Florence can be referred to as a treasure trove of invaluable art and renaissance delights and sure, it can get expensive at times, but in truth, you do not need a huge budget to spend a nice holiday in the city. Actually, many of its best experiences are completely free of charge. It has breathtaking viewpoints across the Arno, centuries old basilicas, vibrant, crowded local markets, and artistic hidden treasures and there is no need to open your and wallet when enjoying the culture of the city.
You may be strolling through ancient squares, or peeking at frescoes designed on obscure chapel walls, or reveling in panoramic gardens, but in any case these free things to do in Florence will make you experience the most out of the city and feel like a local in Florence.
But first things first…
Helpful Resources For Visiting Florence
Take advantage of the special discount offer by Qatar Airways to get the most economical flights to Florence. This deal has been personally tested and recommended.
It is essential to have travel insurance when traveling to Italy, and if you don’t have any, SafetyWing offers affordable plans that cover not only medical expenses but also other miscellaneous travel expenses.
You can rent a car in Florence with a special offer by Auto Europe, which can give you up to 25% off. Check out my Auto Europe review for more info.
For bus and train rides in Italy, use Busbud (for more info, check out our review), which offers up to a 10% discount on transportation bookings to and from Florence.
If you want to save money on accommodation, use our Booking special offer, which can save you up to 15% on all properties in town.
Don’t forget to obtain a visa if required. You can apply for one through Ivisa, and they will take care of all the necessary arrangements for you. For more information, you can also check out our iVisa review.
Basilicas & Churches
We start this list of the best free things to do in Florence with a few of the city’s most beautiful churches that everyone should visit on their trip here.
See The Iconic Florence Duomo
The Duomo is a must-see in a trip to Florence. The best part is that the seeing one if Italy’s most famous cathedrals is absolutely free. This is a great church that was built in the Piazza del Duomo with the red tiled dome by Brunelleschi, making it the tallest structure in the city skyline. Although the dome or bell tower is accessible only with a ticket, the main cathedral is free and therefore cannot be skipped by low-end travelers.
The piazza is also never dull, it is full of street artists and entertainers. To go there, you need to get off at the main train station in Florence, Santa Maria Novella and take a short walk to the square. Fun fact: the cathedral took almost 150 years to be finished and the dome itself is yet to be regarded as an engineering wonder.
Hotel Spadai, which is right next to the cathedral, consists of modern comfort with unsurpassable views of the Duomo, by those who want to be close to the cathedral.
Explore The Historic Basilica of San Miniato al Monte
San Miniato al Monte is above Florentine, literally within a few steps of Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most lovely Romanesque churches in the city. The church dates back to the 11 th century and it continues to have monks who make honey, liqueurs and herbal remedies. The churchyard views are panoramic, and the number of people is many fewer than in Piazzale Michelangelo. Going to vespers in the evening is recommended in case you would like to hear Gregorian chants, which are an additional special feature of the visit.
Bus 12 or 13, or the uplift 25-minutes walkable distance in the city center are the ways to reach here. Fun fact: the main reason the Duomo was designed like this, was the green-and-white marble of the facade. In the hilly side of Florence, you’ll find Art Hotel Villa Agape, a quiet getaway with a free shuttle to the city, located very close to the basilica.
Visit Basilica della Santissima Annunziata
Santissima Annunziata is a little, charming basilica northeast of the Duomo, and is one of the most beautiful churches of Florence, which is free of charge, and is quietly grand. Built in the 13th century and renovated throughout the subsequent centuries, the highlight of the building is the frescoed Chiostrino degli Voti, a cloister adorned with the works of Renaissance masters with the scenes of the life of Virgin, and the numerous charity and procession events traditionally held in the church.
On the outside it is very sober, though within are bright chapels, scenes of frescos, and modeled tombs, with a picture of Florentine piety and taste. It is easily accessible by foot, either through Piazza della Repubblica or by tram on short rides; it lies in an active neighborhood, full of craftsmen shops and cafes. While you’re there, you should also visit the Santissima Annunziata andadmire its painted cycles.
