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.

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.

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.

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.

Here are five budget tips that will help you save your money for what’s really important: wine, wine and more wine!

1. Use (and reuse) public transportation.

Taxis are incredibly expensive here in Florence. Think about it: You pay almost double the base fee every Sunday and on holidays, you pay extra when you take a taxi after 10 p.m. (until 6 a.m.) and central Florence is almost always congested with traffic. You know what’s worse than waiting in traffic? Waiting in traffic and paying for it!

That’s why I recommend using the bus/tram system (ATAF). A 10 ticket pass costs €10 and gets you 10 trips almost anywhere in Florence, each up to 90 minutes. I recommend buying a 20 or 30 ticket pass (21 rides for €20/ 35 rides for €30), especially if you are going to be in town for awhile. They’re also great for traveling with others, as you can share the pass (just swipe it two times when you get on the bus).

A one-ride ticket will cost you €1.20, so purchasing the multi-ride pass is a good deal. You can buy these passes in most Tabacchi stores. (Tabacchi stores are located throughout the city and can be recognized by the big “T” symbol sign outside the store.)

2. Go bowling.

This is a recent discovery of mine and I am so glad to know about it. Bowling is a ton of fun and so cheap! Go to Crazy Bowling (Via del Cavallaccio 3) on Thursdays, which is “Happy Bowling” day, where they offer a reduced price of €2.50 per game.

I would never have thought to go bowling when I’m traveling, but it’s a great activity if you are traveling in a group or looking for something to do with friends.

If you don’t have a car or bike, you will need to take a bus or tram to get there from the center of Florence. (Plan ahead on the bus website.)

3. Take in a screening at the Odeon.

For all film fanatics, a trip to the Odeon is a must. Located in the center of Florence in Piazza Strozzi, the beautifully decorated movie theater has been around for more than 85 years. Sitting under the stained glass cupola in the center of the theater, you might assume that ticket prices must be quite high, but that is often not the case.

On Wednesdays, the Odeon offers reduced priced tickets all day for €6 (normal tickets are priced at €7.50). They also offer cheap tickets for students, kids under 10 and senior citizens with identification.

Foreign films shown here are in their original language (with Italian subtitles). Meanwhile, most of the other theaters in town charge about €8 or €9, and show films that are either in Italian or dubbed in Italian.

4. Shop at the 99-cent store.

This a great place to make some basic purchases: personal hygiene items, snacks, household supplies. These stores are a much better alternative to the mini-markets you’ll find around town, which cater to tourists and charge you triple the price.

I would stay far away from all mini-markets, especially in the downtown Florence area. The 99-cent stores are scattered throughout the city and have bright yellow and blue signs (you can’t miss them). The products are often not the best quality so pay attention to what you’re buying.

5. Hang out in the Oblate Library.

Florence’s public libraries offer many free or low-cost activities. I recommend stopping by the Oblate Library in particular (located behind the Duomo), as it offers free Wi-Fi, computers and printers (at five cents a page).

When heading to the library, remember to bring your passport, as you’ll need it to sign up for an account to use the internet. Once you have an account, you can access the city’s free Wi-Fi (FirenzeWiFi) as well.

The Oblate sometimes offers an Apericena (buffet with alcoholic drink included) or live music. The Apericena costs €8 and the live music is free. If you understand Italian, or are learning, the Oblate offers many lecture series throughout the year, most of which are free!

The post 5 ways to save on sightseeing in Florence appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s a quick round-up of bike rental and tour options available to visitors to Florence:

The Urban Treader

Walking’s not your thing but neither is heavy biking. You’re more into the casual cycle and were once caught riding on the sidewalk in your hometown. You wonder why anyone would want to carry something in a basket and giggle every time you ring the bell.

Then I give you: Florence by Bike. These gentle giants of bike rental speak English and rent bikes by the hour or for the day. They don’t offer tours but will suggest a route for you. This means that you can bike at your leisure. Accessories are all included, but pedal power provided by you. City bikes start at €3 per hour or €14.50 for the day.

