When creating your Italy checklist, the historic city of Florence is a must-visit. As the capital of the Tuscany region, it is also the heart of the Renaissance period in Italy. It houses so many important works from that period. This quaint city is full of history, romance, and delicious food. On my recent trip to Florence, I was coming from Rome and was shocked by how expensive activities were in comparison. That was where the idea for this article came from. Read below for a list of 5 free things to do in Florence. As a bonus, I’m adding a few things that aren’t free but you might want to skip.
Free things to do in Florence #1: The Duomo
Let’s start with the most well-known and basic stop: The Duomo di Firenze. Its official name is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and is one of the only free church entries in the city. Construction on the cathedral started in 1296 and was completed in 1436. Sponsored by the De Medici family, the duomo’s claim to fame is the dome engineered by Brunelleschi.
While entrance to the cathedral is free, there are a few paid activities available:
- Climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Museum & Baptistry
- Duomo’s Terraces
Pro tip: Looking for a spot to grab aperitivo (or a drink) after? The “View on the Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar” has the best rooftop views in the city. Note: it’s a little touristy and overpriced but 100% worth the view.
Free things to do in Florence #2: Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella 1221
The Officina Profumeria was first opened in 1221 by Dominican Friars and is considered one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Over the centuries it grew in fame worldwide with over 75 stores. Most notably in the 1600s, the head of the pharmacy was awarded a royal title by the Grand Duke of Italy. It was also in the 17th century that queen Catherine de’ Medici commissioned a perfume that is still sold by the pharmacy today – Acqua di Santa Maria Novella.
What I love is that the original location also doubles as a free museum. You can pop in and explore the various rooms of the profumeria. As someone that paid quite a bit to get into different residences and castles, this was just as good as any of the others! This spot also makes for a wonderful place to pick up souvenirs. I recommend the soaps and potpourri.
- Location: Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy (there are a couple of locations in Florence but make sure you go to the original)
- Pro tip: When picking out your goodies, be sure to ask the sales associate for the story of the Officina. They’ll happily give you information about the history.
Free things to do in Florence #3: Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo, also known as Piazzale Michelangiolo, is a bit out of the way from downtown Florence but one of my absolute favorite activities. The panoramic view of the city skyline from up above is unmatched on a clear day. The piazza itself is pretty touristy with street vendors but this is actually the perfect spot for a picnic if you get away from the main square.
- How to get there: You can take bus 12 or 13, or it’s about a 30 minute scenic walk from the center. (I personally recommend taking the bus one-way and then walking back into the city).
- Pro tip: If you choose not to have a picnic, there is also a restaurant across the way with lovely views where you can grab a snack.
Free things to do in Florence #4: Visit The Leather School (La Scuola del Cuoio)
Florence is known for its leather, so you’ll see plenty of markets and shop selling leather goods. While this makes for a great souvenir, you need to know what you’re looking for as there are many counterfeits being sold.
Tucked away in the monastery of the Santa Croce church, the Florence Leather school has been around since 1950. It was founded by Marcello Gori and Silvano Casini in partnership with the Dominican friars from the Santa Croce Church after WWII to give orphans a trade. The school still teaches the old-world style of leather making, as well as offers short-term workshops for visitors.
- Location: Via S. Giuseppe, 5/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Pro Tip: Visit M-F to catch the students working on pieces in the workshop.
- Note: You’ll find the prices here are higher than many other places in Florence. However, you are paying for the quality and product guarantee.
Free things to do in Florence #5: Enjoy the markets
When I visit a new city, one of my absolute favorite activities is getting lost at the markets. It really gives you a local feel (especially the food markets). If you’re staying in one spot for a while, the food markets also tend to have better deals and fresher ingredients. Florence has quite a few markets to check out:
- Mercato del Porcellino (also known as Mercato Nuovo) – a newer version of the Mercato San Lorenzo
- What they sell: leather
- Hours: Daily 9 AM – 6:30 PM
- Mercato delle Cascine – a mainly locals’ market off the beaten path known for being the biggest with the best deals in the city.
- What they sell: fresh produce, clothing and housewares. Tip: go for the produce!
- Hours: Tuesday’s 8 AM – 2 PM
- Fortezza da Basso Antique Market – you can find everything from a unique souvenir to paintings and furniture.
- What they sell: antiques
- Hours: Every Every 3rd Saturday & Sunday of the month (except July & August)
- Mercato Centrale – indoor food hall
- What they sell: food
- Hours: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Mercato San Lorenzo – the historic leather market that I actually recommend skipping (more on that in the next section)
- What they sell: leather
- Hours: Unclear but sellers seem to be there from around 8AM – late into the evening.
Things to skip in Florence
In an upcoming article, I dive into more tips for visiting Florence and more things to do. However, there are a few things to note that I believe will be helpful while planning your trip.
Skip: paying to go into churches.
Unlike Rome where almost all the churches are free to enter, in Florence, almost all the churches require paid tickets. Each ticket can run about 7 euros which quickly adds up. Before opting to enter a paid church, research the interior to ensure this is actually something you want to see. We found that in Florence, the exteriors are much more impressive than the interiors unlike other churches around Italy.
Skip: Mercato San Lorenzo
Historically Mercato San Lorenzo was the place to go to pick out leather goods from the region. Unfortunately, over the years this market has become oversaturated with cheap leather replicas and aggressive vendors trying to get you to buy something. Skip the market and head into a local shop instead.
Looking for more things to do in Italy?
Day trip from Florence to Venice itinerary
