Stretch Your Budget With Some Free Things to Do in Florence

And there are times when you can enter major sites for free, like the first Sunday of the month when state museums, the Uffizi Galleries, Boboli Gardens and more have free entry.

But you have plenty of choices for actual sites in Florence, including some of Florence’s most iconic churches, with free access as standard all the time.

You’ll also be able to enjoy some free art, architecture, and green spaces. I’m not including markets in this list, as it goes without saying you can visit a market for free, although you may wind up spending money there.

Whether you are on a budget or just want to explore all that Florence has to offer, don’t miss these special free places:

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo
2. Santo Spirito
3. Saint Salvatore of Ognissanti
4. San Miniato al Monte
5. The Last Supper by Andrea del Castagno in Sant’Appollonia
6. The Last Supper by Domenico Ghirlandaio
7. Votive Cloister in Santissima Annunziata
8. Chiostro dello Scalzo
9. The Life of Saint Francis fresco by Ghirlandaio in Santa Trinita
10. Rose Garden
11. Stibbert Museum Garden
12. Cascine Park
13. Ponte Vecchio
14. Piazzale Michelangelo
15. Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
16. Loggia dei Lanzi and Piazza della Signoria
17. Entrance of Palazzo Vecchio
18. Chapel of Buonomini di San Martino
19. Casa Museo Rodolfo Siviero

One of my favorite pieces to see is an ethereal painting by Sandro Botticelli, depicting Saint Augustine in his study. I would happily pay to see this but it’s free.

While free to enter, the shop next door run by the monks sells homemade liqueurs, herbal teas, and honey so you may well find yourself spending some money on these delicious treats.

The adjoining Monumental Cemetery is also really interesting, with a number of historical figures buried here, including the famous painter Pietro Annigoni, Carlo Collodi (who created Pinocchio), and the great filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli.

Both the basilica and cemetery are free.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Saturday: 9:30 – 13:00, 15:00 – 19:00 | Sunday: 8:15 – 13:00, 15:00 – 19:00
• Via delle Porte Sante, 34

There are many artistic interpretations of The Last Supper, called “cenacoli” in Italian. This beautiful example by Andrea del Castagno was not known to the public until the 1860’s.

The fresco was created in the 15th century along the wall of the refectory in the convent of Sant’Apollonia, so for hundreds of years it was only the nuns who lived there who were able to see it. After the convent closed in the 1800’s, the incredible work was finally available to the public, and it is absolutely worth the detour to see it. This part of the convent is now a museum, but has free entry.

One of my favorite things about Sant’Appollonia is the display of sinopie, which are preparatory sketches for the works you see there, giving a fascinating insight into the process these artists had to go through to create the final product.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Sunday: 8.15 – 13.50.
• CLOSED 1st, 3rd, 5th Saturday and Sunday each month. January 1st, December 25th, from 5 to 16 June.
• Via Ventisette Aprile, 1

Located in the convent of the Ognissanti in central Florence, this example is one of three depictions of The Last Supper, “cenacolo” in Italian, painted by the great Renaissance artist Domenico Ghirlandaio on display in Florence. If you’re an art lover, this is one of the free things you have to see, both for the quality of the painting and the impact on art history.

Ghirlandaio was a very famous artist in his time. He worked on the original artwork in the Sistine Chapel – his pupil Michelangelo was asked to paint its ceiling several decades later. Leonardo da Vinci was likely familiar with Ghirlandaio’s version of The Last Supper, and some art historians believe he may have been influenced by it when creating his own masterpiece.

Opening hours and location:

• October 1 – March 31: Tuesday CLOSED | Monday, Wednesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 13:00 | 15:00 – 19:30
• April 1 – September 30: Tuesday CLOSED | Monday, Wednesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 13:00 | 15:00 – 20:00
• Borgo Ognissanti, 42

The Basilica Santissima Annunziata may be a minor basilica in Florence, yet it is famous for the Chiostrino dei Voti or Cloister of the Vows. A small but elaborate cloister in front of the pretty building facade, it’s known for its eight notable artworks, including the Birth of the Virgin by Andrea del Sarto.

The cloister itself is easy to visit as you can walk right in from the square. The church is harder to visit, masses are held one after the other each morning so it’s worth returning later in the afternoon to see if you can go inside.

The piazza in front of the cloister is also impressive, not only because of its size, but also because of the large bronze equestrian statue, which was the last work Giambologna completed.

This is a great free place to visit on your way to or from the Accademia gallery, which is only a few minutes walk away.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Friday: 7:30 – 12:30, 16:00 – 18:30 | Saturday – Sunday: 7:30 – 12:30, 16:00 – 18:30, 20:45 – 21:45
• Piazza della SS. Annunziata

Chiostro dello Scalzo was originally the entrance hall to a chapel, but now only the cloister itself remains.

