Fab Florence for the Budget Traveller

What an incredible experience it is to visit Florence, Italy! If you’re a budget traveller like me, you’ll be happy to know that Florence is a city that can be explored without breaking the bank. From stunning architecture to mouth-watering cuisine, there’s so much to see and do here.

Florence, Italy is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence was an important center for art, architecture, and commerce in the 14th and 15th centuries. During this time, it attracted some of the greatest minds of the era, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei. This legacy can still be seen today in the city's numerous museums and galleries.

Florence is also renowned for its beautiful architecture, much of which dates back to the Renaissance. The city is home to several iconic structures that cannot be missed while exploring.

I have been lucky enough to visit this gorgeous city several times; alone, with ATB Mady, and with groups of teens on a band performance trip. There truly is something for everyone in Florence.

Explore the Piazza del Duomo

The Piazza del Duomo is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence and is home to the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This beautiful square is surrounded by cafes and gelaterias, making it a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Admission to the cathedral is free, but you’ll need to pay to climb the dome or visit the nearby Baptistery and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

One of the must-visit attractions in Florence is the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo. This stunning cathedral is a symbol of the city and one of the largest churches in the world. The exterior is adorned with beautiful green, pink and white marble, while the interior is just as impressive with its frescoes, stained glass windows and intricate detailing.

The Duomo is open every day from 8:30 am to 7 pm and admission is free. However, if you’d like to climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city, there is a fee of 16€. The views from the top will make the climb worthwhile!

Duomo Baptistery

The Baptistery is located directly across from the Duomo. The doors of the Battistero di San Giovanni are among the most famous examples of Italian Renaissance art and architecture. Commissioned in the early 14th century, these doors have played an important role in the history and cultural identity of Florence. The Baptistry is a prominent religious building in the city, and its doors have long been seen as a symbol of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.

The original bronze doors of the Baptistry were created by the famous artist Lorenzo Ghiberti and are known as the "Gates of Paradise." These doors were completed in 1452 and depict scenes from the Old Testament. Ghiberti’s doors are widely considered to be masterpieces of Renaissance art and are considered some of the greatest works of art from the period. They are known for their intricate details and highly realistic depictions of biblical stories, which helped to establish the style of Renaissance art.

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

This museum showcases the art and architecture of the city’s iconic cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo. The museum was established in the late 19th century to preserve the art and architecture of the cathedral and its surrounding structures, including the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Campanile tower.