The Ultimate Guide to Florence on a Budget: Art, Food & Tuscan Charm 2025

From Florence Airport (FLR), the easiest way is the T2 tram line. It runs every 5-10 minutes and takes you directly to the Unità stop, right next to the main train station (Santa Maria Novella), in about 20 minutes. From Pisa Airport (PSA), you can take a direct train to Florence's main station or the more frequent PisaMover shuttle to Pisa's train station and connect from there.

Climbing Brunelleschi's Dome is an unforgettable experience with incredible views. You must book a ticket in advance online, often weeks ahead, as they sell out. The ticket is called the Brunelleschi Pass and it also includes access to Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and the Duomo Museum. The climb is 463 narrow steps, so be prepared for a workout!

Book your tickets online in advance! This is the single most important tip for Florence. Go to the official museum websites to buy timed-entry tickets. This will cost a few extra euros as a reservation fee, but it will save you hours of waiting in line. For the Uffizi and Accademia (to see David), this is absolutely essential.

Lampredotto is the ultimate Florentine street food. It's the fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked in a savory broth with herbs and vegetables. It's then chopped up, put in a crusty bread roll (panino), and often topped with a spicy green sauce (salsa verde). Don't be shy—it's delicious! You'll find it at food carts (chioschi) all over the city, especially around the markets.

The most famous and spectacular viewpoint is Piazzale Michelangelo, a large square on a hill in the Oltrarno district. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city skyline, including the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. It's a classic spot for sunset. For an even higher, less crowded view, walk a little further up the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte.

Florence is like an open-air museum. You can:

• Marvel at the Duomo from the outside.
• Walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge.
• Explore the bustling Mercato Centrale (the ground floor food market).
• Visit the Piazza della Signoria to see the replica of David and the Loggia dei Lanzi statues.
• Hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best free view of the city.

Absolutely. Florence is incredibly compact and almost entirely walkable. The historic center is relatively small, and walking is by far the best way to get around and soak in the atmosphere. You can walk from the train station to the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio in under 25 minutes. You will likely not need public transport at all within the city center.

Aperitivo is a beloved northern Italian tradition. It's a pre-dinner drink meant to "open the stomach." In Florence, when you buy a drink (like an Aperol Spritz or a glass of wine) between roughly 7 PM and 9 PM, it often comes with access to a buffet of snacks and small dishes. In some bars, this can be substantial enough to replace dinner, known as an "apericena."

The "coperto" is a cover charge that you will see on most restaurant bills in Italy. It is a per-person fee for the bread, olive oil, and the service of setting the table. It is not a tip. Tipping is not expected in Italy, but it's common to round up the bill or leave a euro or two for excellent service.

Florence is famous for leather. The San Lorenzo market is full of leather stalls, but quality can vary. For higher quality, visit the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) behind the Santa Croce church for handmade goods. For any purchase, look for the "Made in Italy" stamp. A quick test: a real leather jacket won't be cheap, and it will have a distinct, rich smell, unlike plastic.