Florence is located in the heart of Italy and is the capital of the Tuscany region. Steeped in history and culture, Florence is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. From the iconic Duomo to the winding streets of the Old Town, there are many free things to do in Florence that is a feast for the senses.

8 Free Things To Do in Florence

1. Piazzale Michaelangelo

Piazzale Michaelangelo (pictured above) offers incredible views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The piazza is also home to a replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David, while the original sculpture is located in the nearby Accademia Gallery. Piazzale Michaelangelo is an excellent place to relax, have a picnic, and take in the beauty of Florence.

Pro Tip – there is no cover from direct sunlight, so to avoid baking in the sun, go in the morning or very late afternoon (1 hr before sunset).

2. Duomo di Firenze

This Duomo, aka Santa Maria del Fiore or Our Lady of the Flower, will bring tears to your eyes! They say when you see the Duomo in Florence for the first time, you are frozen in your tracks, speechless and motionless, in awe of the sheer size and grandeur – it’s true. I was frozen in awe when I saw the Duomo for the first time. I doubt that feeling will go away the next time I see it.

This cathedral took about 140 years to build; the exterior of the cathedral is constructed of white, pink, and green marble and features intricate sculptures and artwork. The interior is equally impressive, with a vast central nave and a Gothic altar. The dome is the largest brick dome in the world and was built without scaffolding. If you can believe it, the man who designed and built the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore had no previous architectural training. Unfortunately, he never left any documents, drawings, or notes for people to learn from.

Tips for visiting Duomo di Firenze –

• It’s FREE to tour unless you want to hike up the Duomo or go to the Crypt
•  Arrive early as the lines are very long.
•  Ladies need to cover up; no crop tops, sleeveless tops, mini skirts, and short shorts.

3. Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is one of the most iconic squares in Florence, Italy. It is home to several important statues and buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio and the Fountain of Neptune. But the most famous figure in the square is undoubtedly Perseus with the head of Medusa. 

> Perseus With Medusa’s Head

The statue was sculpted by Benvenuto Cellini and stands over 13 feet tall. It is a masterful work of art, and its placement in the middle of the square allows visitors to get a close look at all the details. In addition, the unique setting of Piazza della Signoria makes it a must-see for any visitor to Florence.

> Fontana del Nettuno (fountain of Neptune)

One of the most impressive fountains in Florence is the Fontana del Nettuno, located in the Piazza della Signoria. The fountain was designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati and completed in 1574. It features a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, surrounded by four smaller figures representing the seasons. The fountain is ornately decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from classical mythology. It’s hard not to be impressed by its size and beauty.

> Palazzo Vecchio Courtyard

The Palazzo Vecchio Courtyard is one of the most popular attractions in Florence, and it’s easy to see why. The imposing Palazzo Vecchio overlooks the courtyard, and the Loggia dei Lanzi is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Best of all, the courtyard is free to enter, making it an excellent spot for budget-conscious travelers. Even if you don’t spend time inside the Palazzo Vecchio, the courtyard is worth visiting for its beautiful artwork. So whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a beautiful place to take photos, be sure to add the Palazzo Vecchio Courtyard to your itinerary. Note that entrance to the Palace Museum is ~ €10

4. Piazzale degli Ufuzzi

The Piazzale degli Ufuzzi is one of Florence’s most popular tourist destinations. Located in the heart of the historic city center, this large square is home to the famed Uffizi Gallery. Visitors can walk through the gallery courtyard to see artists at work and their displayed art. Here you will see statues of artists and philosophers, the most notable being the statue of Machiavelli. The square is also a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. On any given day, you will find people sitting on the benches or strolling around, enjoying the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

5. San Lorenzo Market

The San Lorenzo Market is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Florence, Italy. It is located in the city’s historic center, near the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The market is known for its small leather goods (handbags, wallets, and belts) and florentine souvenirs. The market is open daily except for Sunday.

Pro Tip: Go towards closing time, and don’t be afraid of bargaining with vendors to get the best deals.

6. Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio

If you want to learn about local food, there’s no better place than the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. This historic market has been a fixture in Florence for centuries, and it’s the perfect place to sample some of the city’s best food. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to delicious pasta and cheese, and you can even get a quick bite to eat from one of the many stalls. So whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique experience, the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is definitely worth a visit.

7. Sunset at Ponte de Vecchio

One of Florence’s best places to see the sunset is the Ponte de Vecchio bridge (or Ponte de Santa Trinita). The view was breathtaking. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the city, and the river glittered in the bright orange light.

8. Street performances in the evenings

If you’re looking for an atmospheric way to spend an evening in Florence, you should definitely check out one of the city’s street music performances. There’s something special about listening to live music echoing through the streets as the sun sets, and Florence has no shortage of talented musicians. You can find performers playing all kinds of music, from classical Italian ballads to contemporary pop hits. So whether you’re a tourist or a local, take some time to enjoy the Florence nightlife and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

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Overall, budget-minded travelers have many free things to do in Florence. However, with some planning and creativity, you can experience all this fantastic city has to offer without breaking the bank.

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