As you will surely know if you are a regular reader of Vuela Viajes, for us Florence is one of the 10 most beautiful cities in Europe . It has many ingredients that make it attractive, starting with the majesty and beauty that it exhibits through its ancient buildings.
In the capital of Tuscany, which is a city that invites you to explore its streets on foot, you can carry out a series of free plans that make visiting it cheaper than we might think. I’m going to talk to you about those plans below, so take note and enjoy Florence without having to reach for your purse or wallet.
Markets that you cannot miss
In Florence there are up to four free markets that may interest you depending on what your interests are. Lovers of antiques and crafts meet at the Mercato delle Pulci (in the Piazza dei Ciompi); those looking for fresh produce go to the Mercato di San Lorenzo (next to the Duomo); those who go out to dinner move through the Mercato Centrale in search of street food and good music; While those who go big can be seen by the Mercato delle Cascine , since it is the largest in Florence and you can find everything.
The best views
It is a classic among the free plans. Enjoying the best views from a city does not cost money (unless you go to an Empire State Building) and many times it means being surrounded by nature, which is always good news. In Florence, the most popular viewpoints are that of Piazzale Michelangelo , that of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte (quite high and less frequented by tourists) and that of the Boboli Gardens.
The river Arno goes a long way
Having a river as beautiful as the Arno, it is evident that something can be done in its surroundings without having to spend money. The most recommended plan, especially if you are traveling as a couple and looking for a romantic moment, is to contemplate a sunset strolling through the lungarni , which are the streets that border the river.
In summer you can also go to the so-called Spiaggia sull’Arno , which is a small stretch of land connected to the Arno River that allows you to be on the beach with sun loungers, a beach bar, music and good cocktails.
Gardens that fall in love
Another plan to consider is to go to one of the gardens found in Florence. The one that is highlighted in all the maps is the one of the Boboli gardens, but you should also go to the Giardino delle Rose (Garden of the Roses), which is in Oltrano (just below the Piazzale Michelangelo) and is a gift for the senses, since you will be able to see the striking colors of the flowers or breathe the aroma that its lemon trees give off, while also stopping to taste some works of art.
Spectacular religious buildings
How could it be otherwise, one of the free plans that cannot be missed on the agenda of tourists who travel to Florence is to see religious sanctuaries such as its churches, most of which are free to visit. This is the case even for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , which we also know as the Duomo. Of course, be patient because in typical vacation weeks the most common is to queue for access.
More worthwhile churches? The Basilica di Santa Maria and the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. In the latter, the writer Stendhal, overwhelmed by so much beauty, vanished. You will have to pay something to access it, but it will appear shortly after seeing everything that is inside.
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