Florence is an absolutely fantastic Italian city that deserves the same time and attention that Rome and Venice warrant.
But such is the dilemma, especially when you’re on a budget: how do you experience Florence on a budget in a worthwhile way but still have the time—and more importantly, money—to make unforgettable memories across the other cities you’ll visit on your Italian adventure?
Don’t worry, we’ve been in the same salamoia. No matter if you’re spending a few frugal days in Florence or doing a day trip from Rome, here’s a worthy Florence travel guide that won’t break the bank.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sol de Zuasnabar Brebbia. Image Location: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy travel guide: what to know before you go (broke)
What is the Florence train station called?
It’s important to know how to read train station boards in Europe, especially in Italy where Florence is written as “Firenze” in Italian. Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is located 14-minutes away by foot from the Opera del Duomo Museum.
Does Florence have a metro system?
No, Florence does not have a metro system, but it does have a well-connected bus and tram system. Most of the city is walkable, especially if you’re arriving via train in the heart of the city at Santa Maria Novella.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Julian Elliott Photography. Image Location: Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
Does Florence have a museum pass?
Yes, museum hoppers can save by purchasing a Firenze Card. This card gives you 72 hours of access to multiple museums in Florence, including the Accademia Gallery, which hosts the statue of David, and the Uffizi Gallery. The pass duration begins the moment you use it in your first museum visit. The cost is around $90 and is worth it if you’re keen to hit as many of the more than 70 attractions included as possible.
Are there any free museums in Florence?
If you’re going to stick to a tight budget and only purchase tickets to the hallmark museums like the Duomo, Accademia, and Uffizi, then you’ll want to scope out free things to do in Florence. The Loggia dei Lanzi is a pseudo open-air museum with Renaissance sculptures. In the winter months, many popular museums have free entry on the first Sunday of the month, including Pitti Palace, Bargello and Accademia. Although on the outskirts of Florence, many Medici villas are now under UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, making Villa di Castello, Villa di Poggio a Caiano, and others free to visit.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy
Where is the statue of David located in Florence?
The original statue of David created by Michelangelo is located in the Accademia Gallery of Florence, which is located a half-mile away from the Santa Maria Novella train station.
Does it cost money to see the statue of David?
Yes, you’ll have to purchase a ticket to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.
Say cowabunga to Florence on a budget (with a TMNT twist)
So you’ve rolled into Florence on a budget that’s basically built for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? Then consider us your Master Splinter: here’s where to grab a slice of pizza and rest your half-shell on the cheap near the masterpieces of Italy’s four famous Renaissance artists.
Leonardo’s The Annunciation
The Annunciation was one of the earliest creations of Leonardo da Vinci, painted when he was only 20 years old. It’s considered a gem of the Uffizi Gallery; look closely and you’ll see hints of style reminiscent in his later painting, the Mona Lisa.
Where: Uffizi Gallery
Cost: ~$27
Cheap slices nearby: Pizza Napoli 1955
Cheap place to crash nearby: Hotel Hermitage
Donatello’s David
Yes, before Michelangelo stole the spotlight, Donatello created his own version of the iconic statue. Donatello’s statue of David was sculpted in bronze in the early Renaissance era.
Where: Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Cost: ~$11
Cheap slices nearby: Gustarium
Cheap place to crash nearby: Hotel Santa Croce
Michelangelo’s Pietà Bandini
Michelangelo has much more than his David statue showcased throughout Florence. Take, for example, the Pietà Bandini, also called The Deposition. The great artist started sculpting it at age 72 and worked for 8 years on it, making it his final creative project.
Where: Opera del Duomo Museum
Cost: ~$16
Cheap slices nearby: Mister Pizza
Cheap place to crash nearby: Hotel Medici
Raphael’s Madonna della Seggiola
Unlike his other Madonna paintings of the time, Raphael’s Madonna della Seggiola is one of his most humanistic representations of the Madonna. It’s considered one of the most significant Madonnas he created.
Where: Palatine Gallery at Pitti Palace
Cost: ~$18
Cheap slices nearby: Gustapizza
Cheap place to crash nearby: Il Pitti Soggiorno
Inspired?
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Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Julian Elliott Photography. Image Location: San Miniato al Monte, Florence, Italy