Florence has a thriving cultural scene because of its fascinating history, captivating art, and stunning architecture. The city’s importance in shaping Western art and culture is indisputable, given its status as the cradle of the Renaissance.
This beautiful Tuscan city is undoubtedly a great destination for a weekend getaway. However, the cost of a visit to Florence can add up quickly. Luckily, there are a bunch of free things to do while you’re in the city. There are simply too many breathtaking sights, magnificent buildings, and vistas in this city that you shouldn’t miss.
Let this article help you with the best free things to do in Florence, Italy.
17 Best Free Things To Do in Florence, Italy
Listed below are 17 of the best things you can do in Florence, Italy.
1. Go window shopping at Florence’s flea markets
Florence is home to some of the world’s finest flea markets. Throughout the city, you’ll find vintage markets selling everything from antiques to vintage Italian designer clothing.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to a specific market on a particular weekend; there are markets happening every day. Looking won’t cost you anything, but shopping does!
2. Take a stroll through Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, where Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral stands, is one of the best free attractions in Florence. The Duomo and the Opera Museum call this plaza home, along with a wide variety of charming little cafes.
Some of the sights here require an admission fee, but the Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are free to all.
3. Rub the boar’s nose!
Rubbing the nose of the wild boar statue il Porcellino (“the piglet”) in Mercato Nuovo, one of the best free places to visit in Florence, is said to bring good luck, much like tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
Don’t just stop at the statue; explore the rest of this market for gifts and mementos if you have some pocket money to spare.
4. Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
Watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo has to be the most breathtaking of all the free things to do in Florence.
The city unfolds before you, its red terracotta roofs, the winding Arno River, and the imposing Duomo all in full view. The glory of it all!
If you want to see it at sunset, you should get there a little earlier. It’s the perfect cap for a day of adventure.
5. Indulge in the historical corners of Piazza della Signoria
One of Florence’s most significant plazas is the Piazza della Signoria. It’s a perfect place to relax and watch the world go by while enjoying delicious gelato.
Piazza della Signoria is like a free, open-air museum thanks to the statues found in the Loggia dei Lanzi, along the front of Palazzo Vecchio, and throughout the square by artists such as Michelangelo, Cellini, Ammannati, Bandinelli, and Giambologna,
6. Cross the Ponte Vecchio
From one of Italy’s most historic bridges, take in views of the glistening Arno River below. Take a stroll down this popular shopping district and enjoy the sunset while doing so.
Take a stroll across the bridges that are parallel to the Ponte Vecchio (St. Trinity Bridge and Ponte alle Grazie) for some breathtaking vistas. Watch the sun set behind the Ponte Vecchio as you snap some stunning photos from one of the city’s less famous bridges.
6. Attend free cultural events
Photo by MenkinAlRire via Wikimedia Commons
The nightly cultural events hosted in the greenhouse at the Strozzi Palace are appealing attractions because they are usually free to the public.
There is a wide range of musical, theatrical, dance, and culinary events scheduled each month. So, plan ahead to ensure a smooth trip. You should definitely check them out if you happen to be in the city proper.
7. Check out the street art
Save your euros and explore Florence’s outdoor museums for free. There is beautiful street art to admire that showcases talents and art. Some of the most well-known names in street art are Gec Art, Clet, and Exit/Enter.
Click here ro read about the best free museums in Italy.
8. Be captivated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is stunning from every angle. In any case, don’t be a bystander. Step inside the cathedral and feel your jaw drop at the sight of its immense size and intricate design.
9. Breathe fresh air at Bardini Garden
Most tourists to Florence miss out on seeing the hidden gem that is Bardini Garden. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of Florence and offers breathtaking panoramas of the city.
The gardens are open to the public for free on the first Sunday of every month, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
10. Step back in time at San Maniato al Monte
One of the most beautiful churches in Italy is the San Maniato al Monte.
Admire the breathtaking Romanesque architecture of this church perched on a hill above Piazzale Michelangelo. Marvel at the scenery and peek inside a real-life monastery.
11. Wander at the Medici Villas
In 2013, UNESCO added twelve Medici villas and two gardens to its list of World Heritage Sites. The majority of these villas are located on Florence’s outskirts, and it costs nothing to tour any of them
Stop by and take in their splendor and tranquility on your way through Florence and Tuscany, just as the Medici would have done in their day.
12. Admire The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci was inspired by the legacy of past greats in Florence long before he painted his famous Last Supper in Milan. Some of the best Last Suppers are open to the public without charging a fee.
These include the ones in Convitto della Calza, San Salvi, Ognissanti, and Sant’ Apollonia.
13. Have a picnic in the park
Stroll around this historical and monumental Parco delle Cascine in the heart of Florence. What better place for a picnic than this 160-hectare paradise next to the Arno River? It would be nice to go sightseeing on a bike afterward.
14. Explore the aromatic wonderland of perfume
The perfume shop Officina Profumo dates back to the 14th century and is conveniently located near the church of Santa Maria Novella. Since its founding by monks in the 1300s, this place has been a treasure for the surrounding community.
Feel free to explore the charming old shop, admire the stunning frescoes, and indulge your senses in this delightful perfume haven.
Also check out these posts:
- 15 Best Italian Perfumes That Smell Like Italy
- 11 Best Italian Designer Perfume Brands
- 10 Best Gucci Perfumes for Women
- 9 Best Gucci Perfumes for Men
15. Reminisce about your university days
Explore the magnificent campuses of the University of Florence and Florence University of the Arts for a glimpse at the city’s illustrious academic landscape.
Also check out Italy’s top universities for international students.
16. Check out the haven for bookworms
The Oblate Library welcomes visitors without charge, and even if books aren’t your thing, there are still interesting things to see there. The building’s impressive cloister leads into reading rooms stocked with books on regional history.
The second floor houses the library’s more contemporary holdings, with reading rooms that boast computers and other forms of multimedia technology. The rooftop features a lovely outdoor study with a view of the Duomo.
17. Simply fall in love with Florence’s Rose Garden
Giardino delle Rose is located not far from Piazzale Michelangelo, on the slope of the hill, which provides a panoramic view of Florence.
The garden is lovely all year long, but it truly comes into its own in May when the roses are in full bloom, and you can take in breathtaking views of the city.
Modern art installations are on display, and guests can view them at no cost.