The Duomo seen from Piazza Michelangelo. Photo by Foraggio Fotographic.

By Marc Anani in Florence—

So you’ve spent the whole day pounding the pavement in Florence like a proper tourist and now have a night to fill. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you’re looking to hit the town on budget.

Here are a few suggestions for a “cheapo night out” in Florence.

Sunset with Michelangelo

Start with taking in the sunset over Florence at Piazza Michelangelo. The square offers a great view of the city’s medieval rooftops piercing through the orange sky. The area was designed in the late 19th century by the architect Giuseppe Poggion around the time of Florence’s brief stint as Italy’s capital.

You’ll find several bronze replica’s of Michelangelo’s sculptures including the renowned David. Don’t be surprised if you’re welcomed by people selling every type of tourist contraption known to mankind - just politely decline with “no, grazie“.

The square can be accessed by buses nos. 12 or 13 from downtown (this is a tourist-filled bus so be attentive to pickpockets) or if your feet are still in good shape, walk up to the piazza via Viale Michelangelo.

Eat, Drink & Chill

Next head to the crafty Oltrarno neighborhood for a taste of evening allegria. Piazza Santo Spirito is lined with cafés and has live music in the summer. The 15th-century Basilicata Santo Spirito is the square’s main star and is worth taking a peek inside for a stunning visit.

You can check opening hours here, otherwise, just sit on the front steps while enjoying a gelato from one of the nearby shops.

If you’re looking to sit down to eat, I recommend the nearby trendy, yet unpretentious, “Il Santo Bevito,” on nearby via Santo Spirito. They serve traditional Tuscan cuisine with a contemporary twist at surprisingly affordable prices. The ceilings are high, the lighting is just right, the staff is friendly, and a plate of pasta goes for as low as 7 euros.

If you prefer to have a few drinks, stop by Caffe degli Artigiani near Piazza Della Passera. This quaint little corner cafe has an outdoor patio on one of Florence’s narrowest streets, Via Toscanella. They also have homemade snacks, should you need a little boost.

Did you know?

Women taking taxis alone in Florence are entitled to a 10% discount. Be sure to remind the driver, as they sometimes forget…

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Christ and saints atop San Giovanni's basilica. Photos: Sav D'Souza.

By Sav D’Souza in Rome—

The distinctive Porta San Giovanni gate welcomes you to the Rome’s San Giovanni neighborhood. The area lies south of Termini station, near enough to Rome’s center, but ideally located away from the hustle and bustle, and most tourists.

Among other delights, Rome’s San Giovanni neighborhood offers its share of interesting sights, cheap clothing opportunities, and sweet eats. Here’s our guide to a fun day exploring what to see, do, and eat in San Giovanni.

1. Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

Grab a bargain at San Giovanni’s market.

A must-visit. The basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (Basilica of St. John Lateran), pictured above, is Rome’s only official cathedral, and thus could be considered the “big daddy” of all basilicas. The bishop of Rome (the Pope) counts this as his church, and as a result it ranks higher than other churches in the Roman Catholic Church. The church was originally constructed by Constantine the Great in the fourth century.

Piazza San Giovanni. Open every day 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

2. San Giovanni Clothing Market

Head for the San Giovanni clothing market to find very cheap new and used clothing. The market features plenty of stalls to pick through. You’re destined to find a bargain or two.

Via Sannio. Open daily, except Sunday. 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tiramisu at Pompi. The best in Rome?

3. Tiramisu stop

Armed with bags of new (and used) clothing, head down the road, near Re di Roma, to Pompi. The restaurant has a reputation for dishing up the best tiramisu in Rome. If you’re not in the mood for layers of cream, chocolate, and cinnamon, you could also sample their gelato, panna cotta, “caffe del nonno,” or just settle for a banana split.

Via Albalonga, 11. Open daily, except Monday 6:30 AM - 1:30 AM.

