Staycation-ing in Florence: How to Have Fun on a Budget 

Written by Olivia Horne

With edits and additions by Alice Adams and Marlise Hyde

Note from the editor: This week, we’re bringing some unseen content to the blog, written by last year’s student blogger Olivia Horne. Budget travel is a timeless subject, but all details have been fact-checked to ensure the information is still current. The markets and green spaces lists are an addition by Alice Adams and What’s On! blogger Marlise Hyde.

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While many of us spend our weekends gallivanting around Europe, some of us are staying behind in the beautiful city we’ve come to know as our home away from home. We’re often used to taking advantage of the many free events hosted by Marist Italy and LDM for fun in the city, but sometimes we want to adventure out on our own. What we want to know is: how can we enjoy a break in Florence without breaking the bank!

So, here are some of my recommendations for cheap activities to do around Florence!

Museums  

This may sound like an obvious suggestion since the historic city of Florence is filled with museums, many of which we’ve already visited, but a lot of people don’t know how cheap some of these museums can be. Those who are in possession of an Italian student visa can get large discounts at most museums! All you have to do is show the visa, or even a picture of it, when you’re buying your ticket at the ticket desk to get your reduced price! Even the one and only Uffizi Gallery typically lets in people with student visas for around 2 euro, instead of the fixed 25 euro price. And remember, a lot of these museums are free on every first Sunday of the month.

Photo: Michelango’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze.

British Institue of Florence: Lungarno Guicciardini, 9, 50125 Firenze FI 

This institute has plenty of events, like lectures, recitals, and afternoon teas! They are super economical and include refreshments. They also have a great library to study in, with a beautiful view of the Arno.

Passeggiare (to walk) 

Mercatos

• Mercato Centrale: First floor open Monday-Friday, 7-15:00 / Saturday 7-17:00, second floor open everyday from 10-midnight
• Sant’Ambrogio (Florence’s oldest open-air market!): Monday-Saturday, 7-14:00
• Mercato delle Cascine: Every Tuesday, 7-14:00
• Mercato delle Pulci: Every day, 9-19:30
• La Fierucola: Every 4th Sunday 
• Mercato delle Cure: Monday-Saturday, 9-19:00
• Mercato di Santo Spirito: Monday-Friday & Sunday (but much more popping on Sunday)
• Mercato del Porcellino: Every day, 9-19:30
• Mercato di Oltrarno Flea: Every second Sunday of the month, 9-19:00
• Libri Rari: Thursday-Saturday, 10-18:00
• Mercato di fiore: Every Thursday, 10-19:00

Cameras and a new friend at Mercato di Santo Spirito.

Green Space

Florence is a bit cramped, with its tiny sidewalks packed with people and its roads full of little smart cars, but no city is without it’s green space. Parks can provide a respite from the blaring sirens and tiny sidewalks of the center; visit a park to lie in the grass, watch dogs play, have a picnic, or read a book. Below are a few recommendations to reconnect, especially in springtime, with the colors of our world.

We’re all working very hard to get great grades and be productive students. But we also all deserve to relax and enjoy ourselves without worrying about going over budget. Take care of yourselves, and I hope these tips help you to feel confident in choosing to stay in Florence for an affordable and relaxing break! 

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