Cheap things to do in Florence
Great art, market food and local bars without spending much at all.
This itinerary runs on lampredotto, schiacciata sandwiches and espresso from places locals actually use. It covers three distinct quarters, keeps museum entry low, and leans hard on parks, piazzas and street food over sit-down spending. It suits anyone who wants the real weight of Florence without the bill that usually comes with it.
Day 1: San Lorenzo, market food and the David
Start with a cheap breakfast near the market, stand in front of Michelangelo's David, then eat lunch at a canteen that has been feeding Florentine workers for over a century.
- 9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Michelangelo's David and the raw unfinished Prisoners, profound and unmissable, just a short walk away.
Map - 12:30 PM
Da Nerbone
Market stall since 1872 inside Mercato Centrale; get the lampredotto sandwich bagnato and eat at the counter.
Map - 7:30 PM
SimBIOsi Organic Pizza and lovely food
Organic sourdough pizza on Via de' Ginori with natural wine by the glass, at a price that suits the trip.
Map
Day 2: Oltrarno, frescoes and the big garden
Cross the river for the frescoes that changed painting, a no-frills trattoria lunch, and a long afternoon in the Boboli Gardens.
- 9:30 AM
Melaleuca Firenze | Bakery Bistrot | Brunch & Specialty Coffee
Bakery bistro on the Lungarno; a coffee and a fresh bun here before the walk over to the Brancacci Chapel.
Map - 10:15 AM
Cappella Brancacci
Masaccio's frescoes that taught Michelangelo and Raphael how to paint, timed, capped, only 30 min and cheap.
Map - 12:30 PM
Trattoria Sabatino
Family trattoria just outside Porta San Frediano; daily handwritten menu, house wine by the carafe, a tiny bill.
Map - 2:30 PM
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Tickets are about 10 euros and worth it: terraces, grottoes and views back over the domes. Closed first and last Monday.
Map - 7:30 PM
LA BETTOLINA pizzicheria
Neighbourhood pizzicheria for a cheap, informal dinner, great local cold cuts, cheeses and simple plates.
Map
Day 3: Santa Croce, sculpture and sandwiches
Spend the day in Florence's most storied quarter: Giotto frescoes, Donatello bronzes, the city's best sandwich, and a generous local dinner to close it out.
- 9:30 AM
Vivoli
Local institution since 1930, order the affogato or a classic espresso at the historic wine window, cheap and brilliant.
Map - 10:15 AM
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Pantheon of Florence: Giotto frescoes, tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, and a grand piazza right on your doorstep.
Map - 12:30 PM
All’Antico Vinaio
Florence's most famous schiacciata sandwich shop, cheap, fast, stuffed with top-notch fillings, swear-by favourite.
Map - 2:00 PM
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Italy's great sculpture museum in a medieval palace: Donatello's bronze David and early Michelangelo. Closed Tuesdays.
Map - 7:30 PM
I' Girone De' Ghiotti
Beloved local sandwich spot doing generous, cheap Florentine classics, perfect no-fuss dinner.
Map
Where to stay
Casa G Firenze
A solid mid-range pick right by San Lorenzo, dead centre for all three days of the plan.
Hotel Milu
Well-priced, well-located between the Duomo and Santa Croce, close to the Day 3 action.
Make Florence your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Uffizi Gallery: weeks ahead
- Galleria dell'Accademia: weeks ahead
- Brunelleschi's Dome: weeks ahead
- Florence Baptistery: weeks ahead
- Giotto's Bell Tower: weeks ahead
- Museo dell'Opera del Duomo: weeks ahead
Skip these
- Restaurants on Piazza del Duomo, Via de' Calzaiuoli and the Ponte Vecchio ends with photo menus and touts serve the city's worst food at its highest prices.
- Much San Lorenzo leather market stock is imported and low grade at artisan prices; use the Scuola del Cuoio or Oltrarno workshops for real leather.
- Ponte Vecchio gold carries a tourist markup; admire and compare prices elsewhere before buying serious pieces.
- Bistecca is priced per 100g with minimum cuts around 1kg and always served rare; confirm weight and price per etto before ordering.
The full Florence travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around