17 no-cost activities to explore in Florence

Don’t let the lavish Renaissance palaces, sparkling gold jewelry from Ponte Vecchio, and luxury brands on Via Tornabuoni fool you – Florence can be enjoyed on a budget.

The art-laden capital of Tuscany is rich in historical treasures, yet, contrary to your wallet’s concerns, there are plenty of experiences available at no cost.

From wandering through Renaissance architecture to discovering stunning viewpoints for a bird’s-eye view of Brunelleschi’s Duomo, there are numerous chances to challenge the saying 'you get what you pay for.' Moreover, many free activities in Florence are often overlooked by short-term tourists who flock to the main attractions.

Here are some of the treasures in Florence that won't cost you anything.

1. Visit the Duomo

As one of Florence’s most famous landmarks, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly referred to as the Duomo, can be entered without a ticket, at least partially. Join the queue in Piazza del Duomo to access the cathedral’s simply adorned main nave through its 19th-century neo-Gothic entrance.

Accessing the cathedral without a ticket only allows you to explore the ground level. To ascend the dome and get an up-close view of Giudizio Universale, the fresco by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, you’ll need to purchase one of the three passes available from the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore’s official website.

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2. Stand beneath Giotto’s Crocifisso di Ognissanti

The medieval artist Giotto is arguably the most prominent figure in Florentine pre-Renaissance art. While most Gothic pieces can be found in the Galleria degli Uffizi, the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the Basilica di Santa Croce (all requiring tickets), you can admire one of Giotto’s gilded crucifixes for free at the Chiesa di Ognissanti.

Thought to have been created around 1315, the Crocifisso di Ognissanti measures over 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) tall and is located in the left wing of the church, near the altar. The Chiesa di Ognissanti also features Sandro Botticelli's painting Sant'Agostino nello Studio (St Augustine in His Study), where Botticelli chose to be buried close to his muse, Simonetta Vespucci.

3. Ascend the Rampe del Poggi to Piazzale Michelangelo

Providing one of the most breathtaking views of the city, the open terrace known as Piazzale Michelangelo was created during Florence’s redevelopment in the late 19th century, shortly after the unification of Italy. The project was overseen by architect Giuseppe Poggi, who designed a series of grand ramps embellished with grottoes and waterfalls leading from the San Niccolò neighborhood to Piazzale Michelangelo.

The uphill stroll begins near Porta San Niccolò, one of the few surviving medieval structures in this area of the city. Most of the other ancient buildings were torn down in an effort to modernize Florence during the short time (1865–1871) it served as the capital of Italy.

4. Discover the “other” Davids

Upon arriving at Piazzale Michelangelo, you’ll notice a familiar sight. After completing his design, Poggi chose to install a life-sized replica of Michelangelo’s David in the center of the square. Legend has it that transporting the bronze statue to the piazzale in 1873 required 18 oxen, placing it as the crowning touch of a monumental masterpiece.

The David at Piazzale Michelangelo is not the only replica of this Renaissance icon (the original is found in the Galleria dell’Accademia). Another copy can be seen in Piazza della Signoria, directly in front of the Palazzo Vecchio entrance.

8. Examine the sculptures at the Loggia dei Lanzi

An open-air museum in every sense, the Loggia dei Lanzi is the terrace that opens onto Piazza della Signoria, once used for public assemblies, speeches, and ceremonies by the Florentine government before the citizens gathered in the square. Today, the loggia features a remarkable collection of Roman and Renaissance sculptures.

Among the notable works displayed are Giambologna’s Ratto delle Sabine (Rape of the Sabine Women), created in 1583, and the bronze statue of Perseo by Benvenuto Cellini, which has adorned the loggia since the mid-16th century.

5. Discover Michelangelo’s graffiti

A carved figure on the front wall of Palazzo Vecchio has intrigued observers for decades, if not longer. Slightly obscured near the entrance, the line drawing known as L’Importuno is believed to have been made by Michelangelo himself, though definitive proof of the artist's identity behind this infamous act of vandalism is absent.

Numerous folk tales attempt to explain the origins of the etching. The most popular narrative suggests that while Michelangelo listened to public speeches in this corner of Piazza della Signoria, he was often disturbed by an anonymous man. Frustrated by the man's incessant chatter, Michelangelo once carved a portrait of him with his hands positioned behind his back.

6. Spot Clet’s modified street signs

Speaking of street art, you might notice some of Florence’s traffic signs have been creatively altered. Look up and you’ll see one-way signs transformed into Cupid's arrows or no-entry signs reimagined as guillotines. The artist responsible for these imaginative modifications is Clet, who has been reshaping Florence's urban environment for the last twenty years by adding his ironic touch to the city's fixtures. You can also visit Clet’s studio in the San Niccolò area to see where the artist creates his work.

7. Discover more about Florentine street art

Clet isn't the only street artist making waves in Florence. As you stroll through the city's narrow streets, keep an eye out for pieces by artists like Blub, Exit/Enter, Ache 77, and many others who have brought vibrant colors to both old and new buildings.

The ideal spot to delve deeper into the local street art scene is Street Levels Gallery, Florence’s first gallery fully dedicated to urban art. Head to the art space on Via Palazzuolo to explore exhibitions featuring movable works by some of Italy’s most innovative street artists.

9. Appreciate Andrea del Sarto’s monochrome frescoes at Chiostro dello Scalzo

Located in the former headquarters of the Compagnia dei Disciplinati di San Giovanni Battista, a 14th-century religious group, is the cloister known as Chiostro dello Scalzo. Here, Renaissance artist Andrea del Sarto created one of the most remarkable cycles of monochrome paintings between 1509 and 1526. The murals, which adorn most of the cloister’s walls, depict the life of John the Baptist, Florence’s patron saint, through ten scenes from his birth to his adult ministry.

