self guided walking tour florence

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Fall in love with Florence!

Visit Florence Newsletter

Ask the Tuscany Experts on our Forum

• Book your Hotel
• Rentals by Owners
• Museums & Tours

Get the lowest rate for your Hotel in Florence through Booking.com

Get the best deal direct from the owners on FlorenceAccommodation.com

Book your unique Florentine Experience

Book your Tour

Book your Tickets ahead & Skip the line!

Buy Museum Tickets

• Itineraries
• Walking Itineraries in Florence

Exploring Florence on Foot

Florence's historical center is small and thus perfect for exploring on foot!

Following a suggested itinerary is a great way to pass by specific monuments, experiencing the best of each area to save you time (and energy) while allowing you to discover things you may have never noticed... particularly as Florence is so rich in details, architecture and monuments that you might not know where to look given the many choices!

Here are the three self-guided itinerary routes you can follow, divided geographically by areas of the city:

• The  Centro Storico : The historical area around the Duomo
• The Oltrarno , the left bank of the Arno river
• A climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato

Traveling on foot, as opposed to a bicycle or bus (most of the center is closed off to cars), provides for a pace that opens your eyes to various hidden treasures that you would have not have seen otherwise.  I always love learning about a city and seeing the sights by walking from one place to the next (when they are in a reasonable distance) while making short detours down intriguing streets that catch my attention. 

In Florence, this is often!

Guided Tours

If you're instead interested in a guided walking tour, take a look at this selection.

Walking Tours of Florence

I always stumble upon small shops, stores, and unexpected treasures of the city that I would have never seen.  And these are exactly the small things that make a city special and beautiful...by simply following one of the proposed walking tours below , you can explore Florence in a fun and active way without missing any of the top sights!

If you have several days to see the city, consider taking the time to visit the inside of some of the main sights and using a whole day’s time to complete the tour. I like to get started early when walking in the city center because it is clear of tourist crowds, AND it is much cooler AND the morning light is stunning ( great for photos)!

The "Centro Storico" or Historical Center around the Duomo

This walking itinerary allows you to see all of the main sights and some of the smaller hidden places in between what is considered the heart of the historical center. Consider just talking the walk and admiring everything from the outside if you are short on time . 

Start in Piazza del Duomo and continue on the right hand side, passing Giotto’s bell tower  where you will find the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo , where many important and original artifacts and artworks are held such as the original golden doors of the Baptistry.  I love this museum because it is usually much less crowded than some of the others but nonetheless holds some of the most important pieces.  

You will next want to turn right (when facing the museum) onto Via del Proconsolo and then take your second right onto Via del Corso.  To arrive at the Casa Museo di Dante where Dante lived, you will need to take Via del Presto di San Martino and then take your first right and then your next left onto Via Santa Margherita. At the next crossroad, take a left onto Via Dante Alighieri, which will bring you back to Via Proconsolo.

On your left at the corner with Via Ghibellina, you will find yourself in front of Florence’s famous sculpture museum, The Bargello .

A few blocks further down, you will want to turn right onto Via dei Gondi, which will take you up to Piazza Signoria , Palazzo Vecchio and The Uffizi , both of which can be truly admired and appreciated just from the outside! When you come to the end of the piazza and you are facing the Rivoire Cafe (which serves the best hot chocolate during the winter months!)

You will want to contine to your right onto Via Calzaiuoli where you will come to the Church of Orsanmichele , best known for its external niches and in particular, The Christ and Saint Thomas by Andrea del Verrocchio , dating back to the second half of the 15th century.  

Continue straight and turn right back onto Via del Corso where you will want to take your first left onto Via Sant’Elisabetta, a typical florentina street : narrow, dark and lined with small independently-owned businesses.  When you come to the end, you will see Grom , a famous gelateria just down to the left, if you need a small pick-me-up and a detour.

If not, turn right onto Via del Oche, which will run into Via dello Studio.  Just to the right you will see a small grocery store Pegna dal 1860, which sells specialty food items and makes for great gifts to bring home and the very well known and historical art supply store, Zecchi Colori e Belle Arti.  Taking a left will bring you back up to the Duomo, ending this walking tour of the historic center around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.  

You can do a similar itineray with a licensed guide with this tour called the Heart of Florence .

Oltrarno, Literally, the other side of the Arno River

This walk will give you a pretty good idea of what the other side of the river has to offer without going too far off the beaten path and without taking too much time.  Start at Ponte Vecchio and continue straight on Via Dè Guicciardini which will lead you all the way to Pitti Palace.  Right on your left  you will see the Chiesa di San Felicita , a gothic church housing a crucifix attributed to Giotto, frescoes by Pontormo and other works worth seeing - and through which runs the Vasari Corridor !

As you continue along, be sure to take some time to stop into the many leather and clothing shops along this street.  Upon arriving in the Pitti Palace piazza , you will notice a large open area to your left where you are free to sit down and bask in the sun.  

Continue along a bit further until you reach Piazza di S. Felice, where you will notice a small tower.  Turn around this to the right onto Via Mazzetta, which will bring you to Santo Spirito , a beautiful, green square which is best known to the locals.  Here, you will find several wonderful bars and restaurants such as Volume and Gusta Panino, all of which have seating outside and serve up anything from a brioche and cappuccino to a glass or wine and a pizza.  If you are there in the morning, poke around the market and don’t miss the Renaissance era Basilica of Santa Maria of Santo Spirito, most famous for the frescos by Botticelli and Filippino Lippi .  

At the Church’s facade, turn right onto Via de Michelozzi.  If you have planned your walk around lunch, you must stop at the Trattoria la Casalinga for lunch, a local favorite serving up reasonably priced Tuscan dishes of all kinds.  To finish the walk, head left on Via Maggio, which will take you all the way to Arno and the bridge Santa Trinita.  On the way, keep your eyes up and open on the left for the Palazzo di Bianca Cappella, a beautifully decorated building from the 16th century .  We finish our walk at the Santa Trinita bridge, where you will also conveniently find the Gelateria Santa Trinita.

Interested in a small group tasting tour through the Oltrarno? Take a look at this flavorful tasting experience tour !

Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato

This is a wonderful walk that will simply blow you away by the views and quaint, small streets, typical of Florence.  This is, however, a long walk, which can take anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 hours depending on how much you stop and rest but it is well worth the 2 miles just to get off the beaten path, away from the crowds and to see the city from a view you will never forget.   (There is also a bus that will take you to the top and you can just walk it down ... just as nice.)

Starting with your back at Ponte Vecchio from Oltrarno, you will want to head left down Via dei Bardi and continue along here for quite some time.  You will pass the Bardini Museum on your right, which also allows access to the Bardini Gardens . This road will eventually turn into Via di San Niccolò and will take you all the way to the door of San Niccolò in piazza Giuseppe Poggi , which was once one of the many doors granting access beyond the city walls during Medieval times.  

Here you will see staircases and paths leading up behind the old door, which in reality resembles more of a tower than a door.  You will want to make your way up these steps, crossing the road and a fountain until you reach the top, where you will greeted by reproduction of Michelangelo’s David and the most beautiful view of Florence you have ever seen.

There is a cafe you can sit down at or you can simply admire the view from the steps as you catch your breath and take in the fresh air.  You will notice the main road that runs by the piazza - you will want to take Viale Galileo up to San Miniato (to the right with your back at the view).  Take the opportunity and use the restroom located on the left, if need be, and continue to the tall staircase leading up to the church, San Miniato al Monte .  This church is considered one of the most elaborate and most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture in the Tuscan region .  Take the time to enter and admire the frescoes, sinopia, terra cotta decoration, mosaics, and crypt.

The walk now leads us back down into town by returning back onto the Viale Galileo and taking a left down the steps, which you will find before you reach the piazza again.  This is a beautiful walkway that will take you downhill where you will come upon the  Rose Garden on your right, which is worth a stop.

You will continue straight, passing Fuori Porta on your left, a wonderful restaurant with outdoor seating best known for their ‘ crostoni’, which are large crostini topped with a variety of combinations from prosciutto, mozzarella and tomato to ham, pecorino and porcini mushrooms.  Before entering through the old walls, turn left onto Via Belvedere, one of the most beautiful roads in Florence and home to some of the oldest Florentine families.

Head uphill until you come to the intersection of Costa di San Giorgio, where Porta San Giorgio is, the oldest of the city gates dating back to 1260 .  Follow this road all the way down back to the Church of Santa Felicità, just past Ponte Vecchio, where you started.  In this piazza you will find a wonderful little wine bar called Le Volpi e l’Uva which is a great place to taste a variety of wines and cheeses .  You may also consider following this itinerary backwards, as it makes for a different experience, but either way you will be starting with an uphill and finishing with a downhill in the same spot.

If you want to do this tour with a licensed guide, go on this panoramic tour of Florence !

Related Sections

• Itineraries in Florence
• itineraries

You Might Also Like

The best 8 day trips from florence, leonardo da vinci florence highlights, florence city walls, last suppers in florence, 2 days in florence, following michelangelo's footsteps, top experiences in florence.

Author: Lourdes Flores

I'm from California but have called Florence my home for over a decade. I love to explore Italy; it is a lot of fun to try to see everything like I'm seeing it for the first time, keeping you, our readers, always in mind. I enjoy sharing what I know and helping others as they make their travel plans for Tuscany through our Forum . If you have itinerary-related questions, please post them there!

You'll love reading about...

Discover the 8 best day trips from Florence in...

Leonardo da Vinci: genius, artist, inventor &...

The antique city walls of Florence are just one...

An urban and art history itinerary to discover...

What to see in Florence in just 2 days? These are our suggestions...

An interesting itinerary through the museums of...

Questions? The right place to ask is our Forum *

* Questions posted on Comments above will no longer receive replies: please ask on our Forum !

Our Travel Guides

Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence (With Maps!)

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Florence, located in Italy’s Tuscany region, serves as its capital. It’s an exquisite city boasting centuries of history and showcasing remarkable Renaissance art and architecture. Among its renowned landmarks are the iconic Florence Duomo, the Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s masterpiece sculpture “David” is housed, and the Uffizi Gallery.

Whether you have just a day to explore Florence or an extended stay in this picturesque city, there’s an abundance of activities to keep you occupied. As one of my preferred Tuscan cities, Florence never fails to offer fresh discoveries!

Uffizi Gallery

If you had to choose just one Renaissance location to visit in Florence or in the entire world, the most obvious and compelling choice would be the Uffizi Gallery. Housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, originally intended as the offices of magistrates, this magnificent structure was constructed in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo Medici, the first Duke of Florence. It became an ideal space to house the Medici family’s remarkable art collection and has grown to become one of Florence’s most popular tourist attractions.

The Uffizi Gallery boasts an awe-inspiring collection of must-see works of art, including masterpieces by Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio, among others. The interior decoration, particularly the intricate ceilings, is equally spectacular and worth exploring. With over 50 lavish rooms to wander through, visitors may find it challenging to absorb everything in one visit. Taking a break and recharging at the on-site café with a terrace is highly recommended, offering unparalleled views of Florence.

Due to its world-class status, the museum is often crowded, and long queues are not uncommon, especially during peak seasons. Booking tickets in advance through the official website can significantly reduce wait times and may offer discounted rates.

The Uffizi’s internal courtyard, designed by Vasari, is a long and narrow space opening towards the Arno River through a Doric screen, and its innovative architectural features set a precedent for standardized streetscapes in Europe. Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including “David” and the “Doni Tondo,” can also be admired within the gallery, displaying his extraordinary talent as both a sculptor and a painter.

Overall, the Uffizi Gallery is a true treasure trove of Renaissance art and a captivating experience that immerses visitors in the beauty of history and creativity.

Museo Galileo

From the Uffizi Gallery walk under the archway and onto the road overlooking the Arno river. Turn left and the next building you come to is the Uffizi Gallery.

The museum dedicated to Galileo Galilei in Florence is a remarkable tribute to the renowned scientist and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of science and astronomy. Galileo, born in Pisa in 1564, made groundbreaking discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of the universe. His telescopes and lens, which played a pivotal role in observing Jupiter’s moons, are on display, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the scientific legacy of this great mind.

One of the highlights of the museum is the large-scale reconstructions of Galileo’s experiments on motion, weight, velocity, and acceleration. These interactive displays, sometimes demonstrated by knowledgeable staff members, offer visitors a hands-on experience of the scientific principles Galileo explored.

The museum also pays homage to the Academy for Experimentation (“Accademia del Cimento”), founded in 1657 in Florence, making it the world’s first scientific institution. The academy was established as a tribute to Galileo, and its pioneering inventions are proudly showcased here. Early thermometers, hygrometers, and barometers developed by the academy members provide fascinating insights into the early advancements in scientific instruments.

Aside from Galileo’s contributions, the museum features other historical artifacts related to exploration and navigation. The 1554 world map created by Portuguese cartographer Lopo Homem and the nautical instruments devised by Sir Robert Dudley are just some of the treasures that visitors can admire during their visit.

Overall, the museum dedicated to Galileo Galilei is a journey through the scientific legacy of one of history’s most influential figures. It offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the wonders of astronomy, scientific experimentation, and the remarkable innovations that emerged during Galileo’s time.

Visiting Museo Galileo: Daily 09:30 – 18:00, Tuesday 09:30 – 13:00 € 13,00 Buy Now

Piazza della Signoria

From the entrance turn left and walk down Via dei Castellani. Turn second left into Via della Ninna.

Signoria Square, located alongside the Cathedral Square, is a significant center of attraction in Florence and serves as the city’s civil heart. Dominated by the formidable Palazzo Vecchio, a fortified palace, the square is steeped in historical importance as it was the birthplace of the Florentine Republic. This square holds a special place in the hearts of the locals, serving as a hub of social life and evoking images of Michelangelo’s “David,” which once stood here in its original location, now replaced by a replica.

The square’s central location dates back to Roman times when it was a small town called Florentia, surrounded by a theatre, baths, and a textile workshop. Over the centuries, various additions were made, including a church, a loggia, and an enormous 5th-century basilica, as revealed during excavations in the 1980s.

One of the captivating aspects of Signoria Square is its asymmetrical shape and the multitude of artworks it houses, both large and small. This makes it a favourite spot for photographers, who capture the square’s beauty from various angles. Even without a camera, standing in the middle of the square and taking in the 360-degree view is a mesmerizing experience.

The square is dominated by the formidable Palazzo Vecchio , a fortified palace. Adjacent to it is the “ Loggia dei Lanzi ” or Lanterns’ Lodge stands, functioning as an open-air museum accessible to the public free of charge. The lodge boasts an impressive collection of statues, including the renowned “Rape of the Sabine Women,” “Hercules and the Centaur,” and a bronze “Perseus,” all strategically positioned to engage the visitors.

Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace)

The Palazzo Vecchio, also known as the Old Palace, is an essential site to visit in Florence, offering a profound understanding of the city’s history and culture. This grand Romanesque-style palace has been a significant seat of power in Florence since its construction in 1299, serving as the town hall for centuries and currently housing the office of the Florence mayor since 1872.

During the reign of Cosimo I de’ Medici, who became the Grand Duke, the palace underwent a transformation as it was enlarged and renovated in the Renaissance style. The palace’s facade is adorned with shields depicting the city’s political history and is embellished with a series of sculptures, including remarkable works like Michelangelo’s “David,” Donatello’s “Judith and Holofernes,” the “Hercules and Cacus,” and the heraldic lion symbolizing Florence known as “Marzocco.”

Exploring the Palazzo Vecchio offers a captivating journey through time. From the grand Hall of the Five Hundred (“Salone dei Cinquecento”), designed to celebrate the Duke’s victories, to the more intimate quarters, visitors are immersed in historical intensity and artistic wonders. Giorgio Vasari’s iconographic program has adorned the private quarters of the Medici rulers with magnificent decorations, providing a glimpse into their secluded lives.

The palace’s Tower of Arnolfo is an additional attraction, and access may require an additional fee. Marvelling at the breath-taking ceilings in each room is a memorable experience, although it may lead to a crick in the neck due to their grandeur.

One of the remarkable sculptures in the grand hall is Michelangelo’s marble group, “The Genius of Victory.” Originally intended for Julius II’s tomb, the sculpture represents an allegory of triumph rather than a moment of battle. The expressive treatment of the surfaces and the contrast between the young and elegant genius and the dominated older captive create an extraordinary visual impact.

In addition to the museum, you can also climb the Torre di Arnolfo , tower of Palazzo Vecchio. The tower is 95 metres high and you have a great view over the city centre of Florence. You can also go up to the fortress wall. There are tickets for the museum, for the wall and for the tower individually or as a cheaper combination ticket.

Visiting Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace): Museum:   €12.50 Friday to Wednesday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm and Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Palazzo Vecchio Tower (Torre di Arnolfo): €12.50 Friday to Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Top Tip for Visiting Palazzo Vecchio: The queues at the ticket counter in Palazzo Vecchio are often very long. Waiting for 2 hours or more is not uncommon. Skip the Line tickets for Palazzo Vecchio are available. These tickets without queuing are slightly more expensive at about €20.00. You also have the option of taking a Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour (€50).

Loggia dei Lanzi

The 14th-century loggia that showcases remarkable works of art. Among these are Giambologna’s “Rape of the Sabine Women,” Benvenuto Cellini’s bronze “Perseus” (1554), and Agnolo Gaddi’s “Seven Virtues” (1384–89). The loggia derives its name from the Lanzichenecchi, Swiss bodyguards of Cosimo I, who were stationed here. Present-day guards continue this tradition, vigilantly monitoring crowd behaviour and strictly forbidding anyone from carrying food or drink within the area.

On the Loggia dei Lanzi, the statues are arranged in three rows. In the first row, there are two lions, and on the right and left of them stand two very well-known statues. In the middle row, there are three sculptures, and behind the back wall, there are six more statues.

Complesso di San Firenze & Zeffirelli Museum

Walk past the Replica of statue of David and turn left at the Fountain of Neptune. The Palazzo Gondi built in 1490 is on your left. Turn left into Piazza di S. Firenze, the Complex of San Firenze, located on the southeast corner of San Firenze Square.

The complex of San Firenze (Complesso di San Firenze) in Florence is one of the rare examples of the Baroque style in the city, which now houses the Museum Zeffirelli (Museo Zeffirelli) and the Church of San Filippo Neri (Chiesa di San Filippo Neri). A part of it was used as the city court until a few years ago.

The museum exhibition at the Franco Zeffirelli Foundation takes visitors on a journey through Zeffirelli’s life and career, starting from his humble beginnings in 1953. The exhibition is organized into 20 chapters, each represented in different rooms, showcasing nearly 300 sketches, posters, fliers, costumes, set-design models, original drawings, and behind-the-scenes photographs from his film sets. Zeffirelli’s work includes notable films such as “Tea with Mussolini,” “Hamlet,” “Jane Eyre,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” and his acclaimed 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination. The museum also features a tearoom on the ground floor, extending into the palazzo courtyard, providing visitors with a pleasant space to relax. Adjacent to the tearoom, a store offers Zeffirelli’s books and film memorabilia, allowing enthusiasts to delve deeper into the legacy of this extraordinary filmmaker.

Visitng Zeffirelli Museum: €12, 10.00 to 18.00 from Tuesday to Sunday.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello

Continuing up Via del Proconsolo you soon come to the Museo Nazionale del Bargello on your right.

The Bargello Museum in Florence is a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Housed in a medieval fortress, the museum boasts a remarkable collection of some of Italy’s most treasured sculptures and artworks. Originally known as the People’s Palace (“Palazzo del Popolo”), the Bargello is one of the city’s oldest structures, dating back to 1255. Over the centuries, the building has served various functions, including housing the “Captain of the People,” the chief of police in Florence, known as the “bargello,” which gave the palace its name. Later, it was used as a prison until the mid-19th century when it was transformed into a museum showcasing a vast array of Gothic and Renaissance sculptures.

Inside the museum, visitors can admire works by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Verrochio, Brunelleschi, and Donatello, among others. Donatello’s statue of David is a particular highlight, as it holds great significance as the first male nude sculpture publicly exhibited since ancient times, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of European art.

The Bargello’s inner courtyard provides an elegant space adorned with relief and freestanding sculptures, creating a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. The gallery, located off the courtyard, and the spacious exhibition area above house some of the museum’s most famous pieces.

In addition to its exceptional Renaissance treasures, the museum’s collection includes rare artifacts from the Byzantine, Roman, and Medieval periods. Visitors can also appreciate jewelry pieces from the European Renaissance and Islamic origins, adding to the diverse and enriching experience.

To enhance the visitor experience, all exhibits at the Bargello Museum are accompanied by English descriptions, ensuring that art enthusiasts from around the world can fully immerse themselves in the historical and artistic significance of the museum’s remarkable collection.

