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 » Read more
Eating in Florence: Budget Travel Guide
Looking for something quick and cheap to fill you up while sightseeing in Florence? 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! » Read more
Florence is a wine lover’s paradise, offering amazing wines from all over Tuscany and Italy at low prices that could even shock a Cheapo. One way to enjoy wine and beer at even cheaper prices is to buy it like the locals do, “alla Spina” (on tap) or “vino sfuso” (wine in bulk or loose). » Read more
Since arriving in Tuscany, you’ve not only developed a palate for fine wine, but also a handsome routine where every night you like to indulge in an aperitivo. The only problem is that it’s been putting a real dent in your budget. So here’s what to do to keep the coins in your pocket and » Read more
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, than when in Florence why not do it the Italian way and start your morning with some pastries? Pastries for breakfast? That’s right. I’m not talking about the old doughnut and drip coffee ritual (although you can simulate that with a caffe’ americano and a » Read more
Even though Florence is the home of the “bistecca fiorentina,” a steak that is sold by the kilo and never to just one person, the city is quite welcoming to vegetarians, vegans, people who eat kosher and various other diets. Oddly enough, almost all of the vegetarian and vegan fare that Florence has to offer in centered » Read more
My name is Laura and I’m addicted to gelato. I’d eat it morning, afternoon or night, winter, spring, summer or fall. I’d eat any flavor you hand me, even though I’m a picky eater. So trust me, I’ve done my research for finding the best gelaterias in Florence. Tips for finding good gelato Gelato is » Read more
There’s a reason that the word “panini” is well known in the English-speaking world, and that’s because Italians really know how to make a good sandwich. A savory “panino” is the perfect cheap and quick lunch in Florence, and thankfully there are many options from which to choose. Here are our favorite sandwich shops in » Read more
Florence is not a cheap city. With so many tourists and foreign students studying abroad, many of the city’s restaurants and bars have morphed into over-priced, low-quality tourist traps. However, there’s one not-so-secret Italian tradition that provides an alternative to a plate of €20 pasta and rancid wine: the aperitivo. Between 7 PM and 9 » Read more
The average biped can only take in so many renaissance masterpieces without eventually giving in to an empty stomach. So where to eat cheap in the heart of Florence? Well, here’s the thing: You’ll be tempted by quaint little trattorias offering tourist menus and a mustached host romancing you towards a table next to Laura » Read more
On the South bank of the Arno River, up a majestic hill and down a winding, cobblestone path known as the Viale Michelangelo, you will find the Piazza Michelangelo (sometimes referred to as Piazzale Michelangelo). The piazza was constructed in the 1890s, beautifully landscaped and lined with copies of Michelangelo’s sculptures. Today, look past the street vendors » Read more
Florentines love their Viniai, and consider them among the city’s most authentic and beloved spots for a bite. And man, are these wine bars cheap! Though viniai are technically wine vendors, they’ve adapted to changing times and appetites, including the sandwich and snack craze. These days, a couple of Euros gets you a glass of wine, though » Read more
Photo or at the very least something requiring a fork—lunch is the way to go. Loads of restaurants knock down prices to as little as €5 for a plate of pasta, and around €6 or €7 for meat and fish dishes. Fiaschetteria-Trattoria Mario (Via Rosina, 2r. Tel. 055218550) is only open for lunch. Go early » Read more
