To really get into la dolce vita, it’s better to limit yourself to a few cities or towns and take your time in each one. Delays and unforeseen events (along with these common tourists mistakes) can derail even the best-planned schedules and cause stress, which is the opposite of what your vacation should be about.

If you’re planning to be in Italy for 10 days and want to see the best cities the country has to offer, while also leaving time to enjoy spontaneous events and relax, follow this itinerary. This schedule takes you through the greatest hits of Rome, Florence, and Venice for an unforgettable and affordable vacation.

In another post, we offer tips for exploring Italy by car, including small villages and towns. However, for this trip, we’re hitting up the country’s big three cities, so we’ll travel by high-speed train.

Related: 11 Simple ways to save on your trip to Italy

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Fly into Rome, take the train in from the airport and spend the afternoon and evening relaxing.

Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood of your hotel (we recommend staying at one of these budget hotels with central locations), and indulge in your first Italian meal. Roman food is unique to the rest of Italy, so ask your concierge or host for their recommendations on the best amatriciana or cacio e pepe in the neighborhood. If you find yourself near the Spanish Steps, you can try one of these restaurants.

Affordable hotels in Rome:
• All budget hotels in Rome

The Duomo is the heart of Florence and must-see for your first day. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

Days 2 & 3: Explore Florence

You’ll see everything Rome has to offer soon, but today we’ll take a train to Florence, about two hours away from Rome’s Termini train station. Book these tickets well in advance for the lowest prices (from €17!) directly from Trenitalia, the national railway. (By the way, don’t be confused if you type “Florence” into the search and nothing comes up. You need to search for “Roma” to “Firenze.” Another note: If Trenitalia’s website shows up as unavailable for your region, you can book the same tickets at the same rates, plus a €3.50 fee, through the U.S.-based Italiarail.com.)

Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is also one of the most beautiful and culturally important cities in the country. Arrive in the early afternoon and, after checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day wandering around the famed Basilica (the “Duomo”) and climbing to the top. You’ll be hungry after the walk, and when in Florence, make sure to eat a panini or the famous dish, Bistecca alla Fiorentina! (Read more posts about eating for cheap in Florence.)

The next day is for sightseeing (Read: 5 ways to save on sightseeing in Florence). After a tasty breakfast, spend the day exploring Florence, whether you want to visit Michelangelo’s David sculpture in the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, pore over art in the Uffizi Gallery, or shop for handmade leather goods and souvenirs.

Cheap hotels in Florence:
• All budget hotels in central Florence

It’s hard not to fall in love with the Grand Canal in Venice. Photo: Gerhard G.

Day 4 & 5: Strolling in Venice

Head to Venice by train from Florence, a ride that takes approximately two hours. Again, book those tickets in advance through Trenitalia (and search for “Venezia”).

Once in Venice, you can immerse yourself in the romance of the canals and beauty of handmade blown glass. Venice is known for its seafood, so take advantage and feast on octopus and calamari. Unfortunately, Venice is also known for overpriced, tourist trap restaurants, so ask a local for recommendations. (Read more of our posts about food in Venice.)

When choosing a hotel in Venice, we like to go close, but not too close, to St. Mark’s Square. The Castello neighborhood is a nice option, with several affordable options that are tucked away and quiet-ish, but still super-convenient. Want a canal view? Consider these budget hotel picks. Want more options? Here’s a list of our favorite hotels in Venice.

On your second day in Venice, start your day at a delicious Venetian bakery, and then get ready for an unforgettable walk. From the Piazza San Marco (where every building turns a lovely shade of pink during sunset), to Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s brilliant Basilica, there’s plenty to do.

From our Venice sightseeing guide: visit these 10 sights for under €15, check out these lesser-known museums, hit up these 5 free sights, or take a walk through the Jewish ghetto.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Venice is sip a glass of wine while watching the gondolas glide by. You can also hop on a ferry, if a gondola ride is too expensive for your tastes. (It is for ours!)

Hotel picks for Venice:
• All budget hotels in Venice

Days 6 – 8: A Roman Holiday

Today, you’ll head back to Rome by train, passing through hill country and several castles along the way. It’s only three hours on the high-speed train from Venice, but the trip takes much longer on a regional train. (If booked in advance, the fast train will probably be about the same price as the slow one!)

When choosing a hotel in Rome, check out this list of our favorite budget hotels. This includes several that are near the train station, as well as those in extremely convenient locations near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps. (See all recommended hotels in Rome.)

Once checked in, take a night stroll through the city. The piazzas are bustling until late in the evening, and the city sparkles at night. If you have time, visit the Trevi Fountain by moonlight.

