Where to stay in Italy's cities

Why the neighbourhood matters

In an Italian city, choosing the neighbourhood matters almost as much as choosing the hotel. Staying in the historic centre lets you walk everywhere and pop back for a rest in the afternoon, but it costs more and can be noisy; an area near the station is handy for train day trips, but is not always the nicest in the evening; a well-connected residential district offers better prices and a more authentic atmosphere. Here is how to find your way in the five most visited cities. Before booking, always check the exact location on the map, whether there are floors without a lift, common in historic buildings, and whether the property is inside a ZTL if you are travelling by car.

Rome

In Rome the Centro Storico, between Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and Campo de' Fiori, is the most atmospheric choice: you step out of the door into Baroque squares, but prices are high and the streets are lively until late. The Tridente, around the Spanish Steps and Via del Corso, is elegant and full of shops. Monti, behind the Imperial Forums, is a district of lanes, workshops and bars, close to the Colosseum and well served by the metro. Trastevere has the charm of a working-class village, with trattorias and nightlife: beautiful, but noisy at weekends. Prati, near the Vatican, is orderly and quiet, with good restaurants and the metro; Testaccio is authentic and famous for Roman cooking. The Termini station area is convenient for trains and airports and has many budget options, but some streets are unpleasant at night.

Florence

Florence is compact: almost everything is within walking distance, so it is best to stay in or near the centre. The Duomo and Signoria area is at the heart of everything, but it is also the most crowded and expensive. The Oltrarno, with Santo Spirito and San Frediano across the Arno, is the artisans' quarter, with lively squares and a more local feel, a short walk from Palazzo Pitti. Santa Croce is lively, with many restaurants and bars. San Lorenzo, around the Central Market, has more affordable prices and is close to Santa Maria Novella station, handy for day trips to Pisa, Siena or Lucca. If you are travelling by car, areas just outside the ring of avenues or the hills of Fiesole help you avoid the ZTL and enjoy the view.

Venice

In Venice staying in the city is an experience in itself: in the evening, when the day visitors leave, the lanes empty and the city shows its most magical side. San Marco is very central but expensive and crowded. Cannaregio, between the station and the Ghetto, is authentic and lively, with bacari wine bars and canal-side quays for dining outdoors, and it is easy to reach with luggage. Dorsoduro, with the Accademia and the Zattere, is elegant and quiet. Castello is the most residential district, home to the Biennale and the greenery of the Giardini. San Polo and Santa Croce, near Rialto and Piazzale Roma, are convenient and good value. The Lido combines beach and city. Mestre, on the mainland, is much cheaper and a few minutes away by train and bus, but you miss the magic of evenings in the lagoon. Remember that in Venice you get around on foot or by vaporetto, with bridges and steps to tackle with your suitcase: choose accommodation near a stop.

Milan

Milan is a city of neighbourhoods, well connected by the metro. The Duomo area is central and convenient for shopping, but quieter in the evening. Brera is the artists' quarter, with cobbled streets, galleries and bars, one of the most beautiful parts of the city. The Navigli, along the canals, are the heart of the nightlife, with restaurants and aperitivo bars: ideal if you love going out. Porta Nuova and Isola, with their skyscrapers and the Vertical Forest, represent contemporary Milan. The Central Station area is practical for trains and airports and has many business hotels, while Città Studi and semi-central districts offer lower prices. Watch out for major trade fair periods, such as Design Week in April and the fashion weeks, when prices rise sharply.

Naples

In Naples the Centro Storico, with Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali, is the authentic heart of the city, full of churches, historic pizzerias and street life: fascinating, but noisy and very lively. Chiaia is the elegant district, with shops, bars and the seafront nearby. The Lungomare and Santa Lucia area, with Castel dell'Ovo, has hotels with views over the bay and Vesuvius. The Vomero, on the hill, is residential and quiet, linked to the centre by funiculars and the metro. The Quartieri Spagnoli, near Via Toledo, are picturesque and very central. The area around Garibaldi station is convenient for trains to Pompeii and Sorrento, but less pleasant. If you are also visiting the coast, you can stay in Sorrento, well connected with Naples, Pompeii and the islands.

Beyond the big cities

In smaller cities and villages the choice is simpler: staying in the historic centre is almost always the best option, as long as you know where to leave the car. In the countryside, agriturismi let you experience the landscape; in the mountains there are mountain huts and valley hotels; at the seaside, places a short walk from the beach. Every town page on Italy Travel Escape has a map with the accommodation available in the area.

Booking tips

1. Book early for Easter, spring long weekends, summer and major events.
2. Check the tourist tax, which is usually paid at the property.
3. Check for a lift, air conditioning and quiet rooms, especially in city centres in summer.
4. If you arrive early or leave late, ask to leave your bags or use a luggage storage service.
5. Choose free cancellation when your dates are not certain.