A Total Trip to Florence: A Weekend Getaway
iBestTravel captures the expenses of a culturally-rich weekend in Florence, as writer Conall Molloy details his and his fiancée’s memorable journey.
My fiancée and I are fortunate to work remotely, and this September, after several months in Barcelona, we craved a change of pace. We desired to immerse ourselves in a different culture, explore Renaissance history, admire exquisite art, and, if possible, indulge in some excellent wine. Thus, we chose Florence as our destination.
Incredibly, we ended up staying for six weeks. Throughout our stay, we realized we could have easily spent another six weeks soaking in the city’s extensive museums, galleries, and cultural attractions. Instead of detailing the expenses for a lengthy visit, I will instead focus on our favorite weekend’s expenses.
Pre-trip Spending
We opted for an Airbnb during our entire stay, costing €41.14 each per night. This rate included a city tax of €5.50 each for the first seven nights. Nestled in Oltrarno, on the Arno’s opposite side from Florence’s historical center, our cottage was situated in an up-and-coming neighborhood frequented by young locals enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
The airport is compact but well-connected, featuring a consistent tram line straight to the heart of the city. Recognizing we had luggage, we chose to take a taxi for €30 to reach our accommodation in Oltrarno.
Total accommodation for three nights: €153.42
Daily Spending Breakdown
Friday
Breakfast: Starting the day, we enjoyed breakfast at our Airbnb, consisting of a bowl of gluten-free cornflakes (€3.60) and a carton of milk (€1). To kick off our sightseeing, we treated ourselves to a quick espresso (€1 each) from Bar D’Angolo.
Sightseeing: Our first destination was the Gucci Garden (€7 each) located at Piazza Della Signoria. As aspiring fashion aficionados, we were thrilled to explore the collection, featuring Met Gala gowns and iconic handbags, for about 90 minutes. The exclusive Gucci boutique offered unique items available solely in Florence.
After immersing ourselves in Gucci’s luxury, we wandered through the Piazza and the remarkable arches of Loggia Dei Lanzi. Here, history is free to admire, with statues from the Roman era and a replica of Michelangelo’s David on display.
Lunch: We savored a vibrant charcuterie board at Tuscan Taste, shared with fellow diners. Every ingredient was locally sourced, and our server delighted in detailing each piece while advising us on the perfect order of flavors.
Wine enthusiasts, we were provided with a pre-loaded card containing €50 for choosing from their extensive selection. A unique machine poured our preferred amounts, allowing us to taste various bottles within budget.
My share for lunch was €16.70 for the wine and €13.50 for the meat and cheese, totaling €30.20.
Dinner: We dined at Osteria Del Tegolaio, a warm, welcoming restaurant in Santo Spirito, one of the best neighborhoods in Florence. Our meal included a caprese salad, carbonara, potato ravioli with ragù, and a bottle of white wine, along with delightful banter from the staff—costing us €38.75 each.
Drinks: In search of a nightcap, we uncovered Rasputin, a hidden cocktail bar accessed via an unmarked bell next to a discreet doorway. The staff, adorned in 1920s attire, adhered to strict rules about demeanor and photography.
As we savored the signature cocktails offered at €21 each, we decided one drink was enough for the night.
Total spend for Friday: €102.55
Saturday
Breakfast: With an action-packed day ahead, we opted for a light breakfast of cornflakes and espresso (€1) before crossing the Arno.
Sightseeing: To maximize our cultural exploration, we purchased a Passepartout 5-Day Ticket (€39 each). This pass provided access to several must-see landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Boboli Gardens. We spent three engrossing hours marveling at the Uffizi’s stunning collection, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Caravaggio’s Medusa.
Afterward, we ambled along Via de’ Tornabuoni, where Florence’s luxury shops beckoned. We appreciated the creativity in each boutique while acknowledging they were out of our budget.
Lunch: We chose Sgrano Street Food, which offered traditional focaccia sandwiches. They catered to dietary restrictions with authentic gluten-free options, allowing us to enjoy delicious sandwiches filled with fresh mozzarella and mortadella ham for €14.50 each.
Drinks: On the way back, we stopped at Pitti Express, a cafe-bar in Oltrarno. Enjoying the barman’s whimsical charm, we each had a €3 glass of Chianti and a €5 limoncello spritz.
Dinner: That evening, we had a meal at Hostaria il Desco, a family-run restaurant near the historical center. I relished homemade pappardelle pasta with wild boar ragù, and my fiancée enjoyed spaghetti with red-wine-soaked pancetta and tomatoes. For dessert, we treated ourselves to cheesecake and tiramisù. My portion amounted to €28.50.
Drinks: Enchanted by the atmosphere, we concluded our night at Bar D’Angolo. As the sun set, this stylish spot filled with well-dressed patrons became the perfect setting for enjoying our €5 Aperol spritzes while soaking in the vibrant ambiance.
Total spend for Saturday: €96 (including Passepartout Ticket)
Sunday
Sightseeing: We continued our museum journey on Sunday, starting at the beautiful Boboli Gardens. The sweeping complex treated us to breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills and delightful sculptures, offering a tranquil escape while still allowing us to enjoy the cultural heritage around us.
Next, we ventured to the impressive Pitti Palace, formerly home to Florence’s rulers, including the Medici family. Within its walls, we explored several museums, including the Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.
After a quick lunch—savoring the delicious leftover sandwiches from Sgrano—we made our way to the Bardini Gardens, a hidden gem along the Arno that offers stunning vistas and a serene ambiance. Admission was €11 each, well worth the price for the captivating views.
Dinner: On our final evening, craving something different from the local fare, we dined at Pine & Apple, a delightful Chinese fusion restaurant. Surrounded by exquisite decor, we relished spare ribs, a sweet-and-sour prawn dish, and a complimentary glass of prosecco. Our meal concluded with a shared bottle of wine, totaling €32.50 for my share.
Sightseeing: To wrap up our weekend, we hiked to Piazzale Michelangelo to witness the sunset. A perfect vantage point overlooking the river, we enjoyed the breathtaking view as a couple got engaged, and we capped off the evening with an €8 Aperol Spritz from a nearby bar.
Total spend for Sunday: €63.25
The Final Tally
Overall spend: on-the-ground experiences (€261.80) plus accommodation for three nights (€153.42) equals €415.22 (US $438.86).