Visiting Museo Nazionale del Bargello:  €11.00 Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 08.15-18.50;   Wednesday, Thursday. 08.15-13.50. Bargello Museum: Skip the Line Tickets

Badia Fiorentina - Monastero

A little further up Via del Proconsolo on the opposite side of the road to the Bargello National Museum is the Badia Fiorentina – Monastero

The Badìa Fiorentina is a beautiful old monastery that is situated in the historical centre of Florence. It is also known as the Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta and is one of the five ancient abbeys of the city. It is located very close to where Dante grew up. Established in 978 by Willa, the widowed spouse of Count Uberto of Tuscany, it has witnessed centuries of religious and cultural significance. The tomb of their son, Count Ugo, sculpted by Mino da Fiesole, adds to the abbey’s historical importance and showcases the skilled craftsmanship of the Renaissance era.

Inside the church, visitors are treated to Filippino Lippi’s masterpiece, “The Virgin Appearing to St Bernard,” a captivating artwork that brings life and emotion to the sacred space.

Exploring the Chiostro degli Aranci, or “cloister of the orange trees,” provides a tranquil retreat within the abbey complex. Although the orange trees cultivated by the monks are no longer present, the cloister’s early frescoes and the glimpse of the hexagonal 14th-century campanile mentioned by Dante in “The Divine Comedy” create a unique and enchanting atmosphere.

Casa di Dante (Dante House-Museum)

Continue up Via del Proconsolo and turn first left onto Via Dante Alighieri. The second turning on the right is the Museo Casa di Dante. It stands opposite the early 14th century Torre della Castagna. The tower is called Chestnut, as the city council that used to place chestnuts in special bags during voting.

During the Renaissance, Florence witnessed extensive reconstruction, yet the eastern part of the city retains a distinctive medieval atmosphere. As you wander through the intricate maze of narrow alleyways and concealed passages, you will encounter scenes that would still be familiar to Dante Alighieri, the beloved Italian poet. Casa di Dante, his former residence, still stands near the parish church where he first caught sight of his beloved Beatrice Portinari.

Inside the three-story house-museum, you will find a captivating display of artifacts that shed light on crucial moments in Dante’s life. The first floor is dedicated to his early years, while the second floor showcases documents relating to his exile in 1301 and the final chapters of his life spent in Ravenna. As you ascend to the top floor, you will be greeted by an extensive collection of Dante’s personal belongings, including original items and carefully crafted replicas. Among these treasures, take delight in the miniature copy of the “Divina Comedia,” a testament to its enduring legacy as the smallest printed edition.

In Dante’s epic poem, he embarks on a journey through Hell and Purgatory, guided by the poet Virgil, only to be led through Paradise by his beloved Beatrice. Although Dante initially referred to his work as the “Comedy,” it gained immense popularity. Eventually, a lavish edition published in Venice in 1555 assumed the title we now universally recognize.

Visitng Casa di Dante: €8.00 Winter: November 1 – March 31: Tue. – Fri. 10am – 5pm & Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Summer: April 1 – October 31: Daily 10am – 6pm

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral)

Walk along the lane to the side of the museum. Turn left into via del Corso and then first right onto Via dello Studio at the end of which lies Florence Cathedral.

Indeed, the Florence Cathedral, commonly known as the Duomo, is a true architectural marvel and a symbol of Renaissance ingenuity. Its dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, remains an engineering wonder to this day. The entire cathedral complex, including the dome, is a testament to the skill and creativity of the Renaissance masters who contributed to its construction.

The construction of the cathedral took several generations of architects and craftsmen, and Brunelleschi’s innovative approach to completing the dome was a game-changer. His use of large-scale models and specially designed machinery demonstrated his genius as an architect and engineer. It is fascinating to know that Leonardo da Vinci, one of history’s greatest polymaths, was inspired by Brunelleschi’s machinery and created sketches of it.

The statue of Brunelleschi standing in the piazza in front of the Cathedral pays tribute to his contribution and serves as a reminder of the extraordinary effort that went into creating this architectural masterpiece.

Inside the Dome, the fresco “Dante and the Divine Comedy” by Domenico di Michelino adds to the artistic and historical significance of the Cathedral. Depicting the renowned poet Dante Alighieri holding his masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy,” alongside scenes from Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, the fresco celebrates Dante’s legacy. The inclusion of depictions of 15th-century Florence in the painting offers a unique perspective on the city’s history.

The exterior of the Cathedral, with its intricate mix of marbles, is another splendid aspect of the structure. The skilful combination of marbles creates a visual spectacle, almost resembling a work of art rather than solid stone.

Visiting Florence Cathedral: There are 3 types of ticket available see https://operaduomofirenze.skiperformance.com/

• Santa Reparata (Cathedral) : daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but on Sundays only from 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., probably because there is a service in the morning.
• Baptistery: Mon – Sat: 8:15 to 10:15, then small break and again from 11:15 to 19:30. On Sunday continuous from 8;15 to 13:30.
• Cathedral-Museum Florence: opening hours every day from 9 to 19 o’clock
• Giotto’s Bell Tower: Very long opening hours every day from 8:20 to 19:15, also on weekends.
• Brunelleschi’s Dome: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., on weekends shorter in the evening (Saturday to 5 p.m., Sunday to 4 p.m.).

Campanile di Giotto (Giotto's Bell Tower)

The famous Giotto’s Bell Tower is a freestanding belfry belonging to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence. It was designed by the acclaimed painter and architect Giotto di Bondone, after whom it is named. Giotto is widely regarded as the first of many great Italian artists who contributed to the Renaissance. Soaring to a height of 85 metres, this tower stands as an exceptional example of Florentine Gothic architecture, adorned with intricate sculptural decorations and vibrant marble embellishments.

Tragically, Giotto passed away during the tower’s construction, and the project had to be completed by two other architects. Besides his contributions to Renaissance architecture, Giotto also left his mark as a skilled painter and sculptor. His artistic legacy is evident in the exquisite white, green, and red marble adornments on the tower, as well as the grand figurative cycle within the belfry, which he left unfinished.

Exploring the interior of the tower is possible, and out of the three major tall structures in Florence, climbing this one is arguably the easiest. Despite the seemingly daunting 414 steps, the staircase is designed in a way that allows for rest stops along the way. Each level within the tower houses a large bell, totaling seven bells—one for each musical note. Unlike the crowded spaces of the Duomo Cathedral and the Arnolfo Tower in the Old Palace (or “Palazzo Vecchio”), the resting areas within Giotto’s Tower are relatively spacious and engaging, offering visitors diverse and remarkable views of the city below.

From the very top, one can observe the Cathedral’s dome and the Baptistery of San Giovanni from a unique and somewhat unconventional perspective. The sweeping view of Florence includes its timeless alleys and rooftops that have retained much of their charm over the past five centuries.

Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John)

The exquisite Florence Baptistry, named after Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city, is located in the Cathedral Square and San Giovanni Square, diagonally opposite the Duomo Cathedral. It was constructed in the 7th century atop a Roman structure believed to have been a temple dedicated to Mars. The baptistery has an octagonal shape, a common feature of baptisteries since early Christian times. The number eight symbolizes regeneration in Christianity, representing the six days of creation, the day of rest, and the day of re-creation through the sacrament of baptism.

During its reconstruction in 1059, the baptistery was adorned with white and dark green marble, creating a striking zebra-like pattern. However, it is most renowned for its three sets of bronze doors. The south doors, designed by Andrea Pisano, depict scenes from the life of St. John and elegantly illustrate the eight virtues of Christianity in bronze. The north doors, crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti, took him 21 years to complete and portray the life of Christ. Ghiberti was then commissioned to create the east door, on which he worked for an additional 27 years. These doors were famously dubbed by Michelangelo as the “Gates of Paradise,” and the ten panels on this door depict “the Story of Joseph.”

Inside, visitors can admire magnificent mosaics adorning the ceiling and a baptismal font that has been in place since 1576, used for the baptism of the son of Francesco I de’ Medici, the ruler of Florence. Besides members of the Medici family, the baptistery witnessed the baptisms of many Renaissance-era personalities and almost all Catholic Florentines until the 19th century. Exploring this architectural marvel is, therefore, a journey into the rich Catholic history of Florence.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi (Medici Riccardi Palace)

Walk down Via dei Servi to the north east of the Cathedral. Turn left down Via de’ Pucci. On your right is the Palazzo Pucci, owned by the aristocratic Pucci family since around 1480. The present palace was designed around 1748 by the architect Paolo Falconieri. Walk on another two blocks until you come to Riccardi Medici Palace.

The first Medici palace, once the residence of Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent, served as a bustling hub for numerous prominent Renaissance artists, including the prodigious Michelangelo, who was discovered by Lorenzo while still in his formative teenage years.

This grand edifice was an imposing spectacle of its time, setting a new standard with its three tiers of progressively textured stonework and sizeable, evenly spaced two-light windows. A magnificent cornice adorned the entire exterior, exemplifying its imposing presence. The building encloses an elegant square courtyard at its core, in stark contrast to the commanding impression projected by its façade. Together, they symbolize the duality of the Medici family, projecting an image of wealth, influence, and even ruthlessness to the outside world, while fostering an atmosphere of refinement as patrons of the humanist Renaissance within their sanctuary.

While the courtyard and gardens offer a delightful and complementary experience, it is undoubtedly worthwhile to pay the admission fee and ascend to the upper rooms. These spaces exhibit designs, decor, style, furnishings, and collections that bear testament to the profound power, far-reaching influence, and immense wealth of the Medici dynasty.

A hidden gem within the palace is the Magi Chapel, mesmerizing with its diminutive size yet resplendent floor-to-ceiling frescoes by the gifted artist Benozzo Gozzoli. The intricate details within the artwork, such as the elaborate costumes, depictions of animals, and picturesque scenery, captivate the observer’s gaze. One can spend an hour studying the reputed likenesses of various members of the illustrious Medici clan, along with notable figures like the Wolf of Rimini: Sigismondo Malatesta. The vibrant colours – considering the work was started in 1459 – create a visual feast where the composition unfolds in a bit of a whirlwind.

Near the end of the tour is the astonishing Galleria, a completely “over-the-top” Baroque marvel, resplendent with walls covered in shimmering gold and a grand domed ceiling adorned with scenes from Greek mythology. Additionally, there is an underground sculpture museum, housed within the former stables. Fortunately, there are minimal queues for entry, allowing visitors to relish the magnificence of the rooms comfortably and at their leisure.

The Medici Chapels & Basilica di San Lorenzo

Continue along the road to the square and the Basilica di San Lorenzo.

This grand edifice was an imposing spectacle of its time, setting a new standard with its three tiers of progressively textured stonework and sizeable, evenly spaced two-light windows. A magnificent cornice adorned the entire exterior, exemplifying its imposing presence. The building encloses an elegant square courtyard at its core, in stark contrast to the commanding impression projected by its facade. Together, they symbolize the duality of the Medici family, projecting an image of wealth, influence, and even ruthlessness to the outside world, while fostering an atmosphere of refinement as patrons of the humanist Renaissance within their sanctuary.

A hidden gem within the palace is the Magi Chapel, mesmerizing with its diminutive size yet resplendent floor-to-ceiling frescoes by the gifted artist Benozzo Gozzoli. The intricate details within the artwork, such as the elaborate costumes, depictions of animals, and picturesque scenery, captivate the observer’s gaze. One can spend an hour studying the reputed likenesses of various members of the illustrious Medici clan, along with notable figures like the Wolf of Rimini: Sigismondo Malatesta. The vibrant colors – considering the work was started in 1459 – create a visual feast where the composition unfolds in a bit of a whirlwind.

Piazza della Repubblica

Head back towards Riccardi Medici Palace and turn right down Borgo S. Lorenzo. You pass the Battistero di San Giovanni and soon arrive at Piazza della Repubblica. .

The Piazza della Repubblica stands as the center of Florence. The Colonna dell’Abbondanza, or Column of Abundance, signifies the exact geographical midpoint of the city, originally the ancient midpoint of the Roman Forum. It also serves as the boundary between three of Florence’s four historic neighborhoods on this side of the Arno River: the Santa Croce azzurri, San Giovanni verdi, and Santa Maria Novella rossi; while the Santo Spirito bianchi neighborhood is situated in the Oltrarno district across the river.

A part of the current piazza was once used as a market due to its significance in terms of commerce, politics, and social activities in the city. Many stories and tales related to Florence originate from this square. According to one such tale, in 1245, St. Peter Martyr was trying to preach to a large crowd when the devil, disguised as an imposing black horse, attempted to disturb the onlookers by running wildly through the market and endangering them. Recognizing the danger, St. Peter raised his arm and made the sign of the cross towards the skittish horse, which immediately stopped and vanished. Centuries later, in memory of this event, Bernardo Vecchietti commissioned Giambologna to create a bronze standard-bearer in the shape of a small devil, placing it at the corner of his palace between Via Vecchietti and Via Strozzi.

The current appearance of the piazza can be attributed to urban renovations that took place during Florence’s period as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, known as the Risanamento. During this time, older buildings, including medieval towers and noble palaces, were demolished and replaced with elegant structures, including the historic Caffè Le Giubbe Rosse, which transformed Piazza della Repubblica into a sophisticated center of public life.

Palazzo Davanzati

Walk directly across the Piazza and right into Via Porta Rossa.

The Davanzati Palace, originally constructed in the 14th century as the residence of the Davizzi family, who were merchants and bankers, now bears the name of the Davanzati family, who were bankers for the Popes at Avignon. The Davanzati family acquired the palace in 1578 and added their large coat of arms to the facade. Today, the palace is open to the public as the Museum of the Old Florentine House, offering a captivating and invaluable glimpse into a typical wealthy Florentine home from the Medieval to Renaissance era. Visitors can explore frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and period furniture that adorn the interior.

To visit the upper floors of the palace, which showcases the rooms where a wealthy family would have lived, including a kitchen equipped with period-appropriate equipment, a guide is required. Visitors can either book in advance on the website or arrange a time with the receptionist. It is highly recommended to see these upper floors, as the bedrooms, in particular, boast stunning wall paintings. However, the lower floors, holding delightful collections of embroidery and lace-making, can also be visited without a guide.

For older children, this experience will be both educational and fascinating, surpassing any description in a history schoolbook. The Museum of the Old Florentine House offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse oneself in the opulence and lifestyle of a wealthy Florentine family during the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

Ponte Vecchio

Head back along Via Porta Rossa and turn right into Via Calimala.

The Ponte Vecchio, also known as The Old Bridge, first appeared in documents in 996. During World War II, while all the other six local bridges crossing the Arno River were destroyed by retreating German forces, Ponte Vecchio was miraculously spared. This Medieval stone arch bridge stands as a testament to the lasting legacy that a monarch can create.

Today, the bridge is still lined with shops, just as it was in the Middle Ages. These days, the shops are occupied by jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. However, in the past, the bridge’s tenants were all butchers who disposed of rotten animal carcasses directly into the river below. It wasn’t until the 16th century when Grand Duke Fernandino I de’ Medici ordered that all the butcher shops be replaced by goldsmiths. This not only got rid of the unpleasant smell but also transformed the bridge into one of the most charming and golden spots in Italy.

From a distance, the bridge reveals a fascinating secret—a hidden upper level that features a kilometer-long tunnel connecting the Pitti Palace with the Old Palace. Historically, this tunnel provided a secure route for Duke Fernandino to move between the two palaces discreetly when he felt uneasy in public. Although the passageway has been closed for safety reasons since 2016, the Uffizi Gallery has exciting plans to reopen it.

One of the legends surrounding the bridge is the origin of the economic term “bankruptcy.” The story goes that a money-changer who couldn’t pay his debts had his trading table physically broken by soldiers as punishment for his insolvency. The table was called “banco,” and from this incident, the term “bancorotto” came into existence.

Today, the Old Bridge offers a delightful stroll, especially in the evenings, if it’s not packed end to end with thousands of tourists crossing the river over its cobblestones.

Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace)

The Pitti Palace is truly an architectural marvel in Florence, and missing a visit to this splendid site would be a regrettable omission. Its main highlight is undoubtedly the stunning Renaissance architecture, complemented by the breathtaking gardens that offer new adventures at every turn.

Today, the enormous palace houses several museums under one roof. However, its origins trace back to being the official residence of the immensely powerful Medici family from the 16th to the 18th century. Initially built in the second half of the 15th century for Luca Pitti, the construction remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1472. In 1550, the palace was acquired by Eleonora di Toledo, the wife of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. Later, when the Medici dynasty ended, the property passed into the hands of the House of Lorraine, and during the early 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte used it as a power base during his rule over Italy.

Every aspect of this palace exudes elegance and sophistication, whether it’s the Palatine Gallery featuring over 500 paintings, the opulent Royal Apartments of the Medicis, the “Medici Treasury” housing priceless 15th-century silver, the Costumes Gallery, or the Porcelain and Carriages Museums. The impressive painted ceilings, walls, and intricate ground decorations create an ambiance of a private royal residence. Remarkably, since 1919, the palace and all its contents have belonged to the Italian people, attracting over 5 million visitors each year.

Visiting the Pitti Palace offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse oneself in the grandeur and cultural richness that defines Florence’s history and artistic legacy.

Forte di Belvedere

Fort Belvedere stands as a remarkable example of Italian Renaissance and military architecture, dating back to the end of the 16th century when it was built by Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici. This grand fortress served a dual purpose: to protect the city of Florence and to showcase the power and prestige of the Medici Family. It also functioned as a repository for the Medici’s treasury and offered a secure refuge for the Grand Duke during times of potential attack. To facilitate this, the fort was connected to the Old Palace (“Palazzo Vecchio”) via a corridor over the Old Bridge (“Ponte Vecchio”), as well as through other passages linking it to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

From a military perspective, Fort Belvedere, being the largest fortress in Florence, occupied a strategic vantage point over the city and its surroundings. In the context of warfare during the Renaissance period, forts played a crucial role in defense strategies, and Belvedere excelled as a citadel and garrison for over a century after its completion. Its walls were intentionally positioned at angles to one another, enabling effective observation and, if necessary, crossfire to defend the neighboring walls. Interestingly, the renowned scientist Galileo Galilei used the fort for astronomical observations and, following his life imprisonment sentence in 1633, resided nearby at Villa Arcetri.

After undergoing a five-year renovation to enhance safety measures, the fort reopened to the public in July 2013, now primarily serving as an exhibition center. The nominal entry fee is well worth it, as visitors can freely explore the site and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Florence and the surrounding hills. Fort Belvedere remains a captivating testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the Italian Renaissance period.

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

San Miniato, perched on one of the highest points in Florence, is celebrated as one of the most exquisite examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany and one of Italy’s most splendid churches. Though it may present challenges for those with limited mobility, it forms a delightful combination with the nearby Michelangelo Square (“Piazzale Michelangelo”). The best part is that admission to San Miniato is completely free, allowing visitors to explore the church and the adjacent Olivetan monastery, situated to the right of the basilica as they ascend the stairs.

According to legend, St. Miniato, also known as Minas, an Armenian prince serving in the Roman army under Emperor Decius, was denounced as a Christian after becoming a hermit. He was brought before the Emperor, who ordered him to be thrown to wild beasts in an amphitheater. Surprisingly, a panther summoned to attack him refused to harm him. Despite eventually being beheaded in the presence of the Emperor, St. Miniato is said to have picked up his own head, crossed the Arno River, and ascended the hill of Mons Fiorentinus to his hermitage. A shrine was later established at this spot, followed by a chapel in the 8th century.

The present-day basilica was funded by a guild of cloth merchants, who took responsibility for its upkeep. Adorned with stunning mosaic decorations, an exquisite marble inlay altar, and even a “pagan” horoscope, the basilica is a spectacular sight, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship by some of Florence’s most esteemed artists. San Miniato’s architectural beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the cultural treasures of Florence.

Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square)

Florence undeniably captivates with its stunning beauty, and Michelangelo Square stands as irrefutable proof of this fact. Designed by Giuseppe Poggi, this expansive space, adorned with souvenir stalls, offers a magnificent panorama of Florence’s rooftops. The most iconic and photographed view from here showcases the Duomo Cathedral and its cupola, along with the Giotto Bell Tower and the Old Palace (“Palazzo Vecchio”). Over time, this famous vista has graced countless postcards, yet other notable landmarks can also be spotted nearby, such as Fort Belvedere, the Holy Cross Basilica (“Santa Croce”), and the Old Bridge (“Ponte Vecchio”).

The square itself was laid out in 1869 when Florence served as the capital of Italy, during an urban renewal program known as the “Risanamento” or “Rebirth” of the middle class.

Dedicated to the renowned Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo, the square features replicas of some of his works found elsewhere in Florence, including the famous “David” and the four allegories from the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo. While the originals are crafted from white marble, the bronze copies displayed here were transported uphill by nine pairs of oxen, likely leaving them rather sweaty, to fulfil Giuseppe Poggi’s visionary concept.

Thousands of visitors flock here to witness the sunset, which is truly a sight to behold. Finding the perfect spot, you can revel in the sun’s reflection on the Arno River while sipping a glass of wine. Bringing your own drink is a good option, unless you prefer to take advantage of the various restaurants and bars situated around the square, with the most renowned boasting a Neoclassical design. Considering the prime location, prices here are actually quite reasonable.

