Florence is widely considered one of the loveliest places in the world to visit. It’s no wonder it attracts masses from all over, though this comes at a price. Like, a literal one, because more tourists means prices will inevitably go up. If you’re not the poshest and you’d still want to visit Florence, we’ll go over some free things that us, mortals, can enjoy while in Florence.
If you’re not too broke, though, then you may also want to check out our main list of tourist attractions in Florence. 🙂
Piazza del Duomo
The most popular square in all of Florence
Piazza del Duomo is a spacious cathedral square with the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This is as much of a must-see for every tourist in Florence as it gets. You can enter the cathedral for free as well and admire the incredible sculptures and ornaments from the Renaissance. It’s one of the largest churches in Italy and the very largest brick dome ever.
Of course, you might recognise it mostly for the massive dome, the centrepiece of every postcard from Florence. If you would like to learn more about the dome and its construction, you can check out our article on the cathedral itself!
Piazzale Michelangelo
A viewpoint in Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo is the piazza on the hill of San Miniato, meaning you get the most beautiful view of the city and the cathedral from the top. It was built in 1869 and has a bronze replica of David in the middle of it. It’s a favourite among photographers for honeymoon sessions. Sunsets and sunrises here are especially magical.
A stroll along the Arno River
No fee for soaking up the city
A lazy walk along the Arno River is an ideal form of respite from the cramped streets of the city. If you have the time, you can enjoy it like the locals do – take a glass of wine and sit by the river. It’s usually a meeting spot for people, so you can people-watch the actual Florentians while you’re there.
Church of San Miniato al Monte
Free and beautiful
While you’re on the Piazzale Michelangelo, you also can’t miss another lovely church, San Miniato al Monte. The temple ranks as one of the most important buildings of Romanesque architecture in Italy and stands on one of the literal highest points of the city.
The basilica’s façade is made of green and white marble, and, inside, you will surely find the atmosphere lovely. It’s divided into three naves, so standard stuff, though there’s also a crypt with saint’s relics under the altar. Be sure to pay it a visit, especially if you’re already there anyway.
Ponte Vecchio
The famous bridge of Florence
Another classic postcard image of Florence you’ll see is the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Unsurprisingly so, as it’s a wonderful piece of architecture. Nowadays, you’ll mostly see jewellery here, though this hasn’t always been the case. It was once a place for butchers and fishmongers to sell their ‘goods’, though, in 1593, Ferdinand I decided that the bridge was too nice a place for the stench of the current residents. As such, the bridge became a place for goldsmiths and jewellers.
We recommend taking a walk here at dusk, when the bridge is nicely lit up!
Mercato Centrale
A local market in Florence
Mercato Centrale is the main market in Florence, located in a hall built in 1876. It’s a covered market where you can stock up on all sorts of local Tuscan products. On the ground floor, you have stalls selling the best quality fruit, vegetables, Tuscan cheeses and meats. Above, you’ll find restaurants. The ground floor market is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 2pm and from 7am to 5pm on Saturdays.
Check out our guide for what to buy in Florence!
Giardino delle rose
The Rose Garden in Florence
Let’s go back to the peace and quiet, though. You can find the Giardino delle Rose below the Piazzale Michelangelo, still offering quite a good view of the city. In the summer season, it’s open from 9am to 8pm. You’ll find collections of roses, lemon trees and a Japanese oasis. The roses bloom from spring to autumn, though they’re most beautiful and abundant in May. There are also ponds and sculptures around the park for you to blankly stare at when relaxing on the bench.
Free Sundays at museums in Florence
Free entry to lots of attractions
Every first Sunday of the month, you can enter the most popular attractions and museums in Florence for free. Remember, however, that you need to book a time slot in advance and most disappear well prior. As such, plan accordingly if you want to make use of the first Sunday. What can you see for free on that day?
- Uffizi Gallery
- Galleria dell’Accademia
- Pitti Palace Museums
- Boboli Gardens
- National Museum of Bargello
- Villa Medici
- (and more!)
Piazza della Signoria
Another beautiful square in Florence
The Piazza della Signoria square was built somewhere around the 14th century. Many families had to leave their homes so the piazza could be built on its site, which soon began to be the heart of the city. Though now it has shifted to Florence’s cathedral square, this was once the main one. Today, you can find there the Palazzo Vecchio and two more palaces, the Fountain of Neptune, the Uffizi Gallery, the Loggia dei Lanzi and copies of statues by Michelangelo and Donatello.
La Biblioteca delle Oblate
A library and a viewpoint at once
The La Biblioteca delle Oblate provides not just great books but also a fantastic view of the cathedral. There’s also a cafe with an amazing view of the dome. You’ll mostly find students and other locals here and not tourists, so it’s a great place to relax a little from the crowds on the square.
Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
Gardens and the courtyard
Palazzo Medici Riccardi is the first Medici palace in Florence. It was built between 1444 and 1484 for Cosimo de’ Medici, based on a design by Michelozzo. Although there is a fee for the museum inside, you can see the courtyard and the gardens for free. There are several more villas of the wealthy Medici family around Florence which can be reached from the centre by public transport.
Where to eat in Florence on a budget?
Cheap food in Florence
Where can you find cheap food in Florence? We’d recommend:
- I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti (Via dei Cimatori, 23, 50122),
- Trattoria da Giorgio (Via Palazzuolo, 100R, 50123),
- Il Cernacchino (Via della Condotta, 38R),
- All’Antico Vinaio (Via dei Neri, 65R)
- Il Giova (Borgo la Croce, 73R)
The boar of Florence
(it’s him!)
And, to top the list off with a legend, there’s the boar itself. Booping the snoot will not cost you a penny either. You can read more about the majestic boar here.
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