We’re big fans of sleeping in central locations in almost every city we visit, as it cuts way down on wasted time spent on getting to and from the city center. Sleeping central means being able to dart back to your hotel room as needed throughout the day.

Forget something? No problem. Want to change or take a shower before dinner? Easy. A little too much vino at dinner? The walk home isn’t far…

Charming Florence hotels near Duomo

Here are four great sleeps in Florence, some within a one-minute walk of the Duomo (you read that right!) and all offering rooms for under €100 during most of the year. We searched both low- and high-season rates for each property.

Seriously, we’re not making this up. A view onto the Duomo from the Soggiorno Battistero.

Soggiorno Battistero

Piazza San Giovanni 1
Rates from: €99 (double)

The biggest splurge on our list, this charming B&B offers six sophisticated rooms literally across the street from the Duomo. Seriously, you can pay a little extra for rooms where you can look at the dome from your bed. All are equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Rates run a lot higher in the high season, so come in winter or fall for the best deals. Breakfast included. Read our review.

The million-dollar view from a cheapo room at the Medici. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel Medici

Via de’ Medici 6
Rates from: €80 (double)

And now for something really cheap. The two-star Hotel Medici, located around the corner from the Duomo, is hands-down one of the best deals in central Florence. While rooms in this six-floor hotel are pretty simple and don’t have air conditioning or TV, many offer jaw-dropping views of the Duomo and surrounding streets. And did we mention those rates? Read our review.

San Giovanni offers clean rooms with charming old-world furnishings.

Hotel San Giovanni

Via de’ Cerretani 2
Rates from: €54 (double shared bathroom), €70 (double private external bathroom)

The one-star Giovanni is a budget gem, offering remarkably affordable rooms just steps from the Duomo. Housed in a 16th-century palazzo that once served as a residence for bishops, the San Giovanni offers history, to boot. Free Wi-Fi. Read our review.

The Dali charms with its vintage and antique furnishing. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel Dali

Via Dell Oriuolo, 17
Rates from: €40 – 90 (doubles, contact hotel for exact rates)

The friendly Samanta and Marco run this charming 10-room albergo, located just down the Via Dell Oriuolo from the Duomo’s back door. The Dali’s been a EuroCheapo favorite for more than a decade — its fun mix of vintage and antique furnishings won us over immediately. Free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea, and — get this! — parking. Read our review.

Looking for more options?

For many more reviews of recommended budget hotels in Florence, check out our Florence guide — including these 17 hotels near the Duomo and our top 10 favorite budget hotels in Florence.

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Steps from the Station: Santa Maria Novella

I know a guy who always insists on picking hotels near train stations to save money on transport. In Florence, that would be the Santa Maria Novella area. It’s not a bad hood, just noisy, packed, and goes from super clean to dirty. Florence is a small walkable city. No need to stay strapped to the station.

The Other Side: Oltrarno

Florence is sliced in half by the Arno. The south side opposite the train station is called Oltrarno – which literally means “beyond the Arno.” Think narrow streets with artisans in their workshops, working away like they did hundreds of years ago. Makes for good window peeking and quiet evening walks with a gelato in your hand. There are lots of little bars and restaurants in nearby Piazza Santo Spirito. Oltrarno is where I go when I want to slow down. Well, slow down even more.

Rental Road: Ognissanti

Also near the station is the Ognissanti neighborhood. This one’s a little tricky. I call the main street “rental road” on account of the legions of car rental agencies, internet cafes and long-distance phone cabooses. There are plenty of hotels – which I’m sure are okay, just know that Via dell’Arbero can get pretty chaotic in the evenings.

Santa Croce

And now for choosing a hotel in Santa Croce – big fan over here. Aside from its piazza and mighty basilica at the center, this zone is within walking distance to all the major sites minus the vortex of tourists that forever swirls around the Duomo. There are also leather shops galore, restaurants and souvenir stores. And the Arno is only a few blocks away to be strolled down and admired.

Actually, a word on river strolls: Make sure to watch the sun setting over Ponte Vecchio. Bellissimo!

Duomo-ing

So you want the vortex do you? Okay, welcome to the center of the Renaissance universe: the Duomo district. Tons of hotels, museums, fountains, restaurants, souvenir shops, outdoor markets and every other Florence tourist amenity taking up half the guidebook in your pocket. Enjoy!

To see a list of all the neighborhood’s covered by EuroCheapo’s hotel picks, click here.

The post Florence: Which neighborhood is right for your trip? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In Milan’s “in” season, during the fashion weeks and the leather shows – and when it seems the Milanese host expos on everything from real estate to food – hotel rates go up, up, and away from a comfortable budget.

But, don’t worry, though Milan can get very pricey, it has its off-peak moments. With a little planning, you can snag great rates on some primo budget hotels and enjoy a fantastico trip to Italy’s “second” capital.

First, do some research.

Many of Milan’s trade shows are annual affairs, meaning they are organized and planned well in advance. Check out websites like that of the Fiere (“Fair”) commission of Milan for up-to-date listings of the events.  The most recent calendars can be found here, plus info on all the various shows.

For more of the exceptions (who knew that the hematologists like to get together in October?), visit the Fiera Congress’s site. The most up-to-date calendar can be found here. Plan your dates accordingly so you can bypass them completely.

July is a great month, so is December.

You’ll find, while doing your research, that many of the fairs, conventions, and shows occur during five to ten specific months each year. (February through June offer most of them, and there are less between August and November.) In this way, the Milano Turisimo board has made sure that regular ol’ Cheapo tourists like us can still have a chance to visit this expansive, historic city without losing too many euros.

Read up!

Once you’ve decided to head to Milan, take a look at our guide to the city. We’ve included budget tips and much more. (Did you know that you can see a horse sculpted by Leonardo da Vinci for free?)

Then, take a look at our picks for best budget hotels in Milan.

The post Milan: When to get the best hotel rates (hint: avoid trade shows!) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Duomo do!

But, get this. Did you know that every 40 minutes Florence’s Center for Art and Culture also offers FREE guided tours of the church? Highlights of the jaunt include a look into the care and craft of that gorgeous facade, why the church was originally built, and more.  Tours are available in English and Italian.

Before you go…

If you plan to take a tour, enter the sanctuary via the left-side doors. The church is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and on Fridays from 10 AM to 5 PM; Thursday it’s open from 10 AM to 3:30 PM; Saturday it opens at 10 AM and closes at 4:45 PM. On Sunday, the sanctuary is only open from 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM.  And, the first Saturday of each month the church is only open from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. For information on special holiday hours and more, visit the Duomo’s official tourism site.

Note: If you want to see more of the basilica and travel up the stairs to the top of the dome, you’ll need to shell out €8. (Hint: We think it’s worth it.)

For more information and lots of budget tips for Florence, go here.

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