Midway up the main staircase, you’ll discover a delightful city rose garden, where you can spend a serene half-hour strolling amidst the trees and roses, enjoying enchanting views of the Duomo and the cityscape.

After sunset, you can easily descend the hill, relishing the tranquillity of dusk along the way. Michelangelo Square provides an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Florence’s timeless charm.

Tours and Activities from Florence

Similar blogs.

Walking Cinque Terre's Blue Trail

The Cinque Terre, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises a cluster of five enchanting towns nestled along Italy’s striking coastline, slightly north of Pisa. These towns possess a distinctive charm, their pastel-hued edifices gracefully layered atop each other, surveying the tranquil harbours below. Each town bestows its unique allure, contributing to the delightful […]

Cinque Terre in One Day (With Maps!)

Cinque Terre, nestled along the stunning Northern Ligurian Coast of Italy, a little way above , is a magnetic draw for travellers and often hailed as one of Italy’s finest destinations. As I prepared for my Italian adventure, Cinque Terre’s allure beckoned me through images of vibrant, multi-coloured buildings and winding, cobblestone lanes. Although I […]

Florence, located in Italy’s Tuscany region, serves as its capital. It’s an exquisite city boasting centuries of history and showcasing remarkable Renaissance art and architecture. Among its renowned landmarks are the iconic Florence Duomo, the Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s masterpiece sculpture “David” is housed, and the Uffizi Gallery. Whether you have just a day to […]

Free Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence Italy: One or Two Day Itinerary

If you’re visiting Florence, Italy for just one or two days – or you want to get to know the main attractions of the city quickly – this free self guided walking tour of Florence is perfect for seeing Firenze by foot.

You’ll find two versions of our suggested Florence walking tour itinerary in this post, plus some food and gelato recommendations.

The first itinerary is for doing Florence in one day on a low budget (no entrance fees and cheap food).

The second Florence itinerary is still for budget travelers, but it includes visiting a couple museums and other places of interest . If you don’t go into the museums, this itinerary can also be done in a single day, however, it’s more manageable spread out over two days.

These itineraries and Florence walking routes are based on my previous study abroad experience in Florence; our recent visits together in Fall 2017, 2019, and 2022; and – of course – lots of research online!

If you’re an independent budget traveler like us, these are the top things to do in Florence that we would recommend. Buon viaggio!

Updated: January 2024. Published: Sept 2017.   

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Italy? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Italy here: What you need to know about Italy travel right now

Florence walking tour map

This map includes our one day walking tour of Florence Italy in blue , plus optional attractions and places to eat for a two day visit in brown .

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

A. Il Duomo: Top Florence Attraction

You don’t have to start here, but this is an absolute must see and it gets crowded quickly , so we recommend heading there first thing.

Tip: For crowd-free photos in peak season, 7am is best (though you won’t be able to go inside until later).

Note that a dress code is enforced – knees and shoulders must be covered and hats removed – and visitors are expected to be respectful and quiet.

Want to dive deeper? Book a Duomo complex tour with a guide >

B. Mercato Centrale – Food, Shopping, and Culture

If you’ve had an early start to see the Duomo, you might be ready for an Italian espresso ( caffe ) or cappuccino and some snacks.

We enjoyed our morning coffee at the Mercato Centrale in the typical Italian way: standing in front of the coffee bar.

From 9am to midnight, you can visit the Mercato Centrale on the second floor (or European “first floor”) for a wide variety of eateries . 

On the streets surrounding the building are outdoors stalls with leather goods, jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs. If you’re looking for souvenirs in Florence , you have plenty of options at both the indoor and outdoor market stalls.

If you’re here around lunch or dinner, check out our food recommendations below for some delicious places to eat in the market.

You can also gather fresh fruit, meat, and cheese for a picnic – just note that only the vendors are allowed to touch the produce in Italy.

C. Piazza della Republica

Little remains of the Piazza della Republica’s historical significance as the old market and forum. It’s not necessarily worth going out of your way to see, but since it’s central and on the way of our tour, we’re including it here.

Grab a bench to watch the street performers and tourists if you need to rest your feet. There’s a carousel and several cafes around this hub of activity in downtown Florence.

D. Piazza della Signoria

One of the most famous pieces of art in Florence is The David by Michelangelo. This impressive, biblical statue is now housed in the Accademia (included in Walking Tour #2 below), but a replica can be found at the statue’s original location – Piazza della Signoria.

For those of us on a budget or who don’t have time to wait in line for museums, a free viewing of the replica in this grand square can be just as good.

E. Uffizi Gallery Courtyard

With limited time and budget, you can always enjoy walking through the long courtyard, Piazzale degli Uffizi, for free. It’s a short, scenic way to get from Piazza della Signoria to our next stop: Ponte Vecchio.

Want to visit inside Uffizi Gallery? Save time with a skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery ticket or take a guided tour .

F. Ponte Vecchio

Above the shops, you’ll notice a passageway with windows. This is part of the Vasari Corridor , an elevated passageway that connects the Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace. It was constructed in 1565 so Duke Cosimo Medici could move securely between his home and “office.”

G. La Strega Nocciola Gelato – Artisanal Gelateria in Florence 

Let’s take a gelato break! By now, you’ve probably seen countless gelaterias on your journey, but not all gelato is the same . We’ll talk about this more in the gelato section below – yes, it deserves its own section.

For now, delight your taste buds at La Strega Nocciola. If you like hazelnut, or  nocciola , it’s their signature flavor. Out of this world creamy!

H. Piazzale Michelangelo Scenic Viewpoint

On the south side of the Arno River is a large square with panoramic views of the city: Piazzale Michelangelo.

You can reach it via the rose garden or by walking up from Porto San Niccolo. The square has some bronze copies of Michelangelo’s statues, but the real draw is the view.

We suggest walking up via the stairs that follow the rose garden – you can pop into the garden for a breather – and taking the Piazza Poggi stairs back down, past the tower of San Niccolo.

Lay Over in Florence / Day Trip Walking Tour Notes

By the way, if you have just a few hours to spend (if you’re doing a layover or day trip in Florence), you can use our self-guided walking tour itinerary to see the highlights of the city in a very short time. 

Click here to access our self-guided Florence walking tour map > Book a highly rated guided walking tour of Florence here >

From the Santa Maria Novella train station, you could walk to points A through G on our map and return to the station within an hour or two , if you’re in decent walking shape and set your mind to it.

Add another 45 minutes to an hour to include the viewpoint of Piazzale Michelangelo (point H), as it’s an uphill climb.

Read on for additional Florence sights, plus transportation options to and from Florence airport.

Additional Stops for a 2 Day Itinerary in Florence

The first version of our walking tour was completely free – with the exception of food along the way. Of course, you can expand your self guided walking tour if you have more time or your budget allows for attractions with a price tag.

Here is a suggested two-day itinerary for Florence with more info on the optional activities below.

1. Il Duomo

2. Visit Galleria dell’Accademia

3. Lunch at Mercato Centrale

4. Piazza Santa Maria Novella

5. Take out dinner from La Spada

6. Picnic on the river or Piazza della Republica

7. Piazza della Signoria

8. Visit Uffizi Gallery

9. Ponte Vecchio

10. Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

11. Picnic dinner at Piazzale Michelangelo

* Access our Florence walking tour map here *

Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

Palazzo Pitti, or Pitti Palace , has been home to the wealthy Medici family, other ruling families, and was even a base for Napoleon.

It is now a giant museum of royal apartments, modern art, silver, porcelain, costume jewelry, carriages, and more. Many visitors also enjoy visiting the expansive Boboli Gardens behind the palace.

Book your Pitti Palace ticket in advance or enjoy this top rated guided tour of the Palace, Boboli Gardens, and Palatina Gallery .

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and Piazza di Santa Croce

Depending on which side of town you find yourself on, check out either of these two church squares . Browse the shops, people watch, grab a snack, and pop into the church if you’re up for it.

Florence Museums: Accademia or Uffizi Gallery

Art is a central part of Firenze’s history and it is said that the city is home to nearly one third of the all the world’s art treasures.

We typically don’t visit many museums in our travels, to be honest. (We’re more about the local life, not to mention keeping costs low.) But as a student, I visited both of these famous galleries, and most visitors to Florence will try to see one or both.

From May through September, be sure to book your Accademia and Uffizi museum tickets in advance to avoid waiting in hours-long lines. Or go with a guide on this top rated 4-hour tour of the Uffizi and Accademia (entry tickets included).

A pre-booked ticket does involve choosing a date and time for your visit in advance, as well as an extra booking fee. The Accademia – featuring the original David and other works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, etc. – is 16 euros booked in advance.

The Uffizi Gallery – the most visited museum in Florence, home to 2200 works of art – costs 20 euros online.

Both museums are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15am to 6:50pm (closed on Mondays).

If history is more up your alley than art, then perhaps you’d prefer museums like Palazzo Vecchio , Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Vasari Corridor (temporarily closed), or the Natural History Museum .

P.S. State museums like the Accademia, Uffizi, and Pitti Palace are free to the public on the first Sunday of the month!

Where to Eat in Florence on a Budget

It’s no surprise that food is a huge part of Italian culture, so eating is definitely something to look forward to in Florence!

A Note About Traditional Florentine Foods

We used some left over frequent flyer points to book a street food tour for the first day of our trip. We learned that regional foods particular to Florence include:

• Bisteccha alla Fiorentina (thickly cut steak, served mostly rare),
• cantucci con vinsanto (almond biscotti dipped in sweet “holy wine”),
• finnochiona (salami with fennel seeds),
• black and white truffles,
• balsamic vinegar (exclusively made from grapes originating in Modena),
• chicken liver pate,
• lampredotto (the second part of the cow’s stomach, much like tripe) and
• pecorino cheese served with honey.

Book your Florence street food tour here >

Pasta is, of course, a staple of the nation. And though pizza is ubiquitous, our guide emphasized that it was not a Florentine dish and recommended eating pizza in its birth place of Naples.

I did some careful research on where we could enjoy good food in Florence without overspending.

Generally, it’s not too hard to find reasonably priced meals – especially with fixed price menus at some restaurants – though the cost of eating out can still add up quickly. We countered this by doing grocery store breakfasts in our Airbnb apartment.

Below are some of our recommendations for eating on a budget in Florence, starting with the cheapest options and going up in price.

See all these recommendations on our Florence map >

Restaurante La Spada take out

Around the side of the restaurant, on Via del Moro, is the take out counter where you can order rotisserie chicken, lasagna, and roast vegetable sides to go (cash only).

After 13 years of being away, I tried my luck ordering our student special, “speciale di Bruno,” and it worked! I walked away with a foil dish of juicy rotisserie chicken and heavily seasoned roast potatoes, plus an extra side of vegetables – all for 5 euros. Jedd and I split the meal, which was just as tasty as I remembered.

Lampredotto Stands

Lampredotto comes from cow stomach – originating from the cuisine of the poor, back when it was financially essential not to waste any part of the animal. This savory meal is hit or miss for people, depending on whether you’re an adventurous eater. But being street food, it’s not expensive (4 euros).

Mercato Centrale

As mentioned earlier, Mercato Centrale is not only a good place to pick up fresh picnic supplies, it also has an abundance of little eateries as well.

Remember, the ground floor produce market is open 7am to 2pm Monday through Saturday. The eateries upstairs are open from 9am to midnight.

Pasta Fresca – Must Try at Mercato Centrale

Order your meal from the window by choosing a noodle and a sauce. Eat standing at the little counter or take it out with you for a picnic.

We were blown away by the rich, savory walnut sauce (salsa di noci) on ravioli for 6 euros. We made sure to stand in line right at 11am when they open, and it was still as fantastic as the first time.

Upstairs is a newer food court area with lots of options, ranging from classic Italian to sushi and Chinese dumplings. Order and pay at a restaurant stall, then sit down at the communal tables where wait staff come by to take your drink order separately.

We loved the wood fired margherita pizza at La Pizzeria Sud (8 euros). For something unique, try the loaded Popeye veggie burger at the Veg & Veg cart (8.50 euros).

La Prosciutteria

If you’re looking for somewhere with more of a restaurant atmosphere that’s still budget-friendly, try La Prosciutteria on Via dei Neri.

Check out the menu on the wall and order a panino, salad, or prosciutto and cheese board from the counter.

Seating is limited and there is no table service, so you’ll grab your own napkin, forks, and pull a drink from the fridge – or order wine from the bar.

Fiaschetteria Nuvoli

For more casual dining with good quality food and wine, look for an osteria or fiaschetteria . 

Fiaschetteria Nuvoli was a stop on our guided food tour. Although very central, prices are still reasonable and locals still frequent this place for simple, traditional meals. Head down to the cellar to order plates of meats, cheeses, wines, and more.

Panini at Antica Porchetteria Granieri 1916

This tiny shop features roast pork sandwiches. The meat is carved straight from the roast, bread toasted fresh, and then wrapped up in paper to go. Sandwiches are 5-8 euros each, with beer and house wine also available for take out.

We enjoyed the Assi-sano sandwich with porchetta, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and balsamic glaze. 

See all these recommendations on our Florence map

Aritsanal Gelato in Florence

Gelato (the Italian word for ice cream) is typically made with less egg than other ice creams, and it’s churned more slowly to give a denser, creamier texture.

We learned that the artisanal shops are fresher and use better ingredients. While heaping piles of gelato on the counter looks tempting, it’s a sign of low quality – look instead for gelato that’s displayed in smaller tins . This means it’s made daily in smaller batches.

You can typically order your gelato in a cup or a cone at varying sizes. Trying out a few samples before choosing your order and getting two flavors in one is usually allowed. Prices for a small tend to be around 2.50 or 3 euros.

La Strega Nocciola

We mentioned this one in our walking tour above, and it’s a personal favorite. It’s on Via de’ Bardi, close to Ponte Vecchio on south side of river, open from 11:30am-10:30pm. Their namesake gelato, nocciola (hazelnut), is truly wonderful.

Gelato Neri

This old-fashioned gelateria is on Via dei Neri, open 10am-midnight. They also serve espresso and granitas.

Gelato Vivoli

Another great artisanal gelateria if you’re in the Santa Croce area is Vivoli on Via dell’Isola delle Stinche, open 7:30am-midnight.

Make your own gelato in Florence!

If you love gelato as much as we do, consider treating yourself to this Gelato Making Class . Learn all about Gelato and get hands-on experience in making your own flavor from scratch.

Check price and availability for the Gelato Making Class here >>

Food Tour in Florence

If you love pasta and gelato, you’ll enjoy this 2.5 hour food tour in Florence with a local foodie. Explore city cuisine that range from fresh pasta and truffles to gelato and pastries.

Check price and availability for this food tour here >>

Where to Stay in Florence Italy

I personally aim to stay between the train station and the Duomo , for convenience when using the train to come in and out of town.

There are cheaper places on the outskirts but it will require taking a public bus or walking into town – on top of all the walking you’ll already be doing.

Here are a few highly rated accommodation options in central Florence:

Hotel del Corso – $$/$$$ – Just two blocks from the Duomo, this place has a friendly staff and nice extras. There’s even a “maisonette” with kitchen available, great for families. Check photos, price, and availability for Hotel del Corso >>

Helvetia&Bristol Firenze – $$$$ – Five minutes walk from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Elegant 19th Century palace decor, on site restaurant and bar; breakfast included in some packages. Check photos, price, and availability for Helvetia&Bristol >>

Quick Florence Travel Tips

Getting to Florence Italy

Florence has its own small airport right outside of town. The next closest, larger airport is Pisa. From Pisa to Florence is about an hour by train. Rome, with its two airports, is also within a half day’s journey by train.

The tram is 1.70 euros and about 20 minutes one way.

You can purchase tickets on the platform with credit card or euro coins (we saw folks having trouble with euro bills). Be sure to validate the ticket with a time stamp via the machines inside each tram.

It appears the dedicated airport bus is no longer running.

Note that Florence has two train stations. The one in the center of town is Santa Maria Novella station (sometimes denoted Firenze S.M.N. ), so that is where you will most likely want to book any train tickets in and out of.

Crowds in Florence

Florence is an extremely popular destination. We’ve visited in “shoulder season” before and after the pandemic. The crowds can still be overwhelming in the touristy parts of town.

Your best bet for quiet, crowd-free experiences are at 7am. 

For museums and galleries, you may also wish to purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance, to avoid wasting hours of valuable time waiting in long lines.

Other Tips for Intentional Travel in Florence

• Try to make a local connection , whether it’s meeting a friend-of-a-friend you find through social media, staying with locals, or hiring a local guide
• Learn essential Italian phrases , like “Do you speak English?” and use Italian whenever you can.
• Shop at locally owned, independent businesses rather than familiar chains like Starbucks. This is where the espresso originated, so try it locally!
• For more guidance, see:  how to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas and our simple rules for intentional travel series .

Read next: Hidden Gems on Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast Lucca Italy Day Trip Guide & Self Guided Walking Tour Best Castles to Visit or Stay in Tuscany Best Tuscany Beaches

(Disclosure: These are affiliate links and we will get a commission on your booking, at no additional cost to you.)

Like this post? Pin it for later or share with friends!

Similar Posts

What to pack for a week in Hawaii: Packing Checklist

Hawaii has always been a top dream destination for travelers. With a plethora of stunning beaches and natural sceneries to remember, combined with the Aloha spirit – it’s truly a special destination. Since Jedd grew up in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, we frequently travel to Hawaii to visit family. Over the years, we…

Perfect 2 Day Montreal Itinerary and Travel Guide

We absolutely love visiting Montreal, Quebec, Canada. If you’re short on time, we’ve distilled the best things into a perfect 2 day Montreal itinerary for you. About Montreal as a Destination: Our Take Whenever we talk to people about must-visit travel destinations, Montreal is rarely high on peoples’ lists. We confess, this used to be…

Best Women’s Laptop Bags for Work and Travel

Because I rely on my laptop for work and live out of a suitcase year-round, having an amazing laptop bag has become very important. I’ve never been much of a “purse person” but ever since I got my hands on a leather laptop handbag from Clark & Mayfield, I take it everywhere. The work travel bags…

Why It Can Be Better To Get Medical Treatment and Healthcare Abroad

This is a collaborative post with our friends and fellow nomads, Dorene and Troy of Travel Life Experiences. In this post, we share our experiences and tips about receiving medical treatment and healthcare abroad. You planned a trip for months: a visit to a new country. The first week, you had the time of your…

Top 5 Things to Do In Bruges

Bruges (also known as Brugge) in Belgium is one of the most charming cities in Europe. We’ve found that it is relatively unknown compared to major destinations like Paris, London, or Rome in the minds of the typical North American traveler. Nevertheless, the crowded streets of the city center are proof that tourism is booming and it’s not going…

The Complete Guide for Where to Stay in Hoi An Vietnam (2024)

Many first time visitors wonder where to stay in Hoi An, Vietnam. The accommodation options are countless. And a wise choice of hotel or homestay can greatly enhance your trip to Hoi An. Here’s a real example: Some friends of ours booked their first stay in Hoi An at a house near the beach. They…

Hello, I’m planning a trip in May. I went last year for a day, from Rome and that wasn’t enough. planning on staying in Hotel. I’m a bit intimidated by the B&B places. what do you suggest?

Still waiting for my interactive map? Great post! Il lampredotto is made by the 4.th part of the cow’s stomach. La Bistecca fiorentina comes from Chianina cows, weighs at least 1 kg.

Thanks for these notes, Karen! My records show that the map email was delivered to you on October 1. Have you already checked spam and promotions folders? It would be coming from michelle [at] intenitonaltravelers.com

These are awesome photos! It captures Florence’s beauty very well. I will have to read more on Italy articles before I make a trip there in the future!

Great photos. In our last trip, we had only a day to explore Florence, and missed a lot. Love your suggested itinerary and restaurants recommendation. I will just add Galileo’s house on the list 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Europe ‎ > ‎ Italy ‎ > Florence  >  Free Florence Walking Tour

• Free Walking Tour
• Top Day Trips
• Suggested Itineraries

Free Florence Walking Tour

Location :  Florence’s City Center Cost : Free ( optional costs below ) Style : Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Start : Florence Cathedral ( Duomo ) End : Republic Square Walking Distance : 2.2 Miles Time Required : 70 Minutes for the walk ( average time with sights is 6 hours, assume 1+ hours per museum which can take 2-3 days to fully tour everything ) Fun Scale : 10 out of 10

Overview of Central Florence:

Not only is central Florence the heart of town, but since the 1500s it was also the heart of the Italian Renaissance.  While many of Florence’s neighbors never recovered from plagues and famines, thanks to its river access, powerful military, and ruthless Medici rulers, Florence grew into a European powerhouse in the Age of Enlightenment.  We hope to give you a glimpse of the town’s glory on this free Florence walking tour.

While previously settled lightly by the Goths, a formal Roman town was established here by Julius Ceasar in 59BC.  Called Florentia after the Roman Goddess of flowers Flora, they symbol of town is the Lilly.  In 285 Emperor Diocletian established in Florence the headquarters of all of Tuscia.  Their power grew in the 300s when Etruscan villages of Volterra and Chiusi were defeated and Roman colonies of Pistoia and Lucca grew making Florence also in charge of Umbria.