Related:
• 25 Free things to see and do in Rome
• 10 Easy ways to save on your next trip to Rome

Plan what you want to see in Rome, and split it up over the next few days. A tour of the Vatican will take about half a day, as will a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Related:
• 10 Tips for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica & the Vatican Museums
• Rome’s 4 commonly overlooked treasures

But give yourself at least one day to explore Rome away from the big sights. Explore outdoor markets, shop for Italian fashion, relax in one of Rome’s many gardens and parks, and just wander along the city’s cobblestone side streets!

Don’t forget to eat lots of gelato and drink house wine! Seriously, the house wine is much cheaper and just as good as most of the bottled stuff. It’s local! (Read more about eating and drinking in Rome.)

The beautiful waters of Anzio, Italy are just a quick and cheap train ride away from Rome. Photo: Helen Cook

Day 9 – Day trip

If you’re in love with Rome, go ahead and spend another day checking more attractions off of your wish list.

If you’re up for something new, there are several fun day trips easily accessible from Rome. Whether you want to enjoy some sun at nearby beaches, the hillside villages of Castelli Romani, or the ruins of Ostia Antica (one of the best-kept secrets in all of Italy), getting out of the city is worth it to see a different side of Italy before you leave. Most trains depart from Termini Station.

Day 10 – Arrivederci Italy

Have one last cappuccino and cornetto for breakfast and you’re off! Of course, your memories from 10 days in bella Italia will last a lifetime.

Your Italy tips

Have you been to Rome, Florence or Venice? Tell us how you like to save when you are sightseeing (and eating!) during your trip.

The post 10-day itinerary for Italy: An affordable trip to Rome, Florence and Venice appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, not all cheap hotels are worth checking into. So where should you stay if you’re traveling on a budget? We did the research to find the best budget hotels in Florence, with most rooms well under $150 per night.

Read more about budget travel in Italy
• 10 Day Itinerary in Italy: An Affordable trip to Rome, Florence and Venice
• Avoid these 10 common tourist mistakes in Italy
• 5 Tasty panini shops in Florence under €5

The best budget hotels in Florence

From charming family-run stays with a lending library to old-world rooms boasting 18th-century frescoes, here are our favorite hotels from our Florence guide.

Hotel San Giovanni’s rooms may be light on amenities, but they have plenty of charm. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel San Giovanni

Neighborhood: Duomo
Doubles from $69

The rooms at the Hotel San Giovanni might be a little basic, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal, especially when some rooms even offer views of the Duomo. Wi-Fi is accessible in common spaces, and in-room amenities include toiletries and a hair dryer. But again… did we mention the views? Those alone make this one of the best budget hotels in Florence. Read the full review

Bavaria is all about old-world charm.

Bavaria

Neighborhood: Santa Croce
Doubles from $65

What the Bavaria lacks in amenities it makes up for in style. Guests enter the hotel through a courtyard and up a large staircase. Rooms are mini-museums, complete with 18th-century frescoes and intricately painted wooden ceilings, and there is plenty of space to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in the gorgeous Renaissance-style common areas, and breakfast is included in the price. Read the full review

You don’t need that many euros to stay a few steps from the Duomo at Hotel Dali.

Hotel Dali

Neighborhood: Duomo
Doubles from $86

The sweet owners of Hotel Dali, Marco and Samantha, ensure that every guest has an unforgettable stay in Florence. Rooms are charming, with local artwork and antiques. Guests also love the lending library, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and free parking (unheard of in Florence!). Read the full review

A stay at Hotel Abaco feels like sleeping in an art museum. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Abaco

Neighborhood: Santa Maria Novella
Doubles from $89

Hotel Abaco is what we consider a cheapo gem. This family-run hotel is nestled in a 15th-century palazzo in a convenient location near the main train station. It only has seven rooms, so it’s best to reserve your spot well in advance. The early planning is worth it, though. Rooms are intricately decorated, and the nightly rate includes breakfast. Read the full review

We love the simple and cheap rooms at Hotel Giappone. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Giappone

Neighborhood: Duomo
Doubles from $81

Nestled within a beautiful historic building, the Hotel Giappone is a no-frills home base for serious Cheapos. Rooms are complete with desks, televisions, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms also have tall windows that look down on the popular shopping street below. Read the full review

Pop your head out the window for this view from the Hotel Locanda Orchidea.

