Backpacking in Florence

The Trip

No one likes getting up at 6 o'clock in the morning... But when you're off on a backpacking adventure to Florence wearing your baggy jeans and comfy old Converse, it's a completely different story. Picture leaving home, whistling a song and wearing your traveler's smile, thinking 'Oh well, I can always sleep on the train!' When you realize you haven't bought your ticket yet... Always buy your ticket in advance to get the cheapest deals, to save money for some extra beers! Relax when you get aboard the train, always double check that you are on the right one, and remember to get your ticket punched before you leave.

The Hostel

So there you are, at the Santa Maria Novella train station, and as soon as you exit, you realize how many accommodation options you have. You'll probably feel tempted to stay in the first budget hostel you find, especially if you are weary from your travels. Finding the best Hostel can be a game of luck, so to increase your odds I'll recommend you two from personal experience!

Plus Florence

They say PLUS stands for People Like US. You will find lots of like-minded people here indeed, and love Plus' staff, services and great quality accommodation. You're also very likely to find familiar faces from their website, like Kas and Jordi. If you were to ask Jordi about this, he would probably deny it with a compromising smile, but if you ask him about anything about Plus Hostels or Florence or the 101 things you must do before you die, he will gladly help you! As for Kas, a Cameron Diaz look-alike, she's no less popular or knowledgeable, so obviously you can count on her as well! There's always someone to meet at the bar plotting their next adventure, or an undiscovered musician playing guitar out on the terrace with spectacular panoramic views. It's also the perfect place to relax, get tanned, watch the sunset and share some cheap supermarket wine.

Services: Bar, big bathrooms, huge choice of rooms types including a girls only dorm, WiFi & Internet Access, Swimming pools, gym and jacuzzi.

Ostello Archi Rossi

You'll be greeted by Mona Lisa's eyes on your back while checking-in. It's only 3 minutes walk from Santa Maria Novella station. It has an irresistible post-modernist atmosphere, full of original frescoes painted by local art students, along with a row of computers to keep you connected to the world. The staff are really fun and friendly and multi-lingual, speaking English, French, German and Spanish. And you'll never have a hard time finding fellow travellers to share your experiences in Florence with.

Services: Bar and restaurant, personal lockers, free Internet, common room, TV room, telephones, open air terrace, garden, laundry.

The Meal

It's hard to leave Italy without a few extra pounds... A cheap Chinese meal or a kebab can save you from starving, but you can't just have a felafel's panini when you're in Florence - even if the word 'panini' makes it sound more Italian. Surrender to the creative kitchen of the Tuscan people, with their famous salt-less bread that actually tastes amazing toasted with Provola cheese. You can find it at the very popular Trattoria Zà-zà - budget for this because it is totally worth it! Then you can make savings by going to the supermarket or eating pizza - the good ol'budget saver in Italy. For other light lunches and lighter bills, you could also try: Il Ristoro del Perditempo, I Frattellini, or even the Darvish Café if you feel like some oriental food. Near the Duomo you can find restaurants where you can eat well for around 10 Euros. You can't miss the opportunity to eat in one of the many little chaotic restaurants, where you'll probably have to share a table, but this shouldn't be a problem for the seasoned backpacker. Besides, shared tables means shared tips, and who knows, you might just meet someone with information about cool exhibits or places you might otherwise of missed.

The Musts

Florence is definitely the place to go for people who are really passionate about arts, architecture and cultural heritage: Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi Gallery, the frescoes of Leonardo da Vinci at the Palazzo Vecchio and the romantic Ponte Vecchio. You won't be disappointed either if you climb the stairs of San Giovanni Duomo. The entry is free and it is a good idea to bring a bottle of wine to drink at the top. It pays to keep in mind what you really want to see in Florence, don't just show up - organize and plan your trip in advance, try to arrive at the museums and art galleries that you really don't want to miss early in the day, as later you may be wasting the better part of the day waiting in lines. And if you can't be bothered to walk around, imagine smoothly gliding through the timeless streets of Florence on a Segway with a personal guide with Segway Tour in Florence

Florence is not only famous for its art but also for its terrific wines. You can explore Florence and the renowned Chianti countryside and fall in love with its famous farms and friendly little villages. Just picture yourself enjoying a relaxed and informal wine tasting, savoring a delicious gourmet Tuscan lunch at one of the vineyards. Finally, don't forget that by coincidence Florence tends to be the city of Love...

For more information about this wonderful city check out our Florence Guide