Villanovan (entruscan) settlements since 800BC,  Etruscan  walls of Fiesole 8th century BC settled recorded as a town in 283 BC Faesulae

goths attack in 406 and are beat, Byzantines attack in 553, Lombards conquer Florence in 570, Lombards rule from Lucca, Lombards name Saint John Protector of Florence, Charlemagne, founder of the Holy Roman Empire, was in Florence at least 2 times: 781 and 786. Florence is attacked by Vikings and Magyars (Hungarians) • 854. Lothair brought together the two counties of Florence and Fiesole. 978 florence becomes Tuscan capital

How To Divide Your Time In Florence:

You can breeze through central Florence pretty quickly if needed whizzing through the city center and viewing all of the walking tour sights from the outside in under two hours.  Most visitors following our free Florence walking tour map average between 6-7 hours to get their fill, although it can take 2-3 full days to see every stop in full detail.

This 6-7 hour mark assumes you will spend 1-2 hours walking around town, 90 minutes at the Duomo & Bapistry ( book ahead ), 30 minutes seeing the David ( book ahead ), 1 hour at both the Bargello & Uffizi Museums ( book ahead ), plus time to eat. See a theme?  Book your entrance tickets ahead of time you can end up wasting all day in line, which a lot of tourists do.

If you don’t want to make your day any longer than 6-7 hours, you are going to have to make some tough choices on which museums you want to tour.  Of the two that take the hour, we like the Bargello the most and find the Uffizi to be a bit overrated.  On a tight schedule, we even prefer to skip the Uffizi altogether and spend that time instead climbing to the top of the dome at the Florence Cathedral ( book ahead ).

Prioritizing your stops and limiting how much time you spend touring in a day is important as the evenings in Florence as best enjoyed at a slow pace.  The hours leading up to dusk are meant for watching the sunset over town while sipping a local wine, digging into a rare Florentine steak, or taking a relaxing passeggiata stroll.

Free Florence Walking Tour:

1. florence cathedral ( duomo ):.

About The Duomo :  Officially called the Cathedral of Santa Maria of the Flower ( del Fiore ), Florence’s Cathedral ( Duomo ) is the most monumental landmark in town.  Before the current church was started in 1296, the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Reparata sat here dating back to the Gauls in the 400s.  Because the architect died in 1310, work slowed for 30 years until the survivors of the Plague of 1348 revived the project.

The delightful white, pink, and green striped marble wrapping the exterior of the massive Florence Cathedral is stunning.  We love staring at the colorful patterns on the facade especially while inspecting the detailed statues and three large bronze front doors.  The powerful green doors were cast from 1899-1903 and represent scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary whom the cathedral is dedicated to.

Above it all, the masterpiece of the Florence Cathedral is the massive double-shelled dome designed by Brunelleschi in 1420 and built without scaffolding.  We will see the dome ( which we suggest climbing ) and the interior of the church in greater detail next on this free Florence walking tour.

Guided Tours :   For an additional 20€ you can get a guided tour of the Baptistery of St. John, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Opera del Duomo Museum with priority access to the sights and the Duomo’s Hidden Terraces.   Online Tickets & Dome Reservations : Here .  Guided Tour Info : Here .  Themed Tours Info : Here .   Cathedral Website : Here .

Time Required : 10-15 minutes to see the outside of the Cathedral ( 2-3 hours with all Duomo sights ).

2. Duomo Interior :

About The Duomo :  If you have already been inside the grand cathedrals in Siena, Venice, or Rome, it can be easy to find the interior of Florence’s Duomo to be quite boring in comparison, but it is worthwhile.  As you enter the mostly barren massive church, it can be overwhelming to grasp how large it really is inside.  A majority of the enormous Florence Cathedral is empty with a geometric patterned marble floor and large sequoia-sized stone pillars holding up the roof.  Most of the Medieval artifacts from the interior that still survive are on display at the Duomo Museum which we will stop at later on this free Florence walking tour.

The first of the few interior highlights of the Florence Duomo is the great liturgical clock above the bronze front door.  This Medieval, single-hand clock from 1433 is very rare as it uses Old Italian Time which is much different than today’s clocks.  In Old Itlain Time there were still 24 hours in a day, but they were divided evenly between night and day each with getting 12, but the length of the hours varied throughout the year with more or less daylight.

Above the clock, is a rose window called Christ Crowning Mary As Queen from the 1300s which is mirrored by the Coronation of the Virgin designed Donatello in the 1400s at the other end of the cathedral.  Our favorite artwork in the church is the View of Florence in 1465 by Domenico di Michelino which gives us a great cityscape mixed with scenes from local author Dante’s novel The Divine Comedy.  In the middle of the church are a canvas equestrian paintings from the 1800s copied from a famous fresco by Andrea del Castagno in 1456.

There are stairs to go down below the marble floor of the Florence Cathedral and into the Crypt of Santa Reparata.  We find the crypt to be fascinating as you can see mosaic floors from the ancient Church Santa Reparata.  This old world church from the 400s drastically predates the Duomo built over the top of it stating in the late-1200s.  The floor shows the names of the 14 donors of Latin origin who financed the construction of Santa Reparata.  Foundations of homes and pieces of the original Roman wall have also been found under the Duomo.

Tombs in the church include those of Bishop Zenobius of Florence, painter Giotto di Bondone, Pope Nicholas II, Pope Stephen IX, and the designer of the Florence Cathedral’s dome Filippo Brunelleschi.  Next on this free Florence walking tour, we will inspect Brunelleschi’s famous dome.

Cathedral Visiting Hours :  Monday-Friday 10am-5pm ; Saturday 10am-430pm; Sunday 1:30-4:45pm.  Cost : The interior of the Florence Duomo is free, however, a Cumulative Ticket for all Museum sites valid once per site over 72 hours is 18€ and allows you to skip the lines. You can also pre-book a Dome Climb timeslot.   Dress Code : As it is an active church, access with bare legs and shoulders, sandals, hats, and sunglasses is not permitted. Bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed.

Clock Tour : Can take a 30 minute guided tour of the inner workings of the clock by special request for an additional 12€ fee.   Crypt Tour : Are self-guided and included in the Duomo combo ticket.   Themed Tour Info :   Here .   Cathedral Website :   Here .

Time Required : 15-20 minutes to tour the inside of the Cathedral ( 2-3 hours with all Duomo sights ).

3. Brunelleschi’s Dome :

About Brunelleschi’s Dome :  The concept for the iconic dome was started by the Florence Cathedral builders in 1296, but this masterpiece of the church wasn’t realized until the designs of Brunelleschi ( previous a goldsmith ) in 1420.  Brunelleschi had the idea of creating the massive dome with an octagonal double-shell to support the weight as the use of buttresses-style of their French rivals was forbidden in Florence.  To prove his design, Brunelleschi built a 15-foot-tall and 30-foot-wide brick model of the dome inside the nave of the unfinished church.

Astonishingly without scaffolding, the massive dome was finished in just 26 years ( 1420-1446 ) and became a symbol of Florence’s power.  At 375.5 feet ( 114.7 meters ) tall and 138.5 feet ( 42.2 meters ) wide the marvelous dome is even bigger than Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.  It was the first major Cathedral dome completed since ancient Roman times and is within a foot in size of Rome’s Pantheon.

Brunelleschi finished the dome and had just started on the marble cupola lantern capping the top when he died.  In 1461, 15 years after his death, the marble lantern was finished and adorned with a 7.5 foot wide ( 2.3 meters ) copper ball weighing 18 tons.  In 1492 the large golden ball was famously struck by lightning as Lorenzo de Medici died.  Then later, in 1601 the orb was stuck again and fell off crashing into the ground where there is now a white marble circle marker in the pavement behind the cathedral.

The cupola lantern today serves as a viewing platform with sweeping views almost 40 stories above Florence.  To reach the viewing platform you must take a slightly claustrophobic but rewarding climb of 463 steps ( no elevator ) up to the top which takes around an hour round trip.  During your climb up ( book in advance ) you will get a unique insight on the inner workings of the double-layers design and an up-close perspective of the wonderful paintings lining the bottom of the dome.

As requested by Cosimo I de’ Medici, an enormous scene from the Bible’s Last Judgement was painted on the underside of the dome starting in 1568 by Giorgio Vasari’s and completed by Federico Zuccari in 1579.  Seeing the 100-foot-wide mural while climbing the rafters of the dome is far more impressive than only looking up as it from the cathedral floor far below.

Dome Climbing Hours : Monday-Friday 8:30am-7pm; Saturday 8:30am-5pm; Sunday 1-4pm.  Closed on the first Tuesday of each month.  The neighboring bell tower can also be climbs, is almost as high, has extended hours, and a shorter line if you forget to book ahead.    Dome Climbing Cost :  A Combo Ticket for all Museum sites valid once per site over 72 hours is just 18€.   Duomo Climb Entrance : The entrance is at the Almond Door ( Porta della Mandorla ) at the Northside of the Cathedral.  There is no ticket purchasing booth at the dome entrance so buy online beforehand.

Mandatory Reservations :  There are only 125 people allowed to climb up every 30 minutes so even if you get in line early you will often wait in line for hours which makes booking a timeslot reservation to climb the Cathedral’s dome basically mandatory.  Skip-the-line reservations are free when made during your booking of the Cumulative Ticket.   Online Tickets & Reservations : Here .  Dome Website : Here .

Time Required To Climb The Dome :  60 minutes round trip to climb the dome and return with a pre-booked reservation, arrive 15 minutes early ( 1-5 hours in line if you don’t book ahead ).

4. Giotto’s Bell Tower ( Campanile ):

About The Bell Tower : 276 feet tall and 414 steps to top ( no elevator ).  slender bell tower, originally considered the toughest challenge, more than the dome.  The design matches the icon white, green and pink marble of the Florence Duomo’s facade.

Bell Tower Climbing Hours :  Daily 8:15am-7pm.  Cost : A Combo Ticket for all Museum sites valid once per site over 72 hours is 18€ and allows you to skip the non-ticketed visitors.   Online Tickets & Reservations : Here .  Bell Tower Website : Here .   Time Required : 45-60 minutes round-trip to climb the bell tower ( go early or late to avoid midday lines ).

5. The Baptistery of Saint John ( Battistero di San Giovanni ):

About The Duomo :  named after John the Baptist who is celebrated in Florence every June 24th. in 1401 the Calimala Merchants’ Guild had a competition for the doors from the Bible showing the sacrifice of Isaac who had to kill his own son for God before being stopped by an angel. Ghiberti won

Women’s gallery and Attic tours give you magnificent views of the beautiful gold mosaics of the dome and marble inlays of the floors.  Travel back in time to the beginnings of Florence with this guided tour into one of the symbols of the city – the Baptistery. A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, its dome is entirely covered in Byzantine mosaics. With this special itinerary through the women’s gallery ( matroneum ) you will see the splendid mosaics and inlaid marble floors from an extraordinary point of view. By climbing to the attic you will discover the secrets of the architecture of the roof, which inspired Brunelleschi’s famous Cathedral Dome. Your tour includes the visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

.The northern gate of the Roman town (PORTA AD EPISCOPI) sat near the NE corner.  There was a small Roman bath (BALNEUM MARTIS) near the gate which they have found two mosaic floored rooms. stately home ( Domus ) dating back to the first century AD, from which pieces of mosaic floors were found below the Baptistery.  To the SW part of the square they have also found the foundations of shops (tabernae), and courtyards (cavea).

Woman’s Galley Tours : Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 4:30-6pm.  Also includes brief Cathedral tour and access to the other complex sites once each within 72 hours.    Woman’s Galley Tour Booking : Here .   Dress Code : As it is an active place of worship, access with bare legs and shoulders, sandals, hats, and sunglasses is not permitted. Bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed.

6. Basilica of San Lorenzo & Cloister Courtyard :

About The Basilica of San Lorenzo :  Built outside of Florence’s original city wall, the timeless Church of San Lorenzo was consecrated in 393 by the first bishop of Florence, Saint Zenobius. The basilica is named after the early-Christian Saint Lawrence who was martyred by order of Roman Emperor Valerian in 258AD and burned alive on a grill.

The Church of San Lorenzo was the official Cathedral of Florence until the 800s when the bones of Saint Zenobius were moved inside the walls to Santa Reparata Church ( site of today’s Duomo ) to protect them from Hungarian invasions.  It’s said that during the transfer, his bones touched an elm tree and it became leafy in the dead of Winter.  A Medieval column with a cross ( 1384 ) next to the Baptistery of Saint John marks the former location of the famed elm tree.

Shortly after Gherardo of Burgundy ( Bishop of Florence ) was elected as Pope Nicholas II  in 1058, San Lorenzo received a Romanesque makeover.  In the early-1100s, the powerful Matilde di Canossa ( Duchess of Tuscany ) lived near the Basicila which helped to keep it important.  As it was their family’s parish, Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici ( founder of the family bank ) financed the re-building of San Lorenzo in 1419 designed by Brunelleschi ( same guy as the Duomo’s dome ).

Completed in 1461 ( 15 years after Brunelleschi’s death ) the church included an all-new brightly lit nave on the front, elegant two-story loggia courtyard for the library, and the Old Sacristy ( Sagresta Vecchia, completed in 1428 ) which was the first Medici mausoleum.  The Old Sacristy ( tombs of Pietro & Giovanni de’ Medici ) was important as it was modeled after the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre ( tomb of Jesus ) in Jerusalem as the Medicis were fascinated with the afterlife and the Bible.

The night sky painting underside of the central church dome reflects a desire for reglious power as it shows the stars as they appeared on July 4th, 1442 .  This was a significant day as it is when royal Renee of Anju ( King of Hungary, King of Naples, King of Anjou, King of Jerusalem, King of Sicily, Count of Piedmont, Count of Barcelona ) came to Florence to meet with the wealthy banker and commoner Giovanni de’ Medici about forming an alliance which was a springboard for his family.  The powerful Renee ( also the Brother-in-law to King Charles VII of France ) wanted Giovanni de’ Medici to team up for a Crusade to Jerusalem to gain riches and important relics as they were both members of the Fraternal Order of the Holy Sepulchre.  While they never did their Crusade, the meeting with Renee helped to further legitimize the Medici name and Florence as a growing power.

The inside the Basicila of San Lorenzo also has some famous works from Florentine sculptor Donatello .  The pieces included the sarcophagus of Roberto Martelli, plus two bronze pulpits in the nave below the dome.  Completed around 1460, the pulpits were his last work at age 70, and we especially love the one of the right depicting the Resurrection.  You can visit Donatello’s tomb in the crypt below the Basilica along with those of other famous people including Cosimo di Medici on the next stop on our free Florence walking tour.

Make sure not to miss the two-story, open-air cloister courtyard  attached to the library during your visit to the Basilica of San Lorenzo.  Green spaces like this 15th-century courtyard on the Southside of the church’s nave are rare in central Florence and it feels like you are walking through a Medieval monastery.  The library itself is skippable.

From the outside basilica still has an unfinished rough cut stone facade which makes it hard to believe there is a lot to see inside.  Local artist Michelangelo had designed an elaborate white marble facade for the church over 4 years of drafts ( 1518-1522 ), but it was never completed as the Medici Pope Leo X was already over budget on the project.

Basilica Hours : Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1:30-5:30pm.  Closed Sundays November-February.  Basilica Cost :  6€ for the Church Interior & Old Sacristy; +2.50€ to add the Medicean Laurentian Library & Cloister Courtyard.   Basilica Website : Here .

7. Medici Chapels & Crypt ( Cappelle Medicee ):

About The Medici Chapels :  Michelangelo constructed the jaw-dropping New Sacristy ( Sagrestia Nuova ) Medici Chapel inside behind San Lorenzo Church starting in 1519, giving the powerful family a proper mausoleum.  The money for this 2nd mausoleum came after Giovanni di Lorenzo de Medici was elected as Pope Leo X ( from 1513-1521 ) and awarded the family their first ducal titles.  It was also pushed by Cardinal Giulio de Medici who would later become Pope Clemens VII.

Michelangelo’s most famous works inside San Lorenzo’s New Sacristy are the tombs of Lorenzo de Medici ( Duke of Urbino ) with statues of Dawn and Dusk, and the tomb of Giuliano de Medici ( Duke of Nemours ) with statues of Day and Night .  Each of the four statues on the two tombs are nearly 7 feet long and represent an allegory of life and death.  There were to be two additional large tombs in the New Sacristy for Pope Leo X’s dad ( Lorenzo Medici the Magnificent ) and Pope Clemens VII’s dad ( Giuliano de’ Medici ), but Michelangelo left in Rome in 1534 to paint The Last Judgment Wall in the Sistine Chapel and never finished the other tombs.

The final and most grandiose of the Medici Chapels was added inside San Lorenzo from 1604-1640.  Known as the Chapel of the Princes, this domed octagonal hall which covered in rich marble designed complete with 8 burial niches for the Medici Grand Dukes which look like large treasure chests.  Under the frescoed dome ( painted in 1828 ), the center of the room was supposed to hold the Holy Sepulchre ( tomb of Jesus ), but attempts to buy and then steal it from Jerusalem failed.  Due to the extreme cost to build the Chapel of the Princes, it’s said that the last member of the family, Anna Maria Luisa de Medici, was still paying it off when she died in 1743.  Anna, who was married to a German Prince, was important for signing the Family Pact in 1737 that kept the Medici artifacts in Florence after her death.

Medici Chapels & Crypt Hours : Open Daily 8:15am-5pm.  Closed the 1st, 3rd, & 5th ( if there is one ) Monday of the month and the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month.   Medici Chapels Entrance : The Medici Chapels entrances is on the backside of the church.  Book Ahead : Because there can be medium length lines you will want to book a reservation & ticket ahead of time on their website at least one day in advance.   Medici Chapels  Website : Here .

8. Central Market ( Mercato Centrale ):

About The Central Market :  Housed inside an iron and glass building from 1874, Florence’s Central Market is one of the best places to shop for produce and get an affordable lunch in town.  The produce stalls range from fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, fried food and rissoles, meats and salamis, pasta, cheeses, chocolate and ice cream, wines, and sandwiches.  In addition to the produce stalls, you will find artisan restaurants, delicious delis, tasty cocktails, and vibrant shops.  The entire market is covered and there is community seating for over 500 people making it very easy to relax out of the sun.

We absolutely love The Cooking School of Lorenzo de ‘Medici located inside the historic Central Market as an easy way to take an Italian cooking class in Florence .  Multiple two-hour cooking classes start daily at both 11am & 7pm in the large professional Cucina Kitchen.  The cost is around half of the more private countryside options in Tuscany at 65-70€ a person and includes your meal.

Market Hours : Daily 10am-Midnight.   Market Website : Here .  Cooking Class Times : 11am & 7pm.  Cooking Class Cost : 65-70€.   Cooking Class Website : Here .

9. Medici-Riccardi Palace ( Palazzo Medici ):

About Medici-Riccardi Palace :  In 1444 , Cosimo the Eldest, the patriarch of the Medicis had architect Michelozzo di Bartolomeo build him a new palace here close the family’s Church of San Lorenzo.  This was considered the first Renaissance building erected in Florence and it has a magnificent loggia along with a 15th Century courtyard decorated with graffiti embellishments.  Like the nearby family Church of San Lorenzo, the mansion was also finished following models by Brunelleschi and with the help of Michelangelo.

Cosimo de’ Medici moved the dynasty’s main residence to Palazzo Vecchio in 1540 and later sold the Medici Palace to the Riccardi family in 1659, but it is still extremely well-preserved .  In addition to the courtyard, we also love the opulent Tapestry Room, Gallery of the famous Florentine people, and the Luca Giordano Hall ballroom.  Perhaps the most important section of the Medici-Riccardi Palace is today is the Private Chapel ( Cappella dei Magi ) frescoed in 1459 by Benozzo Gozzoli representing the Procession of the Magi .  Many visitors find this multi-paneled painting to be one of the finest in all of the museums on our free Florence walking tour.

Excavations in the basements have revealed the old riverbank from the Mugnone stream that once ran directly to the Arno but was later diverted by the Romans to reclaim land.  There were also artifacts and ancient medical devices found in the Roman foundations for studying human anatomy.

Palace Hours : Thursday-Tuesday 8:30am-7pm; Closed on Wednesdays.  Entrance Cost :  4€.   Palace Website : Here .

10. Academy of Florence Gallery ( Gallerie dell’ Accademia ):

About The Accademia :  The David, duh…  Michelangelo’s masterpiece may just be the great sculpture we’ve ever seen in person.  Is The Renaissance Man.  The then 26-year-old Michelangelo was fresh off completing the Pietà in Rome ( now in the Vatican )

The huge block of Carrara marble it was carved out of had been cut 40 years early and worked on by two previous artists (Agostino di Duccio & Antonio Rossellino) who gave up and discarded the damaged block.  Was originally meant for the roofline of the Duomo but was moved to the Priori instead so it could be adorned up close.