Where’s north again?

A recurring nightmare of yours consists of parachuting into the desert with a duffel bag duct-taped around your waist. You love biking but only when you can read the road signs and think that GPS should stand for Guiding People to Safety.

Then join a bike tour! That way you can turn off the worry of not knowing where you are and turn on the pleasures of peeking at Florence from a bicycle. One suggestion is I Bike Florence which offers city tours of all the sights for €29.

I Peddle in my Sleep

You don’t sleepwalk, you sleep peddle. You think trains and buses are just big pollutant versions of the trusty bicycle. Mileage doesn’t scare you, instead it says tons about your “explore score.” Plus, you’ve always wanted to see a real olive tree. Enter the world of Tuscan bike tours.

First there’s Charnes Tours who offer multi-day trips all over the region. They take care of hotels, food and wine-tasting. Prices vary according to itinerary.

For single day tours, try Tuscany Bike Tours which cost €80 per person.

And finally, I Bike Tuscany lets you customize your tour or join one of the pre-planned ones, which will vary according to your level of difficulty. Pricing can be obtained by contacting the company.

So get out there and start peddling. Or else you can always join the eerie Florence unicyclist for a quick round of ring-around-the-Duomo.

Also in our Guide: If you’re getting ready to visit Florence, check out our reviews of cheap hotels in Florence. Our editors have visited, inspected and photographed dozens of budget hotels in central Florence.

The post Florence bike rentals and bike tour options appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Steps from the Station: Santa Maria Novella

I know a guy who always insists on picking hotels near train stations to save money on transport. In Florence, that would be the Santa Maria Novella area. It’s not a bad hood, just noisy, packed, and goes from super clean to dirty. Florence is a small walkable city. No need to stay strapped to the station.

The Other Side: Oltrarno

Florence is sliced in half by the Arno. The south side opposite the train station is called Oltrarno – which literally means “beyond the Arno.” Think narrow streets with artisans in their workshops, working away like they did hundreds of years ago. Makes for good window peeking and quiet evening walks with a gelato in your hand. There are lots of little bars and restaurants in nearby Piazza Santo Spirito. Oltrarno is where I go when I want to slow down. Well, slow down even more.

Rental Road: Ognissanti

Also near the station is the Ognissanti neighborhood. This one’s a little tricky. I call the main street “rental road” on account of the legions of car rental agencies, internet cafes and long-distance phone cabooses. There are plenty of hotels – which I’m sure are okay, just know that Via dell’Arbero can get pretty chaotic in the evenings.

Santa Croce

And now for choosing a hotel in Santa Croce – big fan over here. Aside from its piazza and mighty basilica at the center, this zone is within walking distance to all the major sites minus the vortex of tourists that forever swirls around the Duomo. There are also leather shops galore, restaurants and souvenir stores. And the Arno is only a few blocks away to be strolled down and admired.

Actually, a word on river strolls: Make sure to watch the sun setting over Ponte Vecchio. Bellissimo!

Duomo-ing

So you want the vortex do you? Okay, welcome to the center of the Renaissance universe: the Duomo district. Tons of hotels, museums, fountains, restaurants, souvenir shops, outdoor markets and every other Florence tourist amenity taking up half the guidebook in your pocket. Enjoy!

To see a list of all the neighborhood’s covered by EuroCheapo’s hotel picks, click here.

The post Florence: Which neighborhood is right for your trip? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So what can we do about the not-fitting-in situation? Read on my friend, read on.

Start with the shoes

Let’s start with the obvious: lose the shoes. It even rhymes, so no excuses. White New Balance runners might be fine in Connecticut but in Florence they’ll blow your cover faster than whistling “Dixie Land” through a megaphone.

