Where to stay in Pistoia: historic centre and nursery country
Pistoia, often skipped in favour of Florence, has a compact medieval centre: where to stay to enjoy it unhurried.
Zairon, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Pistoia is often treated as just a quick stop between Florence and Lucca, but its historic centre — gathered around Piazza del Duomo — is easily walkable, making it worth staying right within the walls or just outside them. From there, the Cathedral of San Zeno, with its famous silver altar of St James, and the 14th-century Baptistry of San Giovanni in Corte are just minutes away.
Those travelling by car will find easier parking just outside the medieval core, without losing the convenience of reaching the centre on foot in a few minutes. Pistoia is also a good base for visiting the Pistoia Apennines or the area's famous plant nurseries, among the most important in Europe for ornamental plants.
Practical info
When's the best time to go to Pistoia?
We recommend April, May, June, September and October, the period with the smallest crowds.
How touristy is Pistoia?
Pistoia is very quiet compared to the more visited destinations.
What's the location of Pistoia?
Pistoia is found in the area of Tuscany.
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Serravalle Pistoiese ~7 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto Firenze Amerigo Vespucci FLR ~32 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