This is one of my favorite free things to do in Florence, and I always try to pop inside when I visit the nearby Accademia gallery. I’ve never seen more than a handful of people inside, and sometimes, we are completely alone here. The light coming through the glass ceiling gives the space a meditative, peaceful feeling and I always find myself slowing down when I walk in here.

Going inside the unassuming door you will be met with an incredible series of frescoes by Andrea del Sarto, depicting the life of St John the Baptist. The twelve scenes were done in a style of painting known as ‘grisaille,’ which is a method using tones of grey only, which results in a beautiful and mysterious atmosphere with a mythical undertone.

The del Sarto fresco cycle is undoubtedly worth a visit, especially if you are in the San Marco neighborhood and/or visiting the wonderful museum of San Marco right nearby.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Sunday: 08:15 – 14:00
• Via Camillo Cavour, 69

It’s easy to walk right past the basilica of Santa Trinita and not go inside, but you should not miss the church if you can help it.

Found in the heart of the city, close to the Arno river and the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge, the basilica has been witness to centuries of Florentine history, being built originally in the 13th century.

The church’s Sassetti chapel houses an undisputed masterpiece, a stunning series of six frescoes by the great Domenico Ghirlandaio showing scenes from the life of Saint Francis. Occupying three walls of the Sassetti Chapel, the series is known as the ‘Stories of St. Francis’ and shows his life in glorious color and astonishing detail.

Of particular interest is ‘The Confirmation of the Rule’ which depicts various people who were very important in the 15th century, including members of the Medici family along with current and future popes. These are considered to be extremely accurate portraits, as Ghirlandaio painted them from life, rather than dramatizing them as other artists of the time would do.

This particular fresco is widely considered to be one of Ghirlandaio’s greatest works, and the church is simply an amazing place so definitely add this to your Florence Italy itinerary.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Sunday: 07:00 – 12:00, 16:00 – 19:00
• Piazza di Santa Trinita

Given Florence is one of the most impressive cities in the world when it comes to art and architecture, it’s no surprise that most free attractions in Florence are based on that, but it’s not all churches and paintings.

The Giardino delle Rose is a magnificent garden just below Piazzale Michelangelo that offers stunning views across Florence.

The garden was commissioned in 1865 when the city became the capital of Italy (which was later switched to Rome) and first opened to the public in 1895.

Originally only open in May and June when the spectacular roses were in bloom, other plants were added and now it is open all year round, although it’s still at its best in spring. To me this is one of the best free things to do in Florence Italy, and perfect for those on a travel budget.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 20:00, Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00
• Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2

The Stibbert Museum houses an eclectic collection put together in the 19th century by Frederick Stibbert. Born in Florence, with an English mother and Italian father, he inherited a huge fortune when he was 21 and spent his life (and the money) creating his collection and the unique gardens.

On his death, he left his home and collection to the city of Florence for it to be displayed to the public.

Stibbert’s garden is fascinating, filled with symbolic layouts pointing to mysterious and Masonic imagery, grottoes and cascades, statues and fake ruins, and even a mock Egyptian temple. A great place to visit with kids, it’s open all year round except Thursdays and major holidays.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Wednesday: 08:00 – 19:00 | Thursday CLOSED | Friday – Sunday: 08:00 – 19:00
• Via Federico Stibbert, 26

Originally a large estate of the Medici family, used for farming and hunting, the Cascine Park is now the largest public park in Florence.

Running along the north bank of the River Arno, the many meadows and wooded areas are delightful to explore and a great place to cool off in the summer, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Florence’s largest park also has many sporting venues, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, football fields, and a velodrome, and a visitor center was added in 2013.

The park is well-maintained and under constant improvement, easily reached on tram Line T1 from the city.

Opening hours and location:

• Open daily, 24 hours
• Piazzale delle Cascine

One of the most famous landmarks in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio. A bridge was erected here at the river Arno’s narrowest point in Roman times, and the old bridge structure we see today dates mainly from the 14th century when it was rebuilt.

As well as being of great historical importance, the Ponte Vecchio is famous for the shops that line its length. Originally these shops would have been selling the goods of mainly tanners, farmers, and especially butchers, but today, the shops cater to the vast numbers of tourists walking over the bridge, selling leather goods, souvenirs, art and jewelry.

Going across the top of the bridge, you can see the Vasari Corridor, which was what the Medici family used to cross the river without having to mix with the people below. As of 2025 you can now add on access to the corridor to your Uffizi Gallery tickets.