To stay within a short distance of the basilica and still walk to all the major historic sites, Hotel Santa Maria Novella is locatedwithin a few minutes walk from the basilica.
Walk Around Piazza Santo Spirito & See Basilica di Santo Spirito
Santo Spirito is the heart of social life in Oltrarno: the interior of Brunelleschi built in the 15th century. The exterior of the basilica is plain; but the interior is much more elaborate, with its wooden ceiling, Renaissance paintaings, and the sacristy crucifix, traditionally ascribed by the people of Florence to Michelangelo.
Piazza Santo Spirito is an active, local market in front of which artisans, students and families gather. On Sundays, they hold the antiques/flea market, on weekday evenings the piazza is filled (or more precisely, crowded) with aperitivo. It is also an excellent point of departure to workshop and standalone galleries in Oltrarno.
To spend the night in the pace of the neighbourhood, however, the Palazzo Guadagni, a small hotel directly opposite the square, will put you in reach of the centre of the piazza and a few other landmarks in the area.
See Renneisance Paitings At Orsanmichele Church
Orsanmichele is one of the most interesting Florentine churches. It liesbetween the Via Calzaiuoli and the Piazza della Signoria. The entrance is also free, and it is worth going in to see the Gothic arches and gorgeous frescoes. It was once a grain market constructed in 14 th century but was converted into a church. Outside, you will find niches that have the sculptures of the eminent Renaissance painters such as Donatello and Ghiberti.
The interior features the most flamboyant piece of the marble tabernacle by Andrea Orcagna, and a museum (which is also free every Monday), and. Fun fact: Orsanmichele is named after the food garden of St. Michael because the place was used to have vegetable garden in the monastery.
Hotel Brunelleschi, located only several steps away, is a blend of medieval architectural style and contemporary luxury in the center of Florence to stay.
Museums & Galleries
This list of free hings to do in Florence wouldn’t be complete without a few suggestions for museum buffs and art lovers…
See Art In Museo Novecento’s Free Days
Museo Novecento, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, is a museum of Italian art of the 20th century. Although it usually has a small entrance fee, the first Saturday of every month is free. It is located in a former hospital and showcases Futurism to abstract art, with such artists as De Chirico, Morandi, and Sironi. It’s an interesting place to visit even when you’re not an art enthusiastas there are constantly changing exhibits and multimedia installations. The museum is located only a few steps away from the train station, and the beautiful church of Santa Maria Novella.
Fun fact: the building is previously used by pilgrims who passed by Florence, and it was transformed into this cultural space. To stay in the area, Hotel Santa Maria Novella is a chic hote l with views of the square, which combines contemporary comfort and Florentine style.
Try To Find The Rodolfo Siviero Museum
The Rodolfo Siviero house-museum is a small and captivating gallery that is devoted to the recovery of art, connoisseurship and modern art. The man of art repatriation, Siviero, collected items and documentation that narrate the account of art theft and retrieval during and after the WWII. This small museum has free entrnace for all visitors and it’s stop for people willing to enhance their knowledge of the current cultural life of Florence.
To spend the night in a convenient and comfortable location, Portrait Firenze on Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli will place you strategically to have both a riverfront experience and museum excursions.
Admire The Paintings In Museum of the Bigallo (Museo del Bigallo)
This museum has a tiny complex of Bigallo next to the Duomo, containing a highly significant medieval fresco, Madonna della Misericordia by Bernardo Daddi, and a museum dedicated to charity and the history of the medieval Florentine civic life. It’s a must stop for people interesting in early Florentine painting and city institutions. Admission is free and since it is right next to the cathedral it is an ideal stop to make between attractions on your Florence itinerary.
If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, Hotel Brunelleschi is just a few steps away from the Bigallo.
Discover The Finest Florentine Street art Art
The murals and street-art scene created by Florence are a combination of modern outcry and classical background of the city. Traverse the streets of San Niccolò, Santo Spirito and Via Palazzuolo to view the works of such artists as Clet Abraham (loved by a series of playful interventions with the traffic signs) and Blub (loved by his submerged Mona Lisa portraits).
