Where to stay in Prato: Tuscany's second city, first-city prices avoided
Prato, just 20 km from Florence, offers a walled historic centre with far more accessible prices than the capital: where to stay.
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Prato is Tuscany's second-largest city by population, yet remains largely overlooked by tourism, which concentrates on Florence just 20 km away. The advantage for those looking for accommodation is direct: noticeably lower prices, fewer crowds, and a medieval historic centre — with its distinctive white-and-green marble two-tone architecture — that's easy to explore on foot.
Staying within the walls means having the Duomo and the Castello dell'Imperatore, a fortress built by Frederick II of Swabia, close at hand. Prato is also well connected to Florence by train, making it a practical base for those who want to visit the capital during the day and return in the evening to a quieter, more affordable city.
Practical info
When's the best time to go to Prato?
We recommend April, May, June, September and October, the period with the smallest crowds.
How touristy is Prato?
Prato is very quiet compared to the more visited destinations.
What's the location of Prato?
Prato is found in the area of Tuscany.
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Prato Borgonuovo ~5 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto Firenze Amerigo Vespucci FLR ~17 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
