Despite being an affordable travel destination in Europe, Florence can be an expensive city in Italy to live in or visit, especially compared with other cities in Italy. Visiting all the attractions and museums in Florence is certainly expensive. However, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this art capital on a low budget.
1. Visit the main hall of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
One of the most important squares in Florence is the Piazza del Duomo, which is the home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata and the Opera Museum. The cathedral’s main hall on the first floor is free to visit. It’s a stunning, Gothic, massive piece of art that was designed and built over 3 centuries, making it probably one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Florence. Pay attention to the ceiling’s detailed and elegant artwork under the Dome, including the Last Judgement painting. With a rather expensive combined ticket (72 EUR or approximately 80 USD), you can access all the above mentioned buildings, including Giotto’s Tower to get a panoramic view of the city, but seeing Florence from above is also possible for free.
2. View Florence from above for free
At Michelangelo Square, you will find a spectacular panoramic view of Florence from above, which locals claim to be the best viewpoint you can possibly find in the city. You can take several buses (e.g., number 12 or 23) from the centre directly to the square, and walk back down to the river banks. Another worth-checking out viewpoint with free access is at Fiesole - a nearby town on a scenic hill above Florence. Fiesole is also located in the Italian region of Tuscany.
3. Work in a roof-top library
Besides being well-known as the Italian centre of art, Florence is also a student town. You will find many schools and libraries around that have a unique atmosphere. The Oblate Library offers excellent views of Florence’s famous cathedral from the top floor. There’s an open-air balcony to sit and chill outside, an indoor bar and several areas inside for reading and studying. If you are a digital nomad, this library is useful for finding free high speed internet connection.
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4. Enjoy one of the best ice creams in Florence
There are so many gelato shops in every corner of Florence’s historic centre especially around the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge and the Piazza del Duomo. One place I strongly recommend is the Venchi Chocolate Shop. The gelato is homemade, delicious and affordable here. One cone with two gelato flavours and chocolate topping costs around 3 EUR (roughly 3.5 USD) here, which is reasonably cheaper than many other locations in the city. You can also find Italian chocolate of all kinds here.
Florence Tour Guide
Sara Pallabazzer
I am a lively well-spoken tour guide and tour leader from Florence, and a person who has the ability to motivate different sets of audience; to communicate effectively and possesses a high degree of energy and enthusiasm.I am able to manage multiple tasks, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills. I am proficient in Italian, English and Norwegian and possess a strong love for art and culture and enjoy passing on this passion for our land to my guests in an exciting and educational manner which will leave them not only with a lasting memory of the country that they have visited but also of myself and the company I am working for.Come with me and explore the best Florence has to offer. From world class museums and galleries to famous sites such as Santa Maria del Fiore, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella and the Palazzo Vecchio! I will ensure guests get the most out of their visit. I can show off Florence and Tuscany's hidden treasures such as narrow medieval street, hidden gardens, unique shops, and the quirky details that make a tour memorable while discovering Florence's past, present and future.I am very adaptable and flexible with guests' interests and taking into account any special events or the weather. With me as a private guide, guests will have the time to fully experience Florence - stopping to take the perfect photo or popping into one of the shops, cafes or pubs.I am also an enthusiastic well-spoken language teacher who has the ability to motivate different student ranges and a freelance translator for English and Scandinavian languages! I have a great passion for art and cooking, and consider cooking to be a high art form, so I suggest how to pair food and wine, while also looking for the right setting, as eating should be an all-around experience. I love cooking and make my own pasta, bread and pizza!
Tours by Sara
Florence Tour Guide
Joanna
Hello, my name is Joanna. I was born and raised in Poland but then I fell hopelessly in love with Tuscany and have been living in Florence for 20 years. Wisely enough, I decided to turn my passion into work and became a tour guide. Now I can share with you my immense love for the beauty, history and art of these enchanted places. I am particularly passionate about the Middle Ages, history, sculpture, nature and sports. In my spare time, I travel, read, go to concerts, play sports and do a lot of hiking. I work mainly in Florence and Siena but I love going to Lucca, less known Tuscan beauty and Pisa. I can also organize a food tour, a wine tasting or a day trip in Tuscany.
Tours by Joanna
Florence Tour Guide
Irina Willmer
Florence Tour Guide
Dina
Florence Tour Guide
Francesca Boldrini
Linguist specializing in art history. I am a licensed tour guide with natural communicating skills and a big passion for Tuscany andRinascimento. I speak five languages: Russian at B2 TRKI level, German at B1 level, English, Italian and French at the mother tongue level.I’ve got a great problem solving skills and the ability to work under pressure gained thanks to my experience in hospitality. I Believe in thepower of creativity. I offer tourists a unique, memorable experience involving them in what is going on around them. I love leading visitorsthrough sites of historical and cultural interest sharing my passions for history of art, especially the period of Renaissance. Optimistic andopen-minded and meeting diverse people from all over the world, I have got a real genuine interest for Guest satisfaction.
Tours by Francesca
5. Go for a yummy pizza
One of my favourite places for pizza in Florence is the Amici di Ponte Vecchio Da Stefano. One slice of pizza costs about 2.50 EUR (roughly 3 USD) here. This is an ideal lunch or a quick snack while exploring Florence.
Traveling cheap from Florence to other cities
Traveling within Italy can be extremely cheap by bus, train with prior booking or car-pooling. If you travel by train, remember to stamp your ticket before boarding, otherwise the ticket won’t be validated though you have already paid for it.
History
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