The Florentine urban art gallery Street Levels Gallery in the Via Palazzuolo hosts events as well as curating urban art. Free or donation-based street art tours will describe who, what and why the city silently tolerated this crust of contemporary expression.
Hotel Santa Maria Novella provides easy connection to the central and alternative art scenes, as far as you are placed in a hotel, which puts you close to various clusters of mural and galleries.
Gardens & Viewpoints
Next on this list of free things to do in Florence, we’ll quickly go through a few of Florence’s finest gardens and viewpoints (all accessible without entrance fees)
Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose)
When you want to take a rest after getting tired of Florentine streets, go to Rose Garden, which is placed just under Piazzale Michelangelo in the Oltrarno district. There is never an admission fee, and the garden is particularly charming during the month of April-June when the 1000 varieties of roses are blooming in it. Even during the off-season, the garden is a great place to have the breathtaking views of the city skyline and a relaxing environment. It was built in Florence as a part of the city redevelopment program in 1865 by architect Giuseppe Poggi.
Along with the roses, there are lemon trees, a Japanese garden, and artistic follies by a Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. The location of the garden is a hillside, which makes the garden excellent in terms of photography, particularly at sunset. You can walk there in 20 minutes up the hill starting at the Ponte Vecchio or you can take bus 12 or 13 to Piazzale Michelangelo and walk down. Fun fact: the locals usually carry picnic parcels here to have a relaxing evening. Hotel Silla, a pleasant boutique hotel directly on the Arno River, is just a few minutes away, to stay.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is a free spotpoint which is one of the most iconic in Florence and it provides you with a postcard view of the city. It is situated on a hill on the other side of the river Arno, and was designed by Giuseppe Poggi in 1869. A replica of the Michelangelo David statue in bronze is the highlight of the square which is surrounded by other sculptures orchestrated in the honor of the Renaissance master. Its sweeping vistas encircle the Duomo up to the hilly Tuscany hills that one can see on the other side, so it is essential during sunrise or sunset.
Piazzale Michelangelo can be reached on foot by using the stair of Porta San Niccolo, or by bus 12 or 13. The mountain walking is compensated with a constantly evolving scenery as you climb up the mountain. Weird fact: this terrace was supposed to have a museum that was dedicated to Michelangelo, but it was never actualized. Villa Cora is a 19 th century villa that has been converted to a luxury hotel and is situated directly above the square; it is luxurious and offers a panoramic view of the city.
Oblate Library Terrace
Not so obvious, the Oblate Library Terrace is a local secret spot to have one of the best free stands of the Duomo. The terrace of the Biblioteca delle Oblate is available to the public, right behind the cathedral, and it is a relatively relaxing place to be without any tourist presence. It is here that you can take a coffee out of the cafe, read a book or just admire the scenery of the dome by Brunelleschi. When it is sunset, it is particularly magical with the light reflecting on the marble front of the cathedral.
The building itself dates back to a convent of the 14th century, and so the library is part of the strata of history of Florence. A 5-minute walk to the Duomo can bring one to this place. Fun fact: the area is commonly used by locals as a study place and thus an excellent way to be a Florentine. Close to the hotel, Hotel Duomo Firenze has basic and comfortable rooms that have irreplaceable cathedral views.
Bardini Gardens
These Bardini Gardens are the least popular green spaces in Florence and entry is free on the first Sunday of every month with the Boboli Gardens ticket, although there is one trick, on that specific day, it is free. These terraced gardens are grown on a hillside and provide the views of the city worthy of a postcard. During spring the wisteria pergola is the star of the show as cascading purple flowers, whereas in summer the shaded stairways and fountains offer an idyllic escape off busy streets of Florence.
The gardens are the mix of the Renaissance formality and the English landscape; this is why they are not only elegant but romantic as well. To do so, I will have to walk 15 minutes along Ponte Vecchio to Oltrarno. Fun fact: the gardens were renovated in the early 2000s, after years of disuse, and were quite recently opened again to the public. To stay next to the house, one can check Villa Cora, a luxury hotel, a villa built in the 19 th century that overlooks the greenery and the city skyline.
