Studying abroad is a once and a lifetime experience that I would recommend to anyone; however, it can be very financially draining. The café visits, museum entries, weekend trips, and foreign excursions all add up quickly. During my time in Florence, my friends and I were able to compile a list of fun and easy things to do that wouldn’t break the bank.

Giunti Odeon

Giunti Odeon
The Giunti Oden is a great place to hang out outside of your apartment. It’s a bookstore and a movie theater all in one. The second level of the building has an array of cushy theater chairs that simulate an authentic theater experience. You can go in the bookstore and browse around for free and then head upstairs to relax and watch some or all of a movie. Most of the movies are free and there are always fun things to see. Whether it be a solo activity or something you plan with your friends- it’s a great way to get out of your apartment and do something fun without having to touch your wallet

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo
Whether you’re in Florence for one week or for fifteen weeks you will hear about Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s one of the most popular look-out spots in the entire city. Up on top of a hill, about a 15-minute walk from the city center, sits a plaza that overlooks the whole city. It’s a great way to get some steps in and admire the scenic views of Florence. Sometimes in the evening there is live music that plays as the sun sets- making it a perfect activity to engage in for free.

City walk with friends

City walks
There are so many things to see around Florence that aren’t major tourist spots. Going on a solo walk around the city is a great way to become familiar with your surroundings and find new spots you didn’t know about. The city is very pedestrian heavy- unlike most American cities- so it’s much more common and accessible to walk around without a destination in mind. During my time in Florence, I loved to pop my headphones in and listen to music as I explored the city. It’s a great way to enjoy some alone time and get some fresh air.

Open-air Gallery

Outdoor sculpture museum/Free museum day
One of my favorite spots in Florence is the open-air sculpture gallery next to Palazzo Vecchio, in Piazza della Signoria. Its free to walk in and admire the statues or sit down for a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gallery is filled with authentic Renaissance sculptures from the Great Masters like Giambologna and Cellini. The gallery helps to send you back into Renaissance times with the abundance of iconic artworks available to admire for free. If you’re a frequent museum goer, it’s also worth noting that there is a day each month where all museums are free to enter. Its super easy to walk up to the museum and get your ticket for entrance without dropping a euro.

San Miniato al Monte

Going in churches
A great way to admire the saturated art scene in Florence for free is stopping in many of the ornately decorated churches that are sprinkled around the city. The artworks inside the churches are kept in pristine condition and are representative of the changing artistic periods in Florence. One of my favorite churches I visited was San Miniato al Monte, which is just a short walk from Piazzale Michelangelo. The façade of the church is breathtaking, but the interior is spectacular. The atmosphere is so special, and it is a great place to appreciate the artistic masters of Florence.

Written by: Isabella, Fall 2024 FUA student from University of Louisville