Hotel Locanda Orchidea

Neighborhood: Duomo
Doubles from $107

The Hotel Locanda Orchidea is a calming oasis in the center of Florence. This family-run hotel has welcoming rooms with views of either the pedestrian street below or a small, quiet garden. Costs stay low thanks to clean shared bathrooms. While you won’t find televisions in the rooms, there is a TV lounge and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Read the full review

Book a stylish room at Johanna I without breaking the bank Photo: Booking.com

Johanna I B&B

Neighborhood: San Marco
Doubles from $72

In a quiet, residential area only a 10-minute walk to the Duomo, Johanna I B&B offers the best of both worlds when it comes to location. Rooms are uniquely and gorgeously decorated and complete with the comforts of home, including free Wi-Fi, mini fridges, and flat-screen TVs. If you splurge on a mini-suite, bathrooms include tubs and rainfall shower heads. Read the full review

More Florence cheap hotels

Need more hotel recommendations? Check out our guide to Florence for even more options to help you find the best budget hotels in Florence. And if you have a favorite place to stay in Florence, let us know in the comments below!

The post The 7 best budget hotels in Florence for 2024 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It’s no surprise that Florence’s popularity also keeps prices a lot higher than we would like.

But Cheapos know you can keep coming back to this wonderful Italian city as long as you keep a few budget tips in mind.

More Florence & Italy Tips:
• Our 10 favorite budget hotels in Florence
• A Cheapo-friendly 10-day itinerary across Italy
• 11 Tips for saving in Italy
• Our favorite affordable hotels in Tuscany

10 Tips to help you save in Florence

Before you start planning your vacation to Florence, check out these 10 easy ways to save time and money.

1. Time your visit carefully

Scheduling your trip between the end of October and the beginning of March will net you substantial savings. Not only will flights and accommodations be cheaper (and crowds more subdued), you’ll pay less to tour what many consider this Tuscan city’s main event: the museums.

Take, for example, the cost of entry to the Uffizi — it increase from €19 to €25 for Florence’s busy peak and mid-season from March through the end of October.

Related: 10 Tips for saving at the Uffizi Gallery 

2. Book ahead for accommodations

While the low season is certainly cheaper and less crowded, Florence is actually a busy destination any month of the year. To score the best deals on the most centrally located accommodations, reserve a place to stay as far in advance as you can manage. And if you’re worried about changes in plans, pay a little extra for free cancellation. This is extra important if you’re visiting in the busy summer months.

Search for hotels and vacation apartments in Florence

3. Make a list of free things

While many of the must-sees in Florence will cost admission, there is a lot to be enjoyed here without forking over an entry fee. Browsing at San Lorenzo Mercato Centrale, walking across the city’s only remaining medieval bridge, Ponte Vecchio, and climbing up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of the city are highly recommended and free. Also, watching leather artisans at work in the Santa Croce neighborhood will cost nothing more than your time and energy.

Related: 8 Free things to do in Florence

4. Choose your hotel wisely

Picking your location can be a winning ticket to saving during your trip to Florence. Want a view of the Ponte Vecchio from your room? Be prepared to spend. Luckily, Florence isn’t a sprawling city like Rome, so you don’t need to stay in the exact center to be within walking distance of most top attractions. Read through our Florence neighborhood guide for tips and decide which area might work best for you.

5. Get local advice

Whether it’s where to get takeaway pizza or find the best shopping, ask a local (or for best results, a few locals) about where and what they recommend. Online evaluations are great, but they can’t beat the real, in-person thing. Plus, sometimes the neatest places don’t have much of an online presence.

6. Dine out at lunchtime

One of the biggest appeals for most folks visiting Italy is enjoying the food. Savor local eats without upending your budget by limiting your meals to mostly set menus at lunchtime — not only will you save money, you’re more likely to be offered seasonal specialties, so you can try different dishes when you’re not ordering a la carte. Check out all of our Florence dining tips.

Just remember to walk a ways away from any tourist attractions before sitting down to eat or drink anything. For nights when you’re too beat to cook or slap together a sandwich, you can always pick up a pizza or check out one of our favorite panini shops.

7. Don’t fly into Florence

There aren’t any direct flights into Florence from US airports, and you’re likely to pay substantially more for an itinerary to and from Florence (to the tune of several hundred dollars).

Instead, fly into Rome or Milan (Emirates has some great deals on occasion) and spend a couple of hours — and €40 or less — on the train into town. Flying into Florence tends to be more expensive than flying into Milan or Rome, even from major hubs in Europe like Barcelona and London.

Find low-cost flights to Italy with CheapoSearch

8. Watch what you drink

Keep a close tab on what you drink, and we don’t just mean alcohol. Beverages in general, especially in the center of Florence, can rack up a substantial tab. Spring for the occasional espresso, cappuccino (just never in the afternoon!) or glass of Italian red, but the rest of the time, carry around your own refillable water bottle — there are fountains around town and tap water is safe to drink.

And if you love wine, do what the locals do and buy it on tap or buy it in the supermarket.

9. Shop strategically

Don’t buy anything in shops near the Duomo or the Uffizi, not even the supermarket, if you can avoid it. Unless, of course, you enjoy inflated prices.