Planning tip: The Chiostro dello Scalzo is free to enter, but it is open only from 8:15 am to 1:45 pm, Monday to Saturday.

10. Walk Across Ponte Vecchio

Constructed in 1345, Florence’s Ponte Vecchio is one of the city’s stunning architectural highlights. Remarkably, it is the only bridge in Florence to have survived the Nazi bombing in 1944. The Ponte Vecchio features 48 shops set atop its three stone arches.

During the Middle Ages, these irregular shops housed butchers and fishmongers. However, in 1593, Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici, disturbed by the unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions, expelled all businesses related to “vile arts.” From that point on, only goldsmiths and jewelers were permitted to operate on the bridge.

Today, the bridge is lined with upscale boutiques displaying exquisite watches and diamonds. For breathtaking views of Ponte Vecchio at sunset, head to the adjacent Ponte Santa Trinità and watch as the last rays of sunlight bathe the bridge in a warm red glow.

Planning tip: Ponte Vecchio can get very crowded during the day. Consider visiting in the evening to enjoy live music from local street performer Claudio Spadi, who plays his guitar near the bust of Benvenuto Cellini.

11. Try to Count the Uncountable Bees Behind Ferdinando I

Visit Piazza Santissima Annunziata to see the equestrian statue of Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici prominently placed in the square, nestled between the baroque Chiesa di Santissima Annunziata and the Museo degli Innocenti. Take a moment to walk around the monument and discover the swarm of bees embossed on its pedestal.

Legend has it that these bees, emblematic of power in 16th-century Florence, are nearly impossible to count from afar. However, stepping back and embracing the challenge is said to bring good fortune to those who succeed.

12. Appreciate Andrea del Castagno’s Last Supper

The Benedictine Monastery of St Apollonia, established in 1339, was once the largest women’s monastery in Florence. Open to the public, the Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia features an impressive Renaissance masterpiece, the Ultima Cena (Last Supper), painted by Andrea del Castagno in 1447. This striking fresco spans nearly 10 meters (33 feet) across the wall, surrounded by fading biblical scenes that enhance the monastery's allure.

13. Explore one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies

The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Europe, with historical records dating back to 1221. Dominican monks from the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria Novella began crafting ointments from herbs cultivated in the church’s cloister during the Middle Ages, laying the groundwork for the pharmacy that opened its doors to the public in 1612.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica shifted its focus to perfumes and fragrances, serving affluent Florentines and a stream of foreign Grand Tourists visiting from northern Europe. Enter through the floral-adorned entrance on Via della Scala to wander through the fragrant rooms filled with walnut cabinets showcasing hundreds of bottles.

14. Embark on a literary journey through Florence

Did you know that Fyodor Dostoevsky penned much of his novel The Idiot while residing in Florence? A plaque in Piazza Pitti indicates the residence where the Russian author lived, just a short walk from the homes of other renowned literary figures.

For instance, English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning resided in Piazza San Felice, while Beatrice Shakespeare and Edward Claude Shakespeare Clench, the last descendants of William Shakespeare, are interred in the historic Cimitero degli Inglesi.

15. Marvel at concealed baroque ceiling frescoes

Once serving as the headquarters for the Vanchetoni Congregation, a Franciscan brotherhood established in the late 16th century and led by Ippolito Galantini, the now-abandoned Oratorio dei Vanchetoni boasts a stunning ceiling adorned with 13 frescoes. These masterpieces were created around 1640 by artists including Domenico Pugliani, Il Volterrano, and Lorenzo Lippi.

Planning tip: The Oratorio dei Vanchetoni, one of the hidden gems of Santa Maria Novella, welcomes visitors on Saturdays from 3pm to 5pm.

16. Wander through the markets

The bustling streets of the San Lorenzo district, home to the historic leather market and the covered Mercato Centrale, are among the busiest in Florence. Though the city’s most iconic market is a must-visit, many other intriguing markets await in Florence.

The Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio operates daily until 2pm, while the Mercato delle Cascine unfolds every Tuesday morning for over 1km (0.6 miles) in Florence’s largest park. On the second Saturday of each month, Piazza Santo Spirito features its renowned antiques market, and smaller markets can be found weekly in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Piazza Santa Croce, and Piazza Ognissanti.

17. Admire the vibrant Florentine mosaics

If you've already purchased a ticket to the Uffizi, be sure to take advantage of the additional museums that are included with your admission at no extra cost.

The Opificio delle Pietre Dure is a quaint museum located on Via degli Alfani, showcasing artworks crafted with the lesser-known commesso technique, or Florentine mosaic. Popular during the Renaissance, these mosaics were created by artisans who meticulously cut precious stones in vibrant hues to depict still lifes, landscapes, and even portraits.

One of the most stunning examples of Florentine mosaic can be found within the Cappella dei Principi at the Museo delle Cappelle Medicee, where numerous Medici family members are interred. A few artisans in the city still accept commissions to create unique pieces of furniture using the traditional commesso technique.

Your Uffizi ticket also grants you access to the Museo Archeologico located in Piazza San Marco, which showcases an extensive collection of Etruscan artifacts.

Continue planning your Florence adventure:

Searching for more amazing experiences? Here are our top recommendations in Florence. Don't miss these budget-friendly tips before finalizing your plans. Consider exploring further with these day trips from Florence.