Florence On a Budget - Firsthand Tips (2025)

Dreaming about the beautiful city of Florence in Italy, but don’t want to spend a fortune on hotels, dining, and sightseeing? You’re in the right place!

Visiting Florence in early December means fewer tourists, lower prices, and a magical holiday atmosphere—perfect for budget-conscious travellers

After visiting the city many times over the past few years, we’ve gathered plenty of practical, money-saving tips.

Our Florence on a budget guide covers everything—from the best time of year to visit without overspending, to finding affordable hotels and apartments, budget-friendly places to eat in Florence, where to buy cheap souvenirs and gifts, and most importantly—how to visit Florence’s top sights for less (plus free things to do in Florence).

Read on to discover how to explore Florence without breaking the bank.

Visiting Florence in the low season: Why it’s worth it

Visiting Florence in autumn or winter brings moments like this — peaceful rain along the Arno River and stunning reflections that make the city feel magical

We’ve visited Florence throughout the year and can say that travelling in the low season—from November to mid-March—means saving a lot on accommodation. Of course, this excludes the busy holiday period, from around December 20th until after the New Year, when hotel and apartment prices skyrocket.

The periods that offer the lowest prices for Florence accommodation are mid-November to mid-December, and the entire months of January and February. Also, August tends to be cheaper since it’s considered somewhat of a low season (the city slows down as many Italians go on summer vacation).

During these months, you can find excellent apartments for only €70-80, even close to the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

👉 Pro tip: Book your hotel/apartment in advance to secure the best available deals.

Getting to Florence during winter months

Note that during the winter months, flights to Florence are fewer than in the spring and summer. The airports serving the city are Florence Peretola and Pisa Airport.

However, you can still fly to Rome Fiumicino Airport, take the Leonardo Express (which takes only 32 minutes to Termini), and then catch a high-speed train to Florence (just 1.5 hours with frequent daily departures).

We usually travel this way from Croatia!

Train tickets are very affordable (starting from € 20) — we love using Trainline to buy them!

Other options would be flying to Milan or Venice and from there also take fast trains.

Staying outside the historic centre of Florence

We love the comfort of the Casa di Chiara apartment in Florence's local neighbourhood

Staying right in the historic centre of Florence is super convenient — you can easily hop from one amazing sight to the next without wasting time. But keep in mind, hotels and apartments here tend to come with a higher price tag.

If you’re looking to save some money, consider booking your accommodation outside the city centre. You’ll find plenty of great spots that won’t break the bank. Here are a few neighborhoods where you can score cheaper places to stay without missing out on the Florence vibe:

• Fortezza da Basso, 
• Piazza Beccaria, 
• Porta al Prato, 
• Oltrarno, 
• Piazza della Libertà, 
• Poggio Imperiale, 
• Piazzale Michelangelo/San Niccolò, 
• Campo di Marte and Via Bolognese.
  
  

Renting apartment in Florence is budget-friendly option

Renting an apartment can be a budget-friendly option, especially if you're travelling with a group or family, as apartments are often cheaper than hotel rooms.

Plus, you can prepare your own meals using quality ingredients from local stores and food markets.

Getting around Florence on a budget

One of the best things about Florence is how walkable it is. If you’re staying in or near the historic center, you really won’t need public transport at all. For a central stay, we recommend Numa Florence Fiore and Condotta 16 Apartments.

From anywhere in the historic center, you can easily walk to Piazza della Signoria, which for us is the very heart of the city. Just a few steps away is the Uffizi Gallery. Take Via dei Calzaiuoli and you'll reach the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Arno River (with the Oltrarno district just across).

Walking is honestly the best way to soak in the charm of the city’s narrow streets and hidden corners.

Taking bus or tram in Florence

If you're staying a bit outside the center, buses and trams are a great option. A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 90 minutes. You can also get a pack of 10 for €14—perfect for a longer stay.

Tickets work on both buses and trams and can be bought at machines or tabacchi shops (tobacconists). Just note: tobacconists usually only accept cash for ticket purchases.

Want the view from Piazzale Michelangelo without the uphill walk? Take bus no. 23 from the center—it’ll drop you near the top. Or join a bike tour and enjoy a stunning sunset with panoramic views from there!

A quick note about taxis

They tend to be pretty expensive compared to other European cities, and Florence traffic can be frustratingly slow. Even a short ride could cost you €15–€20, so we only recommend using them when absolutely necessary.

In short, pack comfy shoes and get ready to explore Florence mostly on foot—it’s truly the best way to experience the city’s magic.

Sightseeing Florence for less (or completely free)

Florence offers numerous opportunities for sightseeing without paying.