The Medici Villas ( Villa di Castello, Villa La Petraia, Villa di Poggio a Caiano, Villa Medici in Fiesole)
The Medici villas are scattered, gracious net-work all about Florence–country residences constructed by the Medici family as a recreation and game-lodges, and as a show of strength. Villa di Castello (northwest of the city) boasts of the Giardino di Castello, one of the first Renaissance gardens: terraced beds, statues and grand fountains after the Cosimo I inclination to control nature.
Villa La Petraia (near Careggi) compensates with terraced gardens and breathtaking panoramic views of Florence -it is a masterpiece in terms of how buildings and landscape were established in one work of art. Sumptuous frescoes and the grand halls of the Medici are housed in Villa di Poggio a Caiano (southwest, between Florence and Prato); it can be accessed either by regional bus or a quick drive.
The Villa Medici, Fiesole, is located on the hilly side of the city, and combines archaeology and the early Renaissance with panoramic views. Such villas are also generally open to explore their exterior gardens (the interior of museums is not always free or on specific days), and it has seasonal exhibitions, performances or garden tours. Provided that you want to base your villa day-trips in Florence, Villa Cora (between Boboli and Oltrarno) will place you within reach of Fiesole and the western villas.
Historic Squares & Streets
Florence is a city that breathes history and some of its most glorious historic landmarks don’t charge any entrance…
Discover The Best Of Florence’s Art At Loggia dei Lanzi
The Loggia dei Lanzi located right in Piazza della Signoria is a free outdoor gallery. Once used as a platform to conduct various rituals to the people, this medieval building has unbelievable statues such as Perseus of Cellini with the Head of Medusa and the Rape of the Sabine Women of Giambolognan. The special feature of this spot is the opportunity to enjoy the Renaissance art in the context of the urban environment, being filled with the hustle of the square.
It is located in front of Palazzo Vecchio, the historic town hall of Florence, and is located beside the entrance of the Uffizi Gallery. It takes five minutes to walk from here to the Duomo. The sculptures are also well lit during the evening and it makes it a romantic visit after dinner.
Funny enough, the loggia has never been equipped with doors, and the transparency of the loggia signifies the availability of the art to the people. In case you need to be near, a good escape with a panoramic view of piazza della Signoria is the Relais Uffizi, which is only a couple of turns around the corner.
See The Sunset At Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is the most renowned bridge in Florence and it can be crossed at any time of the day without any charges. Spanning the Arno River since 1345, this is the oldest bridge in the city. Sunsets here are special not only because of the views but also because of the atmosphere; often you will hear musicians playing violin, couples taking romantic photos and the sunset being reflected on the river below. The Vasari Corridor that traverses over the shops is one that used to enable the Medici family to travel between their palaces without detection.
The easiest way to arrive here is to walk along the Via Calzaiuoli at the Duomo to the river. Fun fact: the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge in the City of Florence not destroyed during World War II, as Hitler had specifically ordered it not to be blown up.
Travelers who prefer to remain in the area can consider staying at Portrait Firenze, a romantic hotel situated on the riverbank that has sleek rooms with breathtaking bridge views.
Take A Walk At Piazza della Repubblica
One of the most beautiful squares of Florence is piazza della Repubblica, which is free to visit and is usually ignored by the tourist and locals come together here to enjoy their markets, concerts and evenings out. It features a fountain and shaded trees in the middle and Brunelleschi Church of Santo Spirito in the background.
There is free access to works of Michelangelo inside the church and a vibrant square which on Sundays is transformed into a flea market. In order to reach this place, you have to take the Ponte Vecchio and move about 10 minutes in Oltrarno.
Fun fact: Michelangelo attended the Santo Spirito convent where he would study anatomy. In case you want to keep here, there is the historic Palazzo Guadagni, which looks down on the square, and it has panoramic terraces.
Admire The Beauty Of Centro Storico (Historic Centre of Florence)
The historic centre of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage site and strolling around it is completely free. The small medieval grid wraps around the Duomo, the Baptistery and Palazzo Vecchio; each street features architecture, concealed chapels, craftsman stores and small trattoria. Begin at the Duomo, wend through Via dei Calzaiuoli, through bustling Piazza della Signoria, and turn off into side streets where you find medieval windows and Renaissance palaces sometimes threatening to startle you.