4. Free Music! If you time it right…

The Cornetto Free Music Concert held every year in Piazza San Giovanni. The Black Eyed Peas, Avril Lavigne, Duran Duran, Beck, Joss Stone, and Jamiroquai have played the event in the past. The festival, sponsored by the Cornetto ice cream empire, is normally held during the summer. Consult their official site for upcoming dates.

About the author: Sav D’Souza is a freelance journalist currently based in Rome. He has worked as a journalist in Hawaii, Prague, and London and contributed features to the Guardian, Daily Telegraph, SA Sports Illustrated, Prague Post and CNBC Europe. He is a demon pool player, enjoys a round of golf, playing poker, and the occasional gin and tonic.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Venice pasta selection. Photo by Daneen Vol.

It’s true, you can buy a bag of pasta just about anywhere. However, purchasing colorful pasta in Venice not only carries the stamp of Italian authenticity, but it offers a cheap and tasty solution to a potentially costly dilemma!

Check-out bags of pasta in Venice

Pasta’s story goes way back: The Chinese had noodles in 1500 BC, the Greeks had “lagana” in the second century, and the Arabs may have brought pasta to Sicily. Though the origins of pasta in modern Italy are uncertain, it is clear that local chefs and manufacturers have turned strips of dough into a very profitable trade.

When in the twisty streets of Venice, we suggest starting your pasta search at the iconic Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Walk west toward the Pescheria, the fish market, also along the canal. Keep your eyes peeled for food specialty shops of all kinds.

Small bags of rigatoni, farfalle, and pennoni lisci start at around €3. Aliani (Casa del Parmigiano) at Erberia Rialto 214/5 in the San Polo district, near the vegetable market, has been open since 1936 and sells cheese, pasta, and ready-made picnic dishes. To start your mouth-watering research online, check out Gourmet Pantry’s Italian pasta inventory.

While you’re at it…

Tear out of town with a few sheets of marbled paper. Venetians specialize in the art of dipping paper into liquid gum before adding paint to create swirls of visual delight. Alberto Valese-Ebrû at Camiello Santo Stefano 3471 in San Marco uses the marbling technique on fabrics and papers. Prices vary depending on paper quality and craftsmanship.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Photo by Annie Shapero

A trip to Florence—or Italy in general for that matter—would not (and should not) be complete with a fabulous pair of leather shoes. Lucky for those of us with big shoe fetishes and somewhat less enormous budgets, there is Peluso, located right in the center of Florence!

The new collection is located at Via del Corso, 6/8. Peluso’s swank, all-leather designs don’t dare creep into the triple digits. The outlet store is located right across the street, and believe it or not, prices start at €19!

Your toes will be tingling with joy, and your wallet will hardly notice the difference.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Photo by biberchrigel

Cooperativa Latte Cisternino is an Italian dairy cooperative with four outlets in Paris. The Cooperativa sells high quality (and bargain-priced!) Italian cheeses, cured hams, salami, fresh pasta, olive oil and wine. Everything you need for a picnic lunch is here except for the fresh bread. Happily, fresh bread is not a scarce commodity in Paris.

The organization is a union of dairy producers, based in the town of Cisterna—between Rome and Naples—and has about one hundred stores across Italy. Shoppers, many of whom are Italian, get the pleasure of buying almost direct from the producers in a non-commercial, unhurried environment.

Best of all, everything is delicious! Meat-filled canneloni, cooked lasagne, fresh gnocchi, and orechiette are on display alongside a selection of cured hams including pancetta, speck, and mortadella as well as different types of salami. Other temptations include mozzarella di buffala, fresh ricotta, jars of olives and pesto, Italian yoghurts and olive oil. An interesting selection of wines from the south of Italy are available, starting at €3 a bottle.

Here are the four Paris locations:

108 rue Saint-Maur Paris 75011. Metro: Parmentier.
17 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire Paris 75005. Metro: Censier-Daubenton.
37 rue Godot-de-Mauroy Paris 75009. Metro: Madeleine.
46 rue du Faubourg-Poissoniere Paris 75010. Metro: Bonne Nouvelle.

All stores are open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Popularity: 4% [?]