How to spend a day in Florence on a budget with kids

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Florence is a dream destination, full of history, culture and stunning architecture – but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy its beauty – it’s so easy to spend a day there with the kids with very little budget! There are actually lots of things you can see and do in Florence without spending a penny – perfect for families travelling in Italy. So, if you’re visiting Tuscany, make sure you take a trip to Florence – it’s one of our favourite cities and you won’t be disappointed! Pack up a picnic, and here are five fantastic, budget-friendly things to see and do in Florence that the whole family will love. Here’s how to spend a day in Florence on a budget with kids:

1. Piazza del Duomo: The Heart of Florence

No visit to Florence would be complete without a trip to Piazza del Duomo. This square is the beating heart of the city, home to the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly known as the Duomo. The exterior is stunning, with its intricate green, white, and pink marble facade. Take your time to walk around the square, and you’ll also see Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower) and the Baptistery of St. John with its famous bronze doors.

You can go inside Florence Cathedral without spending a penny – as it’s free to enter – so many religious buildings in Italy offer free entry so it’s the perfect country for budget city day trips with the kids. Those feeling adventurous can climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for a small fee. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panorama of Florence’s terracotta rooftops and rolling Tuscan hills. It’s an experience that’s well worth the effort and the minor cost, but even if you decide to keep your feet on the ground, the square’s lively atmosphere and historic beauty are rewarding in their own right.

2. Boboli Gardens: A Green Oasis in the City

If you’re looking for a place where the kids can run around while you relax, the Boboli Gardens are perfect. Located behind the Pitti Palace, these historic gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring manicured lawns, elegant fountains, and an impressive collection of sculptures dating back to the 16th century. The entrance fee is quite reasonable (kids go free!) especially when you consider the vastness of the gardens.

You could easily spend an entire afternoon here, wandering the shaded pathways, discovering hidden grottos, and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot under a tree – there’s plenty of space for the little ones to play, and you can enjoy a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature and art. The gardens also offer stunning views of Florence from various vantage points, making it a great place to unwind and take in the city’s beauty without the crowds.

3. Piazzale Michelangelo: Florence’s Best View

For the best panoramic view of Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo – this is my favourite place in Florence and a must for every visit to this gorgeous city. This large square sits atop a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, offering a stunning vantage point over the entire city. The view is especially magical at sunset when the city is bathed in warm, golden light. The walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo is a bit of a climb, but the payoff is more than worth it, and the best part? It’s completely free! Along the way, you’ll pass through charming neighbourhoods and gardens, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

Once at the top, you’ll find yourself looking out over the city’s most famous landmarks: the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio, all set against the backdrop of the Tuscan countryside. Bring along a few snacks or a bottle of wine, and make it a memorable evening. Watching the sunset from here is one of those priceless experiences that make Florence so special. And if you’ve got little ones who won’t manage the steps, don’t panic, you can hop on a bus instead to reach the top!

4. Mercato Centrale: A Taste of Florence on a Budget

Food is an essential part of the Italian experience, and there’s no better place to dive into Florence’s culinary delights than Mercato Centrale. This bustling market is a feast for the senses, with stalls selling everything from fresh pasta and cheeses to local wines and artisanal bread. It’s an ideal spot to pick up some affordable, authentic Italian food, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or stocking up for a picnic.

On the ground floor, you’ll find traditional market stalls where you can buy ingredients to cook your own meal if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation. Upstairs, there’s a fantastic food court with a variety of eateries offering everything from pizza and pasta to seafood and vegetarian dishes, all at reasonable prices. The lively atmosphere makes it a fun experience for the whole family, and there’s something to satisfy every taste. Even if you’re not hungry, wandering through the market is an experience in itself, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of Florentines and the vibrant food culture of the city.

5. Ponte Vecchio Bridge: A Walk Through History

The Ponte Vecchio is not just a bridge; it’s a living piece of Florence’s history. This medieval stone arch bridge spans the Arno River and is famous for the shops that line its edges—originally butchers in the 13th century, now jewellers and art dealers. Walking across the bridge, you can browse the colourful shop windows or simply enjoy the view of the river and the city on either side.

One of the best things about the Ponte Vecchio is that it’s completely free to explore. The bridge is especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden glow over the water and the historic buildings. It’s also a fantastic spot for a family photo, with the beautiful arches and the river in the background. Take your time to soak in the ambiance of this iconic Florentine landmark – it’s an experience that’s rich in culture but it won’t cost you a thing!

Is Florence worth a visit?

Florence is a city that offers endless beauty and cultural experiences, many of which can be enjoyed on a budget. By focusing on these five must-see sights, you can make the most of your visit without worrying about the cost. Whether you’re marvelling at historic architecture, enjoying a panoramic view, or tasting the local cuisine, Florence proves that the best things in life are often free – or close to it. It’s definitely possible to spend a day in Florence on a budget with kids!

If you’re looking for an affordable base in Tuscany, we stayed at Camping Village Valle Gaia and travelled into Florence city centre for the day. Staying outside of the city centre is a brilliant way to avoid high accommodation prices – and you can benefit from the brilliant child-friendly swimming pools and facilities that the campsite has to offer. We paid just £200 for 7 nights – read my full review for more information: Eurocamp Holiday Review: Camping Village Valle Gaia, Tuscany, Italy.

Or, for more Eurocamp holiday options near Florence, check out my article: Eurocamp Italy: The 5 best campsites in Tuscany near Florence. Pisa is also only an hour away from Florence, so if you’re visiting Tuscany for a week or so it’s easy to fit in a visit to the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa too. Unfortunately, Lola wasn’t actually old enough to climb the tower so we just viewed it from the outside. (Children must be at least 8 year’s old to do the climb.) But we did, of course, have to get the classic ‘hold it up’ tourist photo! 😆

Florence or Rome?

A common question that people often ask is whether they should visit Florence or Rome. These cities offer a completely different experience, and if possible you’ll want to do both. They’re about three hours apart but if you’re able to split your time between them you won’t be disappointed. I would say that Rome is better for sight-seeing, there are lots of attractions to see (many of which are free if you’re travelling on a budget with the kids). But, it’s also a more bustling chaotic place, whereas Florence feels much nicer for wandering and relaxing. Both are beautiful in their own way, but Rome feels much more like a city, whilst Florence is just beautiful.

If you’re able to stay in a few places during your family trip to Italy, make sure you check out Camping Village Fabulous for cheap accommodation outside of the city centre. It’s really easy to reach Rome by train from there (in 30 minutes) and the facilities for the kids are great too. I’ve also put together a guide for visiting Rome on a budget with kids in just one day – so you’ll want to check that out too. Happy travels! For more information about this campsite, read my full review here: Eurocamp Holiday Review: Camping Village Fabulous, Lazio, Rome, Italy.

And one last thing…

If you’re looking for a guide on the Ultimate Italian Road Trip then you’ve come to the right place. You can find out about everywhere we went, the places we stayed, how much we spent and what we got up to in my comprehensive guide to exploring Italy with the kids on a budget: