Florence has an abundance of wealth, be it in terms of Renaissance architecture, art-filled museums, or culture, but an Italian vacation comes with a high price tag. Fortunately, you can experience much of the magic of this historic city without emptying your wallet. Beyond its churches and iconic monuments like the Duomo, which offer free admission, Florence also provides delightful parks and lively markets that you can visit for free. Here are the top 10 free things to do in Florence without burning your pockets.
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1. Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best free things to do in Florence and is a must-visit sight that provides a picture-perfect panoramic view of the city and the Arno River. The plaza is easy to access by a short 20-minute walk from the city center. You can also catch bus number 13 from Santa Maria Novella station, which takes you straight to Piazzale Michelangelo in around 29 minutes.
For the best views, visit the Piazzale at sunset and stand among the replica statues to admire the truly stunning colors as the sun goes down over the Florence skyline. Or maybe go a little earlier and relax at nearby cafés or browse souvenir stalls to enjoy Tuscan foods or handicrafts.
2. Giardino Delle Rose
Also known as the Rose Garden, Giardino Delle Rose is a serene and picturesque spot known for its stunning collection of roses, lemon trees, and other plants. Situated below Piazzale Michelangelo, it offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This beautifully landscaped garden boasts over 400 varieties of roses, making it a paradise for flower enthusiasts.
Additionally, the garden also features a Japanese section and sculptures by the famous artist Folon. Giardino delle Rose is not just a garden; it’s the perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation, which doesn’t cost anything to enter.
3. The Last Supper by Andrea del Castagno in Sant’Appollonia
Located in Florence’s Sant’Apollonia convent, Andrea del Castagno’s 15th-century fresco titled “The Last Supper” is a remarkable Early Renaissance artwork. Vivid colors and dramatic figures showcase Castagno’s mastery of perspective and emotion, while the apostles’ intense expressions bring realism to the artwork. One look at it, and time will fly past; such is the charm of this glorious artwork.
This influential fresco, now preserved in the museum, continues to attract visitors who wish to admire its beauty and gain insight into the Renaissance era.
4. Medici Villas
Another great spot you can go for absolutely free is The Medici Villas. As the name suggests, Medici villas are a series of complexes that were owned by the Medici family who ruled Florence between the 15th and 17th centuries during the Renaissance period. Although not owned by the Medici family now, these villas have preserved their beautiful architecture, gracefully blending the traditional Tuscan style with the Renaissance aesthetic.
Medici villas are a symbol of the wealth and power of the Medici family that once existed. Today, these villas are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their cultural significance.
5. Iris Garden
The Iris Garden in Florence is a colorful and peaceful spot famous for its beautiful irises. Located near Piazzale Michelangelo, Iris Garden has much more to offer than just fresh flowers; it offers breathtaking views of Florence city.
Iris Garden is particularly famous for hosting an international iris competition each spring, attracting breeders and enthusiasts from all around the world. Visitors can explore different types of iris in several colors and forms, all flourishing in this beautifully landscaped setting. The garden’s serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a leisurely walk, surrounded by the natural beauty and subtle fragrances of these elegant flowers.
6. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Florence’s iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fior, known as the Duomo, is a must-visit when you are in the city. Designed by Renaissance innovator Filippo Brunelleschi, its red dome dominates the city skyline. Furthermore, the dome also complements the cathedral’s ornate exterior marblework and golden mosaic interior.
While touring the Cathedral, don’t miss the Baptistery next to the Duomo. It’s famous for its beautiful bronze doors that are often regarded as a symbol of the Renaissance. The Duomo itself showcases Brunelleschi’s groundbreaking architecture. Inside, you’ll find stunning works by Donatello and Ghiberti. The whole complex is a masterpiece, showing off Florence’s role as the heart of the Renaissance.
7. Ponte Vecchio
One of the most wonderful free things to do in Florence is Ponte Vecchio, a historic bridge famous for its rows of shops, which is an iconic spot for both locals and tourists. Located over the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio offers stunning views, making it a favorite spot for photographers and romantic strolls. As you explore this gorgeous stone bridge, you’re surrounded by shops specializing in fine jewelry, unique art pieces, and traditional souvenirs.
However, the true charm of Ponte Vecchio lies in its rich history, dating back to Roman times, withstanding wars and floods. Today, each shop on the bridge has its own story, often passed down through generations. So, whether you’re in the market for a special memento or just window shopping, the vibrant atmosphere of Ponte Vecchio is surely captivating.
8. San Miniato al Monte
The stunning Basilica of San Miniato al Monte is one of the best free things to do in Florence and a must-see! This ancient church was built in the 11th century and sits high above the city, offering visitors awesome views of Florence. As you walk up through its peaceful cemetery and gardens, you’ll approach the gorgeous white and green marble front.
San Miniato al Monte is still an active monastery visited by millions of people every year. The monks who reside in the monastery produce various items like honey liqueurs, which are available to buy in the shop nearby.
9. Walking Tours
Exploring Florence through walking tours is an unforgettable experience. As you walk down cobbled streets, you’ll see breathtaking architecture and landmarks with a deep-rooted history behind them. Knowledgeable guides accompany you throughout the tour and share fascinating stories about different landmarks and attractions like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery. Along the way, the aromas of Tuscan cuisine and the colorful local markets will engage your senses.
Whether you choose to stroll for leisure or a history lesson, walking tours in Florence are an amazing activity for all ages, offering an authentic taste of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. While these tours are one of the best free things to do in Florence, it’s generous to leave them a tip to keep them motivated to continue these guide services for the tourists.
10. Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale, also known as the Central Market, is a colorful food hub located in Florence. What makes this market unique is it’s located in a stunning 19th-century building and offers a large variety of stalls selling Italian delicacies, fresh produce, and different types of cheese and meats.
The Mercato Centrale is free to enter, making it an accessible experience for those who want to try authentic Tuscan food while admiring historic architecture.
Video Guide: Best Free Things to Do in Florence (Coming Soon)
Travel resources for planning a trip to Florence
To make planning a trip to Florence easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do at each destination during your trip to Florence.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
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Need help planning a trip to Florence?
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