12 total a total of twelve large Old Testament figures were meant to the top but only Joshua was completed in 1410 by Donatello and Hercules in 1463 by Duccio both out of terracotta.

When David was finally done in 1504 the 6 ton ( 12,000 pounds ) statue was too heavy to lift up and a group of artists including Leonardo di Vinci chose a new location out of 9 options.

It replaced replacing Donatello’s bronze sculpture of Judith and Holofernes ( 1457–64 ) made for the Medici family.  This statue was also a symbol of heroic defiance and was moved into Palazzo Vecchio courtyard in 1494 as it stood for the Republican government of the city.

It was installed in front of the Priori during a time when the tyrannical Medici family was temporarily exiled from power ( 1494-1512 ) and positioned with a gaze toward Rome.  This helped the city embody the spirit of David as an underdog fighting off external enemies from independent city-states, attacks on civil liberties, as well as internal tyrants.  wake of Lorenzo de Medici’s death and Savonarola’s deranged austerity. Piero_the_Unfortunate had stayed nuteral as King Charles VIII of France attacked his allies then when the attacks came to Florence he got no help them (bitter) or local elites (under spell of fanatical Dominican priest Girolamo Savonarola) and gave up easily with bad terms which causes an uproar. The family fled, house was looted, and they were formerly exiled while the Rebulic reformed.

Now sits inside under a custom ren dome since 1873, replica at the original location in front of Palazzo Vecchio, and a bronzed replica towers over the city from its perch on Piazzale Michelangelo, a third plaster copy with  detachable fig leaf was given to the Queen of England in 1857 and sits in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

it depicts the young Israelite David confidently ready to battle the invading giant Goliath.

David is depicted before his battle with Goliath instead of during of after holding his head.  Also older, stronger, and ready for combat, tense with veins popping out, Greek-style heroic male nude, Mike’s signature twisting contrapposto pose

a symbol of strength, defiance, and youthful beauty

staff-sling ( fustibal ) in left hand, rock in over-sized right hand, large hand for manu fortis, and to symoblize the Hand of God that helped give the shepard boy the strength to win, like Flortines felt that they were devinely protected against their neighboring states

god? devine? (1501 and 1504) nearly triple lifesized 17 foot tall (5.17 meters).   Small genitals are thought of as a nod to the adolescent age of David and the foreskin was an odd choice since David was Jewish.  limb and head portions also believed to be a little of on purpose because it was meant to be on display high above the ground on the Dumo roofline.

Had some weathering plus damage when it was pelted with rocks at its unveiling, left arm broke in three places in anti-Medici riots of 1527, and in 1991 a guy snuck a hammer into the museum and smashed off a toe on the left foot.

Museum Hours : Tuesday through Sunday 8:15am-6:50pm; Closed on Mondays.  Entrance Cost :  8€.  Book Ahead :  More tourist wait in line forever just to get into the museum, but you can simply book your ticket and entrance reservation ahead online and skip the line for your time slot.   Museum Website : Here .  Visitor Info & Tickets : Here .

10. Basilica of Santissima Annunziata :

11. leonardo da vinci museum :, 12. florence cathedral museum ( museo dell’ opera ):, 13. dante’s house museum ( casa di dante ):, 14. bargello national museum :, 15. governors’ square ( piazza della signoria ):.

About Piazza della Signoria :  Named after the Governors ( Signore ) who oversaw Florence.  By the mid-100s a majority of the square was filled with a large thermal bathhouse after being enclosed inside the city wall.  the ancient Roman times there was the biggest (Thermae Maximae) of Florentina’s 3 Thermal Public Bathhouses on the Western end of the Square.  Was also home to the to two churched two churches (Santa Cecilia and San Romolo), their graveyards, and Fullonica which was a factory where they processing of textiles, which were washed in large vessels, treated and then dyed.  Was one of 3 dye factories with smaller ones outside the Eastern gate (Porta Orientalis) and one outside the Northern gate.

southern side of piazza della Signoria was occupied by a large fullonica, wool and silk

in 1268, when Ghibelline houses that stood in the area were demolished by the Guelphs victorious in Benevento and the square was paved around 1385.  Was the center of political life like the Mercato was the center of trade and Duomo was the center or religion.

Mike in front of the palace as Republic’s defiance for the tyrannical rulers, Medicis in defacto power from 1434-1531 then Dukes from 1531-1569 with just Alessandro 1532-1537 & Cosimo I 1537-1569; then Cosimo moved to Grand Duke which family held 1569-1737 before Habsburg-Lorraines took over until the 1800s

16. The Old Palace ( Palazzo Vecchio ):

About The Palazzo Vecchio :  The Eastern side of the complex was a theater in Roman Times built around 150AD (city Florentia was 59 BC by Julius Caesar ) on what was a natural 20-foot slope. It was seating for 8,000-10,000 people and had to be enclosed by an additional wall as it boarder the original city wall.  Was abandoned by the 500s, built over in the 1300s, a re-discovered in 1875.  Ruins below are small but can be toured.

Front facing part of the complex today was built from 1245-1302 as the seat of the Priors, Palazzo dei Priori

Signore, or governor.  1440 to 1460 renovated by Michelozzo, commissioned by Cosimo de ‘Medici

Tower built in 1299-1319, over the Foraboschi family’s Torre della Vacca, 223 steps all the way up, prison cell in the tower held banker Cosimo the Elder in 1433 ( then banished for a year for plotting against the Gov ) and Fra’ Girolmano Savonarola who had ran town for 4 years in 1498 ( burned in the square as a heretic ).  From the outside you can see the small window of the prison called l’alberghetto.   Top has a series of bells and a the Clock are made by Bavarian clockmaker Georg Ledel in 1667.   tower 95 meters (platform 86meters)

Museum Hours : Friday-Wednesday 9am-11pm ( Winter 9am-7pm ); Thursday 9am-2pm.   Tower Hours :  Friday-Wednesday 9am-7pm ( Winter 10am-5pm ); Thursday 9am-2pm ( Winter 10am-2pm ); Closed during rain.  Must be 6+ and with an Adult if under 18.   Excavations Hours :  Monday-Saturday 9.30am-1pm & 2-5pm; Sunday & Working Holidays 9:30-am12.30pm; must be 8+; limited to 25 guests at a time.  Cost : 18€ for the Museum, Tower, and Excavations; 14€ for Museum + Tower or Excavations; 10€ for Museum only; 8€ for Tower only; 4€ for Excavations only.   Museum Website : Here .

General Guided Tour :  4€ ; must be 10+; Friday-Wednesday 10:30am, Noon, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm; Thursday 10:30am & Noon.   Secret Routes Tour :  4€ ; must be 12+; Friday-Wednesday 10am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6:30pm; Thursday 10 & 11:30am.

17. Loggia dei Lanzi :

18. uffizi gallery :, 19. the old bridge ( ponte vecchio ):.

About The Ponte Vecchio :  There first Roman bridge was built next to this one around 127AD and replaced by in 966.  was the only one to cross the River until 1218.  The first one was made of wood then turned into a stone bridge after the Flood of 1333 or 45? butchers (beccai) were based here, threw scraps in the river, and it stunk so bad that Cosimo de Medici had Vasari build him a suspended walkway to Pitti Palace. Rich people didn’t want to walk the stinky bridge either and had Goldsmiths move in.  Only bridge in town to survive WW2

20. Little Pig Market ( Mercato del Porcellino ):

21. republic square ( piazza della repubblica ):, featured article.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter For Free Travel Tips

Email Address *

Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

Black Friday: Up to 15% off selected tours

Prices shown include discount | Offer ends November 28th at 11:59pm PST

Home / The Ultimate Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence

The Ultimate Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence

With so much to see in the great Renaissance capital, where should you even begin? The great thing about Florence is that you can see a lot just by taking a walk through the city center. Without even hopping on a bus or grabbing a taxi, you can experience a beautiful open-air museum.   

Discover the beauty of Florentine architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and even peek at some masterpieces by the great artists of the time. This self guided walking tour of Florence will take you to explore so much of what the city has to offer, plus grab some delicious local food along the way.  

Start at Santa Maria Novella  

If you’re in Florence for just a quick day trip, it’s likely that you’ll arrive by train and start your day at the Santa Maria Novella station. If you’re already feeling a little peckish for a quick Italian caffé e cornetto,  step right outside to the Mo Si Caffetteria on Via Masaccio. But save some space—we’ll be walking you past some more delicious pastry shops soon!  

Dive right into Florence’s history at the Santa Maria Novella complex . A beautiful church from the outside, this historic structure also houses gardens, courtyards, ancient living quarters, and a traditional perfume shop.    

If you are short on time, you can just take a peek into the church for free; otherwise, it’s definitely worth buying a ticket to explore the whole complex.  

Stop at the Market  

From here you can circle back to Florence’s main market, Mercato Centrale and the San Lorenzo Market. Get a taste of Florence’s local life by exploring the indoor food stands, and get your leather shopping done with a browse through the famous outdoor leather market.  

And if all that shopping gets you hungry, luckily Casa del Vino—a local classic—is right there for you. Grab a delicious panino and glass of quality wine to give you the energy to keep exploring.  

Head into Central Florence    

Circle around the Basilica of San Lorenzo to make your way to the main attraction: the famous Duomo and Brunelleschi’s incredible dome.   

After a quick turn down Borgo San Lorenzo, your jaw is sure to drop at the large open piazza which houses the Duomo and its baptistry.   

Again, if you can spare the time, the church, baptistry, and bell tower are all wonderful spots to visit. The art inside is unforgettable, and the view from the top of the bell tower will give you a whole new perspective of Brunelleschi’s dome.   

If you find yourself extra captivated by the work on the Duomo, you can even visit the Duomo Museum located just behind it. Here you can see more of the original works that were housed in the church, as well as historic plans used in the building’s construction.   

Time for Another Snack  

When in Italy, how can you resist grabbing a bite of anything and everything? We like to think the best part of travel is the food, so don’t miss any opportunity to snack!  

If your sweet tooth is acting up, head down Via Roma for a stop into Caffe Gilli for a coffee and sweet pastry. But if you think you’d better eat something a little more nutritious first, take Via dei Calzaiuoli to the corner of Via dei Cimatori for authentic Florentine street food . It’s here where you’ll find the incredible I Due Fratellini, whipping up delicious panini since 1875.  

Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi  

Keep heading down Via dei Calzaiuoli and you’ll soon reach the Piazza della Signoria. Here you can see a replica of Michelangelo’s David in its original location, plus a few other statues of the Uffizi collection.   

This is also where the Gucci Museum and Cafe are located if you are interested in seeing this fashionable side of Florence’s history.  

Before heading to the line for the Uffizi, you might want to take a walk around the block to see the fun Fontana del Porcellino, Florence’s wild boar fountain. Rubbing its snout will ensure you make it back to Florence one day!  

If you’re looking for the entrance to the Uffizi, head to the corner of Palazzo Vecchio to the Piazzale degli Uffizi. You’ll find the entrance right under the porticoes.    

But if you didn’t manage to get tickets to the famous museum —or don’t have time for it on this day trip—there’s still plenty more to see in Florence!  

Ponte Vecchio  

Continue your self guided walking tour of Florence with a walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio, lined with historic shops (mainly jewelry and souvenir shops these days).  

The name (literally “Old Bridge”) comes from the fact this is actually where the oldest bridge connecting both sides of Florence stood. This is where Florence has been connected ever since Ancient Roman times.  

To the right, you can wander deeper into the Oltrarno neighborhood, which is a great place to find amazing food. And if you need a caffeine fix , within just a few steps you’ll find Ditta Artigianale, where you can enjoy a freshly roasted specialty coffee.  

But to keep sightseeing, and making the most out of your day in Florence, head down Via de’ Guicciardini to catch a glimpse of Pitti Palace.  

Pitti Palace & Piazzale Michelangelo  

Pitti Palace is another great museum of Florence that is worth checking out. But even if you aren’t in the mood for a museum, you may still want to buy a ticket for the view.  

Behind the Pitti Palace are the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful and peaceful spot where you can lounge for the afternoon, taking in a bit of Florentine history while also getting off the busy streets. The extra great part of visiting these gardens is the wonderful view they will give you of the whole city of Florence.   

If you skip out on this view, the last scenic stop we have for you will make up for it.  

Head back down to walk along the river until you turn at Piazza Poggi to head up a little ways to Piazzale Michelangelo.   This is the spot you’ll especially want to be at when there’s a nice sunset, but any time of day provides a great view of the whole city.   

But after all this walking, it’s time to kick back and eat!   

Aperitivo & Dinner  

Our favorite spot for a little tradition of evening wine and snacks is definitely Le Volpi e L’Uva, you’ll find it nestled just around the corner from Ponte Vecchio. Here you can enjoy a local wine by the glass (plus other regional wines too) with a mixed plate of cheese and cured meats to get your appetite going.  

When it comes to dinner, you’re quite close to the Oltrarno neighborhood, one of our favorite places in town for food. Here’s a list of the places we’d send you. But our top recommendation: Il Santo Bevitore for a modern expression of delicious Tuscan cuisine. The most delicious way to end your self guided walking tour of Florence!

Skip the long lines to climb to the top of the Duomo and slip into the Accademia Gallery before the crowds arrive to see Michelangelo’s David with our VIP David & Duomo Tour ! You’ll receive early access to the Accademia and skip the line for at Florence’s majestic cathedral.

An Italy local for nearly 10 years, Evelyn has traveled to nearly every region getting overly excited about cute doors and nonni cafes. She’s an archaeology and art history major who fell in love with Italian wine, getting her Sommelier and Italian Wine Scholar certifications. She’s transformed her passion for La Bel Paese into a travel planning and relocation consultancy with Colline Alle Montagne . You’ll find her on Instagram @collinemontagne , always sipping a glass of wine and sharing the authentic life in Italy.  

Florence Self Guided Walking Tour Map and Attractions

Use the Florence google map below to visit the attractions in the historic city center. A complete guide to historic Florence attractions, including Towers, Squares, and Cathedrals. Follow the walking route to explore the city at your own place. Spend a few hours or a full day depending on how long you want to spend at each attraction. Click on the arrow icon to the left of the title to display the legend. Click on the Florence attractions map pins (green pins) or on the legend (left icon on the title bar) or the PDF map that you download for additional information including images of the attraction

Wifi – SIM card

I purchased a SIM card from one of the major carriers in Rome. You will need an unlocked smartphone, the SIM will give you a local number. Purchase from one of the major carriers and not a phone shop. You will need to show your passport to purchase the Tourist SIM card. Keep your original SIM card safe and put it back in your phone when you leave Florence

I purchased mine from Vodafone but you can get one at any major provider. They have flexible “pay as you go” plans that you can top up as needed. You will need to purchase both a SIM card and a data plan to use your smartphone in Italy. Download the google map below onto your smartphone using the instructions below for easy to use free Florence self guided walking tour to the major attractions as well as other walking tours in Italy

For accompanying attractions guide click HERE

Instructions to download the Florence Interactive Map to your smartphone is at the end of the post

To download PDF map click HERE

Other attractions and walking tours in italy.

• Visit the Roman Colosseum. Click on the Roman Colosseum attractions map HERE and accompanying Colosseum attractions guide HERE
• Take the Rome attractions map and self guided tour: It includes the Vatican City attractions map HERE and the Vatican attractions guide HERE
• Self Guided Walking tour to explore the neighborhood of Trastevere with map of attractions HERE and guide of attractions HERE
• Visit St Peters Basilica . Explore all the attractions in St Peter’s Basilica with the attractions guide HERE
• One of my favorite places is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill . The map of attractions is HERE and the self guided walking tour is HERE
• Visit Pompeii with a complete self guided tour map HERE and the attractions guide to the 49 points of interest HERE
• Spend the day in Florence , this was by far one of my best day trips. The self guided walking tour map is HERE and the attractions guide is HERE

Click on Florence Map Image for Florence Attractions Guide

Instructions to download the interactive map to a smart phone:

Take the map with you when you travel:.

Instructions on:

• Using it offline
• Using it online – We bring one of our older smart phones when we travel and buy a local SIM card. You can purchase a local tourist SIM card from one of the main local providers, they are usually pretty inexpensive. You may need your passport to purchase as its a tourist SIM if you are an international tourist. You should have them put it in your old smartphone and check that it works before leaving the store. Use it to follow the map online, its the best way to explore

Sign into google using your Gmail account on your smart phone and be connected to the internet. If you do not sign in, this process will not work . You will be downloading this map to save it. You will be saving it in google maps in two places:

• Save in “Your Places” for online use and
• Save in “Offline map” for offline use
• Youtube instructions on link as follows: https://youtu.be/_6j9koieMsU

Instructions to save above map:

• Click on the rectangle on the top right hand side of the above map [ ] – if you move your mouse to it, it will say “view larger map”
• It will take you into google maps on your smartphone and it will automatically save this map. You must be already be signed into google maps with your Gmail account, if you are not signed into google maps then the map will not be saved
• In google maps, click on the menu which is the three horizontal lines on the top left of the google map (it is to the left of the search box)
• From the menu, click on “Your Places”. This will take you to another screen with a menu at the top. From the top menu bar select “maps”. A list of your maps will be displayed including the map that was just saved. Select the map you just saved
• Make sure the map is still onscreen; do not close out of it as you will be downloading this map and it has to be onscreen to download. While the map is onscreen, click on menu again (three horizontal lines top left hand corner)
• Select “Offline maps” then select “custom map”
• Once you select “custom map”, the onscreen map will be displayed; select the area you want downloaded (zoom in or out to get all the data points into the blue square outline; pinch fingers for zooming)
• Click on “download” – this will save the map in an offline area that you can use when you are not connected to the internet

The map is now saved in two places. To see this, click on the menu (three horizontal line on top right hand corner) in google maps:

• Click on “Your Places” from the menu, then select “Custom Map”. The map will be listed and you can use the map while connected to the internet
• Click on “Offline Maps” from the menu. The map will be listed to use the map offline ie: not connected to the internet (make sure location services is turned on and your will see the blue dot indicating your location as you navigate with the offline map)
• After you download a map, use the Google Maps app just like you normally would. If your Internet connection is slow or absent, or if you are in “airplane mode” Google Maps will automatically use your offline maps to give you directions

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Florence, Italy

Markets. Gelato. Bridges. Cathedrals. Palaces. Museums. Palace museums! There’s a lot of ground to cover in Florence. Luckily, it’s a walkable city and you can see (and eat) a lot, even if you don’t have much time. 

This self-guided walking tour of Florence is perfect for an overview of the city’s most iconic sights, with some optional add-ons and a healthy amount of gelato thrown in.

Your Self Guided-Walking Tour of Florence, Italy

Mercato centrale.

The ground floor of the Mercato Centrale has a mixture of coffee bars, food and produce vendors and restaurant stands selling ready-to-eat dishes. Sample some cured meats and cheeses and stock up on snacks for later.

My favorite part of the market was the  FN Pasta Fresca stand. For 5 euro I got a delicious plate of handmade gnocchi.

Don’t miss the upstairs section, which was renovated and reopened in 2014. The large, airy room offers a dizzying variety of delicious, artisanal options. It’s easy to see how much care and attention to detail was used while designing it. Here’s a map, courtesy of their website, that gives you an idea of the space and their fun branding. See more here .

Nearby: If you’re heading to the Accademia to see the David, it’s a ~ten minute walk from the Mercato Centrale.

Piazza del Duomo

The Piazza del Duomo is often the number one priority and highlight for visitors to Florence… and I think that title is well-deserved. The duomo (cathedral) and the campanile (bell tower) are stunning; most notably their intricately designed pink, white and green marble exteriors.

The iconic dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. You can climb to the top of the dome and/or the clock tower for views from above. Click here for ticket information. Access to the interior of the cathedral itself is free.

Reserving a time slot for Brunelleschi’s dome is mandatory, so be sure to check the box that says “Brunelleschi’s Dome Skip-the-Line Booking” and choose your time before completing your purchase.

Piazza della Repubblica

This impressive square is where the city’s Roman forum was once located, with the Column of Abundance marking the geographical center of Florence.

The charming Picci carousel has been run by the same family for five generations.

If you’re here on a Thursday morning, stop by the flower market along the Via Pelliceria.

Nearby: It’s time for a gelato break! Two minutes from the piazza you’ll find Perché no! at Via dei Tavolini, 19r.

Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio

You’ll probably want to check out as many markets as possible (because, Italy). Fifteen minutes from the Piazza della Repubblica is the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. While we also loved the Mercato Centrale, Sant’Ambrogio was less crowded and had a more local feel.

We browsed the stalls, sampled some olives and enjoyed an espresso before heading to our next stop.

Piazza di Santa Croce

This square is home to the Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial place of a number of famous Italians including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.

Many city events take place in this large, rectangular square, from casual gatherings between friends and family to the city’s annual Christmas market. Perhaps the most interesting tradition is the Calcio Fiorentino , or “historic football,” a game combining football, rugby and wrestling that originated in the square in the 16th century. Today it’s played once a year in June between teams from each of Florence’s four historic neighborhoods: Santo Spirito, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella and San Giovanni.