Instead, wander down side streets in search of small neighborhood shops to find the best artisan edibles and unique souvenirs to take home. Note that if you’re pressed for time at a museum, the official gift shop may be your best bet for a positive quality-to-price ratio.

10. Think tickets through

Whatever your priorities for time and money in Florence, think them through before buying tickets on the fly. Churches and museums are around every corner, and the majority of them charge a fee. Most folks want to see at a minimum both the Uffizi and the Accademia Art galleries, as well as the Duomo. Buying in advance online saves you waiting in line but costs extra. Combo tickets offer a 10% discount in many cases.

And for anyone who thinks they want to see absolutely everything, there’s the Firenze Card, a 72-hour skip-the-line pass to see 72 of the city’s monuments and museums for €85. It just might be worth it, especially in high season, when ticket prices go up and lines are long. After the card expires, you can also extend it online for 48 hours to visit the sites you didn’t get to with the Firenze Card Restart, currently available for free.

Budget hotels in Florence

Check out our Florence hotel guide to find the right room for you.

Have you been to Florence? Let us know how you save on your trip in the comments!

The post Florence: 10 Travel tips to help you save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether you are visiting Florence or living here on a budget, here are some simple ways to stretch your dining dollar.

So book your Florence hotel room and start thinking about all of the delicious things you will drink and eat from Bistecca alla fiorentina (a special steak dish) to the famous wines of Tuscany.

Tips for dining on a budget in Florence

Go to the market

Going to the markets in Florence is a beautiful experience, as they offer a fantastic combination of smells, amazing fresh fruit and vegetables — and no shortage of people-watching opportunities. And don’t forget your camera, because you will always find something neat to photograph.

The two main central markets in Florence are the Mercato di San Lorenzo and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. These are both wonderful markets, open every day except for Sundays until about 1:30 p.m.

Okay, now here’s the thing, to save your precious euros when going to the market you should know a few tricks. Many of the food stands in these markets cater to tourists and have the prices to match. I recommend taking a nice long walk around the market, looking at each stand. Look to see who is buying what at each stand. Head to the stand that has the most locals hanging around (normally this will also be the least fancy of the stands). Don’t be afraid to ask a local which stand they prefer.

At the markets, as well as in the supermarkets, all produce is sold by the kilo, so it’s always a good idea to ask how much something costs if you are not sure. You can also order by price. In this case, you would say, for example, “I’d like €3 of apples.” This way you will always know exactly how much you’re spending, especially if you are not familiar with metric quantities.

As far as the other outdoor vendors selling clothing and household items… bargain to your heart’s content! Unlike in the retail stores around town, at the market, you can bargain and sometimes get the vendor to dramatically reduce the price. When you are bargaining, I recommend having the amount of money you are offering for the item already in your hand for the vendor to see. I have had more luck that way. Happy bargaining!

Enjoy a picnic

For tourists visiting Florence, eating out every meal gets expensive quickly. Fortunately, you have access to great produce and local food products, so instead of heading to yet another restaurant, take a break and pick up some fresh vegetables at San Lorenzo market and some locally made cheeses and bread at Sant’Ambrogio. You can even check out the supermarkets around town for some cheaper, yet quality food supplies.

Now, where to go to have your picnic? You could go to any of the many public parks in Florence — during the day Le Cascine Park or anywhere along the Arno River would be a great choice. I would also recommend heading to any big piazza, such as Piazza Santa Croce or Piazza della Repubblica, as they’re fantastic for people watching.

I also recommend going to the Boboli Gardens to have a picnic, as the lovely gardens offer a lot of space. There is, however, an entrance charge of €6 at the Boboli Gardens. On a nice sunny day, I’d say it’s worth it.

Don’t sit down with your coffee

When going to a bar for a coffee or tea, remember that there are sometimes two different prices for drinks: bar prices and table service prices. Table service (meaning they take your order and serve you at a table) is about double the price of ordering and consuming your drink at the counter. Not all bars will charge you for table service, so it is important to ask before you order.

Related: How to order coffee in Italy

Snack on an “Apericena”

I love enjoying an “Apericena” with friends, as it’s definitely cheaper than going out to dinner at a restaurant and often much more fun, as well.

Now, to clarify: An “Aperitivo” is a before-dinner drink, normally accompanied by some light finger-food and snacks like chips, olives, or bread with dips. An Apericena, however, includes a drink of your choice, accompanied by a buffet of food, typically including different pasta salads, risotto, couscous, little sandwiches, etc.

