The incredible Strozzi Palace has recently begun to allow visitors in for free to the contemporary art museum. If you are thinking about a night out with someone you love, heading over to the palace on a Thursday night can be a wonderful way to get your art fix in without spending a dime. The Strozzi has plenty of cool things to see and new exhibits coming in all the time, but their contemporary art space is one of the most fun and interesting things to see at the museum. It's also centrally-located and close to all the restaurants and hotels so it's easy to make a night of it.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: The Strozzi Palace offers free nights to the contemporary exhibit on Thursday.
Alexa's expert tip: Make sure to check out which different exhibits they have going on--it's always something interesting.
What better way to see Florence than to walk among the cobblestoned streets and learn something new about the city? Florence's free walking tours offer an opportunity to enjoy the city in a way you never have before. The guides are all there on their own time--meaning they love Florence so much that they want to share their adoration with visitors. They are scheduled several times a week so if you are planning on staying in Florence for a few days, you can be sure to catch one. A free walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know a city.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: This can be the best way to see the entirety of the city.
Alexa's expert tip: Make sure to tip your guide a small amount for the work they do.
Open to everyone, the Mercato Centrale has some incredible options for those looking for gifts or those who just want to take a look around. You'll find all sorts of good, local foods here worth taking home to family or just to try. It's also a wonderful way to see the inner workings of an Italian market and to get a glimpse of how important food is to the culture. Fresh fruits and vegetables are all available, as well as various types of meats. You can also find the most important staple of Tuscan cooking, olive oil. It's free to enter and take a gawk around, and you can also find some free samples available to try.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: This is the perfect place to see how an Italian market works.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about finding some gifts for family here.
Located just a little bit outside the city center, you can find a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy nature. Cascine Park is one of the best places to get away from the cobblestoned streets and to enjoy trees and nature. You'll find places where you can buy water if you like, and it also serves as a wonderful spot to run or ride a rented bike. There are also markets and a fair for kids available if they want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. It's free to enter and you can walk several miles before it ends. It's also a good place to pick up small souvenirs to take home to friends.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Cascine Park has plenty for everyone of all ages to do.
Alexa's expert tip: Horseback riding is available if you are thinking about trying a new activity.
Located on the bank of the Arno, you can now find a small beach worth visiting and catching a tan. Make sure to bring your towels and sunblock as you sit in the sand and enjoy your holiday. You will find snack and drink stands available if you start to feel the need for either, and the best part is that it's a completely free activity to sit out and enjoy some of the Tuscan rays. You'll also find soccer games (of football in Italian) playing out here during the evenings during the summer--you'll want to get there early. It tends to be a busy spot.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: This is one of the best places to relax and enjoy yourself in Florence.
Alexa's expert tip: Check this spot out in the evening when you want to watch a soccer game and meet some locals.
Few people know that they can get into the Duomo for free. Though you might need to purchase a ticket to see the other sights (if you would like to climb up the campanile or dome itself you will need to go to the ticket office), you can enter the basilica without worrying about purchasing anything. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a perfect example of Renaissance architecture. Make sure to bring your guidebook along so you can learn about Vasari's frescoes in the dome and the unique history behind the building. You can also take pictures inside, which is not always allowed in Italy's churches.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Florence's most famous church is worth taking a peek inside.
Alexa's expert tip: Make sure you bring a guidebook with you so you know what you're seeing.
Florence's most famous bridge is also one of the best free activities you can find in the city. Not only is is home to some of the city's most romantic views, but it might be one of the best spots to learn about Florence's history. Make sure to watch your pockets when traversing across the bridge. This has been home to multiple different kinds of businesses throughout the ages. Once the spot for the butchers of the city to tout their cuts, it's now home to the most expensive jewelry options in the city. Whether you choose to buy something is on you, but you can still enjoy the views and the sense of history for free.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: You can't miss Florence's most famous bridge--it's one of the major icons of the city.
Alexa's expert tip: Watch your pocket when walking across--it's easy to run into pickpockets.
For some of the most spectacular views of the city, nothing can beat the impressive Piazzale Michelangelo. Not only is the perfect place to bring a loved one, enjoy a glass or two of wine, and listen to the music they often have playing up there, but it is also completely free. Sit on the steps and enjoy seeing the Arno lit up magically by the sunset or go up there in the afternoon when there are few tourists to really enjoy seeing Florence from a bird's eye view. It's the best way to take your time and see Florence without paying a ton of money.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: For the best views of the city, you can't beat this spot set above the Arno.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about what kind of day you want to come if you are planning on avoiding the tourist crowd.
While you might not want to buy anything, the Farmaceutica de Santa Maria Novella is worth visiting for its importance place in the city's history alone. It's right next to the famous Santa Maria Novella basilica, which is the perfect introduction to the local churches. Not only can you buy some great gifts, but you can also spend an afternoon hearing about how this business has serviced Florentines for hundreds of years. Whether you choose to purchase an item or not, you can see how this building has remained a part of the city's personality and how it still survives today.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Florence's most-famous pharmacy has a lot of history to enjoy.
Alexa's expert tip: Consider reading about the pharmacy online before visiting.
For a market that feels authentic and offers some of the best produce of Tuscany, the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio has a number of charms. It's smaller than some of the other main markets, but you're more likely to find locals wandering the aisles and asking questions about the quality of the tomatoes. Everything here is also cheaply-priced, as well, so you are getting more for your money while really getting to know the city. You can also find perfect souvenirs here that are handcrafted and made with care--which makes them the perfect gift to bring back to loved ones. Regardless, you can enjoy for free by strolling through the aisles.
Recommended for Free Things to Do because: This market has delicious fruits and vegetables with a local flair.
Alexa's expert tip: Arrive early to pick the best fruits and vegetables.