Florence is layered here, in the Centro Storico: Roman foundations, towers of the middle ages and Renaissance facades are mixed. Pedestrian transportation is the most common; it is a small location that is a joy to walk in. Look down at the paving stones (they are ancient ways) and look up at the cornices where birds make their nests. Being a hotel in the middle of the action, Hotel Brunelleschi is located behind the Duomo and offers direct access to the very center of the city.
Discover the alternative Davids (Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria)
In addition to the original David in the Accademia, Florence has other Davids, and they can be found and scavenged just as much fun as the one in the Accademia. The perfect photographic frame of the skyline of Florence is presented by a full-size bronze replica of Piazzale Michelangelo, which dominates the city on the top of the hill. The copy of Piazza della Signoria is proudly positioned in the civic square before Palazzo Vecchio, and has traditionally been situated in this spot, as a civic symbol of the city’s freedom.
The easiest point to strike both is Hotel Spadai, which is at the heart of the city and is within walking distance to the historic center and then to the hill.
Markets & Neighborhoods
Next on this list of the best free things to do in Florence, we’ll cover a few charming markets and neighborhoods.
Sant’Ambrogio Market
Sant Ambrogio Market is a must-visit when one wants to get a taste of local life in Florence. This market is also known to be visited by the Florentines, unlike the more tourist-oriented Mercato Centrale where the locals buy fresh produce, meats, cheeses and breads. There is no charge in browsing and the colorful stands give a lot of opportunity of taking photographs and people watching. Within the covered section, there will be butchers and fishmongers and in the outside is the seasonal fruits and vegetables.
You can window shop all the time you want in the market even without purchasing anything, the experience will give you the impression of how Florence people ate and lived. It is the busiest during the mornings and early morning is the best to enjoy it. Hotel Regency, which is only a block away, is a boutique hotel in an elegant and classic Italian style.
Visit The Artisans In The Oltrarno Quarter
Oltrarno has always been the artistic centre of Florence, and the location of most of its workshops; of expert studios of leather and wood, of little galleries, and of an active cafe life. Start at Santo Spirito and stroll down to Via Maggio and Via dei Serragli to meet goldsmiths, bookbinders and old-fashioned bottegas working by hand. Oltrarno is not as polished as the north bank that is full of tourists. The piazzas are lively on Sundays through market and evening aperitivo culture and on daytime, it is best to browse the artisan shops.
Hotel Silla by the river is an easy way to travel to the streets of Oltrarno and the Boboli/Bardini gardens, and is where you can sleep, where the ateliers are.
Picnic and Stroll surrounding the Arno River
One of the most enjoyable free delights of Florence is to walk the Arno. The banks of the river provide long, level walks to stroll or bike on – buy bread, cheese and a bottle of wine in one of the local markets and grab a bench or a spot on the bank to do a picnic as the sun goes down illuminating the facades. Give yourself a quieter time on the south bank, with the more sedate beat of Oltrarno; or have a busier time on the north bank, with the Lungarno full of fine palazzi and cafes on the banks.
Practical hint: picnicking is easy in most of the public drinking fountains and in the little parks; items are procured in Sant’Ambrogio Market or in smaller delis around the Duomo. To literally be on the river, Hotel Lungarno is located on the south bank and to have a morning or evening along the Arno is painless (and you can read our review of the hotel here).
Quirky & Hidden Treasures
Last but not least, we’ll conclude this list of free things to do in Florence with a few quirky and hidden treasures. If you would like to find more you can check out our list of hidden gems in Florence and our list of the most unusual places to visit in Florence.
Graffiti (L’Importuno) of Spot Michelangelo
When you are fond of little, curious cursory glimpses of the past, try to find LImportuno (near Palazzo Vecchio)- profile of a man’s head carved on the façade of Palazzo Vecchio linked to the legendary Michelangelo.
