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Florence offers countless cultural experiences at little to no cost. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city itself feels like an open-air museum! You can soak in centuries of art, architecture, and history without spending much. Home to generations of artists, thinkers, and visionaries, Florence still bears their legacy in its streets, piazzas, and monuments, where creativity and history remain alive in everyday life.
Daily Free Activities
Daily Free Activities
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): Free to enter daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The frescoes are worth the wait—don’t miss the descent to the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata below, where mosaics and ruins reveal Florence’s early history.
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 5:30 pm 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.
Weekly and Regular Events
Weekly and Regular Events
British Institute Cultural Evenings: Every Wednesday at 6:00 pm (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 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
Soccer Matches: Often, there are student discounts available; ask the Office of Student Life for more information if interested. Take bus #17 from the city centre to reach the stadium.
Monthly and Seasonal Opportunities
Monthly and Seasonal Opportunities
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 6:00 pm).
Fiesole Excursion: Take a bus to Fiesole to enjoy the views, markets, and occasional free concerts organized by the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole.
Additional Affordable Experiences
Additional Affordable Experiences
Ride the Carousel: Piazza della Repubblica offers a charming carousel ride for €2.
Sunset at San Miniato al Monte: Bring a schiacciata 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 €30, gain access to the Duomo dome, bell tower, baptistery, crypt, and Opera del Duomo Museum.
Bike Rentals: Expect to pay about €5 per hour, €10 for five hours, €15 for a full day, or €20 for 24 hours.
Museums:
Ferragamo Museum: €5 (Student discount)
Museo degli Innocenti: €9, featuring Ghirlandaio’s Adoration of the Magi
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