The cost of an Apericena is typically around €5 to €8. After a couple of rounds at the buffet I’m usually a posto (“done”). Dinner and a cocktail for under €10 is a great deal. If you have a special diet or allergies to certain foods, make sure you take a look at the buffet before you order anything, or better yet, ask one of the staff what is in each dish. There are many Apericena spots around the city, so don’t be afraid to be selective.

Your tips

Do you have tips for dining in Florence? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Florence: Simple strategies for saving on dining appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That being said, those budget hotels can fill up quickly with others looking to enjoy all that Florence has to offer.

To keep you in-the-know of some of the hidden gems dotted along these ancient streets, we’ve combed through thousands of hotels and recently added some of our favorite cheap hotels in Florence to our guide.

Related: 10 travel tips to help you save in Florence

Newly added hotels in our Florence guide

Here are a few excellent budget hotel options that are new to our guide.

Dante Alighieri

Neighborhood: Duomo
Rooms from $78

Located in the center of Florence just 800 feet from the Cathedral, Dante Alighieri B&B offers peaceful rooms at rates that can’t be beat.

Rooms here are styled minimally, but the historic building lends some charm in the form of frescoed ceilings. Although the decor is basic, amenities are aplenty with air conditioning, an elevator and free Wi-Fi all available.

The nightly rate includes breakfast.

Book a cheapo stay in the heart of Florence at Dante Alighieri.

Badia Fiorentina

Neighborhood: Duomo
Doubles from $88

The 3-star Badia Fiorentina offers attractive, budget-friendly rooms just a short stroll from the Cathedral.

Rooms are dressed in white from top to bottom, and the tufted headboards and chandeliers bring a touch of glamour to these cheapo guestrooms. You’ll also find flat-screen TVs, kettles, mini-fridges, toasters, free Wi-Fi and more. Ask ahead for a room with views of the city. For an even cheaper stay, opt for a shared bathroom.

A fresh breakfast, included in the nightly rate, is served every morning.

Find your home-away-from-home at Badia Fiorentina.

Hotel Por Santa Maria

Neighborhood: Duomo
Doubles from $95

The quaint, 1-star Hotel Por Santa Maria is conveniently located near the Uffizi Gallery and the Cathedral and is in an ideal spot for easily exploring Florence.

Rooms are unembellished and feature predictable floral bedspreads, wood furnishings and a framed art print here and there. The hotel stays quiet thanks to a lack of televisions, but there are still plenty of creature comforts, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and kettles. You can save even more on the nightly rate by choosing a room with a shared bathroom.

While you won’t find breakfast here, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area.

Stay in the center of Florence at Hotel Por Santa Maria.

Interested in seeing more options? Check out thousands of hotels in Florence.

The post Florence: New additions to our cheap hotels guide appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That said, the line can be long, the temperatures inside less than appealing, and the entry fee isn’t exactly cheap.

More Florence travel tips:
• Best budget hotels near the Uffizi Gallery
• 10 Days in Italy: An itinerary through Rome, Florence & Venice

10 Tips for saving time and money at the Uffizi

So what’s a cheapo to do? Here are our best tips to make the most of your time and your euros at the Uffizi.

1. Get tickets from the official museum site

There are a lot of middleman and third-party sites advertising museum tickets in Florence. If there’s nothing available, and you’re desperate to go, by all means, you should consider it. Just note that you’ll pay substantially higher booking fees. The official site at firenzemusei.it is a bit more difficult to use, but you’ll get the best price. Middleman sites like Florence.net, charge an added commission.

2. Go early

If you’re willing to risk not getting a ticket for the added flexibility and a few euros in savings (€4 to be exact), be prepared to get up early and be in line at least 30 minutes before the museum opens at  8:15 am. Don’t try this during high season, as you’re unlikely to get a last-minute ticket for any time during the entire day, much less that morning.

3. Reserve in advance

Go ahead and spend the extra €4 and book a ticket online. You’ll get in guaranteed, and you’ll also get to spend your time in the museum — as opposed to in line. Just remember to show up at least 15 minutes before your ticket time.

4. Go on a free day

In Italy, state museums are free of charge on the first Sunday of every month. If you can, arrange your Uffizi visit around these dates, but expect to brave the crowds (inside and out). Go early, and bring a book and a beverage to make the most of your time in the line.

The outdoor space between the two wings at the Uffizi. Photo: Andy

5. Time your visit for off-season

From November 1st through the end of February, tickets cost approximately half as much as during peak season. Compare €12 per person for a full-price ticket in late fall and winter to the €20 rate that reigns during the warmer months of the year. Unfortunately, there’s no discount in book-ahead fees. They’re always €4 per person year-round.

6. Bring the kids

Kids under 18 accompanying their families visit the museum for “free.” Why is “free” in quotation marks? Because if you reserve your tickets ahead (and you should to avoid waiting in line with your little ones), you’ll still have to pay the €4 reservation fee.

