10 Free Things to Do in Florence

If you’re an art and history buff, you can broaden your horizons by visiting Florence’s state museums, free of charge – at specific times, that is. Visiting state museums and significant historical sites are simply among the top free things to do in Florence. Those like the Uffizi Galleries and the Galleria dell'Accademia are free to visit on the first Sunday of each month. 

For a pleasant walk through scenic palaces grounds, head down to the Boboli Gardens – also a state-run site – and enjoy a Florentine icon for free.

Piazzale Michelangelo has a full-sized bronze replica of Michelangelo's David, which faces the city from the centre of the square. The original statue is kept at the Galleria dell'Accademia art museum in the city. 

Head up to this 19th-century square on the hilltops south of the Arno for the most stunning views of Florence’s skyline. To get to the viewpoint, you can climb the stairs known as “Poggi’s Ramp” from Piazza Giuseppe Poggi, or enjoy a scenic drive through the verdant groves of Viale Michelangiolo from the city centre.

Did you know you can have a beach day in the middle of Florence? Spiaggia sull’Arno, a small section on the bank of the Arno, has all the typical beach club offerings, such as a beach bar, sun loungers on the sand where you can get a tan, and Tiki-style thatched parasols if you want to escape the heat but take in the view and vibe. Expect music and fun and games, such as soccer and petanque in the afternoons. It can be a great place to chill at sunset.

You can find some great local market scenes in Florence, where you can go on bargain hunts for anything from fresh farmers’ products to knick-knacks and souvenirs such as homeware, art items and rare antiques. You can visit without spending a cent and enjoy the vibe and cultural atmosphere as locals go about sourcing their daily necessities. 

Mercato Centrale, just north of the San Lorenzo basilica, is the main market hub. For a flea market scene, head down to the Sunday market at Santo Spirito’s mini piazza.

You can find a combination of some of Florence’s rare and special exhibits at Palazzo Strozzi (Strozzi Palace), ranging from ancient and Renaissance art pieces to contemporary art and even science experiment installations in its courtyard. The palatial building itself is something to admire, boasting Florentine Renaissance stylings. 

The regular collections are well curated and most bear clear and descriptive information panels. There’s bound to be something of interest among its variety. Visit for free on Thursday evenings, from 6 pm.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a 15th-century landmark that’s eye-catching with its brilliant marble façade. This combination of emerald green and white patterns is one to admire, then there’s an even more colourful interior to discover inside, with frescoed ceilings and a collection of masterpieces by some of Italy’s greatest artists. 

You can find the magnificent cathedral in central Florence. It happens to be one of the best-known examples of Italian Gothic architecture. Nearby, you can find Florence’s oldest known pharmacy, which also produces perfumes.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral) sits in the middle of the Piazza Del Duomo in Florence. Founded in 1296, this iconic church is known for its grand dome called the Cupola del Brunelleschi. 

Around the piazza, you’ll find the city’s other significant and historical landmarks. These include the towering Giotto's Campanile, the Baptistery of Saint John, and the Opera del Duomo Museum. The Duomo is free to visit, and you can rent audio guides for around €2.50.

Florence has a collection of some of Italy’s most beautiful parks and gardens, most of which are free to enjoy. One the most famous is the Boboli Gardens, which are superbly manicured and dotted with a collection of 16th-century sculptures and Roman antiquities throughout. 

From Piazza Vittorio Veneto, you can enter Florence’s largest park, Parco delle Cascine, which offers green meadows and scenic boulevards to enjoy by the Arno. Other Florentine gardens you can visit include the Giardino dell'Orticultura and Giardino delle Rose, where you can simply sit on lawns and take in the views.

A legacy of the famous Medici family, who ruled Florence throughout the Renaissance, this collection of 15th-century villas and gardens offers scenic sightseeing stops around the Tuscan countryside. 

The Medici family were known for their patronage of the arts and humanism, and the construction of these villas reflects this as they are built in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. Among them, there’s Villa di Castello on a hill outside Florence and Villa La Petraia, whose magnificent gardens alone are worth the visit. All are free.

A visit to the Oblate Library is totally free, and even if you’re not going for the books, there are some parts of it that are worth checking out. Past its spacious cloister, there are reading rooms containing impressive rows of bookshelves, with most books covering local history. 

The second floor features a more modern collection, with reading rooms equipped with computers and other multimedia equipment. Head to the top floor and you’ll find a beautiful outdoor study, with the Duomo on the horizon.