Opening hours and location:

• Open daily, 24 hours
• Ponte Vecchio

Named after one of Florence’s most celebrated sons, the great High Renaissance painter, poet, sculptor and architect Michelangelo, Piazzale Michelangelo is a square high up on the hill overlooking this beautiful city.

Designed by Giuseppe Poggi in 1869 when Florence was the capital of Italy and undergoing considerable renovation, the central sculpture is a bronze cast of Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world.

The original is now in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence and should be viewed by anyone visiting the city.

The square is perfect for the best views of Florence, and both locals and tourists love coming here at sunset, with good reason! You should not visit Florence and miss out on Piazzale Michelangelo.

Opening hours and location:

• Open daily, 24 hours
• Piazzale Michelangelo

A genuine curiosity and place of great historical importance is the pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. Across the road from the beautiful church of Santa Maria Novella, the Dominican monks who lived in this church complex grew herbs and sold various herbal remedies and perfumes to the locals.

Over the centuries the monks have continued to sell their products, giving their store the reputation of the oldest pharmacy in the world.

Today you can visit the store and browse the high quality, artisan products on offer from the ancient pharmacy (which have been refined for modern requirements) as well as a small museum featuring fascinating exhibits telling the story of the World’s Oldest Pharmacy.

Because of its popularity, there is sometimes a queue outside as staff do not let the store get overloaded. This moves quickly so you won’t be waiting long.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Sunday: 9:30 – 20:30
• Via della Scala, 16

Located on the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, the Loggia dei Lanzi is an open-air gallery featuring many wonderful Renaissance sculptures and works of art.

Next to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, the spectacular sculptures on display in the loggia include the magnificent bronze ‘Perseus with the Head of Medusa’ by the great Benvenuto Cellini, which took almost 10 years to complete.

And don’t miss the rest of the impressive sculptures there. You can walk up onto the loggia and get up close to them.

Opening hours and location:

• Open daily, 24 hours
• Piazza della Signoria

The famous Palazzo Vecchio is the magnificent town hall of Florence and is particularly well-known for its wonderful entrance.

The impressive marble frontispiece features the Monogram of Christ and an inscription in Latin that translates as ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords.’ Michelangelo’s David originally stood at the entrance until 1873, when it was moved to the Accademia Gallery, but a replica stands to one side of the doorway today.

You can pop inside Palazzo Vecchio for free to see the ground floor courtyard if you don’t want to pay to go inside the museum. However it contains a wealth of important artwork and sculptures so for me it’s worth visiting, and even climbing the tower, for a fee.

But if you don’t have time, even just the entrance is well worth a peek.

Opening hours and location:

• Open daily, 24 hours
• Palazzo Vecchio: Monday – Wednesday: 09:00 – 22:00 | Thursday: 09:00 – 14:00 | Friday – Sunday: 09:00 – 22:00
• Piazza della Signoria

This is one of my favorite free things to do in Florence because it really feels like a well-kept secret.

Located in the small Piazza San Martino, the Buonomini di San Martino chapel dates back as far as 986.

The Buonomini are a lay order of Christian brothers known as ‘The Procurators of the Shamed Poor of Florence’ who are famous even today for their charitable work, although they keep secret who they help.

There are ten lunettes going around the tops of the walls. They depict scenes in the life of Saint Martin and other scenes from life in Florence in the 15th century.

Because the frescoes show what life was really like in everyday Florence in the Renaissance, they are especially important as well as interesting to study in detail. The bright vivid colors are even more beautiful after recent restoration work.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday – Thursday: 10:30 – 12:30, 14:30 – 17:00 |  Friday – Saturday: 10:30 – 12:30 | Sunday CLOSED
• Piazza S. Martino

This fascinating museum in Florence is a testament to the life and work of Rodolfo Siviero, often nicknamed the ‘007 of Art.’ He dedicated his work as a Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 1950’s to recovering hundreds of important works of art taken from Italy during World War II by the Germans.

On his death in 1983, he left his house and all belongings to the city with the proviso that it became a museum open to the public. The artworks, including many from artists Siviero knew personally, such as Pietro Annigoni, are from his collection.

All the works recovered by him and his team were returned to their owners or museums, so getting to see a fantastic collection and learn about a man who worked in military intelligence during the war and dedicated his life to art makes for a truly enjoyable experience.

Opening hours and location:

• Monday: 10:00 – 13:00 | Tuesday – Friday CLOSED | Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00 | Sunday: 10:00 – 13:00
• Lungarno Serristori, 1/3

There are so many free things to do in Florence, with incredible art, gardens, views and more available without having to spend anything at all. A lot of the places that have free entry also have shorter opening times so be sure to check those in advance to avoid disappointment!

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