CHEAP TRICKS IN FLORENCE





Want to travel low-cost in Florence and save money???

Here are some ideas to help your wallet...



SIGHTSEEIN

Many of Florence's sights and activities are free. There is no entry charge for the Duomo, Palazzo Davanzati, Orsanmichele Church, Santo Spirito Church, and San Miniato Church. It is free to visit the leather school at Santa Croce Church and the perfumery near the Church of Santa Maria Novella. The three markets (Mercato Centrale, Mercato Nuovo and San Lorenze) are for free and for sure you will have a lot of fun browsing them.

Free public spaces include the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio courtyards; the statue-filled loggia on Piazza della Signoria; and the Piazzale Michelangelo, with glorious view over Florence. A walk across the picturesque Ponte Vecchio costs nothing at all.

If you have an ipod, iphone or other device you can download free audiogudes tours. Audioguides at the museums costs € 5,50.

HOTELS

1-3 stars hotels and B&B generally have good rates and are located in the center of teh city, so you save public transport money, as you have just to walk in the old town centre. (bus tickets costs € 1,20/90 min)

Choose to pay in cash at the arrival to get lowest rate.

Opt out of optional, overpriced hotel breakfasts, and grab a brioche and cappuccino with the locals at the corner bar instead (brioche + cappuccino costs approx. € 2,20)

EATING

Don't order too much at restaurants. Servings are often big enough. You and your travel partner order a few small dishes and enjoy them family-style. Opt for pizzeria and trattoria, for lowest price. Usually restaurants have higher prices, but better service.

Splitting a € 7,00 pizza makes makes for a very cheap meal.

Order take-away dishes. Many shops have ready-to-eat entrèes and side dishes, and will heat them up and send you on your way with plastics cutlery and napkins. Find a scenic pincnic spot and enjoy your feast, having paid just a fraction of what you'd pay to eat in a restaurant.

Opt for an alimentari shop, a delicious ham and cheese sandwich will cost to you approx. € 3,00