Florence on a Budget: Food and Culture Galore

Discover Florence's Renaissance magic without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

With a little bit of research and some careful budgeting, a trip to Florence, Italy can be enjoyed even on a limited budget. Take advantage of free sights such as the Piazza del Duomo and walk through the city's beautiful parks and gardens. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine without breaking the bank by eating at local trattorias and skipping the pricier, touristy restaurants.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Foodie Adventures

  • Stay at Hotel Bodoni, a charming three-star hotel with a rooftop terrace and free breakfast.
  • Visit Mercato Centrale, a bustling indoor market with local delicacies such as truffle pasta and gelato.
  • Indulge in a panino con lampredotto (tripe sandwich) at Da Nerbone, a legendary Florentine sandwich spot.
  • Discover authentic Tuscan cuisine at Trattoria Mario, a no-frills restaurant famous for its ribollita soup and bistecca alla fiorentina.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth at Gelateria dei Neri, where you'll find artisanal gelato flavors like ricotta with caramelized figs.
  • Experience the aperitivo culture at Le Volpi e L'Uva, a wine bar with a cozy atmosphere and gourmet nibbles.
Day 2

Cultural Gems

  • Check out of Hotel Bodoni and spend the day exploring Florence's artistic and architectural treasures.
  • Marvel at Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, and admire other masterpieces by Botticelli and Caravaggio.
  • Walk along the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops and panoramic views of the Arno river.
  • Visit the Uffizi Gallery, home to the greatest collection of Renaissance art in the world, including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.
  • Stroll through the Boboli Gardens, a sprawling park with fountains, sculptures, and hidden grottoes.
  • See the Duomo, Florence's iconic cathedral with a massive dome designed by Brunelleschi, and climb to the top for a bird's-eye view of the city.
  • Bon voyage, and don't forget to toss a coin in the Fontana del Porcellino for good luck!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Florence by plane is to fly into Florence Airport, also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, which is located approximately 4 kilometers from the city center.

Car

The best way to get to Florence by car is to rent a car from major Italian cities like Rome or Milan and drive to Florence. The journey takes approximately 3 hours from Rome and 4 hours from Milan, and you can park your car in one of the many car parks located in the city center.

Train

The best way to get to Florence by train is to take a high-speed train from major Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, or Naples to Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella.

Boat

The best way to get to Florence by boat is to take a cruise ship that stops at the port of Livorno, located approximately 80 kilometers west of Florence. From there, you can take a train or a bus to Florence.

Bus

The best way to get to Florence by bus is to take a Flixbus or Eurolines bus from major European cities like Paris or Barcelona, which arrives at Florence's central bus station, SITA Bus Station.

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