It is possible to spend up to a hundred of dollars in a luxury hotel room or villas in Florence Italy then move around in a diesel vehicle that uses fuel worth €1.75 per litre. If you can afford to eat a four-course meal which you will wash down with a bottle of wine costing €50 and up, go for it. It is worth every penny!
Popular for its medieval feel, the city of Florence is the capital of Tuscany. Visitors are free to roam around Florence as much as they want. It is home to some of the world’s oldest institutions, including the Accademia – the world’s oldest school of art where the original Michelangelo’s David stands. A visit to the archeological museum will paint a picture of how life in Florence was before the Renaissance. Exhibits on display here include collections from ancient Rome, Egypt and Greece. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the footsteps of science? Visit the science museum and learn about the first telescopes which Galileo Galilei invented, as well as the first calculator ever made.
Where to stay
Whether you decide to stay in the city centre or in the nearby countryside, there are many types of accommodations in Florence from which to choose from.
Villas offer an unforgettable luxury experience. To get a wide variety, talk to Tuscany Now & More, the world’s second best provider of rental villa services as voted in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. When you make a villa booking with Tuscany Now & More, you automatically earn the service of their award-winning concierge team. The service is executed with such high levels of friendliness and experience regardless of how large or small your expense is. We do have one suggestion: make sure you book your accommodation early to benefit discounts and offers. You can be sure to pay a fixed price because the cost of the villa rental is not subject to price fluctuations.
Treasures around Florence
Many of the attractions that draw visitors to Florence can be enjoyed without spending a dime. There is no better way to experience Florence if not by simply walking the city. When visiting the city make sure to stop by the following attractions:
Duomo, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Both the interior and exterior of this cathedral is a sight like no other. You will be particularly impressed by its size, but more so about the unique structure of the cupola (dome). The architecture is quite unique as the structure surrounds the area where a smaller cathedral once stood. The inspiration for the current structure was the growing number of people who needed to be accommodated. You will at first get the time reading wrong until you learn that time in those days began at sunset.
The Outdoor Markets
The Italian way of life is characterised by the many outdoor markets selling local produce. This daily routine is a run most Florentines make to buy their everyday groceries of fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, and even antiques. If you’re interested in soaking in the charm of the locals, visit any of the local markets in the morning. There is no need to spend: simply observe.
Piazza della Signoria and Loggia dei Lanzi
This is one of the cities most important squares and inarguably one of the most beautiful. You can spend your whole day here simply watching people – provided you have a gelato in your hand. The statues present within the Loggia dei Lanzi and Piazza della Signoria, do a great job of transforming this square into an open air museum. Works by renowned artists such as Giambologna, Michelangelo, Bandinelli, Cellini and Ammannati can be found here (and completely free of charge).
Oblate Library Terrace
You can find this terrace on the top floor of a public library located behind the Duomo. It offers a great view of the city that visitors can indulge in as they enjoy lunch or an aperitivo.
The Rose Garden and Piazzale Michelangelo
If you are interested in exploring the greener side to Florence, then the Rose Garden is the perfect spot. The Rose Garden sits beneath Piazzale Michelangelo – the most renowned panoramic spot in all of Florence. This beautiful spot is easy on your pocket and since it is visited by small crowds, the experience is somewhat intimate.
San Miniato al Monte and its Cemetery
As one of the most beautiful churches in Florence, San Miniato al Monte should be on everyone’s to-do list. The Romanesque church, stands above Piazzale Michelangelo, and has a unique view of Florence. The facade of the church is breath-taking. However we also recommend paying a visit inside. If you happen to visit during mass, you might catch the monks chanting. There is also a small shop nearby, where souvenirs made by the monks are sold.
Walking into a Tuscan cemetery may not be on your to-do list, but we always recommend the experience. The cemetery of San Miniato al Monte, Porte Sante, is unlike other burial site in Italy, with panoramic views on one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
The Medici Villas
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, the 12 Medici villas in Florence are open to the public for free. Not only do these villas epitomise beauty, but they also offer as space of tranquility away from hectic city life.
Despite Florence being one of the world’s most beautiful and visited cities, there are evidently many activities to enjoy which do not require a high budget.
