6 tricks in Planning your Budget trip to Florence

The Italian city mostly known as the birthplace of Renaissance attracts millions of visitors each year. If you’re thinking about traveling to the capital of Tuscany, you should know that it can be done even on a tight budget. Here’s how:

1. Pick an airport

Although Florence does have its own airport, the Amerigo Vespucci, there aren’t too many airlines flying in. That’s why some people choose to fly to Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, and visit both cities in one trip. The latter would be a better choice from the tickets’ point of view, because the airport of Pisa welcomes many low-cost airlines, and there are higher chances of scoring a great bargain.

Florence airport – image via Flickr by Monica Arellano-Ongpin

2. Plan a few months ahead to save money

For a budget-friendly trip to Florence, don’t wait for a magical last-minute deal to appear. You should plan your trip 3-4 months in advance, taking into consideration the fact that summer is the peak season, when accommodations are the most expensive and the city is extremely crowded.  The months of October are ideal to still take advantage of the warm weather, but avoid the crowd and the high-priced hotels.

Ponte Vecchio – image via Flickr by Alessandro Gambardella

3. Stroll around the city for free

Great news for those who love to walk! Everything in Florence is within walking distance, so you don’t have to spend your money on public transportation. One can get from one end of the city to another in 30 minutes, and there are no cars allowed in the historic center of Florence. Only take cabs in case of emergencies because they are really expensive.

4. Stay with a local in the Southern Bank of the Arno River

The best type of accommodation is one where you get to hang out with a local, to get to know the place from an insider’s point of view. Add the fact that Airbnbs and Bed & Breakfasts are the cheapest accommodations in Florence, and you have a win-win situation. Be sure to remember to stay in the Southern bank of the Arno, which is cheaper than accommodation in the historic center.

Oltrarno District, Florence – image via Flickr by murray muraskin

5. See the main attractions inexpensively

Reserve your ticket in advance for the Uffizzi Gallery, to avoid queues and save a few dollars. The main churches don’t charge entrance fees, so visit the Santa Maria Novella for free. Act like a local and visit the main markets like San Lorenzo or the Flower market to get into the atmosphere. Visit the Natural History Museum which is one of the World’s greatest, having a collection of 8 million specimens on display. Walk up to the Belvedere front and admire the city from above.

Santa Maria Novella – image via Flickr by Giuseppe Moscato

The best guides are always the natives, so be sure to join one of two free guided tours held every day and choose from the Renaissance, and the Medici Family Tour. For a more in-depth walkabout you can hire a local to take you on a private tour and show you places off the beaten path.

Whilst contemplating about your inexpensive trip to the city, take a look at how exactly you can do Florence on the Cheap, and also take a look at a couple of off-the-beaten-path attractions while you’re at it. You might also want to look into the 6 Best Places to Stay in the city.

Still not sure if Florence is for you? See here why Florence is the perfect destination for every type of traveler and start planning!

Article part of the #HipmunkCityLove campaign. If you found the post useful, don’t hesitate to Pin it to help spread the word. Thanks! 🙂 (Photo via Flickr by neiljs)

Related posts:

Why Florence is the Perfect Destination for Every Type of Traveler Florence on the Cheap What have we all learned from this? (Venice guide) Florence off the Beaten Path