Harvard Student Agencies - Lets Go Budget Florence: The Student Travel Guide

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The Medici. Botticelli. Dante. What do these names, familiar to anyone who has studied history, art, or literature (or a combination of all three), have in common? All of them were natives of Florence, and their presence survives in the city today. As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and an epicenter for high culture, Florence has become one of the artistic treasure troves of the world. You can barely walk along the streets and piazze without running into famous works (or their replicas), and the myriad museums are rivaled in number by dozens of churches, which house priceless artwork and frescoes all their own. One might think that being a tourist in Florence would get old, once the splendor of walking through yet another museum with yet more artistic landmarks wears off. But this city is so much more than that: you can sip regional Chianti at the many cafes and bars, enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in trattorias and ristoranti, and view spectacular live performances of everything from music to theater. Whats more, if the city begins to wear on you, the quaint, relaxing cities and towns of Tuscany are just a train ride away, allowing you to venture into the countryside and return to the city with renewed fascination. This is a city of purely Florentine sights, tastes, and customs, and if you allow yourself to embrace that culture, youll no doubt leave feeling like a true fiorentino.

You dont have to limit yourself to gelato to save a few bucks in Florence. There are many cafes and ristoranti that offer pizza, sandwiches, and pasta for less than 10. The trick to snagging an affordable meal goes beyond the menumany restaurants charge cover fees for table service, so munching on the go or at the bar can satisfy your hunger and your bank account.

The slices are so large that you might actually ask for a smaller piece, which is quite the bargain for 2.

Grab a stool quicklythis sandwich joint is constantly filled with hungry study abroaders on a quest for cheap panini.

This century-old ristorante serves primi and secondi for as little as 2.50, or go for a glass of house wineits only 1.

Take a walk on the Turkish side with these affordable (and delicious) kebabs.

San Lorenzos famous market is your ticket to cheap meats, cheeses, and even pizza and sandwiches.

Although you have to pay extra to climb up to the top, the citys most visible landmark is free to enter.

Its quite the hike, but the view is almost unparalleled, and theres even a(nother) David reproduction.

Come here to view Botticellis tomb, or the very convincing balcony painted on the ceiling.

If you want to satisfy your visual and auditory senses, come to this small church for a free organ recital.

Florence isnt the kind of city where hostels put up signs on every corner raving about low prices and the phenomenal amenities that come with them. However, if you know where to look, there are definitely places that cater to the penny-pinchers instead of the luxury-seekers. If you visit in any month that isnt summer, prices can drop as much as 20 per night.

: A prime location near the Duomo makes this one of the best values in Florence. Quick, reserve now, the 30 beds fill up fast!

It may be out of the way in West Oltrarno, but this upscale hotel doubles as a hostel, so you get the comfort without the price tag.

This is probably the only hostel in Florence (or in Italy, for that matter) that gives you a bed, gym, Turkish bath, and pool for only 25.

Not only do you get a cheap room, but you can score a plate of pasta every night for a mere 2.50.

Art enthusiasts will love the location next to the Uffizi, while night owls will appreciate P. della Signorias array of nightlife.

No, we arent encouraging you to break into one of Florences famed galleries and sell the pieces to alleviate your budget altogether (it probably wouldnt end too well for you anyway). Rather, we want you to know that seeing famous artwork, whether its housed in a museum or a church, can be a real steal. Travelers can get into many museums for under 5, and some even offer joint tickets with other locations for a single low rate.

Its not the Accademia, but its right next door.

Pay the small entrance fee to see Filippo Brunelleschis rendition of the night sky, or sneak a free peek from the prayer area.

This former orphanage is now home to an extravagant art collection that charges an affordable 4 entrance fee.

This is one of the most awe-inspiring churches outside the famed Duomo, and it only costs 3.50.

You may have to cough up 10, but the resulting ticket gets you into three museums as well as the Boboli Gardensyou do the math.

Florence is practically synonymous with Renaissance art. As the arguable birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, its no wonder.

You might think that the only (admittedly attractive) nightlife option in Florence is a glass of wine by the Arno. While its scene isnt as vibrant as Romes or Milans, Florence does have a few places that will amp up your excitement. Take advantage of unique drinks at .

Even if you love art history more than life itself, you might want to introduce a little variety into your trip. Fortunately, Florence isnt an artistic island within a barren Central Italian wastelandits at the heart of scenic Tuscany. Head to will surely wow you, whether through the crazy Palio or the beautiful Duomo complex.