#1 Visit the lesser-known church of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito, designed by Brunelleschi and where you can find a crucifix made by a young Michelangelo
#2 Discover the best view in town from a 1,000 year old church, San Miniato al Monte Church, also the burial ground of Carlo Collodi, creator of Pinocchio.
#3 People watch while gazing at the most famous bridge in town, the Ponte Vecchio, from Santa Trinita Bridge
#4 Smell ancient perfumes and teas at the beautiful <a style="color:yellow" href="https://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/santa-maria-novella-florences-most-famous-pharmacy-blooms-its-5th-century">Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella</a>
#5 Go jogging along the Arno river on the 'oltrarno' side from San Frediano, past the Ponte Vecchio towards Ponte Alle Grazie
#6 Go on a photo-walk in the Oltrarno ('other side' of the river Arno) to spot street art and explore artisan studios and shops
#7 Be serenaded by live music while looking at famous art (for free) at the outdoor sculpture gallery in Piazza della Signoria, Loggia dei Lanzi.
#8 Spot the old 14th century wine doors, <a style="color:yellow" href="https://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/discover-bunch-grape-secrets-florences-vinaino-tour">"buchette del vino" </a>, one of the coolest ones is on Via Delle Belle Donne.
#9 Feel like you are in a village on the Tuscan hills by wandering down picturesque Costa di San Giorgio street
#10 Wind down a perfect day by soaking in a gorgeous sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Open my heart and you will see, graved inside of it, "Italy." — Robert Browning
Whether your ideal holiday in Italy is all about luxury hotels, fancy restaurants and exclusive private tours or you are planning for a low cost trip with a backpack on your shoulders, there are so many wonderful Italian experiences available for free to anyone who is simply ready to 'open their heart' and discover 'la bella Italia'!
In this new series, we suggest various experiences you can enjoy for free, starting with one of the most visited region, Tuscany.
Wandering the streets of Florence is the perfect start to an intimate Tuscan love affair and we have compiled a list of 10 top tips on what you can do for free in Brunelleschi's playground.
