Just booked one of those great fares on American. If you use the schedule option you get better times than orbitz and it is only about $20 more than their cheapest fare.

So Off I go and I am doing this on dental floss, shoe strings are for rich folks!

So who can tell me the cheapest accomodation. All I care about is safe, clean. I am looking at youth hostels but a cheap pension would do well also.

I am going because I am dying to eat REAL Italian (SO IF YOU KNOW GREAT RESTAURANTS Let me know)and shoe shop. I was in Florence about 18 years ago. So I don't know about contemporary fines.

Instituto Oblate dell'Assunzione
Borgo Pinti, 15
Firenze 5012l
Fax: 39 0155 234 629

Safe, very clean, and in a great location. In 2001, the rate was less than $50/night. You don't have to be Catholic to stay there. Sisters speak Italian and French. I had to fax a couple of times before receiving a reply. Books out early. Would definitely stay there again, especially if traveling solo.

Thanks Betsey, ME MUM would love me to stay with nuns. I am not a practising Catholic much to her dismay. Will check it out online if that is possible.

You can see a list of really budget options here:

http://www.bugeurope.com/reviews/Ita...cany/Florence/

About eating out, please avoid tourist traps near major landmarks, just find out a cheap trattoria away from the historical sites

Betsy thanks again I am finding links to other convents like San Gimignano.

Franit good to know. I AM WILLING TO SPLURG ON FOOD but of course not on a tourist trap.

will travel thanks!

Anyone know what are of Florence I should stay in. I will probably do most days in Florence and then one day in Siena or San Gimignano

In addition to everything else suggested, the poster ira highly recommended a Florence B&B called B&B Peterson (look for his threads). I think the single rate is 36 Euros per night.

Betsy -- If the nuns speak either french or italian, how would one address a nun?

Mmr...chuckle, chuckle. I found the pilot thread but didn't have any luck with the nuns.

Buca Dell Orafo
Volta del Girolami, 28r
phone:055 213 619 closed Mon. & Sun.
- covered alleyway to left of Ponte Vecchio towards Uffizi - 100 feet down under archway.
I was with my husband, but noticed that the single dinners were seated at a large table and were given extra attention by the very nice owner. Food is very reasonably priced and excellent.

Does anyone know where I should stay in Florence? The area I mean. I am largely going to shop and eat. I will certainly give a day here and there to art and history.

Hi Sarah,

I can positively recommend the B&B Peterson. It is inexpensive, clean and safe.

See my trip report, http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Thanks Ira ok for single gal on her own getting home late at night?

I also don't want to have to worry about stored shopping items that I might leave during the day.

Hi Sarah,

Glad you got a great deal on flights good for you to get up and go! I know you are on a tight budget but can you be more specific on how much you want to spend a night? I'm sure you woill get many suggestions if we know this part.

Hi ecat, I know this is not a youth site. I was in Hawaii for three weeks over the summer though and I AM UNEMPLOYED

About 20 years ago I stayed in a youth hostel just outside the city center. It is in a 16th Century building. Anyway I recalled all ages staying there. I was tempted to stay their for $20 dollars a night. Iras call in town at what looks like $32 might work better though just to skip that bus ride each day. I remember that being a hassle. Also I don't know how I will fare with noisy German youth (just kidding here).

So for your answer I could spend $50 or even more but the cheaper the better. I don't want to kick myself if I am still out of work in a few months. I certainly have savings so I am not ridding on my last dime. Just want to make this as guilt free as possible.

Hi Sarah,

Is the B&B Peterson "ok for single gal on her own getting home late at night"?

My lady wife says "yes".

The B&B is about a ten-minute (or less) walk from the train station along a large, well-lit street with wide sidewalks.

Thanks Ira HERE I GO!!! I just emailed them on availability. Is the train station nearby?

by train station I meant subway inside the city. Or is that what you were referring to as the rail station.