The little etching, whether carved or not by the great master, is of the type of urban fine work that pays off slowly in wandering: and you will find it in an inconspicuous spot in the loggia to which people seldom enter. In order to locate the spot, one needs to go to the streets surrounding Piazza della Signoria, just take a moment and stand before the palace and you’ll be able to find it.
To bed down after your detective work, Relais Uffizi leaves you but steps away in the Palazzo Vecchio and the loggia in which this little secret is lodged.
Discover Hidden Baroque Frescoes on the ceiling — Oratorio degli Vanchetoni
The Oratorio degli Vanchetoni is a former oratory with a splendid cycle of baroque frescos on its ceiling, open to the general at rare hours (usually on Saturdays). Behind a small facade, the interior comes as a surprise with highly-painted panels and a heavy feeling of preserved devotional art. It’s an ideal visit when you want to see beautiful fresco art without visiting one of the large museums. The oratory is located in the vicinity of the Santa Maria Novella location, and it can be easily included with a visit to that basilica or the museum of Novecento.
Hint: refer to local listings to see the schedule of openings since it is only sometimes open; when the doors are open the place is blissfully empty. Hotel close by: Hotel Santa Maria Novella – you will just have to walk a short distance and can come back later in the same day in case the oratory has another session.
Pay a visit to Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Did you know that Florence is home to the world’s oldest pharmacy? The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (I know it’s a tongue twister) was founded by Dominican friars in the 13th century and has been running without interruptions for over 800 years. The building itself is a work of art, with ornate frescoes, marble floors, and intricate stucco decorations and you can even take a tour of the pharmacy’s historic rooms and gardens.
Do A Literary Tour Of Florence
The literary map that Florence is shown to be is surprisingly full: the plaques indicate the residence of Dostoevsky, when creating The Idiot, the house of Elizabeth Barrett Brownings is located in Piazza San Felice, and the graves of expatriate writers and artists are found in Cimitero degli Inglesi. One can wander along a literary walk on his own into the quieter streets, penetrating with the Arno and the Piazza Pitti, into the streets where the poets and the novelists had found their inspiration.
Exhibitions in relation to foreign writers who lived in Florence are common as in bookshops, reading cafes or tiny museums, and are also usually free. Hotel Lungarno, on the river, makes an easy starting point of literary pilgrimage, and brings within reach the addresses and commemorations of a handful of different writers who lived in Florence.
Visit The Porcellino Market And See The Wild Boar Fountain
A fun, free tradition the bronze wild boar (Il Porcellino) near the Mercato Nuovo consists of rubbing the nose of the statue in exchange for good luck (supposedly). The loggia with little leather stalls is open to all and it is one of the oldest covered markets of souvenirs and arts in Florence. The arcade itself is of the Renaissance; at present the place is swarmed with leather-merchants, silversmiths and vending-paper. It’s a vibrant place to visit when you are on a spending spree or you need to have that touristy shot.
Mercato Nuovo is within a few minutes of the Ponte Vecchio; it is the perfect complement to a walk at the Uffizi or Piazza della Signoria. To stay in the middle of this market activity a good place to look would be the Hotel L’Orologio, which is a luxury hotel in a convenient location with Piazza Santa Maria Novella in the middle and a quick walk away from Mercato Nuovo.
Florence Free Walking Tours
A free walking tour is one of the most effective methods to see Florence without having to spend a penny. These are daily held by various groups with diverse themes – Renaissance history and Medici politics to the little-known passages and the workshops of craftsmen in Oltrarno. The tours are techincally free, but it’s expected to pay a tip to your guide.
Tours typically take 2-3 hours and are centralized into places such as Piazza Santa Maria Novella or Piazza della Signoria. Not only can you discover some of the most interesting stories but you also will receive insider tips on food, perspectives, and unknown attractions. This is a great way of orienting yourself when you are first in the city.
Little known fact: most of the guides are history students and they make their stories seem more like theatre that makes the history of Florence come alive. To have an overnight stay in the city after your sightseeing, Hotel Spadai, located right behind the Duomo, is a modern place to stay in the core of the city.
How did you like this list of free things to do in Florence? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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