7. Explore conscientiously

The Uffizi is packed with world-class art around every corner. But even if you were an art history major, you may not be interested in absolutely everything. To save yourself from wandering around aimlessly, check out what interests you online before your visit to come up with a game plan.

Or if you want some general advice, head to the top floor where you’ll find treasures by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and “The Birth of Venus,” and then work your way back down to the exit. Seeing everything is overrated, especially in summer, when the Uffizi is that particularly lovely combination of crowded, hot, and stuffy.

Exploring a hallway in the Uffizi Gallery. Photo: Larry

8. Come with the shirt on your back

Don’t drag extra jackets, bags, or really anything unnecessary into the museum. It’ll save you time from having to dump your bag/coat/umbrella before your visit and collecting everything when you’re ready to leave. Of course, if you can’t avoid it, the good news is the coat check here is free.

9. Skip the audio guide

Unless you’re a huge fan of audio guides in general, skip it. For €6 extra, we’d rather read up on the official website over a cappuccino just before our visit in a café with Wi-Fi, but it’s up to you.

10. Buy a Firenze Card

Let’s face it — if you’re interested enough in art to visit the Uffizi, you’re probably also on board to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery and a few other museums and sites around town. The Firenze Card will get you out of reserving ahead or waiting in line pretty much everywhere but the Duomo.

At €72, the price is up there, but it includes admission to up to 72 sites in the city in a 72-hour time frame. It’s well worth it if you plan to see three or four museums, especially during high season when entry fees nearly double. To fit in as many museums as possible, add the Firenze Card+ for €5 more so you can hop on transit and get around in a hurry.

Bonus Tip

If you find yourself in Florence and no tickets are available online, either call the Uffizi’s official reservation line or head to Orsanmichele Church (Monday-Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm) and ask if there are short-notice tickets available. You’ll still have to pay the €4 reservation fee, but you won’t have to wait in line.

Uffizi Gallery

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6
Hours: 8:15 am to 6:50 pm (Closed Monday)
Website: www.uffizi.it/en/

Have you been to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence? Share any tips or comments in the section below.

The post Florence: 10 Tips for visiting the Uffizi Gallery appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’re big fans of sleeping in central locations in almost every city we visit, as it cuts way down on wasted time spent on getting to and from the city center. Sleeping central means being able to dart back to your hotel room as needed throughout the day.

Forget something? No problem. Want to change or take a shower before dinner? Easy. A little too much vino at dinner? The walk home isn’t far…

Charming Florence hotels near Duomo

Here are four great sleeps in Florence, some within a one-minute walk of the Duomo (you read that right!) and all offering rooms for under €100 during most of the year. We searched both low- and high-season rates for each property.

Seriously, we’re not making this up. A view onto the Duomo from the Soggiorno Battistero.

Soggiorno Battistero

Piazza San Giovanni 1
Rates from: €99 (double)

The biggest splurge on our list, this charming B&B offers six sophisticated rooms literally across the street from the Duomo. Seriously, you can pay a little extra for rooms where you can look at the dome from your bed. All are equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Rates run a lot higher in the high season, so come in winter or fall for the best deals. Breakfast included. Read our review.

The million-dollar view from a cheapo room at the Medici. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel Medici

Via de’ Medici 6
Rates from: €80 (double)

And now for something really cheap. The two-star Hotel Medici, located around the corner from the Duomo, is hands-down one of the best deals in central Florence. While rooms in this six-floor hotel are pretty simple and don’t have air conditioning or TV, many offer jaw-dropping views of the Duomo and surrounding streets. And did we mention those rates? Read our review.

San Giovanni offers clean rooms with charming old-world furnishings.

Hotel San Giovanni

Via de’ Cerretani 2
Rates from: €54 (double shared bathroom), €70 (double private external bathroom)

The one-star Giovanni is a budget gem, offering remarkably affordable rooms just steps from the Duomo. Housed in a 16th-century palazzo that once served as a residence for bishops, the San Giovanni offers history, to boot. Free Wi-Fi. Read our review.

The Dali charms with its vintage and antique furnishing. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel Dali

Via Dell Oriuolo, 17
Rates from: €40 – 90 (doubles, contact hotel for exact rates)

The friendly Samanta and Marco run this charming 10-room albergo, located just down the Via Dell Oriuolo from the Duomo’s back door. The Dali’s been a EuroCheapo favorite for more than a decade — its fun mix of vintage and antique furnishings won us over immediately. Free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea, and — get this! — parking. Read our review.

Looking for more options?

For many more reviews of recommended budget hotels in Florence, check out our Florence guide — including these 17 hotels near the Duomo and our top 10 favorite budget hotels in Florence.

