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.
