My DH and I will be in Florence in April. I have been reading a column in the Wall Street Journal where travel reporters are challenged to spend only $1000 in a city for usually a weekend. Today, 2-14 it was Paris. And it got me to thinking that many experiences in my life have been fulfilling when I had little money. They were thought out and ultimately meaningful because I didn’t have money and had to home in on what experiences mattered without much to spend. I am fine now financially, but am very interested to hear of the hidden off beat treasures of Florence where I could make some memories without it being a “I will spend it because of the memory” moment (if that makes sense).

I’ve bought things at the Uashmama store in Florence a few times. This is a small, family business that makes bags and other things out of paper yet they look like leather. We met the mother about 10 years ago at the store in Lucca and she was very nice. We have several “bags” that we use to serve bread at dinner parties, a big one that holds blankets, as well as a couple of ice bags that keep wine chilled. A fun little store to stop into even if you don’t buy anything. Using the items at home always reminds me of our trips to Italy.

https://uashmama.com/ww/it

Go up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo. Sunset?

I don't know how cheap anything is anymore, but I always look for leather gloves in Italy. I've bought them in Florence, Rome, and even Venice, but I adore them and the silk lined ones are less expensive there than in the States last I checked; plus, it's a memory and a lovely gift, too.

Have a great time.

stay in cheap accom, you are asleep most of the time
eat what the locals eat, so menu del giorno (outside the weekend), main meal at lunch, snack in the evening
avoid booze and sugary drinks. Tap water and fountain water is free "l'aqua di rubinetto" in restaurants (don't let crazy people claim water in Europe only comes in bottles and has to be paid for)
don't hire a car, use public transport
don't buy presents for friends at home, this is just part of a consumerist culture that adds nothing to life, if you must give presents, write a blog and send it to friends
learn a little language and drink your coffee at the zinc

$1000 goes a long long way
give money left over to charity

BTW if they are secrets, how can I tell you about them?

What a lovely find. The paper bags are inspired. Thank you!!

@bilboburgler I can keep a secret! Thanks for the thoughts.

@tracile thank you for the tip. Those paper bags are lovely and the store does look like a nice place to find interesting keep sakes.

She's not a secret, but Angela Caputi makes great "costume" jewelry..big chunky styles.. she is based in Florence. You'll find many more styles there than in the shops in the US or Canada that stock her designs.

I don't know any secret places, though..I only wish I did!! One thing I would do, though, is to get as far out of the center city to eat....I think the easy-to-reach restaurants have really become taken over by tourists. We used to go to Piazza Tasso to eat; there are a few places there including ALLA VECCHIA BETTOLA. It's at the edge of the center and it was one of my favorite places to eat when I would go to Florence... It's..pretty plain and was always filled with locals, but I have no idea how thing are now...you might have to go further out of the city for anyplace "secret."

At the top of my dining list for Florence is DA BURDE, but you have to take a taxi..unless there is a bus line from the center.

ITA. What a weird series, as if $1000 was some kind of limitation. And it does not call for austerity measures. In Paris I could do this so easily and still get tickets for Ariane Mnouchkine's latest collaboration with Helene Cixous. Both parts.

Yeah, I don't see that as austerity but just a way to enjoy a holiday.

The OP came up with $1000. As a Brit I don't think in that currency

On the other hand when I see people I know go on holiday I'm often amazed at what they consider the basic level of expenditure (how high)

it does depend on your perspective and what you prioritize. The $1000 dollars in this series is all in - as transportation there, transportation during the trip, lodgings, activities, and all food and drink. This last is what makes travel cost so much these days. Basic dining has become so expensive (and I’m sorry I’m not skipping wine in Italy - which often is a bargain). That’s why my DH and I stay in an apartment with a fully functional kitchen when we travel and mostly cook at home during extended trips, which is great because European fresh markets are amazing, All of that said, my goal is to try to enjoy simple things. I’ve mapped out some reasonable - relatively- art history classes at a university but my hope and goal is to search for more simple pleasures. I appreciate all the input!

Is there a way that someone can gift that article for those of us who do not subscribe to WSJ?? Please??

What a fun self challenge! Here are some ideas, possibly you've already been San Spirito; Santa Croce; the mercato - you could do your own taste test of various cheeses, such as parmesan. Piazzale Michelangelo at sunrise. Look online for Florence self-guided walking tours, preferably some that would take you to parts of the city that you have not visited before. Gelato is pretty cheap, and fun to try different flavors at different gelaterie. Enjoy!

Going to Italy and not eating in a local restaurant. Like going to the Vatican and not looking at the ceiling.

Day trip to Fiesole…30 min by bus for some great Roman and Estruscan sites….don’t guilt yourself by “consumer culture”. A few boxes of Italian chocolates or Cantucci e Vin Santo biscuits will be readily received.

Great suggestion! grazie mille.