If you’re a history and art lover visiting Florence, you might be wondering: What can I see for free in this incredible city? Surprisingly, quite a lot!
This guide focuses on the “di qua d’Arno” area—this side of the Arno River—and leads you through lesser-known but stunning treasures that cost absolutely nothing to explore. We’ve dedicated two “Discovering Florence for Free” articles to this area—here’s the link to the second one. Don’t worry, we’ve covered the other side of the river in a separate guide!
So grab your walking shoes, a curious mind, and let’s dive into Florence without spending a cent.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Start your journey near Santa Maria Novella Station. While the church of Santa Maria Novella charges admission, just a few steps away at Via della Scala 16, you’ll find a hidden gem: the historic Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, founded by Dominican friars in 1221.
Step inside and you’ll be immersed in a world of rich aromas, antique woodwork, and elegant 19th-century interiors. Don’t miss the small Chapel of San Niccolò, adorned with 14th-century frescoes that will transport you back to the Middle Ages.
Even if you don’t purchase anything, just being here is an experience in itself. The herbal shop opens onto a peaceful cloister, once part of the Dominican convent.
🕒 The pharmacy is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Church of Ognissanti: Where Giotto Meets Botticelli
From Santa Maria Novella, stroll toward the Arno and head to Borgo Ognissanti. Tucked along this street is the Church of Ognissanti, open to the public and rich in Renaissance masterpieces.
Inside, you’ll find Giotto’s “Blue Crucifix”, a powerful and emotional depiction of Christ that once stood above the church’s central partition. Nearby lies the humble tomb of Sandro Botticelli, marked by a marble roundel on which a rose is placed every day in homage to the master of beauty and elegance. He’s buried just a few steps from his muse, the beautiful Simonetta Vespucci.
Don’t miss Ghirlandaio’s frescoes, including a deeply contemplative St. Jerome and the colorful Vespucci Chapel, celebrating the powerful family that gave the world Amerigo Vespucci—the explorer who gave America its name.
🕒 Open Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM & 4:00 PM–7:00 PM. Closed Wednesday.
Church of Santa Trinita: Gothic Grace and Renaissance Splendor
Next, head east along the Lungarno (riverwalk) until you reach Piazza Santa Trinita. The elegant facade of Santa Trinita Church, designed by Matteo Nigetti, is your next stop.
Inside, the quiet shadows give way to artistic brilliance. In the Sassetti Chapel, you’ll find an entire fresco cycle by Domenico Ghirlandaio, dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Portraits of Lorenzo de’ Medici and other key Florentine figures of the 15th century appear throughout—making this chapel a Renaissance “who’s who.”
Another treasure: the delicate Annunciation by Lorenzo Monaco, with vibrant Gothic details and elegant figures that shimmer in the candlelight.
🕒 Open daily from 7:00 AM–12:00 PM and 4:00 PM–7:00 PM.
Two Final Gems : From Charlemagne to the Baroque
Still have time and energy? You’ve got two more masterpieces to discover Florence for free waiting for you—one medieval, one baroque. You can easily visit both!
Church of Santi Apostoli: A Step Back into the Middle Ages
Just around the corner in Piazza del Limbo, hidden between narrow streets, is the Church of Santi Apostoli, believed to be commissioned by Charlemagne himself. Inside, you’ll find an intimate Romanesque atmosphere and a beautiful altarpiece by Giorgio Vasari and a stunning altar with glazed terracotta statues by Della Robbia.
Don’t miss the small chapel that holds the flints from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, used every Easter to light Florence’s famous “Scoppio del Carro” celebration in front of the Duomo.
🕒 Open daily from 9:30 AM–12:00 PM and 4:00 PM–7:00 PM.
Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano: Baroque Brilliance
For something completely different, walk down Via Tornabuoni—Florence’s luxury shopping street—and you’ll reach the dramatic Chiesa dei Santi Michele e Gaetano.
This is Florence in full Baroque glory: gilded stuccoes, dramatic statues of apostles, and paintings filled with movement and light. One highlight is Pietro da Cortona’s “Martyrdom of St. Lawrence,” where theatrical lighting and powerful emotion meet on canvas.
🕒 Check opening hours locally—they may vary slightly.
Pro Tip: The Duomo—Outside is Better than Inside! Yes, it’s true: you can enter Florence’s cathedral (Duomo) for free via the main facade. But be warned: lines are often long, and the interior—though beautiful—is less impressive without a guide. Unless you’re passionate about ecclesiastical architecture, you might be better off admiring its majestic facade and taking in the view from Piazza del Duomo. In any case, we’ve also dedicated an article to the interior of the Cathedral.