The post 4 Charming Florence hotels near the Duomo for under €100 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

You can find plenty of hotels with rooms for around $100, but if you’re a true Cheapo like us, you’re looking to go even lower. We checked around and found five hotels in Florence offering rooms for under $100 with a few even hovering as low as $50 per night.

But we’re not just focused on price, because we all know that sometimes you get what you pay for. At EuroCheapo, we take care to choose hotels that we would have no qualms about staying in ourselves. All of the hotels we picked from this list have earned high marks from recent guests and they all offer excellent locations not far from Florence’s main attractions.

A super cheap room with a view at Hotel Giappone.

Hotel Giappone

Doubles from $44

Conveniently situated between the Duomo and main train station, the one-star Hotel Giappone is all about value. Be prepared to walk up to this four-story hotel nestled in a historic building. Colorful rooms with sturdy furniture offer views of the surrounding rooftops. We found $67 double rooms with a private bathroom and $44 rooms if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom down the hall. There are only eight rooms, so make sure to book early, especially in the high season.
Read the full review.

The classy courtyard at Hotel Bavaria.

Hotel Bavaria

Doubles from $53

Enjoy a slice of the Rennaisance at this fabulous one-star hotel. You would think that sleeping with 18th-century frescoes and intricately painted wooden ceilings in your room would break the bank. However, Hotel Bavaria offers double rooms for only $73 with a private bathroom and just $53 for a room with shared facilities.

Read the full review.

Canopy beds add a touch of luxury to this cozy B&B.

Johanna B&B

Doubles from $76

This beautiful bed and breakfast is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to splurge for a memorable hotel experience in Florence. Johanna B&B is filled with lovely touches like canopy beds, antique armoires, and 1950’s-style mini-fridges in every room. Even the neighborhood is chic — in a ritzy area just north of San Lorenzo. The price for this near-luxury experience? We found $76 double rooms when searching two months in advance.

Read the full review.

A flat-screen TV and terra cotta floors are just a few of the nice features at Tourist House Ghiberti.

Tourist House Ghiberti

Doubles from $77

With paintings by local artists on the walls and antique wood furniture dotting the rooms, Tourist House Ghiberti is one of the more stylish stays in our Florence guide. You would think it would be hard to find a room under $100, however, if you book in advance, you can find non-refundable rates for only $77. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning and each room comes with a computer and free Wi-Fi. Throw in a Jacuzzi, sauna, and sunny terrace, and you’ll be living the good life at a good price at this chic hotel.

Read the full review.

More Florence hotels

This is just a small sampling of the hotels that EuroCheapo has reviewed in Florence. Search over 50 hotels across the city.

The post Florence: 5 super cheap hotels with great locations appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Local meats, cheese and fresh veggies stuffed into salty, crunchy bread make panini a perfect choice. A great panino will be made with fresh bread and filled with just a few choice ingredients, but if you’re craving additional ingredients just ask!

Stop in at one of our favorite cheapo paninerias where prices range from €2.50 to €5, take your sandwich to a piazza or park, and enjoy a delicious break from the museums and sights.

Budget tips for visiting Florence
• The 10 best cheap hotels in Florence
• 11 Simple ways to save on your trip to Italy

All’Antico Vinaio

Via dei Neri 65

For fast food Florence style, visit All’Antico Vinaio, a bustling local hangout not far from the Uffizi Gallery. This place is always packed, partly because it’s tiny, and partly because regular customers and tourists alike can’t get enough of their mouthwatering cured meats and homemade spreads. You can’t go wrong with a crusty bread roll stuffed with porchetta, or a traditional prosciutto and cheese. Not in the mood for meat? The flat bread with olive oil is delicious stuffed with tomatoes and mozzarella. Best sellers are ready-made, but the owners are happy to tailor make a sandwich for you. There’s also a help yourself wine bar if you have time for a more leisurely lunch.

Related: 5 ways to save on sightseeing in Florence

Focaccine Bondi

Via dell’Ariento, 85

It’s not surprising that Foccacine is known for its incredibly flavorful focaccia bread. Get it stuffed with anything you wish, or ask for suggestions from the expert sandwich makers. You might have to search for a bit to find this shop located behind the San Lorenzo market, but it’s worth the hunt! Sandwiches start at € 3 and change depending on your fillings. Seating is limited in the historic panineria, but service is fast and there’s room to stand, or you can take your panino to go.