Similar to the Palio in Siena , this annual event is extremely popular; in 2018 ticket sales were moved offline to box office only to ensure that locals have a better chance of securing them. If you find yourself in Florence while it’s taking place but you can’t get tickets, never fear; there’s still a parade and fireworks for you to enjoy!

Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio

Heading back toward the city center, the Piazza della Signoria is a popular Florentine square that has served as the city’s political hub for centuries. The imposing Palazzo Vecchio , or Old Palace, is the square’s focal point. You can buy tickets to visit its museum and archeological site and/or climb its tower for more great views.

Also on the square:

• the  Loggia dei Lanzi , an open-air sculpture gallery where you can enjoy works dating back to the 1500s
• a replica of the David 
• the newly renovated Fontana del Nettuno , or Fountain of Neptune

Hungry? Two of my favorite Florence meals are in this area.

Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori | Via dei Magazzini, 3r

A reservation to this well-known neighborhood spot is highly recommended. We stopped by in person on our first night in Florence and the only available option was a lunch reservation two days later. Luckily it worked for us! In addition to the food being incredible, we were seated next to a table of businessmen on their lunch break. Their fast-paced, friendly banter with the staff created the perfect atmosphere.

All’antico Vinaio | Via dei Neri, 76r

The delicious and extremely popular panini here offer great value for money. They’re well worth the wait in line and slight confusion navigating the multiple storefronts.

Also nearby: If you’re visiting the Uffizi Gallery, it’s located just past the Piazza della Signoria on the banks of the Arno River.

Ponte Vecchio

Another icon of the city, the Ponte Vecchio , or Old Bridge, is especially picturesque thanks to the medieval storefronts built into its sides. Once home to butchers and fishmongers, today they’re largely home to jewelry stores.

Cross the Ponte Vecchio for pretty city views as you make your way to your next stop…

The Oltrarno

Oltrarno translates to “beyond the Arno,” referring to the neighborhoods of Florence south of the Arno River. As most of the city’s tourist attractions lie north of the river, the Oltrarno is naturally quieter and a welcome break from the crowded spots you’ve just come from.

Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

A short walk from the Ponte Vecchio you’ll find the entrance to the Palazzo Pitti , or Pitti Palace. Since its original owner and namesake sold it in the 1500s, it’s been home to three powerful blood lines including the Medici. A political dynasty that ruled in Tuscany for three centuries, this influential family produced three Catholic popes and two French queens while encouraging the arts to flourish in the city.

Fun fact: the Medici motto was festina lente: make haste slowly. (Shoutout to Game of Thrones for piquing my curiosity on family mottos.)

Today, the palace is a museum complex linked with the Uffizi Gallery.

Connected to the palace are the Boboli Gardens, originally built for the Medici and opened to the public in the mid 1700s.

You can visit the palace and gardens on separate tickets, buy a combined ticket to visit both, or loop in a ticket that includes the Uffizi as well. Check out all the options here . We didn’t go in but took a break to enjoy the sun on the Piazza Pitti before continuing on to see a little bit of the Santo Spirito neighborhood.

Piazza Santo Spirito

The Piazza Santo Spirito is lined with picturesque shops and cafes and is home to the Basilica Santo Spirito.

You might also like: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon’s Chiado Neighborhood

Nearby: S.forno at Via Santa Monaca, 3r is a gorgeous bakery where you can get bread, a sweet treat or a light lunch.

Around the corner at Via De’ Serragli 32r, you’ll find Sbrino Gelatificio Contadino, a popular gelateria. It was closed when we stopped by, but luckily Florence doesn’t lack in delicious gelato options.

We soon found ourselves a few blocks over at Gelateria La Carraia | Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25/r. While searching for its address, I couldn’t help but note that this one is even recommended by Goop . (Thanks for the post-trip validation, Gwyneth!)

San Miniato al Monte

I know this is a self-guided walking tour, but we decided to give our legs a break for this part and hopped on bus #12 to San Miniato al Monte. The journey, while uphill, is definitely walkable at ~2km; if you’re feeling a solid sugar rush from your gelato, don’t let me deter you!

San Miniato al Monte is perched on one of the highest points of the whole city. Located a few minutes’ walk above the Piazzale Michelangelo, we loved how peaceful this space was with only a few other visitors and absolutely stunning views over the city.

Piazzale Michelangelo

A short walk downhill will lead you to the city’s most popular viewpoint: the Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a great spot to hang out with a picnic and some wine while enjoying panoramic Florentine views.

Continuing downhill along the Scalea del Monte alle Croci will lead you past the rose garden, through the Porta San Miniato and back to the Arno. If you’re heading back to the north side of the river, you can take the Ponte Alle Grazie.

Your Self-Guided Walking Tour of Florence, Italy: The Stats

Starting Point: Mercato Centrale

Ending Point: Ponte alle Grazie

Distance with bus ride to San Miniato al Monte included: 5.8 kilometers or 3.6 miles

Distance with walk to San Miniato al Monte included: 7.8 kilometers or 4.8 miles

Use this map to guide your walk.

Have you visited Florence? What spots would you add to this list?

Pin this for later

Share this post:

About Caity Pfohl

Caity is a travel junkie who loves to write. She recently reached her goal of visiting thirty countries before she turned thirty and has no plans of stowing her passport anytime soon.

You Might Also Like

The Colorful Islands of Murano & Burano

A Road Trip Through Italy’s Val d’Orcia

A Hot Dog For Every City: Exploring Scandinavia (Part Four)

I love the fresh pasta stall at the Mercato Centrale! It’s always a stop for us. They were having a black Friday sale when we were there last month, so it was event cheaper, lol. I feel like we need to give Perche No another try. It’s not my favorite gelato… but everyone loves it, so maybe I’ll try again. La Carraia is one of our favorites, but so is Santa Trinita, which is one bridge up. 😉 Both delicious!

Caity Pfohl

Ooh I will keep Santa Trinita in mind for next time! And a Black Friday sale on pasta sounds like a dream 🙂

beatravelling

Florence made it onto my list a few years ago. It looks stunning! I’d be happy just to see the cathedral 🙂 #farawayfiles

The cathedral really is incredible. The detail on the exterior was my favorite part. I hope you make it there soon, once it’s safe to travel again!

Florence is such a beautiful city and like you said so easy to see on foot. I just could get over the enormity of the Duomo, and who could say no to an ice-cream or two. #farawayfiles

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

 Notify me when new posts are published

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© 2023 - Caity Pfohl. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by SoloPine.com

GoNOMAD Travel

Inspiration and links to plan your trip.

Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour

Discovering the Special Charm of Self-guided Florence on Foot

By Oscar Davis

Located in the heart of Tuscany , Florence stands as a living testament to the Renaissance era, boasting a rich tapestry of art,culture, and history. Home to iconic landmarks, masterpieces by renowned artists, and cobblestone streets that whisper tales of the past, Florence invites travelers to embark on a self-guided walking tour, unlocking the secrets of this enchanting city at their own pace.

A self guided walking tour of Florence will provide an immersive experience, allowing you to savor the city’s charm, appreciate its artistic heritage, and stroll through the streets where history unfolded. Florence unfolds like a storybook with each step, revealing its timeless beauty and cultural significance.

Keep Walking

In this article, we will learn about walking tours of Florence , ensuring you capture the city’s essence and create memories that will last a lifetime. Keep reading to embrace the rhythm of Florence, and let the adventure begin.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is the central square in Florence and serves as the pulsating heart of the city’s historic center. Dominated by the stunning Florence Cathedral, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore or simply the Duomo, the square offers a rich tapestry of architectural wonders and artistic brilliance.

The highlight of the square is the Florence Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Duomo’s distinctive red-tiled dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is an iconic symbol of Florence. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. The cathedral’s facade is adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs, showcasing the skill and artistry of the Renaissance era.

Giottos’s Campanile

Adjacent to the cathedral is Giotto’s Campanile, a bell tower designed by the renowned artist Giotto di Bondone. The tower is a marvel of Gothic design, featuring elaborate marble panels and sculptures. Climbing to the top offers breathtaking views of Florence and provides a close-up look at the intricate detailing of the tower.

Facing the cathedral is the Baptistery of St. John, one of the oldest buildings in Florence. The octagonal structure is adorned with white and green marble and features bronze doors, including the famous “Gates of Paradise” designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The interior houses stunning mosaics and a sense of tranquility.

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks, a bridge that spans the Arno River and connects the city’s historic districts. This is the oldest bridge in Florence, dating back to medieval times. While the current structure was rebuilt after a flood in 1345, its origins can be traced to Roman times. The bridge has withstood the test of time and has witnessed centuries of history, including the bustling activity of merchants, the grandeur of Renaissance Florence, and even the destructive forces of World War II.

What sets the Ponte Vecchio apart is its distinctive construction. Unlike other bridges, it is characterized by three segmental arches, and shops are built directly on the bridge. Originally occupied by butchers, the shops now house jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. The bridge’s upper level provides a covered walkway connecting the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace.

The Ponte Vecchio is renowned for its jewelry shops, making it a haven for those seeking exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs. The shops display an array of gold and silver jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and watches. The tradition of jewelry-making on the bridge dates back to the Renaissance when Ferdinand I decreed that only goldsmiths and jewelers could operate here, banishing butchers and other merchants.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is a cultural space located in the heart of Florence. Renowned for its outstanding collection of Renaissance art, the gallery is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike. It was originally designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 as offices for Florentine magistrates. Over time, the upper floors were transformed into an art gallery, making it one of the world’s oldest and most famous art museums.

The building itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its long, U-shaped structure surrounds a courtyard, and the façade is adorned with statues of famous artists and thinkers. Visitors can appreciate not only the art within but also the architectural elegance of the gallery. The Uffizi Gallery houses an unparalleled collection of art spanning from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Visitors can marvel at works by Italian Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli. The Birth of Venus and Primavera by Botticelli are among the most celebrated masterpieces in the collection.

The gallery is organized into various rooms and halls, each dedicated to a specific period or artist. As you wander through the corridors, you’ll encounter works that showcase the evolution of art from the early Renaissance to the Baroque era. The Tribune, a circular room, houses some of the collection’s most precious and iconic pieces.

Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale , located in the city’s heart, is a bustling and vibrant market that offers a sensory delight for visitors. This historic market celebrates Tuscan flavors, local products, and the lively atmosphere of Italian market culture. It has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when it was established to centralize the various food markets scattered throughout Florence. The current structure, inaugurated in 1874, is a testament to the city’s commitment to creating a vibrant and organized market space.

The building that houses Mercato Centrale is an architectural gem featuring iron and glass elements, allowing natural light to flood the market stalls. The exterior is adorned with decorative motifs, and the market’s distinctive dome is a landmark that adds to the charm of the surrounding San Lorenzo neighborhood. The ground floor of Mercato Centrale is dedicated to a traditional fresh produce market. Here, local vendors showcase various fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The stalls are a feast for the eyes, offering a visual and aromatic immersion into the bountiful produce of Tuscany.

Explore the various sections of Mercato Centrale to discover an abundance of high-quality meat, fish, and cheese. Local butchers and fishmongers proudly display their products, while cheesemongers offer a selection of artisanal cheeses that represent the diverse flavors of the region.

Remember to take breaks at local cafes, enjoy some gelato, and get lost in the charming streets of Florence. The city is a treasure trove of art and history, and a self-guided walking tour allows you to uncover its hidden gems at your own pace.

Oscar Davis is a freelance writer from Leeds, UK. 

• Latest Posts

• Exploring Kenya’s Night Markets - May 3, 2024
• Exploring the Lesser-known Gems of France: - May 2, 2024
• Tunisia: Being of Service in Zammour - April 27, 2024

2 thoughts on “ Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour ”

This is a fantastic resource for exploring Florence at your own pace! I especially appreciate the emphasis on self-discovery and getting lost in the city’s charm.

For walkers who want to delve deeper into the Renaissance history, I would recommend adding a stop at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi. This palace was the home of the powerful Medici family, patrons of the arts who greatly influenced Florence’s artistic golden age. It offers a glimpse into their opulent lifestyle and the architectural style of the period.

Another suggestion for art lovers is to explore the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence. Lined with bustling jewelry shops, it’s a unique experience and was a vital economic center during the Renaissance.

Do you have recommendations for specific walking routes that showcase the best of Florence’s hidden gems?

Thanks for this informative guide! I’m sure it will help many travelers experience the magic of Florence. Reach me @ https://prilin.in/

Thank you for including all the details. Your above information will definitely helpful for all the travelers. I really enjoyed your post. You include all the points and I really agree with them.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Free Florence Walking Tours

Florence is full of history, and there are several notable sites that you can see and learn about on a walking tour of the city.

There are essentially 4 types of free walking tours in Florence (Firenze), a city overview tour, tours focused on the Renaissance, museums, and sunset tours.

This post is an overview of all of your options, including what you will see on each tour, as well as which companies offer them.

TOUR CALENDAR

The main option is an introductory tour that covers the most popular landmarks in Florence.

You can also take a tour that provides a look at how the city played an influential role in the world during the Renaissance.

Searching Availability...

More Tour Options?  More tours are  available here or in the individual tour sections below.

We also offer our very own free, self-guided walk with optional audio below.

• Overview + Schedules
• Intro to Florence + The Renaissance
• Sunset Tours
• Museum Tours
• Street Art/Alternative Tours

Medieval Mysteries

Self guided tours.

For most people today, a “free tour” is a “pay-what-you-wish tour” or a “tips-based tour”.

You are under no obligation to pay for your experience, and it costs nothing to book a time slot.

At the end of the tour, if you enjoyed yourself, it’s customary to pay what you think the tour was really worth or what you could afford.

According to online reviews, most people leave between €5-15/per person, but of course, you are not obligated to leave anything.

Keep in mind, however, that these free walking tours are both convenient and popular, so often have large groups of participants.

If you’d rather take your tour with a smaller group – which can allow you more interaction with your guide – you might consider taking a paid small group tour .

For a truly free option, check out our suggestions for self-guided walks .

We also offer tours throughout Europe, including:

Intro to Florence & Renaissance Tours

These free walking tours provide an introduction to Florence, giving visitors a range of information about the history of this city and in some cases even some tips on great attractions or restaurants to visit.

This section will also include information about tours that focus on the most important locations tied to the Renaissance. 

Both tours cover much of the same ground, but Renaissance tours are more about the Medici family and their impact on Florence.

But they also focus on the way of life that people experienced in this city during the 14th and 15th centuries.

You can expect to visit the following sites on most of these walking tours listed below:

• Central Market
• Paradise Gate
• Republic Square
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazza Duomo
• S. Lorenzo Cathedral
• Piazzale Michelangelo
• Old City Walls
• St. John’s Baptistry
• Medici-Riccardi Palace
• Medici Chapel
• Pitti Palace
• Boboli Gardens

Our self-guided walk provides more details on what you could see on a tour like those listed below.

Another Florence

This company offers tours that cover Florence that locals know and love.

They do not stop by Ponte Vecchio or Piazza Duomo but bring you to beautiful and interesting places in Florence you might not otherwise find. 

While each tour guide and therefore each tour is slightly different, the average length of a tour is 2 ½ - 3 hours long. 

They offer tours in English, Spanish, and Italian every day at 10:30 am and 15:30 (3:30 pm). These outings are wheelchair accessible.

Learn more or book this tour .

Original Florence

This company offers an outing that covers a variety of interesting subjects like the Medici family, Florentine culture, the best food in the city, museums you might want to visit, and fun things to do after dark.

Guests have given this tour very positive reviews which suggest that they provide a lot of information about the history, art, and culture of Florence in addition to a more general orientation of the city.

This tour is a little over 2 hours long and it’s offered twice a day at 10:15 and 17:15 (5:15 pm) in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Click here for more details or to book this tour .

Free Walking Tours in Florence

This company offers what they call the best tour in the city, and that’s a bold claim, but they do have very positive ratings. 

In addition to covering the Renaissance and stories of the Medici family, this tour also serves as an introduction to the city, including some lesser-known sites.

They are well-reviewed by guests who indicate that they learned a lot about the history of this city and even received some recommendations on places to visit.

This 2-hour free walking tour is offered twice a day at 9:30 am and 16:30 (4:30 pm) in both English and Spanish.

Learn more here.

Florence from Above Walking Tours

As with some of the other tours on our list, this one is also led by just one guide, and reviews for his free Florence tour are all very positive.

Over 2 hours, you’ll learn about a variety of interesting subjects and locations on a tour route that will lead to the highest and best viewing points in the city.

This tour is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 8:30 in the morning, making it an excellent option for anyone who wants an early bird experience.

Check our calendar above as the schedule for this tour can fluctuate.

Sunset Tours in Florence

If you’re interested in seeing the city as the sun goes down, there are a few different pay-what-you-wish walking tours in Florence that take place at sunset.

Much like the introductory tours, these outings cover the history of the city, and you can expect to visit a variety of notable locations such as the following:

• Piazza Santa Maria Novella
• Piazza di Santa Croce
• Piazza della Passera
• Piazza Santa Trinita
• Piazza Goldoni
• Palazzo Strozzi

These tours focus more on great locations to take in the views than anything else.

However, you can expect to visit some of the most notable sites and see them from afar while on a sunset tour.

Enjoy excellent views of Florence as you learn about the city during sundown on one of these tours.

Free Tour Florence Sunset Tour

In addition to their introductory tour, Another Florence also offers a free sunset tour that also provides historical details about the city.

While their other tour doesn’t include a stop at Ponte Vecchio, you will have an opportunity to see this landmark from the Ponte Santa Trinita during this sunset outing.

Clocking in at 2 hours in length, this tour is available in English, Spanish, and Italian, and it’s offered every day at 19:00 (7 pm).

Book this tour or learn more .

Sunset in Florence

This is another tour provided by just one professional guide, Vincenzo, and it has received some pretty good reviews thus far. 

Although other free walking tours don’t visit this site, it’s worth noting that this service begins at Ponte Vecchio.

From there, you’ll visit a variety of other locations including Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato Church, and more. 

This tour is about 2 hours long, it’s usually available in English most days of the week except Monday at 17:30 (5:30 pm).

It's available daily in Italian and twice a week in Spanish.

Free Florence Museum Tours

If you’re interested in visiting some of the most notable museums in Florence, there are several tours available that will help you find some of the best pieces at each location.

Currently, there are two free museum tours covering the Duomo and the Accademia Gallery.

There are also a few free audio tours you may want to consider.

Although you’ll need to pay for admission to each museum on your own, the tour itself will be tip-based.

This means you get to decide what it was worth when it’s over.

You can save money on tickets for many of these museums by using a Florence tourist pass .

Landmarks in Florence

This service is provided by an independent and professional guide, who offers two free tours at 2 must-visit museums in the city: The Duomo Museum and the Accademia Gallery.

The 1-hour Duomo Museum tour covers the original pieces of the church and important works of art from artists like Michelangelo and Donatello.

This outing is normally offered daily at 16:30 (4:30 pm).

The 1-hour tour of the Accademia Gallery gives you an opportunity to see David, arguably Michelangelo's most famous work, with an expert tour guide.

This service is normally offered every Tuesday - Friday, and Sunday at 8:30 am.

Rick Steves Audio Tour

Rick Steves offers several audio tours you can download onto your smartphone. These are free and excellent and we recommend them.

In total, they currently provide audio tours of 4 different museums:

• Uffizi Gallery
• Bargello Museum
• Accademia Gallery
• San Marco Museum

Each tour includes a map that you can download to help find your way around the museum.

For more details or to pick a tour that fits your needs, check this list of Rick Steves Florence Museum Audio Tours .

Street Art Tour

If you’re more interested in learning about the modern art and lifestyle of Florence, there is at least one free walking tour that covers this subject.

You can expect to see a lot of interesting street art and learn about contemporary artists who have helped shape the future of art in this city.

Additionally,  you’ll also pass by several popular public squares, artisan stores, artist workshops, cafes, and more.

Alternative Free Walking Tours

This is another tour led by just one professional guide, and it is very highly rated.

Guests will learn about street artists and other artistic minds that have helped to shape the world of art in modern-day Florence.

Much of the tour takes place in Oltrarno, which is actually on the other side of the river from the more historic parts of the city.

There, you’ll learn about some of the most interesting workshops and street artists in the area, including hidden gems you might not see on other tours!

Although there are not a lot of reviews yet, this tour has received almost exclusively positive responses.

Guests say that this is a great way to learn about some of the best art in the city that you might have otherwise overlooked.

You can take this 1 ½ hour tour on Saturday - Thursday at 14:00 (2 pm) or on Friday at 9:30 am, and it’s only available in English.

In addition to the alternative street art tours, there are also some free guided outings that cover some of the more curious and mysterious aspects of the history of Florence.

These pay-what-you-wish walking tours are a great way to discover some of the best-hidden gems and learn more about the oft-forgotten cultural stories of the city.

