Travel Tips for Visiting Florence: Save Money & Time

The Eternal City’s waiting for you! And our tips for visiting Rome are sure to make your trip one to remember – without breaking the bank.

February 28, 2025

Lauren Stuttaford

Travel

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city of timeless beauty, art, and history. From Michelangelo’s David to the Duomo’s breathtaking skyline, every street feels like a museum.

But while Florence is a dream destination, it can also be expensive and crowded, especially during peak seasons. To make the most of your trip while saving money and time, here’s everything you need to know.

Getting to Florence

Florence’s main airport, Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), is small but well-connected. The nearest major airport is Pisa International Airport (PSA), which offers more budget flight options.

From Florence Airport (FLR): Take the T2 Tram from the airport to Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station in 15 minutes for €1.50.

From Pisa Airport (PSA): The PisaMover shuttle takes you to Pisa Centrale train station, where you can catch a direct train to Florence (about 50 minutes, €9).

From Rome or Milan: Italy’s high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains connect Florence to major cities in under 2 hours.

Our tip: If you’re arriving from Pisa Airport, book your train ticket in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.

Getting Around Florence

Florence is a walker’s paradise, and many of its main attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other. However, for longer distances:

Buses & Trams: The ATAF public bus system costs €1.50 per ride (cheaper if you buy tickets in advance).
Bike Rentals: Florence is bike-friendly, and rentals cost around €10 per day.
Taxis & Uber: Uber doesn’t operate traditional rides in Florence, and taxis can be expensive.

Our tip: Skip taxis — walking is the best way to see Florence, and public transport is only useful for trips outside the city center.

Where to Eat Without Overspending

Florence is a food lover’s paradise, but tourist traps abound. To enjoy authentic Florentine cuisine without overpaying:

Try Street Food: A lampredotto sandwich (a local specialty) or schiacciata (stuffed focaccia) from All’Antico Vinaio costs under €7 and is a must-try.
Look for Trattorias, Not Restaurants: Family-run trattorias offer traditional meals at lower prices than touristy restaurants.
Eat in Oltrarno: This less-touristy district has better food at lower prices compared to restaurants near the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio.

Our tip: Many restaurants charge a coperto (cover charge) of €2-€4 per person—avoid places with hidden fees by checking the menu first.

Where to Stay in Florence Affordably

Florence can be expensive, especially in the historic center, but there are budget-friendly alternatives:

Stay in Oltrarno or San Lorenzo: These neighborhoods are cheaper than the Duomo area but still central.
Consider Hostels & Guesthouses: Florence has excellent boutique hostels with private rooms for budget travelers.
Book Early: Prices spike during peak season, so reserve accommodations at least 3 months in advance.

Our tip: If you want a central location without the price tag, stay near Santa Maria Novella station — hotels here are more affordable than those near the Duomo.

The Best Time to Visit Florence

Florence is beautiful year-round, but your experience will depend on when you visit:

Spring (April-May): Ideal weather and fewer crowds before peak season.
Summer (June-August): Very hot and crowded, with long lines at attractions.
Fall (September-October): Warm weather, fewer tourists, and great deals on hotels.
Winter (November-March): Fewer crowds and lower prices, but some attractions have reduced hours.

Our tip: Visit in late September or early October for the perfect mix of good weather, smaller crowds, and lower costs.

Nightlife & Entertainment on a Budget

Florence isn’t known for wild nightlife like Rome or Milan, but it has a vibrant evening scene with cozy bars, lively piazzas, and a student-friendly vibe.

Piazza Santo Spirito: A hotspot for locals and budget-friendly drinks. Bars like Volume offer a laid-back atmosphere with affordable cocktails.
Live Music & Jazz Bars: La Ménagère and Jazz Club Firenze host live music nights for a small entry fee or just the cost of a drink.
Aperitivo Culture: Many bars offer an aperitivo (happy hour with free snacks) between 6-8 PM. Some, like Kitsch Deux, offer a full buffet for the price of one drink (€8-€12).
Night Views at Piazzale Michelangelo: Skip the bars and grab a bottle of wine from a local shop. Enjoy a stunning nighttime view of Florence for free.

Our tip: If you’re looking for affordable nightlife, stick to student areas like Santa Croce or Santo Spirito, where drinks and entry fees are cheaper.

Free & Affordable Things to Do

Florence is an open-air museum, and many experiences don’t cost a thing:

Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo: The best panoramic view of Florence—totally free.
Visit Churches Instead of Museums: While the Uffizi and Accademia charge entry fees, churches like Santa Croce and San Miniato al Monte offer stunning art and architecture for free.
Enjoy the Markets: Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo Market are great for browsing local goods and grabbing an affordable meal.
Free First Sundays: Many museums in Florence offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month.

Our tip: If you plan to visit multiple museums, get the Firenze Card (€85 for 72 hours) to skip lines and save money.

Packing Tips for Florence

Florence’s cobblestone streets and unpredictable weather mean smart packing is essential:

Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll walk a lot, and heels are not practical.
A light scarf or shawl – Many churches require shoulders and knees to be covered.
A reusable water bottle – Florence has free drinking fountains throughout the city.
Layers & a small umbrella – Spring and fall can bring sudden rain showers.

Our tip: Avoid buying bottled water— Florence’s tap water is safe to drink, and fountains are available all over the city.

Staying Safe & Healthy

Florence is safe for travelers, but keep these tips in mind:

Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo.
Avoid overpriced taxis—always use official taxi stands and confirm the fare beforehand.
Stay hydrated—summer temperatures can reach over 35°C (95°F).

For medical emergencies, pharmacies (marked with a green cross) provide basic care.

Our tip: Download the Air Doctor app to find English-speaking doctors in Florence if you need medical assistance.