I Fratellini

Via dei Cimatori, 38r
Website

This old-school sandwich shop (since 1875!) is so tiny it serves directly out onto the sidewalk. It’s also one of the best in the entire city—and even more important to our wallets—one of the cheapest. I Fratellini is very central, right between the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, but retains local clientele with its extensive menu, made to order service and incredibly low prices. The 20 sandwiches on the menu are about €2.50 each, and custom sandwiches can be made for around the same price. This hole-in-the-wall (literally) is also known for its large selections of wines by the glass, so take advantage of their generous pours. For a fresh, fast lunch with a local touch, make a pit stop at I Fratellini.

Related: Simple strategies for saving on dining in Florence

Scheggi Panineria

Viale dei Mille, 1
Website

If you happen to find yourself near Stadio Artemio Franchi, the soccer stadium in the Le Cure neighborhood, then don’t leave without stopping at this paninoteca. Scheggi has been known for whipping up an array of delicious panini since 1952. The schiacciata flatbread is just soft enough, with the perfect dusting of olive oil and salt. Sauces are made in-house and named after Fiorentina players, as the owners are big soccer fans. Scheggi has every type of meat and cheese you can imagine, and plenty of veggies too. As all sandwiches are made on the spot, you can get creative with your combinations. A must if you’re headed to a soccer match, but worth the trip for anyone visiting Florence.

Salumeria Verdi (Pino’s)

Via Giuseppe Verdi 36/R
Website

Pino and Antonella, the adorable and friendly couple running this sandwich shop, seem to always be in the kitchen and ready to serve you a fantastic panino. They love helping foreigners practice their Italian, and are happy to talk through the menu and ingredients with you.

For around €3.50 you’ll get a panino stuffed to the brim with grilled veggies and cured meats. The homemade sauces are fabulous—try the truffle if you’re a mushroom fan—and the bread is made fresh daily. For an authentic, cheap experience, don’t miss Pino’s.

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These days, the rates are still among the most affordable in Florence, while they’ve introduced some amenities not even contemplated back in 2002 (Wi-Fi anyone?). But what’s changed since they opened, and what advice do they have for Florence-bound tourists?

We sent correspondent Taylor Zerbey to speak with Samanta and Marco recently. Here’s what she learned.

1. First off, why did you name your hotel the “Hotel Dali” ?

Samanta: Before, the hotel had been named “Pensione Orologio,” and it’s located on via dell’Oriuolo, so we thought that it would have been impossible to spell it over the telephone to our guests, so we looked for another name.

We both love art, we have many friends that paint, do photography etc, so we really wanted to give a personal touch to this small place by showing off their works… we thought that Dalì (from Salvador Dalì) was the perfect name: international, short, easy to spell, and a crazy man like us (as we were starting this business with no experience and a lot of debts).

And last but not least, when you pronounce “DALi” you end up with a smile on your face… so we thought it was a good sign!

2. What advice do you have for travelers visiting Florence for the first time?

Take your time, don’t rush—remember “Dolce Vita.” If possible spend more than one night. I know that you may have only a short time to see Italy, but Florence, as every other city in Italy, deserves time, calm, to feel the city, the people, the food. Otherwise when you get back home you won’t remember the differences between Florence, Rome, Pisa or Naples and differences are what make Italy such a beautiful country.

3. The best cheap meal in Florence?

We like to suggest Zio Gigi (Via Folco Portinari, 7-r) and Masticabrodo (Borgo Allegri, 53), two small trattorias close to the hotel where you can have a full meal for €20. Otherwise, head to any “pizzicheria” and “gastronomia” to grab a panino with anything you want inside for fast food Italian-style.

4. Don’t leave Florence without… ?

• Climbing the stairs to Piazzale Michelangelo, the most beautiful view of the city free of charge!

• Talking about food: Try ribollita in the wintertime and panzanella in summer time, for those that like strong flavored “lampredotto” panino.

• Getting lost, wandering through the small street of Oltrarno will make you feel like you are living in another century.

5. In which ways do you see Florence changing?

Many of the old shops have been obliged to close and give up their space to big companies selling fast food or junk or low quality coffee, places that are the same all over the world and serve the same things everywhere. As I said, differences are the most precious things we have, and I feel scared when I see that the city is starting to look similar to a mall.

6. What do you find travelers struggling with the most when they first come to Florence? Do you find they arrive with any misconceptions?

They certainly “struggle” with traffic and the complicated one-way system in this town, but even if Florence is not a good place travel by car, most people still use a car.

The misconception may be that they don’t feel safe and they need to be reassured by us that nothing will happen to them.

7. Are there any special offers going on that Cheapos should know about?

During springtime there is a “week of culture” when all the state museums are free. And from mid-November to mid-March it’s low season, so prices everywhere are much cheaper.

Thanks so much for your time, Samanta and Marco! We wish you continued success with the Hotel Dali!

You can read our review of the Dali here.

The post Q&A: Samanta and Marco of the Hotel Dali in Florence appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.