Weekend in Firenze

A 14th-century grain market turned church, with stunning Gothic architecture and original statues of patron saints on its exterior niches.

Tip: Check the upper floor for the museum (small fee) which holds the originals; the interior is quiet and free, perfect for a break from crowds.

The 13th-century town hall's courtyard and ground floor are free to enter. You can see the fountain of Putto, the first courtyard frescoes, and the grand staircase. Paid ticket nee

Tip: Use the free official app for audio guide of the courtyard (download before going). Go mid-week morning to avoid queues. The free area includes a small museum shop with good postcards.

An open-air sculpture gallery with pieces like the copy of Michelangelo's David and Cellini's Perseus, plus the Palazzo Vecchio facade.

Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and get clear photos without tour groups blocking the statues.

A two-floor market: ground level has fresh produce, meat, and cheese; upstairs is a bustling food hall with affordable eats. Free to wander.

Tip: Skip the touristy stalls outside; head upstairs for a cheap lunch of tripe panino or pasta at the counter.

A two-level food market: ground floor with butchers, bakers, and produce; upstairs with a lively food hall selling affordable Italian dishes.

Tip: Get a 5-euro panino with lampredotto from the ground-floor vendors, then take it upstairs to sit at the communal tables.

Florence's sculpture museum housed in a medieval fortress, featuring masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Cellini. Often overlooked by tourists.

Tip: Free entry on the first Sunday of each month; arrive early to avoid queues. The courtyard is a hidden peaceful spot.

A huge covered market in San Lorenzo with cheap local food on the ground floor: panini, cheese, olive oil, wine samples. The upper floor is a food hall but you can browse for free.

Tip: Buy a €1 glass of wine at a stall and nibble free bread. Best time is late morning (11am) when stalls are busy but not chaotic. Avoid the touristy leather market outside—it's overpriced.

A bustling food market on two levels—ground floor for raw produce, upper floor for casual eats (not free).

Tip: Walk the ground floor for free tasting of olive oils, cheeses, and meats. Avoid the overpriced upstairs food court.

A two-floor market in the San Lorenzo district. Ground floor has fresh produce, meat, cheese, and bread stalls since 1874. Upper floor is a modern food hall with affordable eats.

Tip: Skip the ground floor for shopping unless you're cooking – prices are tourist-marked. Go upstairs for a cheap lunch: a plate of pasta or a pizza slice costs about €7. Arrive at noon to beat the queue.

A double-decker market: ground floor for fresh produce and pasta, upstairs for affordable food stalls like truffle pasta and lampredotto.

Tip: Eat lunch upstairs (pasta plates around €10) then walk through the ground floor for cheaper snacks like pecorino cheese and cured meats at the deli counters.