The Duomo, which is Florence's cathedral can be visited for free. Just be prepare to wait as the lines are constant there. To climb the Dome, you need to buy a ticket as well as to visit the Bell Tower and Opera Duomo Museum.

Piazza della Signoria is known as open-air museum, with numerous sculptures around the square. Here you can admire and take some of the best photos in the whole Florence.

While there, enter the Palazzo Vecchio and admire beautiful courtyard, decorated with colonnades and frescoes.

Right in front of the Palazzo Vecchio is the Loggia dei Lanzi, where you can admire the sinuous Giambologna’s “Ratto delle Sabine” and the gruesome “Perseus” by Cellini amongst others. Great art, right there in the open-air.

The copy of the statue of David stands nearby. The original sits in the Accademia Gallery which costs to enter.

You can freely visit some churches in Florence. Among them are Santa Trinita Church, where you can admire a beautiful fresco by Ghirlandaio and Santo Spirito Church in the Oltrarno area. A few steps up from panoramic terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo, visit the Romanesque masterpiece of San Miniato al Monte.

Visit the lesser-known Church of Ognissanti, located in the square of the same name, where you’ll find the fresco “Saint Augustine in his study”. Botticelli painted this in 1480, a couple of years before his “Allegory of Spring”.

In addition to the places that never charge an admission fee, all state museums are free on certain number of days every year as well as many city museums.

Many major museums offer low-season rates which are made even more attractive by the absence of crowds. Access to the Uffizi, for instance, costs €12 instead of €25. Tickets for Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens cost €10 and €6 respectively, instead of €16 and €10.

Check out the many group activities organized by MUS.E, the association handling the tours of Florence’s civic museums. With €5 you can book a visit to Palazzo Vecchio’s secret passages, which will take you to Francesco I’s Studiolo – a Renaissance wonder room – through the hidden staircases of Florence’s city hall.

The Uffizi, the Accademia, the Bargello Museum, the Medici Chapels, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Santa Maria Novella, Brancacci Chapel, the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are all free on the first Sunday of every month. But be aware that lines can be long and crowds huge on these days.

11 cheap (or free!) things to do in Florence, Italy

Here’s a list of cheap (or free!) things to do in Florence, Italy—perfect for travellers on a budget who still want to soak in the beauty, culture, and history of the city:

1. Admire the Duomo – For free!

The lines to enter the famous Florence Cathedral (Duomo) are almost always long—but trust us, it’s worth the wait. Entry to the cathedral itself is completely free, and once inside, you’ll be able to admire the stunning interior and look up at Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome from below.

If you want to climb the dome or the bell tower for those breathtaking panoramic views, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket—but simply stepping inside the cathedral is already a must-see experience that won’t cost you a thing.

2. Explore every corner of Piazza della Signoria

Every time we find ourselves in Florence’s historic center, we can’t resist stopping by the stunning Piazza della Signoria. It’s one of those places that feels timeless—surrounded by history, art, and the quiet buzz of daily life.

We could easily spend hours here, just taking it all in. The square is like an open-air museum, with incredible sculptures scattered throughout, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David and the dramatic Perseus with the Head of Medusa. One of our favorite things to do? Grab a seat on the cool marble benches beneath the Loggia dei Lanzi, where you can watch the world go by under centuries-old arches.

And for a little sweet indulgence, we usually pick up a fresh pastry from a nearby café—there are plenty tucked into the surrounding streets—and stroll through the piazza with flaky, sugar-dusted goodness in hand. It's simple, it’s beautiful, and it’s one of those perfect Florence moments we look forward to every time.

3. Don’t Miss the Courtyard at Palazzo Vecchio

As you walk through Piazza della Signoria, you’ll probably see people heading through the gate of Palazzo Vecchio. They’re going in to see the first courtyard—and it’s definitely worth a quick stop.

The space is open, peaceful, and a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. We love the elegant arches, decorated columns, and all the little stone carvings that give it so much character.

Right in the middle, there’s the Putto with Dolphin fountain, a small bronze statue that’s fun and a little unexpected in such a grand setting. It’s also a great spot to take a few selfies or just relax for a minute.

Even if you’re not visiting the museum, the courtyard is free to enter, and it only takes a few minutes to enjoy. It’s a lovely hidden corner of Florence we always come back to.

2. Catch a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

Want the best view in town? Head up to Piazzale Michelangelo at golden hour. It’s a bit of a climb, but your reward is a sweeping view of Florence’s skyline, with the Duomo, Arno River, and Ponte Vecchio all glowing in the Tuscan light.

