Free Things to Do in Florence

Florence's most famous square, Piazza della Signoria, is the heart of the historic center and a free open-air sculpture exhibit. The Loggia della Signoria holds important statues including a copy of Michelangelo's David. The piazza has been Florence's political center since the middle ages and Florence's town hall, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, sits on the piazza. You'll also want to admire the fountain in the square.

Ponte Vecchio, old bridge, was built in 1345 and was Florence's first bridge across the Arno River. It's the only surviving bridge from Florence's medieval days (others were destroyed in World War II). Following a flood in 1345, the bridge was reconstructed and changed from defensive to public, adding rows of shops to the bridge. More shops were added later and Ponte Vecchio became a top place for gold and silver shopping in Renaissance Florence. It's still lined with shops selling gold and silver jewelry today, a good place for window shopping.

San Lorenzo Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo Central Market, is an interesting place to wander around. You may see foods you've never seen in a market before, like several kinds of cow stomachs and intestines at the Tripperia. There are stands selling all kinds of fowl, meats, and fish. You'll see shops with displays of local Tuscan products including wine, biscotti, cheeses, and salami. To get inside the market, walk through Piazza dell Mercato and the stalls outside selling leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs to the door in the big building. Open mornings only.

Tip: There are inexpensive eating places inside the mercato or you can buy goods for a picnic here.

If you're ready to get away from the tourist crowds, head across the river on Ponte Vespucci (west of Ponte Vecchio) to the area known as Oltrarno. Here you'll find interesting neighborhoods that see fewer tourists. While there aren't any major monuments, the area is pleasant for strolling and you'll see typical Florentine buildings, shops, and neighborhood squares. In Piazza Santa Spirito, there's a small morning market and the Santo Spirito Church, designed by Brunelleschi in the 15th century church, where there's a wealth of art work. Around the neighborhood are small stores and artisan workshops.

Tip: If you want a cheap street meal, head to Lampredottaio di San Frediano, one of Florence's top lampredotto stands - details, near end.

While some of Florence's churches have an admission charge, many smaller churches are still free and often hold surprising historic art works. Here are a few to visit (note - these churches have free admission at time of writing): Orsanmichele, originally built in 1336 as a market and grain store, has statues of patron saints of each guild. San Miniato al Monte, near Piazzale Michelangelo, was built during the 11th - 13th centuries and has a Romanesque interior with a frescoed crypt. San Marco, in Piazza San Marco, was home to Beato Angelico in the 16th century and holds some of his works.