affordable florence

ESSENTIALS

Flying Tiger: Best for small essentials: notebooks, pens, storage boxes, shower caddies, kitchen tools.
IKEA – Ideal for larger items (bedding, lamps, shelves).
- Location: IKEA Sesto Fiorentino (approx. 40 mins from city center).
- Getting there: Take Tram T2 toward Peretola, then a free IKEA shuttle from the last stop.
- Tip: Plan a half-day trip and make a list beforehand.
ODStore – Affordable snacks and household items, with multiple locations around Florence.

OVS (Via Panzani & Via Nazionale): Reliable choice for reasonably priced clothing.
Vintage clothing section: Florence has a thriving vintage clothing scene, great for sustainable fashion.

Tip: Prices generally increase the closer you are to the city center.

There are several cost-effective ways to obtain textbooks in Florence:

Villa Ulivi Library: Offers semester - long loans (limited supply) and two-week loans. Visit early to secure copies.
Paperback Exchange: Purchase books and receive a partial refund if returned in excellent condition.
Online Orders: Use Amazon.it or EU-based website.
- - NYU students have access to Amazon Prime for free, which means delivery is free.
  - Some textbooks may be cheaper online than at Paperback Exchange.
  - NOTE: Do not purchase from Amazon.com or other extra-EU websites. Customs fees and delivery delays will far outweigh any presumed savings.
Florence’s public libraries.
- - The Biblioteca delle Oblate grants students a free library card, which entitles students to check out books, making photocopies, and free wifi.
  - Other libraries (Biblioteca di Storia e Letteratura Nord-Americana, Biblioteca di Lettere (Humanities Library), Biblioteca di Storia dell’Arte (Art History Library), and Biblioteca di Palagio di Parte Guelfa) allow students to buy a copy card and make photocopies of most texts.
    1. - The average photocopy costs 5 cents per A4 page and 10 cents per each A3. Please note that only 15% of the book can be photocopied

Florence offers many cultural experiences at little to no cost.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): Free to enter daily from 10:00 to 17:00. The frescoes and interior are worth the wait, and the underground remains of Santa Reparata can also be visited for free.
Santa Maria de’ Ricci Church: Offers free organ recitals every evening at 21:15.
Basilica di San Miniato al Monte: One of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Tuscany. Located behind Piazzale Michelangelo, it offers panoramic views over Florence. At 17:30 each evening, you can listen to monks chanting.
Stroll Along the Arno: Get a gelato, sit by the river, and enjoy local musicians who often perform nearby.

British Institute Cultural Evenings: Every Wednesday at 18:00 (September to June), attend lectures, concerts, or events at the Harold Acton Library. Small donations are welcome.
Aperitivo Hours: Many cafés and bars offer a light dinner buffet for around €10-15 between 18:00 and 20:00.
Soccer Matches: Often, there are student discounts available; ask the Office of Student Life for more information if interested. Take bus #17 or #50 to reach the stadium.

Free Museum Sundays: All state museums in Florence are free on the first Sunday of each month.
OSL Trips and Activities: Organized by the Office of Student Life and free of charge. Spaces fill up quickly, so register as soon as links become available in the Florence Flyer (sent every Sunday at 18:00).
Fiesole Excursion: Take a bus to Fiesole to enjoy the views, markets, and occasional free concerts organized by the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole.

Ride the Carousel: Piazza della Repubblica offers a charming carousel ride for €2.
Sunset at San Miniato al Monte: Bring a panino from All’Antico Vinaio or your favorite shop, take bus #12 or #13, and watch the sunset from the church steps.
Opera Performances: Tickets range from €10–20. Borrow a Maggio Card from the Office of Academic Support or the Office of Student Life to receive a student discount.
OPA Pass: For €21, gain access to the Duomo dome, bell tower, baptistery, crypt, and Opera del Duomo Museum.
Bike Rentals: Expect to pay about €4 per hour, €10 for five hours, €15 for a full day, or €20 for 24 hours.
Museums:
- 1. Ferragamo Shoe Museum: €4
  2. Ospedale degli Innocenti: €9, featuring Ghirlandaio’s Adoration of the Magi

Page updated

Report abuse