3. Visit major museums for free (once a month)

On the first Sunday of every month, state museums like the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia open their doors to everyone—for free! Arrive early to avoid the lines.

4. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio

One of Florence’s most famous landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio is lined with glittering jewelry shops. You don’t have to buy anything—just enjoy the charm, street musicians, and views over the Arno River.

5. Wander through the Rose Garden

Just below Piazzale Michelangelo is the Giardino delle Rose, a peaceful garden with sculptures by Jean-Michel Folon and hundreds of blooming roses. It’s the perfect place for a quiet break.

6. Discover street art in the Oltrarno

Cross the river into the Oltrarno district and you’ll find artisan shops, cozy cafés, and some of Florence’s most vibrant street art. It’s Florence with a local, lived-in feel—and totally free to explore.

7. Visit San Miniato al Monte

Skip the crowds and visit San Miniato al Monte, a stunning Romanesque church perched above the city. It’s even higher than Piazzale Michelangelo and offers a more peaceful atmosphere—and equally impressive views.

8. Browse Mercato Centrale

Whether you’re hungry or just browsing, Mercato Centrale is a feast for the senses. Downstairs is full of traditional market stalls, while upstairs is a buzzing food court with cheap, tasty meals.

9. Indulge in a creamy gelato

Florence is the birthplace of gelato—so yes, you must try it. Look for spots with covered metal tins (a good sign it’s authentic). A small cone costs around €2–3, and the experience? Priceless.

10. Enjoy free performances in Piazza della Signoria

This historic square is essentially an open-air museum, complete with statues by Renaissance greats—and often lively with street musicians, mimes, and artists performing throughout the day.

11. Join a free walking tour

Florence is layered in history, and tip-based walking tours are a fantastic way to learn about it. You'll find plenty of daily options—just book online or show up at meeting spots in major piazzas.

Florence proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to immerse yourself in art, history, and romance. With a pair of comfy shoes and a curious spirit, the city opens up in the most magical ways—no splurge required.

Get the most out of Florence with combined tickets

Planning to explore Florence’s rich history and art? Combined tickets are a great way to see more while spending less. With the right pass and a bit of planning, you can visit top attractions—like museums, churches, and historic landmarks—without overpaying or waiting in long lines.

These bundles offer real value if you use them wisely, making your Florence trip smoother and more rewarding.

See Botticelli's "La Primavera" while visiting the Uffizi Gallery

Best Florence ticket bundles:

• Firenze Card -  Florence is full of must-see museums and cultural sites. If you’re planning to visit several, the Firenze Card is a great deal. For €85, you get 72-hour access to over 70 museums, galleries, churches, and monuments—with an option to extend. It’s a smart way to see more and skip the hassle of buying individual tickets. Just keep in mind: most museums in Florence (outside the big ones like the Uffizi, Accademia, and Cathedral Complex) cost under €10. So if you’re only planning to visit a couple per day, the Firenze Card may not be worth it.

⏳ Discover Florence’s top sights in just 5 hours with the Best of Florence Guided Tour — including the Uffizi, Accademia Gallery, and more. Save time and money!

How to save on food in Florence

Eating in Florence doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little know-how, you can enjoy authentic Tuscan meals without breaking the bank. Here’s how to do it:

1. Eat Street Food
   Florence’s street food scene is full of affordable, delicious options. Grab a lampredotto sandwich (a Florentine specialty made with beef stomach) or a simple panino at one of the many food stalls. The Mercato Centrale (just a few steps from Basilica di San Lorenzo) is a great place to sample affordable, freshly made sandwiches, pizza, and pastries.
   
   
2. Visit bakeries (fornos in Italian)
   We love Forno Canapa tucked behind the stalls of San Lorenzo Market (Via dell'Ariento 21R) to stock up on plain or stuffed coccoli (fried dough balls). Both plain and those with prosciutto and cheese are addictive. Very fair prices and friendly owners!
   
   
3. Go for a “Pranzo al Volo” (Lunch on the go)
   For a quick and cheap lunch, hit up a local café or bakery for a focaccia or a slice of warm pizza. It’s a fast, satisfying meal that won’t cost you more than €5–€7.
   
   
4. Eat at eateries
   We love Il Cernacchio (Via della Condotta 38R), a small place offering affordable local meals, such as lampredotto panini, meat lasagna, pappa al pomodoro, meatballs in tomato sauce...
   
   
5. Skip the tourist traps
   Avoid dining in restaurants right on the main piazzas or near big tourist attractions. Prices tend to be higher, and the food quality can be lower. Instead, wander down side streets or head to less touristy neighbourhoods like San Frediano or Santa Croce where you’ll find more affordable, authentic spots.
   
