so many people. It was mostly a younger more

from

$15.84

Instituto Gould

8.9

"…I would definitely go back. I've stayed here twice, once with a large group and once by myself. I more

Hotel & Hostel 7

8.2

Cinque Terre

"…The hostel is located in a converted convent right behind a church in a residential area outside more

from

$11.65

What to Expect from Hostels in Florence

People sometimes imagine hostels in Italy as old palaces turned into communal dorms. While some places do have that charming historical feel, most hostels in Florence are straightforward—think smaller, cozy spots in older buildings.

Here’s a realistic look at the atmosphere, quality, and facilities:

Overall, you’ll find that hostels here have a warm social vibe; folks hang out in common areas comparing gelato flavors and museum tips. That said, many Florence hostels aren’t built to be huge social complexes. Space can be tight, so expect smaller lounges and sometimes narrow hallways. In terms of cleanliness, I’ve generally found them to be decent, with staff cleaning common areas daily.

Shared bathrooms are the norm, and you’ll rarely find a big communal kitchen. The city is famous for its food, and many hostels assume you’ll be eating out more than cooking in. If you’re lucky, you might get access to a microwave or a small fridge.

Safety-wise, most hostels will have lockers or somewhere to stash valuables, and they tend to lock exterior doors at night or have a 24/7 reception. Beds are usually comfy enough, though you might encounter the classic metal bunk that squeaks when you climb up. It’s part of the hostel charm, I guess.

What NOT to Expect:

• Huge, modern hostels with big common areas (space is tight in Florence).
• Fully equipped kitchens for cooking (most hostels assume you’ll eat out).
• Dirt-cheap dorms (Florence is expensive, even for backpackers).

Best Location for Hostels in Florence

Florence is a walkable city, which is a major bonus for backpackers. That said, a few areas are more convenient and fun for solo travelers than others. Here are some spots to consider—and a couple to think twice about.

• Santa Maria Novella: Best area for quick access to the train station and the city center. It’s a hub of activity, with plenty of cafes and restaurants.
• San Lorenzo: Great for backpackers who love markets and local flavor. You’ll be near the famous Mercato Centrale, plus lots of budget-friendly eats.
• Santa Croce: Fantastic for nightlife, with bars and clubs scattered around. It’s not as loud as a party district, but it’s lively enough to find fun after dark.
• Areas to Avoid: I'd generally steer clear of areas too far from the historical center, like the outskirts near industrial zones or anywhere too close to major highways. Not only is it inconvenient for sightseeing, but you’ll also miss out on the city’s atmosphere.

How Much Do Hostels Cost in Florence

When it comes to price, Florence can be a bit pricier than you might expect—though still cheaper than Rome or Venice in some cases. The price range can fluctuate wildly based on season, special events (like festivals or local holidays), and room type. Here’s a closer look:

Generally, dorms with more beds will be cheaper, but they might fill up fast in peak season. Private rooms can cost as much as a budget hotel, so it’s worth asking yourself if the shared-dorm experience is what you’re after.

Below is a rough breakdown of what you might expect to pay. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season or special events.

Important Factors That Affect Prices:

• Weekends can push prices higher, especially if there’s a local festival or event.
• Booking last-minute in summer might mean limited choices at higher rates.
• Female-only dorms can be priced similarly to mixed dorms, but sometimes cost a bit more.
• As a rule, the bigger the dorm, the cheaper the bed.

Bottom line: if you’re set on a specific hostel or room type, book early. High season can get crazy busy in Florence, and you don’t want to end up paying double for a bed in a subpar location.

How to Book a Hostel in Florence Without Overpaying

I’m always on the hunt for the best deal—because every euro saved is another gelato I can buy. My go-to strategy is to compare prices on different platforms before locking in a reservation. Tools like Hostelz.com are great because they pull listings from multiple sites (like Hostelworld and Booking), so you can quickly see if one platform has a better deal.

Most places in Florence won’t have hidden fees, but it’s always smart to read the fine print. Look out for city taxes, which might not be included in the headline price. Also, check whether linen, towels, or breakfast are included—these small extras can add up.

 It’s also a good idea to note if the hostel requires a deposit or has a specific cancellation policy.

Booking in advance is almost always cheaper in Florence, especially during peak travel months. You can try your luck with last-minute deals, but the risk is that the best spots will be fully booked or significantly more expensive. If you’re traveling during any festival or large event, trust me: lock in your bed as soon as possible.

Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Florence

#1 Top Hostel in Florence: Aparto Florence Manifattura

This is the overall best rated hostel in Aparto Florence Manifattura. The overall rating is 9.4. You cannot go wrong here.

It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.

The price for a dorm at Aparto Florence Manifattura starts from $17.04.

Check out Aparto Florence Manifattura here

Hostel Safety and What to Watch Out For

I’ve personally never felt unsafe in Florence, but like any busy tourist destination, you need to keep an eye on your belongings. Most hostels have lockers—bring your own padlock if you’re picky about security. Keycards or front-desk buzzers are common, so it’s unlikely anyone can just waltz in off the street.

When you read reviews, look for comments about locker quality, reliable reception staff, and if the building has multiple security checkpoints. Sometimes a simple mention of “the front door stayed unlocked all night” might be a red flag for you.

Another tip: keep valuables like passports and money in a locked locker or a money belt.

Pickpockets can sometimes lurk near crowded attractions like the Duomo or the Uffizi Gallery, so stay alert when you’re out exploring. In hostels, theft is uncommon but not unheard of—especially in large dorms. Just use common sense and you’ll be fine.

5 Hidden Gemz for Florence (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final thoughts

Florence’s hostels may not be the cheapest or the roomiest in Europe, but they have their own charm. There’s something special about meeting fellow backpackers while sipping wine near the Arno or bonding over the day’s museum visits in a shared dorm.

From my experience, finding the right place comes down to understanding your priorities: do you want to socialize late into the night, or is a good night’s sleep worth more than the party scene? Are you comfortable sharing a space with a bunch of strangers, or would a small, quieter dorm suit you better?

Ultimately, “how to choose a hostel in Florence” boils down to balancing budget, location, and vibe. Hopefully, the tips here give you a clear idea of what to look for, where to stay, and how to snag a decent rate.

Even if your chosen place ends up having a few quirks—like that rooftop that isn’t quite a rooftop—you’ll still walk away with stories you won’t forget.

Happy travels, and enjoy every second in this incredible city!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.