Florence Things to Do

Visiting Italy isn’t cheap, so finding ways to save money without sacrificing on your experience are always welcome. Thankfully, in many cities – including Florence – some of the top attractions are also free, so you don’t have to worry about compromising anything. Here’s a selection of some of the free things to do in Florence.

Oh Florence, it’s impossible not to feel romantic amongst those beautiful stone buildings, and sensual artworks. This is a city made for love as all the (illegal) padlocks scrawled with lovers’ names on the Ponte Vecchio attest. Here are some suggestions of things to do to make your visit extra-special.

The historic center of Florence can become very crowded with tourists especially during summer when the narrow, stone streets become airless and dusty. Many choose to escape across the river to the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, but most of them fail to notice the intriguing district of Oltarno, which lies on the other side of the road from the Vasari Corridor and the Pitti.

The historic center of Florence is densely urban. Everything is built of stone, and it can be exhausting. You’ll be gasping for a breath of fresh air.

January 6th is an important day in Italy. It marks the end of the Christmas season with Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas, and the day the wise men came to present their frankincense, myrrh and gold to the baby Jesus. Traditionally it is marked by La Befana, an old woman who was asked directions by the three wise men, then invited to join them on their journey but who turned down the offer – although she later changed her mind then could not find the travelers. Or so the story goes.

Florence is honestly full of gorgeous historic palaces which amaze you with their glimpses into how people once lived – well, the wealthy people anyway. Palazzo Strozzi has the added attraction of being a modern arts center as well as an historic palace.