   
6. Take advantage of “Aperitivo” hour
   One of the best budget-friendly traditions in Florence is the aperitivo. Head to a local bar in the early evening, and for the price of a cocktail (usually around €8–€10), you’ll get access to a buffet of snacks — think pasta, bruschetta, cheeses, cured meats, and more.It’s the perfect way to enjoy a light dinner without breaking the bank, all while soaking up the local atmosphere like a true Florentine.
   
   
7. Dine like a local: “Menu del giorno”
   For a delicious and affordable lunch in Florence, look out for the menu del giorno (menu of the day) offered at many trattorias and cafés. These set menus usually include a homemade starter and main course, and sometimes even a drink or dessert — all for a fixed price, typically between €10–€15.

With a little effort, you can enjoy all the delicious food Florence has to offer without overspending. Eating well on a budget is totally possible when you know where to go—and what to avoid.

Eating in Florence can be as luxurious and expensive as you want. If you are on a budget you can still have great meals like a typical fixed price lunch or dinner, which comes with two courses and wine for between €10 and €15, depending on the restaurant.

Italian breakfast is relatively cheap - just go to a bar and have an espresso or cappuccino and warm sweet pastry (usually filled with cream, fruit jam, chocolate or pistachio spread). This will cost you around €3-5.

For lunch or dinner there are numerous options of eateries offering panini or schiacciata sandwiches stuffed with various fillings.

We love I' Girone De' Ghiotti (Via dei Cimatori 23 - second street from Piazza della Signoria), offering freshly made sandwiches, with prices starting from €6. Choose from various combos among different salami, mortadella, prosciutto, ham, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini...

For something more filling, go to a eateries offering variety of dishes, such as porchetta, meat balls with tomato sauce, pasta...

We love Il Cernacchio (Via della Condotta 38R), a small place offering affordable local meals, such as lampredotto panini, meat lasagna, pappa al pomodoro, meatballs in tomato sauce...

At Mercato Centrale, you'll find a variety of quality food at reasonable prices. On the ground floor there are salumerie that prepare delicious sandwiches on the spot.

On the first floor, there are many eateries offering typical Tuscan food (we find this slightly chaotic and prefer the ground floor). If you are staying at the apartment, you can buy something and prepare your meal on your own.

👍 See this affordable Florence Street Food Tour!

Breakfast in Florence: Cheap, Delicious, and Very Italian

One of the best surprises about visiting Italy? Finding out that a delicious croissant costs just €1.10–€1.50—and tastes at least 10 times better than you might expect.

Pair that with authentic Italian coffee—an espresso for around €1–€1.10 or a cappuccino for €1.30–€1.80—and you’ve got the perfect, affordable local breakfast.

But here’s a tip: where you drink your coffee matters. If you stand at the bar (like locals do), you pay the lower price. Sit down at a table with service, and that same coffee can cost you €4–€5.

Our advice? Do as the Italians do: order at the counter, enjoy your coffee standing, and savor a fresh pastry on the go. It’s not just budget-friendly—it’s a true taste of everyday Italian life.

Smart money tips for Florence

While cash is still accepted in Florence, most shops, restaurants, and hotels prefer card payments. Using a card is not only more convenient but also safer than carrying lots of cash.

You can still withdraw cash from ATMs when needed — useful for tips or small purchases — but watch out for extra fees. Some ATMs charge for foreign cards, and your bank might add foreign transaction or out-of-network fees.

To save money, consider using a travel-friendly debit card like Wise, which offers better exchange rates and lower fees abroad.

Is Florence expensive to visit?

Planning a trip to Florence and wondering if it’s going to drain your wallet? The short answer: it can be expensive—but it doesn’t have to be.

Like many popular European cities, Florence has its share of high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and pricey museums. But if you know where to look (and when to go), it's absolutely possible to enjoy this beautiful city on a budget.

Accommodation can get pricey in the historic center, especially during the summer. But staying just outside the main tourist areas—like in San Frediano or near Campo di Marte—can cut your costs significantly, while still keeping you close to everything.

Food-wise, you don’t need to spend a lot to eat well. Florence is full of affordable trattorias, bakeries, and street food stalls where you can grab a delicious panino or a plate of fresh pasta for under €10.

Attractions? Many of the city’s highlights—like wandering through piazzas, admiring architecture, or exploring markets—are completely free. Even major sights like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia offer free entry on select days if you plan ahead.

So, is Florence expensive? It depends on how you travel—but with a few smart choices, it can definitely be done on a budget.

Find hotels and apartments for your perfect stay in Florence

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