Consider leather walking shoes, leather sandals, or if you must, a more conservative sports shoe. You’ll find affordable shops selling shoes on Via del Corso. And while we’re on the subject of footwear, sports sandals don’t cut it here either. Leather. Leather. Leather! And flip-flops? Forget it.

On the subject of shorts

Let’s move our way up, shall we? How about shorts? Nope. Italians don’t wear them. Unless it’s at the beach where the name of the game is to wear the least amount of clothing possible. A true Italian would rather eat canned tomato sauce than be caught wearing half a pair of pants in the street. Long pants, shirts, dresses, but no shorts.

As for beachwear, one word: Speedo.

Shirts

Now we come to the torso. Remember, you’re trying to blend in, not look like a walking billboard. Big letters out, neatly-pressed shirts or monochrome tees in. Don’t shout with your t-shirt, save that for your hands and face – like the locals do.

The city center is filled with shops and sales are on twice a year at the end of the summer and after Christmas. Take advantage of those, stores slash prices by up to 75 percent.

Clothing outlets

There are several ways of cheaping your way into vogue. One suggestion is to attend “Vintage Selection” – Florence’s annual vintage clothing fair held in late January. Check Stazione Leopolda’s website for more info.

There are also discount clothing outlets in the outskirts of Florence which house most of the big Italian designer labels. The Mall and Barberino seem to be two of the more popular ones. They also offer tour packages which include entrance fees.

Ready to act

So now that you’re all dressed up, what do you do? Stay tuned for my next post: How to act like a local.

The post Florence: How to look like a local – Part 1: The Clothes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city.

1. Eat Near the Duomo

It might seem like a good idea at the time. You are walking arm in arm with a your partner who has taken on a Casanova-like persona since landing in Italy. You see the Duomo shining into the night like Pegasus and notice a quaint little restaurant with a menu posted in the window. Even better, it’s entirely in English. What next? You sit down, you order a pizza that tastes like a shoe and when you get the bill you end up leaving your Rolex for collateral.

2. Forget to Validate Your Train Ticket

So far, everything has gone to perfection. You’ve made it to the train station, you’ve figured out the electronic ticket distributor, you’ve purchased the right ticket (you think) and you’ve found the track where your train is departing. You are a champion. As an added bonus, you not only score two seats on the train, but they are even facing each other. You begin to imagine scenes of barefoot frolics on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Then the controller appears and you proudly present him your tickets which you have forgotten to validate in one of the little yellow boxes on the platform. You pay him almost 200 Euros as a fine. You feel shame. You feel alone. And cold.

3. Go Shopping for Counterfeit Goods

You are at San Lorenzo Market after reading one of my previous recommendations. You see a table of “Gucci” bags and “Swiss” watches. You pay an unbelievably low price for the same purse you once saw in movie staring George Clooney. You can’t believe the savings and buy another one for your sister back home. You figure what the heck and buy one for each of your colleagues and relatives. You high five the merchant and go on your merry way.

You are stopped by the foot-patrolling police squad with twenty counterfeit bags over your shoulder. You pay a very hefty fine. You are out of money and must return to the homeland. You are traumatized from the experience and develop an extreme fear of Italian accessories.

4. Go Swimming in the Arno

It is a 110 degrees and Florence is an inferno. This wasn’t in the travel guide. Neither was anything stating that you were not supposed to dive into the brown goodness of the Arno river. You find a nice spot and dunk your toe to test the temperature. The water is surprisingly warm. You slip down to your trunks and cannonball into the water.

When you emerge your skin feels like Tabasco Sauce. A local fisherman drags you onto his boat and brings to you to the Santa Maria Novella Hospital. You dish out lots and lots of money for a translator. You call your insurance company and they laugh at you. You count your change and use your last three Euros to buy yourself a shower.

Your advice?

Have a touristic temptation to add to our list of activities NOT to do in Florence? Add yours to the list by leaving a comment.

The post 4 major tourist mistakes to avoid in Florence appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.