When I studied in Florence, I was constantly on the lookout for excursions that were inexpensive, or better yet, free, so that I could stretch my savings as far as possible and still have a fabulous experience abroad. This led to a variety of discoveries and experiences, including getting locked in the Basilica di Santa Croce after hours (read more below!). After four months of thorough research, here is my list of nine completely free (and completely awesome) spots to visit in Florence.
1. Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
If you are a fragrance lover, then the farmacia at Santa Maria Novella is an absolute must. Their history dates back nearly eight centuries, beginning with the Dominican friars at the adjacent convent of Santa Maria Novella. Since then, this pharmacy/perfumery has become an icon for its scents and cosmetics.
Even if you are not in the market for a new perfume or cologne, I highly recommend visiting to experience the ornate showrooms, complete with frescoed ceilings, chandeliers, gilded cabinetry, and marble floors. And even the entry hall is perfectly Instagrammble, decked out with a jungle of multicolored florals suspended from the ceiling.
2. Basilica San Miniato al Monte
Although one of the lesser-known churches in Florence, San Miniato al Monte is in my opinion the most beautiful of the city. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking Florence, the views inside and outside are equally spectacular, and in an excellent location if you are looking to catch a sunset.
The church features impressive marble details, frescoes, and mosaics, and houses the remains of San Miniato (Saint Minias) in a crypt below the altar. To me, this experience is far better than spending hours waiting in line to see the inside of the Duomo, which is also free, but in my opinion, completely underwhelming. Instead of waiting in line for ages, use that time for a short hike up the Tuscan hillside to visit San Miniato.
3. Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is probably the most famous scenic overlook in Florence, and for good reason, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the city. Come sunset and the piazza is packed with tourists and college students alike watching the golden rays fade to orange and purple sky over a sea of terracotta rooves.
Take a seat on the expansive steps and watch a street musician perform or a dance battle take place, the entertainment du-jour is highly variable. Or if you fancy an aperitif, the lower deck is converted into a full-service cocktail bar for the summer months, Vip’s Bar.
4. Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
Located just below Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden offers a verdant oasis with stunning views of Florence. I recommend visiting in the summer months when the rose bushes are in full bloom, but the park offers a welcome respite from the noise and bustle of the city during any season. My roommates and I would come here to lounge in the grass on sunny afternoons and take in the exceptional view of the Duomo.
5. Florentine Markets
If you are looking for an authentic Italian shopping experience, I highly recommend visiting one of the many open-air markets in Florence. I love market shopping so much that I’ve dedicated an entire post to Florentine markets (which you can read here), and there’s something for everyone. From new and used clothes to antiques to artisan products and food, the markets have it all. Best of all, the prices are often affordable.
6. I Mosaici di Lastrucci (Lastrucci Mosaic)
Calling all art lovers, Lastrucci is unbeatable. Just a few minutes walk from the Basilica di Santa Croce, this artistic studio and gallery will give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creation of the famed Florentine mosaics.
When I visited, one of the artisans kindly gave us a tour, showing us the different stones used, how they saw and cut the hard stones to create each mosaic piece, and how the pieces are put together like a puzzle. We were then allowed to browse the back showroom decorated with a plethora of jaw-droppingly spectacular completed mosaics.
7. Biblioteca delle Oblate (Oblate Library)
The Oblate Library is a stone’s throw from the Duomo and offers spectacular views of the cupola from its outdoor decks. This is also a great location for studying if you’re a university student, or a just tranquil environment to relax and curl up with a good book if you’re looking for a respite from the noise and bustle of the city.
8. Enjoy a cappuccino at Cafe Teatro Niccolini
I must preface this one by saying it’s not completely free, but it will only set you back by €1.50. Of all the cafes I visited in Florence, the cafe at Teatro Niccolini serves the most beautiful cappuccinos I have ever seen.
The handsome barista Andrea is a true artist with milk foam, creating masterpieces from swirling chocolate suns to miniature replicas of the Duomo decorated with a dash of espresso and raspberry sauce. His cappuccino art is a treat that cannot be missed!
9. Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School)
Located on the backside of the Basilica di Santa Croce and just down the street from Lastrucci Mosaic, the Scuola del Cuoio is a family-owned operation that allows its visitors and patrons to witness the art of handcrafted leather goods. Browse the gorgeous selection of leather jackets, wallets, handbags, and belts, or watch one of the artisans at work; several workstations are positioned along the long display corridor to allow visitors to observe the masters in action.
The Leather School has a direct entrance into the Basilica di Santa Croce, which mistakenly was left open the evening my roommates and I went to visit, resulting in quite a scare when we foolishly wandered into the empty church and heard the door swing shut minutes later. To our dismay, we realized Santa Croce was closed and all the entrances and exits were locked. Thankfully, a security guard rescued us from our impending ecclesiastical sleepover and released us back into the piazza.