This company offers a tour called "Medieval Tales - Curiosities of Florence," and it covers a lot of interesting cultural anecdotes and stories that will help you see the city in a new light.

After taking this tour, you'll be able to pick out symbols on various buildings or structures around the city and easily decipher their meaning as if you were a local!

You can take this tour daily in either English or Spanish at 10 am or 16:30 (4:30 pm). The tour should take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

Check our calendar above  as the schedule for this tour can fluctuate.

If you don't feel like taking a walk on someone else's schedule, why not go on your own time?

We offer our own self-guided tour to Florence but below are a few more options.

Visit Florence

Visit Florence offers three self-guided walking tour itineraries.

You can use these written guides and accompanying interactive maps to explore the historical center of Florence, the left bank of the Arno River, or the Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato areas.

Self-Guided Exploration Game

This is a great alternative to a traditional walking tour, as it allows you to discover the most historic landmarks in Florence while attempting to solve a mystery.

Although these services are not free, at €10-€15 per game, they cost about as much as most people would tip their guide during a pay-what-you-wish walking tour.

• Florence Medici Tour
• The Serial Killer of Florence
• Haunted Florence: Dante's Return

Small Group Tours

If you don't mind spending a bit of money, there are several small group tours available in Florence that you might want to consider.

This section will cover some of the best tours with small group sizes available throughout the city.

If you're looking for a walking tour with a more personal touch and additional activities/attractions, this company offers many different outings you may enjoy.

Best of Florence Walking Tour

• €59/Adults | €56/Children, Students
• Availability: Tue - Sun at 9:15 am & 1:15 pm
• Duration: 3 ½ hours
• Includes admission to the Accademia.
• Group size of 14 or smaller.

Best of Florence w/ Special Duomo Access

• €76/Adults, Students | €74/Children
• Availability: Tue - Sat at 9:15 am & 1:15 pm
• Includes admission to Accademia.
• Includes No-wait access to Duomo.

Florence in a Day

• €112/Adults | €106/Students | €102/Children
• Winter Availability: Tue, Thu, Sat at 9:15 am
• Summer Availability: Tue - Sun at 8:30 am
• Duration: 7 ½ hours.
• Includes admission to the Uffizi Gallery.
• Group size of 19 or smaller.

VIP David & Duomo Tour

• €115/Adults, Students | €105/Children
• Availability: Tue - Sat at 8 am
• Duration: 3 hours
• Includes early admission to Accademia.
• Includes access to Duomo Terraces.
• Includes skip-the-line Duomo climb.
• Group size of 15 or smaller.

VIP After Hours Accademia Tour

• €49/Adults | €46/Students | €44/Children
• Spring Availability: Sun, Tue, at 5 pm
• Summer Availability: Sun, Tue, Thu, Fri at 7:30 pm
• Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• Includes after-hours admission to the Accademia.

Self-Guided Tour of Florence

This is an alternative to the free guided tours of Florence. This tour will cover multiple notable landmarks and locations in Florence.

Assuming you don't enter any buildings, this walk should take approximately 90 min. The walk is approximately 1.5 km (1 mi.).

Click on the map to expand or to download it to a smartphone.

We created this walk as a companion to Rick Steves's excellent audio tour of Florence. You can download his audio and his map here .

If you don’t have any headphones or prefer to read instead of listen, this self-guided tour provides a lot of useful information about the history of the city.

For an even more in-depth experience, consider downloading the audio tour.

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The first thing you’ll notice about this church as you stand in the plaza is its distinctive 15th-century dome, named after the man who engineered the structure, Filippo Brunelleschi.

We’ll cover the dome in greater detail a bit later.

The cathedral itself was completed and consecrated in 1436. The architectural styles on display include Italian Gothic, Gothic Revival, and Renaissance.

If you were to look at the building from above, you could see how it was designed to form the shape of the Latin cross. At 8,300 sq metres in size, this is an incredibly large structure.

There are a lot of interesting pieces of art inside, including Donatello’s David and Saint John the Evangelist .

2. Giotto’s Campanile

This large free-standing campanile (or bell tower) is part of the complex of buildings in the area, and it stands right next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Designed by Giotto in 1334, this tower is an excellent example of Gothic architecture.

There are a total of 7 bells in the tower which were cast at various times from 1705 - 1957.

There are several beautiful pieces of artwork in the campanile, but they are all copies of the originals which were removed in the 1950s and 1960s.

The hexagonal panels on the lower level depict the history of mankind as described in Genesis, including the Creation of Adam and Eve.

You’ll also find four statues in the niches of all four sides of the tower, including figures such as David, Solomon, Moses, Abraham, and more.

3. Brunelleschi’s Dome

This distinctive feature of the cathedral is actually the third tallest dome in the entire world, and it also played an important role in the Renaissance.

The architectural choice to go with this design rather than a Gothic structure was one of the first major events in the Italian Renaissance, as it broke from the traditional style of the time.

Filippo Brunelleschi ran into trouble trying to make the dome a reality due to a variety of issues.

Eventually, he would work with Donatello to build a model that illustrated how the dome could be constructed.

This model is still displayed at the Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo, which is directly behind the cathedral.

Keep in mind that this structure was created before we knew much about the laws of physics and mathematical calculation for such construction.

So, Brunelleschi relied almost entirely on intuition and details he learned from building models such as the one at the museum.

The copper crown at the top was commissioned to Andrea del Verrocchio, who had in their employ a young apprentice by the name of Leonardo da Vinci.

Admission to the dome is included with some Florence tourist passes .

4. Baptistery & Bronze Doors

Located directly across from the cathedral, this building is the Baptistery of St. John.

As you may have noticed, the church is shaped like an octagon, giving it a unique and interesting style.

Although it is believed there was a Baptistery in this location since the 4th or 5th century, it wasn’t until the 13th-century that they expanded upon the original architecture and started constructing the structure that exists today.

One of the most interesting aspects of this building is its three bronze doors. The oldest is the South Gate, and the North Gate was the next one built.

The East Gate was entitled the Gate of Paradise by none other than Michelangelo.

The North Gate depicts scenes from the New Testament while the South Gate shows moments from the life of John the Baptist.

This Baptistery used to house notable works of art like the Silver Altar and Maddalena di Donatello, but you can now see these pieces at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, located behind the cathedral.

5. Via dei Calzaiuoli

This street runs from the cathedral to Piazza della Signoria, and there are a lot of notable sites to see along the way.

If you're also interested in going north from here, you'll find both the Basilica di San Lorenzo church and the San Lorenzo market, where you can grab a bite to eat before continuing on this self-guided tour.

Museums of note include the Loggia del Bigallo, Museo della Misericordia, and Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele.

We will be covering the last museum in greater detail at our next stop.

There is also a lot of great shopping in the area, and you’ll note that there are several internationally known stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, the Disney Store, and more.

In addition to all the great shopping, there are also several excellent restaurants along the way serving a variety of dishes such as pizza, gelato, Italian sandwiches, wine, chocolate, and much more.

6. Orsanmichele Church

There have been many structures on this site in the past.

Before it was a church there was a grain market built here in 1337.

Before that, it was the kitchen garden of the monastery of San Michele.

The area was converted into a church between 1380-1404.

But, you can still see elements of its previous use in the arches of the ground floor, as they were originally used for the grain market.

There are several sculptures to see here, but all of them are copies.

The originals have since been moved to the museum. That said, these copies are still beautiful and entirely free to enjoy.

You’ll find these sculptures located in niches around the building, including Donatello’s St. Mark and St. George , Andrea del Verrocchio’s Christ, St. Thomas , and Filippo Brunelleschi’s St. Peter .

Inside the church, you will find a Gothic tabernacle designed by Andrea Orcagna which has a copy of Bernardo Daddi’s painting of the Madonna and Child .

Admission to the Orsanmichele Church and Museum is included with some Florence tourist passes .

7. Donatello’s St. Mark

Whether you choose to simply enjoy the copy from outside or enter the museum to see the actual sculpture designed by Donatello, this is an excellent example of his work.

The statue of St. Mark is often regarded as the first Renaissance monument ever created.

One of the most notable features of this piece is its attention to detail and focus on realism.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that even the veins on St. Mark’s left hand are visible.

This style of realistic artwork was far different from the often unrealistic and dramatic Gothic art and architecture of the era, which is one of the reasons it is often considered one of the first examples of Renaissance art.

The niche where this statue can be found is also quite beautiful, but it was not designed by Donatello.

8. Piazza Signoria

Located at the Southern end of Via dei Calzaiuoli, this Piazza della Signoria square sits in front of Palazzo Vecchio, but that isn’t the only interesting structure to see in the area.

To the right of the palazzo, you’ll find the Loggia dei Lanzi, built in the 14th century for ceremonial purposes, which now serves as an open-air art gallery with Renaissance-era sculptures.

To the left of the palazzo, you’ll see an equestrian statue that depicts Cosimo I, former Grand Duke of Tuscany.

The base of the statue depicts scenes from Cosimo’s life, including his coronation.

Behind the statue of Cosimo I, you’ll find the Gucci Garden, a museum dedicated to the fashion company of the same name which houses classic clothing and handbag exhibits.

Gucci Garden is located in the former Palazzo della Mercanzia, which once served as a courthouse where cases between Florentine merchants were disputed.

The original building was constructed in 1359 and restored in 1905.

To the right of the statue of Cosimo I and right next to Palazzo Vecchio, you’ll find the beautiful Fontana del Nettuno , which was designed and created during the 16th century.

There is also a plaque in Piazza Signoria dedicated to Girolamo Savonarola, who led the Bonfire of the Vanities in this very location in 1497. We’ll cover this in greater detail later.

9. Palazzo Vecchio

Originally built in the 14th century, Palazzo Vecchio is the seat of the Municipality in Florence, and it is one of the most famous civic structures in the world.

Although it served as the seat of the Senate and other civic bodies in the past, most of this building is now used as a museum, but it still serves as the headquarters of the Municipality of Florence.

The statue of David by Michelangelo stood by the entrance from the year it was completed in 1504 until 1873 when it was moved to the Galleria dell Accademia.

Today, a copy of the statue remains in its place. Learn about how to see the Statue of David . 

Across from David is a statue of Hercules and Cacus which was crafted by Baccio Bandinelli.

Look under the arches of the gallery to see a series of nine coats of arms representing a variety of things including the Florentine people, the city, loyalty to the papacy, freedom, and independence, and other concepts.

Built in 1310, the tower of Palazzo Vecchio is around 94 metres high. Unlike other towers, such as Giotto’s Campanile, this one actually leans on the walls beneath it.

The museum inside features several beautiful frescoes, niches, tapestries, statues, and other fantastic artwork.

This is also the site of Michelangelo’s The Genius of Victory , which was originally intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II.

Admission to Palazzo Vecchio is included at no extra cost with at least one Florence tourist pass .

10. Savonarola Plaque

Located in Piazza Signoria, this plaque is dedicated to Girolamo Savonarola, a Dominican friar who worked in Florence in the 1490s.

Although his presence was initially requested, he quickly became an enemy of the Medici house and played a role in their undoing.

Savonarola was not a fan of the Renaissance, and he fought against what he saw as artistic excess and sin.

Starting in 1495, he began to host a bonfire of the vanities in Piazza Signoria during Carnival.

The bonfire of the vanities was an event where paintings, manuscripts, books, tapestries, musical instruments, and other works deemed inappropriate were burned in the public square.

During these bonfires, Savonarola was said to have destroyed the works of notable artists such as Dante, Ovid, Propertius, and more.

In the eyes of many church officials, Savonarola went too far with his approaches, and he was eventually excommunicated in 1497.

He was charged with heresy and sedition, for which he was hung on a cross and burned to death in 1498.

This plaque marks the exact location where his execution was carried out.

11. Uffizi Courtyard

As you walk toward the Uffizi Gallery , you’ll see a lot of notable sites alongside the Piazzale degli Uffizi.

The gallery itself is lined with statues of Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and many other noteworthy Renaissance artists.

Directly opposite the Uffizi Gallery is the Accademia dei Georgofili, an educational institution that has been dedicated to promoting the study of economics, geography, agriculture, and many other subjects since 1753.

The Uffizi Gallery itself was originally established in 1581, and it was one of the first modern museums ever established.

Over 4 million people visit this museum every year, making it one of the most visited museums in the world.

There are a lot of important works of art in the museum, including Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus , Andrea del Verrocchio’s The Baptism of Christ , Michelangelo’s The Holy Family , Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi , Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch , Caravaggio’s Sacrifice of Isaac , Rembrandt’s Self-portrait as a Young Man and many more.

Admission is included with some Florence tourist passes , and there is a free audio tour of the Uffizi Gallery by Rick Steves available as well.

12. Arno River & Ponte Vecchio

This is the largest river in the region, and it crosses the whole of Florence. In historical times, the Arno river flooded this city many times after excessive rainfall.

The Arno river is anything but predictable, as it could be quite slow one day and almost torrent like on the next.

Many consider this the most important river in Italy aside from the Tiber in Rome.

One of the most important bridges to cross the Arno is clearly visible from the riverside view of the Uffizi Gallery, and it is the next stop on this tour: Ponte Vecchio.

There has been a bridge here since at least the year 996, but it didn’t exist in its current form until 1218, and even after that it had to be rebuilt in 1345 due to flooding.

Since then, the bridge has largely stood the test of time. Even during WW2, this was the only bridge in Florence that was not destroyed during the retreat of the German army.

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps)

Florence is the the quintessential artistic and cultural symbol of the Renaissance period. Historical buildings filled with amazing art abound in Florence’s medieval old town. So put on your walking shoes and let’s go together on a walking tour of Florence, Italy.

Florence (or Firenze in Italian) is the center of Renaissance art. The quantity and quality of art all around the city can be overwhelming. Everything you have learned in school books about the Renaissance is available right in front of your eyes just by walking through the streets of old Florence and visiting its art museums. Let’s go together on a charming walking tour of Florence.

In this article:

The Center of Old Florence

The center of Florence is packed with tourist attractions. Roughly, Florence’s main attractions are spread from the Santa Maria Novella train station to the church of Santa Croce.

Since driving inside the old city center is prohibited, it is best to start our Florence walking tour at the train station.

1. Santa Maria Novella Church

The easiest place to start our walking tour of Florence is at the train station. Many local hotel shuttles will drop you off there, as cars are not allowed in old town Florence. Located right next to the train station with the same name, the church of Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful attraction. While smaller and less imposing, this 15th century Dominican church contains many pieces of Gothic and pre-Renaissance art. From the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, follow the main road leading out and work your way North towards the large Basilica di San Lorenzo.

2. Basilica di San Lorenzo

Next stop on our walking tour of Florence is the large and imposing Basilica di San Lorenzo (Basilica of St. Lawrence). This is one of the largest churches of Florence, Italy, situated at the center of the city’s main market district. Loaded with local history, Basilica San Lorenzo is the burial place of all the principal members of the Medici family, from Cosimo il Vecchio to Cosimo III. The Medicis were one of the most powerful families in Italy and they maintained religious and political control of Florence for generations. This is a large church building complex made up of several other buildings, so walk around a little bit and take your time.

3. Sagrestia Vecchia

Sagrestia Vecchia (Old Sacristy) comes next on our walking tour of Florence. The Old Sacristy was designed by Brunelleschi, with interior decoration and sculpture by Donatello and the Laurentian Library by Michelangelo. In the same area you can find the New Sacristy based on Michelangelo’s designs; and the Medici Chapels designed by Matteo Negretti. The large building complex around San Lorenzo church takes some time to visit, but it’s well worth your effort. Now it’s time to head south to the place most people visit when in Florence.

4. Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, or “Gallery of the Academy of Florence”, is one of the largest art museums in Florence, Italy. It is best known as the home of Michelangelo’s sculpture David. It was founded by Pietro Leopoldo, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in 1784 as a teaching facility for the Academy of Fine Arts students nearby. You can skip the line and buy your Accademia ticket in advance .

5. Florence Cathedral

Continuing our walking tour of Florence, we arrive quickly at the center of the old town. This is what everyone gravitates towards: the imposing Florence Cathedral, or as the locals call it… Il Duomo di Firenze . This is a beautiful and impressive building that is well worth a visit, in spite of the crowds and the occasional line to get inside.

If you have time, you can buy a ticket and climb in the cathedral dome . The dome was designed and built by the famous architect Brunelleschi after a heated competition with another designer, Lorenzo Ghiberti, for the rights to the project. The dome took almost twenty years to construct and it is the most significant feature of Florence’s skyline. Amazing churches of Florence

6. Piazza Della Signoria

We continue our walking tour by heading south and stopping in the large Piazza della Signoria. To one side you see the imposing Palazzo Vecchio with its crested towers, and in front of you you’ll find the Loggia dei Lanzi with its open air museum. Loggia dei Lanzi is a remarkable display of beautiful old sculptures as an open air museum. While very crowded in the summer, it can provide some shade – a great place to sit and relax if you can find an open spot.

Piazza Della Signoria is a great place to simply sit, relax and look at the hustle and bustle of tourists and locals mingling.

7. Ufizzi Gallery

No walking tour of Florence is complete without a visit to the world famous Ufizzi Gallery. The Ufizzi Art Gallery contains countless recognizable Italian Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque paintings and sculptures. It is just unbelievable to visit. Our kids liked this art gallery even though it takes a while to go through and visit everything. Buying tickets from the Ufizzi Gallery ticket office, while cheaper, will force you to wait a long time in line. In the summer, Ufizzi is very crowded and it took us 2 hours to be able to get inside. I highly recommend buying tickets to Ufizzi in advance and avoid most of the lines. Even when you buy a ticket in advance, you still have to wait in a separate line, but this line is much shorter.

8. Ponte Vecchio

Taking a stroll on Ponte Vecchio takes you back to an old world with more time for detailed embroideries and jewelry.

From the Uffizi Gallery we continue our Florence walking tour by finally getting to the Arno River to the south. Ponte Vecchio means Old Bridge, and it is the only old Florentine bridge that survived allied bombing during World War 2. Ponte Vecchio is lined with shops on both sides and has served as a model for several other bridges in Europe. A quick example is Pulteney Bridge in Bath, UK .

Above the shops on Ponte Vecchio is a structure known as the Corridoio Vasariano, or Vasari Corridor, which connects to the Uffizi Museum. The Uffizi building was once used as the offices of the Medici family businesses – “uffizi” means “offices” in Italian. Cosimo di Medici ordered construction of the corridor so the Medici family members could move freely between Palazzo Vecchio, the offices, and the Palazzo Pitti on the other side of the Arno River . The shops on Ponte Vecchio were once a meat market, but the Medici replaced the meat shops with goldsmiths to get rid of the smell.

9. Santa Croce Church

The Church of Santa Croce (Holy Cross) is our last stop north of the Arno River. While beautiful on the outside, the church of Santa Croce is most famous for its inside. Once you step inside, you will see the tombs of famous people like Galileo Galilei. It is a somber place, but amazing to see. You can buy skip-the-line tickets to Santa Croce and avoid the large crowds waiting to buy a ticket, especially in the summer.

Across the Arno River

Florence is a large city with lots of attraction across the Arno River to the south of the old Florence center.

You could also stay in the Oltrarno to the south of the Arno river to be among the artisan workshops, antique furniture galleries and to the Pitti Palace and Boboli gardens.

10. Piazzale Michelangelo

After the Arno River and walking up a steep path, we come to Piazzale Michelangelo , or Michelangelo Square. When it comes to beautiful views of Florence, no other spot comes close to Michelangelo Square . Come here at sunset and take in the amazing panorama views of Florence.

11. Pitti Palace

We come to the last stop on our walking tour of Florence. Palazzo Pitti is a large palace with beautiful art and the lush, manicured Boboli Gardens . It was the last somptuous residence of the Medici family.  Here you can see the royal apartments and a large number of Renaissance art in addition to the beautiful gardens.  Buying a guided tour of the Pitti Palace will allow you to skip the line and give you a great history lesson about the Medici family.

From Pitti Palace, if you walk to the top of the hilly gardens you can get some pretty views of Florence.

Plan Your Trip to Florence, Italy

When planning a trip to Europe I always focus on maximizing my resources. So, I spend time researching my destination and pick things carefully so I can maximize my time and budget while traveling. Florence takes some planning in order to make it work with your expectations.

Stay in Florence . We stayed outside of the city center since we had a rental car and needed free parking. Plus, dealing with Florence traffic and finding parking in the old city center is really, really difficult. So, we stayed at the very reasonable Novotel Florence North . This hotel has a free shuttle that takes you straight to the Florence train station where you can start exploring. You can also find other budget hotels in Florence .

Rent a car in Italy . You need a rental car if you want to reach smaller places in the countryside. Get a cheap rental car for Italy by saving up to 30% by comparing the best companies to rent from in Europe.

Find parking near Florence center . This is not an easy proposition and I strongly recommend not bringing a car. However, if you have to drive into Florence I recommend parking near the train station .

Check out the Uffizi Gallery official site for schedule and current events.

Check out the Academy of Florence official site for current schedule and events.

Is Florence Worth Visiting?

