Florence is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations and inevitably expensive. If you avoid the crowded, sweaty summer months though, shop around for good value for money accommodation and make the most of the city’s cheap eateries and free sights, it needn’t be a trip that will leave you bankrupt.

First things first, find a decent place to rest your head: The main budget accommodation options in Florence are hostels, B&B’s and convents. There are plenty of these establishments in the historical centre of the city and west of the station and many of them include a continental breakfast in the price of the room which helps you to save a little money too. I stayed in a convent when I was in Florence and found it to be cheap, clean and conveniently located. The down side is that girls and boys have to sleep in different dorms and there is a strict curfew that must be respected. Florence is not exactly a major nightlife hot spot though so, for me at least, this wasn’t really an issue. Italians are notoriously noisy and you may want to find accommodation a little outside of the city centre or tucked away down a quiet side street if you are worried about getting disturbed by the flamboyant locals beyond midnight.

For cheap eats ask the locals or the people running your accommodation as no one knows the city like them and they may even have agreements with local restaurants whereby their guests receive discounts. You can always survive of pizza during the day which is sold by the slice or head to a local supermarket or street market for some bread, cheese and ham and make a makeshift picnic to get you through the day for next to nothing. Tuscan food is delicious though and you should try to have one good meal in a restaurant during your stay.

For free or cheap sights and entertainment, head to the Duomo, the Cathedral in Florence which is worth some time exploring even if you are not religious or an art history buff. The Boboli Gardens are very cheap to get into and make a wonderful place to spend a morning or afternoon if the sun is shining. If you are feeling lazy, you can always just sit at a cafe terrace with a delicious cup of Italian coffee and people watch; Florence is full of beautiful, glamorous people who look like they inspired the art that their city has become so famous for.

Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance Italy is everything a foreigner might imagine an Italian city to be, cultured, chaotic, beautiful and the ideal combination of modern chic and old fashioned charm. The capital of Tuscany is a must see destination on any discerning globe trotter’s itinerary; read on to find out why…..

The first thing that strikes you about Florence is its sheer grandeur and beauty; from the Duomo and Piazzale Michelangelo to the Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella Basilicas. Everywhere you look you will find evidence of the city’s architectural significance and its brief history as the capital of Italy in the 19th century. It is impossible not to feel inspired when roaming the streets of Florence and a guided walking tour will help you understand what you are seeing. Going it alone can be a little overwhelming and, unless you are an art history buff, you are likely to miss out on the details.
Major tourist attractions include the Accademia and Uffizi Gallery, home to many world famous paintings. Queues tend to be very, very long to get into these museums so you may want to consider booking accommodation near to the Uffizi Gallery so that you can get there bright and early. Alternatively you could book a guided tour which allows you to jump the queue. Either way, plan your visit to avoid disappointment.
It is a wonder the Florentines look so stunning and trim with all of that delicious Tuscan food on offer! If there is one thing you simply must do when in Florence, it’s try the local food and wine. You don’t have to splash out on flashy restaurants to experience good local cuisine, you can enjoy exquisite coffee in the morning (standing at the bar – it’s cheaper!), a delicious slice of pizza for lunch and a sit down meal in a family-run “tratorria” in the evening for next to nothing. If you are really strapped for cash, book budget accommodation in Florence, preferably with a self-catering option and take advantage of the wonderful local markets such as the San Lorenzo Central Market where you can buy mouth-watering fresh produce and try your hand at a bit of traditional Italian cooking.
And if you have seen Florence and have time left over, head out to the neighbouring towns of Sienna or Pisa for some medieval sights or use Florence as a base from which to explore the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. You will be surprised how close those lush rolling green hills and vineyards really are.
Florence, the jewel in the crown of Renaissance Italy!