Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is packed with art, history, and incredible food. It’s a dream destination, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Whether you’re looking to keep costs low or get the best value for a high-end experience, we’ve got you covered.
When to Visit Florence: Peak, Shoulder, and Off-Season
Florence is a year-round destination, but when you go can make a big difference to the trip.
Peak Season (June – August)
- Pros: The city is alive with energy, and all attractions, restaurants, and events are in full swing. You’ll experience warm, sunny days.
- Cons: Expect high prices on accommodation and long queues at major sights. The city can feel overcrowded, particularly around the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery.
- Best for: Those who don’t mind crowds and want guaranteed good weather.
Shoulder Season (March – May, September – October)
- Pros: Milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and better accommodation prices than in summer. You’ll also get to enjoy seasonal events like the Scoppio del Carro (Easter fireworks) or the Grape Harvest Festivals in Tuscany.
- Cons: Some attractions may have reduced hours, and there’s a small chance of rain in spring.
- Best for: Travelers looking for a balance between good weather and reasonable prices.
Off-Season (November – February)
- Pros: The lowest prices on accommodation and flights. Florence is quieter, making it easier to explore museums without the crowds. Winters are mild, with average temperatures around.
- Cons: Shorter days and occasional rain. Some restaurants and smaller attractions may close for the season.
- Best for: Budget travelers and those who prefer a more relaxed experience.
Florence Weather: What to Expect Each Season
Florence has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and comfortable spring and autumn months.
| Season | Average Highs | Average Lows | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 10-12°C (50-54°F) | 2-4°C (36-39°F) | Moderate |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 16-22°C (61-72°F) | 6-11°C (43-52°F) | Light to moderate |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 27-32°C (81-89°F) | 16-18°C (61-64°F) | Low |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 18-25°C (64-77°F) | 8-14°C (46-57°F) | Moderate |
Best time to visit? Late April to early June or mid-September to October offers the best mix of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and affordable prices.
Getting to Florence
Flights from the UK
- Direct flights: London to Florence (FLR) can be as low as £50-80 one-way if booked early.
- Alternative route: Pisa Airport (PSA) often has cheaper fares, with Ryanair and easyJet offering tickets from £25 one-way. A direct train from Pisa to Florence takes 50 minutes and costs €9.
- Booking tip: Set fare alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights to grab the best prices 2-3 months in advance.
Train Travel from Other Cities
- Rome to Florence: High-speed trains take 90 minutes, costing €19-30 if booked early.
- Milan to Florence: High-speed trains take 2 hours, with fares starting at €29.
Getting Around Without Wasting Money
- Walk as much as possible: Florence’s historic center is compact, so you won’t need transport most days.
- Public transport: A tram or bus ticket costs €1.50 for 90 minutes.
- Bike rental: Ridemovi bikes cost €0.50 per 30 minutes.
- City passes: The Firenze Card (€85) offers free access to 70+ museums and public transport for 72 hours—ideal for culture buffs.
- Taxis? Not worth it: They’re pricey. If needed, use the It Taxi app to avoid being overcharged.
Where to Stay Without Overpaying
Budget-Friendly Stays
- Ostello Bello Firenze: €30 per night, free breakfast, and a great social scene.
- Plus Florence: €35 per night, with a rooftop pool and solid amenities.
- Hotel Bodoni: €70 per night, centrally located, breakfast included.
Mid-Range Hotels That Feel Like an Upgrade
- B&B La Terrazza Sul Duomo: €110 per night, with unbeatable rooftop views.
Luxury Hotels That Are Worth It
- Portrait Firenze: €450 per night, impeccable service and stunning river views.
- Brunelleschi Hotel: €350 per night, a historic boutique stay for less than similar five-star hotels.
Where to Eat Without Blowing Your Budget
Florence is a city where food is an art form, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well. From local trattorias to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants that offer real value, here’s where to eat without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly Eats
- All’Antico Vinaio – Known for its legendary schiacciata (stuffed focaccia sandwiches), this spot is a must-visit for a filling and delicious meal under €7.
- Mercato Centrale – A vibrant food hall with stalls selling everything from handmade pasta to Tuscan meats, with meals ranging from €6-12.
- Trattoria Mario – A family-run restaurant serving authentic Tuscan dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina, with mains from €10.
- Gusta Pizza – One of Florence’s best-known pizza joints, offering Neapolitan-style pizzas starting at €6.
