Florence is a city rich in history, art, music and yes, amazing food. The good news is: You do not have to be rich to eat well.
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.
Browse the Mercato di San Lorenzo for affordable and fresh food. Photo: SpirosK
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.
We love a good picnic — especially in Italy! Photo: SpirosK
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!
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Source: Euro Cheapo