Mid-Range Restaurants That Offer Great Value
- Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori – Small but excellent, this place serves Tuscan specialties with mains from €15-25.
- Trattoria Cammillo – An old-school trattoria with a strong reputation for fresh pasta and Tuscan classics, with mains around €18-30.
- Trattoria ZaZa – A lively spot with a mix of locals and tourists, serving traditional dishes at reasonable prices (mains from €14).
Luxury Dining That’s Worth It
- Borgo San Jacopo – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative fine dining with a view of the Arno River. Tasting menus start at €90 per person, which is reasonable compared to similar Michelin-starred options in the region.
- Enoteca Pinchiorri – One of Italy’s most celebrated restaurants, offering a world-class dining experience. Pricey, but for those wanting a splurge-worthy meal, the three-Michelin-starred tasting menu starts at €250.
Must-See Attractions (and How to Save Money Seeing Them)
Florence is filled with world-famous landmarks, and while some come with a price tag, there are ways to see them without spending a fortune.
Florence Cathedral & Duomo
- Why it’s a must-see: This iconic landmark dominates the Florence skyline and is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
- How to save money: Entry to the cathedral is free, but climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome costs €30. To avoid long queues, book your tickets online in advance.
Uffizi Gallery
- Why it’s a must-see: Home to one of the world’s greatest Renaissance art collections, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
- How to save money: Free entry on the first Sunday of the month, but expect crowds. Booking in advance saves you from long queues, and discounts are available for EU students under 26.
Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David)
- Why it’s a must-see: Michelangelo’s David is one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
- How to save money: Entry costs €16, but it’s free on the first Sunday of the month. If you don’t want to pay, there’s a replica of David in Piazza della Signoria that you can admire for free.
Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace
- Why it’s a must-see: Once the private gardens of the Medici family, this vast green space features fountains, sculptures, and stunning views of Florence.
- How to save money: The €22 combo ticket covers both the palace and gardens. Discounts are available for students and EU citizens, and entry is free every first Sunday of the month.
Ponte Vecchio & Piazzale Michelangelo
- Why they’re must-sees: Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s most famous bridge, lined with historic goldsmith shops. Piazzale Michelangelo offers the best panoramic view of the city, especially at sunset.
- How to save money: Both are completely free to visit, making them perfect budget-friendly spots to explore in Florence.
Day Trips That Won’t Break the Bank
Florence is an excellent base for exploring the Tuscan countryside and nearby cities. Many day trips can be done on a budget, especially if you use public transport instead of guided tours.
Fiesole
- Why visit? A charming hilltop town just outside Florence, offering stunning views, Roman ruins, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the city crowds.
- How to get there? Take the ATAF Bus #7 from Piazza San Marco (€1.50 one way, 20 minutes).
- Budget tip: Skip paid museums and instead walk up to San Francesco Monastery for panoramic views for free.
Siena
- Why visit? A medieval city famous for the Piazza del Campo, its stunning cathedral, and the Palio horse race.
- How to get there? Regional trains run from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Siena in 1h 30m, costing around €9-12.
- Budget tip: Join a free walking tour (tips-based) departing from the Tourist Office near Piazza del Campo.
Pisa
- Why visit? The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, along with the impressive Duomo and Baptistery.
- How to get there? Direct trains take 50 minutes, with fares starting at €9.
- Budget tip: Enjoy the view of the Leaning Tower from Piazza dei Miracoli for free rather than paying €20+ to climb it.
Chianti Wine Region
- Why visit? The heart of Tuscany’s wine country, with rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and some of the best red wines in Italy.
- How to get there? Buses from Florence’s Autostazione to Greve in Chianti cost €5-6 each way (1-hour ride).
- Budget tip: Visit Fattoria di Montemaggio or Castello di Verrazzano, which offer free wine tastings if you book in advance.
San Gimignano
- Why visit? Known as the “Medieval Manhattan” for its impressive towers, San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque hill towns in Tuscany.
- How to get there? Take a regional train to Poggibonsi (€9, 1h), then a local bus to San Gimignano (€3, 20 minutes).
- Budget tip: Skip expensive restaurants and grab a slice of world-famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli for under €3.
Day trips from Florence don’t have to be expensive—with a little planning, you can experience some of Italy’s most beautiful destinations on a budget.
So Get Going!
Florence is spectacular, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With smart planning, you can enjoy its rich history, stunning art, and delicious food at great value. Whether you’re staying in a hostel or a five-star hotel, eating street food or Michelin-starred meals, there’s always a way to make it less expensive.