Absolutely yes! Florence is the essential destination in Italy. With so many things to see, it is impossible to cover it all in one single day. I recommend you plan on spending at least two full days visiting this beautiful city.

• Charming Tuscan Itinerary
• Charming Things to Do in Pisa
• Charming Walking Tour of Florence
• Amazing Churches of Florence
• Best Things to Do in Siena
• Best of San Gimignano
• Charming Volterra
• Best Things to Do in Lucca
• Is Cinque Terre Overrated?

Planning a Trip Soon?

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Tour distance and approximate time to walk are important details that are missing. Please add them.

Thank you for the suggestion to add walking time. I will try adding some indication about how long it might take between attractions. However, it really depends on every person and how much they want to see and how fast/slow they walk.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Tour Florence
• Orvieto Travel Guide – Civita di Bagnoregio
• Chianti tour with testing
• Volterra Private Walking Tour Guide
• Best Cooking Class in Chianti
• What to see in Florence
• Best Food Tour in Florence Italy
• Renaissance Tour Florence
• Treasure Hunt in Florence for Families
• Poets in Florence – Walking Tour Florence
• On the footsteps of Michelangelo
• Full Day Traditional Artisans Tour Guide in Florence Italy
• Florence Travel Blog

Walking tour Florence self guided

by GiroFirenze

Florence is a city of art, history, and culture. It’s no wonder that millions of people visit this city every year to experience the magic it has to offer. One of the best ways to explore the city is by taking a self-guided walking tour. Not only is it a cost-effective option, but it also allows you to explore the city at your own pace.

Walking Tour In Florence

Here is a guide to help you plan your self-guided walking tour in Florence :

• Start at Piazza del Duomo: The Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Florence and the perfect starting point for your tour . Here you can see the magnificent Florence Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Bell Tower.
• Visit the Accademia Gallery: The Accademia Gallery is home to some of the world’s most famous art pieces, including Michelangelo’s David. This gallery is a must-visit for any art lover.
• Explore Piazza della Signoria: This square is surrounded by magnificent buildings and statues, including the Palazzo Vecchio and the Fountain of Neptune.
• Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio: The Ponte Vecchio is a beautiful bridge that spans the Arno River. It is famous for its gold shops and stunning views of the city.
• Visit the Boboli Gardens: The Boboli Gardens are located behind the Pitti Palace and offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The gardens are full of sculptures, fountains, and beautiful greenery.
• Explore the Oltrarno neighborhood: The Oltrarno neighborhood is on the other side of the Arno River and is full of charming streets, artisan shops, and local restaurants.
• End your tour at Piazzale Michelangelo: The Piazzale Michelangelo offers panoramic views of Florence and is the perfect place to end your self-guided walking tour.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to see some of the most iconic attractions in Florence, while also discovering hidden gems along the way. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture all the beautiful moments on your self-guided walking tour !

Related posts:

• Amazing private boat tour of Cinque Terre ...
• Where is Florence? A Crossword Puzzle to Test Your Geographic Knowledge Are you a geography buff who loves to solve crossword...
• visit florence in 2 days If you’re planning a trip to Italy, Florence is a...
• The Ponte Vecchio: A Must-See Attraction in Florence The Ponte Vecchio: A Must-See Attraction in Florence The Ponte...

Recent Posts

• Wine, Dine, and Explore: Tuscany Tours from Florence
• 35 Fun Facts About Florence You Probably Didn’t Know
• Discover Tuscany: The Top 10 Tours from Florence
• Secrets of Firenze: Unveiling the Hidden Charms of the Italian Jewel
• Discover Tuscany: A Day Trip from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa

Recent Comments

• February 2024
• January 2024
• February 2023
• December 2022
• November 2022
• October 2022
• Bike Tour Florence Chianti Val D'Orcia
• Cooking Class
• e-bike Tour Florence Chianti Val D'Orcia
• Info Travel Florence
• Private Tours of Florence
• Senza categoria
• Sightseeing Tour and Excursions
• Uncategorized
• Walking tours Florence

Best things to do and see in Florence

Get to know Florence in a new and exciting way by doing a free walking tour at one of the most iconic places in the city. You don’t always get the same impression of a city, since each time you go is different and there are different aspects to the culture, language and the customs of the people who live there, which always makes the trip unique and one of a kind. Discover all the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital with GuruWalk. That’s no easy task, nor one you can expect to do in a day. Florence is the highest populated city in the region and it could be considered as a museum in and of itself: art, history, science, and philosophy flood its streets which are commonly filled with tourists from all around the world. 

You can find a large variety of free walking tours that will take you around the different neighborhoods and winding streets of Florence. Like one tour, that visits the Saint María del Fiore Cathedral or walks around the Piazza del Duomo (The Cathedral Square) and over the Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio) and around the Old Palace. While others may visit the Pitti Palace, or the Republic Square, Michelangelo’s Square, and Signoria Square, or check out the Central Market. You can also choose to visit Boboli Gardens or stroll through the Squares and Gardens of the Santa Cruz Cathedral and the beautiful Saint Maria Novella Church. Among the options, the tour that takes walkers to visit  Michelangelo’s “David” is another unforgettable experience. 

Choose from a variety of the pay-what-you-want tours in Florence that take place every morning and afternoon and which are available in several languages, like English, Italian and many more. You can find other walkers' opinions and reviews about the tours on the Gurus profiles and decide which guided tour you would most like to do. You can book any of the tours at no cost on the GuruWalk page and you can do as many as you would like so that you can really get to know this beautiful Italian city. After, you may be interested in visiting other places like Naples, Palermo, Genoa or Turin to really get the most out of your Italian holidays!

Free walking tour near Florence

Others cities to visit after florence, find other guruwalks in florence, where are you traveling to.

• RADICAL STORAGE

Self-guided walking tour of Florence

Explore the city of Florence like never before. With our Florence self-guided walking tour, you can unlock the hidden gems of this beautiful city and find out what makes it so unique.

Supported languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable

Explore the city of Florence like never before. With our self-guided walking tour of Florence, you can unlock the hidden gems of this beautiful city and find out what makes it so unique.

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle than by wandering through Florence Historic Center on foot. Take in incredible views as you go from one point of interest to another with confidence and excitement. Marvel at art in magnificent museums, meet Michelangelo’s David, enjoy the stunning view of Ponte Vecchio, all while listening to high-quality audio narration.

Overlooking the Arno river, Florence, Italy, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the capital of Tuscany and home to Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic masterpieces. A dynamic city with a longstanding heritage, Florence hosts world-renowned museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery, picturesque churches, such as Santa Maria Novella, excellent shopping opportunities, and many restaurants.

Let our self-guided tour take you and show you how to spend your time in the best possible way. 

Florence self-guided walking tour | How it works

Florence is home to so many incredible sights that it is difficult to explore it all for first-time visitors. To not miss anything, you first need to familiarize yourself with the city’s roads and neighborhoods. Our self-guided tour will transform your smartphone into an intelligent assistant and reliable travel companion. It will lead you through the city’s landmarks and introduced you to its main sites, which will add to a better experience.

Vox City Guide is a self-guided sightseeing app that offers visitors to Florence a new way of discovering the city. It’s a smart city guide that combines high-quality audio narrations with helpful texts, details about public transportation, tips, and enriching images. 

Here are the main steps to follow:

• Download the Vox City app.
• Access your tour via the link received upon purchase.
• Follow the guide and enjoy your self-guided walking tour!

Plan your own walking tour of Florence

With over 70 points of interest described by local experts, an advanced digital city map, and an offline navigation system, you can plan your tour at your leisure. Save your personal drop-pins on the map and easily move from one place to another while listening to an audio guide in one of six supported languages. 

You will learn more about culture, traditions, legends, and secrets while navigating perfectly planned routes. Whether it is by bus, bike, or on foot, you will find everything you need to know on the Vox app. Discover Florence at your own pace!

Related activities

Rome in the Morning e-bike Tour

You can enjoy Rome without traffic and at the first light of dawn See buildings that no longer exist through 3D reconstruction of the ancient sites of the 80 AD period.  Rome in the Morning e-bike tour allows you, in a few hours, to admire the ancient Rome and discover hidden corners of the city, not […]

Adult (Age 11-99) € 54.00 Children (Age 6-10) € 27.00

Rome by Night e-bike Tour

City sightseeing Rome at sunset by electric bike The best places to see in the City at sunsetAdmiring the beauty of Rome by night is an unforgettable experience: famous monuments, majestic fountains, churches and ancient buildings are tinged with warm colours, in a game of lights and reflections on the marbles and the ancient structures […]

Adult (Age 11-99) € 48.00 Children (Age 6-10) € 24.00

Bologna group walking tour

The Bologna group walking tours starts from the amazing Piazza del Nettuno (Neptune Square), where you can admire the iconic fountain. Continuing to Piazza Maggiore you will discover the imposing Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest in the world, and the Meridiana. Visit the Archiginnasio, the oldest library in the world, and walk […]

€25 (Kids: €15)

• Arctic and Antarctic
• North America
• Viking River Cruises
• Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line
• Family Vacations
• Honeymoon Travel Agency
• Client Testimonials

Florence: Quick Self-Guided Walking Tour

Jun 27th 2023

You've just landed from the states. You're tired. BUT - It's not bedtime quite yet. What should you do? How about a quick self-guided walking tour to familiarize yourself with the enchanting city of Florence!? Where should you start?

Piazza del Duomo:

The best place to start your self-guided walking tour is in the heart of Florence, at Piazza del Duomo. This is where you'll find the iconic Duomo, as well as the Baptistery of San Giovanni and Giotto's Bell Tower.

Oltrarno Florence (Left Bank of Arno River)

From Piazza del Duomo, you can wander through the narrow streets of the Oltrarno, the left bank of the Arno River. This is where you'll find some of Florence's most charming shops and restaurants.

The Ponte Vecchio:

This historic bridge is lined with shops and jewelers. It's a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere.   Ponte Vecchio was spared destruction during World War II, when the retreating German army blew up all the other bridges across the Arno. The bridge is a popular tourist destination, and it is one of the most photographed bridges in the world.

Piazzale Michelangelo:

For a spectacular view of the city that will take your breath away, I always recommend this viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of Florence.

The square is home to a number of copies of Michelangelo's sculptures, including the David and the four allegories of the Medici Chapels. There is also a restaurant with outdoor seating, a playground, and a number of souvenir shops.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a popular tourist destination, and it is especially crowded at sunset. The view from the square is one of the best in Florence, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the cityscape.

It's a great place to end your walking tour.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Send To A Friend

{{offertitle}}.

• Your Name *
• Your Friends' Name *
• Your Email *
• Your Friends' Email *
• Personal Message *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Request A Quote

{{SupplierName}} | Starting {{LowAmount}} | Book From {{BookingDates}}

• Name * First Last
• Contact me by Both - Phone/Email Email Only Phone Only
• Best Contact Time Morning Afternoon Evening
• Desired Departure Date Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Trip Length Number of nights
• Departure City
• Number of Adults
• Number of Children Under 18 years of age
• Comments or Requests
• Please add me to your email list to receive promotions and travel news
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

• RATES & REMARKS
• SEND ENQUIRY
• BOOK ONLINE

Via degli Dei (Path of Gods): Bologna-Florence

This self-guided walking tour follows The Path of the Gods, also known as Via degli Dei, which connects two significant art cities in Italy: Bologna and Florence. This ancient Roman road takes you on a historical and legendary journey, starting from the heart of Bologna at Piazza Maggiore and leading to Piazza della Signoria, the iconic main square of Florence and the birthplace of the Renaissance.

The path derives its evocative name from the mountains that grace its route, including Mt. Adone, Mt. Giove, Mt. Venere, and Mt. Lunario. It follows the ancient route that once connected Felsina (the Etruscan name for Bologna) to Faesulae, the original town of Florence. During Roman times, the path was renamed “Flaminia Militare” and paved with large flagstones, some of which are still visible today and upon which you will walk.

Throughout this self-guided hiking tour, you’ll encounter a remarkable diversity of natural habitats, resulting in a rich biodiversity. The Reno River valley showcases Pliocene-era spurs and a series of rocky sandstone crags. As you ascend gently, you’ll be surrounded by expansive beech forests in the Piana del Mugello. Along the way, small medieval villages and solitary farmhouses dot the hills, adding to the picturesque scenery.

On the final day, as you hike down from the lofty Mugello hills, a breathtaking view of Florence will unfold before you. Your journey on the Path of the Gods is a captivating fusion of history, natural beauty, and cultural significance, culminating in the vibrant city of Florence.

Walking Grade/ Difficulty

See more here

• Destination Italy
• Duration 8 Days I Level: 3/4 (of 5)
• What is included Accommodation in 3* hotels and agriturismo with en-suite rooms including breakfast; people transfer on Day 3; luggage transfers on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7; pilgrim's passport; detailed roadbook and map in English (incl. access to GPS tracks); emergency phone assistance
• What is not included Drinks and other meals; Possible CITY TAX to be paid in cash on the spot (it varies depending on the city and on the hotel’s category between 2 and 5 EUR per person per night); Entrance charges; Tickets for the public transport.
• Best period April, May, June, July, August, September, October

FROM OUR GALLERY

Self-guided hiking and walking tours along the Way of Gods (Via Degli Dei), Italy

Day 1: Arrival in Bologna

Day 2: bologna to sasso marconi (20km, 6hrs, +525m/-525m), day 3: sasso marconi to monzuno (16km, 5hrs, +700m/-500m), day 4: monzuno to bruscoli (19km, 6hrs, +500m/-400m), day 5: bruscoli to san piero a sieve (21 or 28km, 6 or 8hrs, +465m/-1140m (for the longer option), day 6: san piero a sieve to olmo (20km, 7hrs, +1020m/-800m + shorter option of 13km), day 7: olmo to fiesole/florence (11km, 4hrs, +380m/-530m), day 8: departure, tour location.

Single room & Solo Traveler supplement

Accommodation & luggage transportation, send an enquiry about this tour.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Message

A free, self-guided walking tour of Florence

“Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside.”

Elizabeth von Arnim , The Adventures of Elizabeth in Rügen

There has to be something said for the rapture that is found in walking by the wayside. It is true that cars, trains, planes, even rockets take us to our destination faster and are necessary to accommodate the fast pace of lifestyle that we struggle to keep up with. But there is nothing to match the slow-paced enjoyment one can experience from discovering an unknown city by foot. Consider joining me on the slow-paced walking tour I will take you on, around the heart of that most historic of cities- Florence, Italy.

Major Stops on the walk will include the following landmarks:

Piazza del Duomo,

Giotto’s bell tower,

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo,

Casa Museo di Dante,

Florence’s famous sculpture museum, The Bargello,

Piazza Signoria: Palazzo Vecchio and The Uffizi,

Church of Orsanmichele,

back to the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo di Firenze) by Rodrigo Soldon

• Start at the famous Piazza del Duomo, home to that icon of Florentine architecture- the Duomo. In fact the Duomo, the Florence Baptistry and Giotto’s Campanile together form a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the pink and green marble façade of the Duomo and the spectacular dome, designed by Brunelleschi. These are a delight to photograph especially in the early hours of the day when the morning sun suffuses the buildings with a soft light.
• In the same Piazza del Duomo look up to Giotto’s Campanile- a free-standing bell tower in the typical Florentine, gothic architectural style. Worthy of mention are the hexagonal panels on the lower level of the bell tower- depicting scenes from the book of Genesis. These are mere replicas, the original panels residing in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
• Museo dell’Opera del Duomo the next stop on the walk is a repository of some of the works of art originally found in the Cathedral of Florence, the Duomo. The museum is just east of the Duomo.

A cumulative ticket to view the interior of the following monuments costs 15 euros.

Entrance times:

Cathedral: 10.00-17.00 ;

Dome: 08.30-18.20 ;

Baptistry: 08.15-10.15/11.15-18.30

Bell Tower: 08.15-18.50

Crypt: 10.00-17.00

Museum: 09.00-21.00

Museo Casa di Dante by Darold Massaro

• Casa Museo di Dante. The house-museum of Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy, (considered to be the greatest work composed in the Italian language) is the next stop on the walking tour. The house was built in the twentieth century on the site of the Alighieri family’s property as discerned from several old documents. The museum is spread out on three floors, each floor representing different phases in the writer’s life.

Via Santa Margherita 1 – Firenze. Tel. 055 219416. 

Admission: 10.00 – 18.00. 
Closed on: Monday. Entrance: € 4,00.

Bargello by Dave and Margie Hill/Kleerup

• The Bargello. This building may look like a castle but was in fact a former prison, now converted to an art-sculpture museum. The art collection here is quite impressive. A few highlights not to be missed include Donatello’s David, Vincenzo Gemito’s ‘Ill Pescatorello’ or small fisherboy sculpture, and a few masterpieces attributed to Michelangelo.

Via del Proconsolo 4 – Firenze – Tel. 055 2388606

Admittance time. Weekdays: from Tuesday to Saturday: 08.15 – 13.50 pm; open on the first, third and fifth Monday of every month.

Holidays: open on the second and fourth Sunday of every month- 08.15 am – 13.50 pm.

Closed on: on the second and fourth Monday of every month; on the first, third and fifth Sunday of every month. December 25, January 1, May 1.

Entrance: € 4,00.

Piazza Signoria by Haydn Blackey

• Piazza Signoria: Palazzo Vecchio and The Uffizi : The Piazza Signoria is a very famous L-shaped square of Florence situated adjacent to the Palazzo Vecchio, the old town hall of Florence and the great art museum, the Uffizi. To be found in the square, directly in front of the Palazzo Vecchio is a replica copy of the statue of David, the original to be found in the Uffizi. Also of note is the row of striking statues in the nearby Loggia dei Lanzi. A trip to Florence should include an obligatory trip to the Uffizi. Beware of long waits to enter the gallery especially during peak tourist season (upward of five hours). Painting highlights to be seen once you gain admission are: Sandro Boticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and ‘La Primavera’, Raphael’s ‘Madonna of the Goldfinch’, works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Michelangelo and others.

The Ufizzi: Tuesday through Sunday: 8:15-18:50, entry every 15 minutes Closed: Mondays, Christmas, New Year’s Day, May 1st; Tickets: Full price: € 8,00

Orsanmichele Church, Florence by ScottOldham

• Church of Orsanmichele: The beautiful Gothic church of Orsanmichele is located just off Via Calzaiuoli on the site of a historic grain market. In the fourteenth century the granary was converted to a place of worship. The external niches or statues that decorate the exterior of this church are remarkable. The original statues have been removed to various museums and have been replaced with replicas to protect against theft and the weather. Some of the original statues reside in the Orsanmichele Museum located on the upper floor of the church (open only on Mondays).
• Via dell’Arte della Lana, 50123 Firenze, Italy; every day: 10.00-17.00;  Closed on: Monday – Entrance: free.
• Open only on Monday 10.00 – 17.00 pm; Entrance: free.

A map of the historical heart of Florence, drawn in approximation by Arpita Bhattacharya.

How To Get Around

Start the walk at the Piazza del Duomo and continue to all the stops mentioned in a clockwise manner. The walk should bring you back to your point of origin. After admiring the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower proceed to the adjacent Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. After this, to reach Casa Museo di Dante follow Via del Proconsolo and then take a right onto Via del Corso. A left onto Via del Presto, a right onto Via Dante Alighieri and another right onto Via Santa Margherita should bring you near to Dante House. After visiting the house retrace your steps back to Via Dante Alighieri and follow it down until it intersects Via del Proconsolo. Follow this road down to where it intersects Via Ghibellina and take a left turn on this road, which should bring you to the Bargello. After visiting the Bargello, you might want to backtrack to via del Proconsolo towards the direction of the river. Take a right onto Via del Gondi, which will bring you to the L-shaped Piazza della Signoria. Once you have reached the end of the Piazza near the Museo di Palazzo Davanzati walk all the way back along Via dei Calzaioli till you reach the Church of Orsonmichele. Following Via dei Calzaioli further should bring you back to the Piazza del Duomo.

Top Tips for this walk

Stop for coffee at the famous Café Rivoire at Piazza della Signoria. For a wonderful gelato stop to treat yourself after the walk consider going to Grom (on the way back to the Piazza del Duomo whilst walking along Via dei Calzaioli, take a right onto Via delle Oche should bring you to the doorstep of Gelato heaven!

Creative Commons License Attribution

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo di Firenze) photograph was licensed  under Creative Commons License  courtesy of Rodrigo Soldon; Museo Casa di Dante  photograph  was licensed  under Creative Commons License  courtesy of Darold Massaro; Bargello photograph   was licensed  under Creative Commons License  courtesy of Dave and Margie Hill/Kleerup; Piazza Signoria photograph  was licensed  under Creative Commons License  courtesy of Haydn Blackey; Orsanmichele Church, Florence photograph was licensed  under Creative Commons License  courtesy of ScottOldham.

For guided tours around Florence we recommend Walks of Italy , although their walks may differ from the one mentioned by us.

For other memorable walks we recommend our A Free, Self-guided Walking Tour Of Edinburgh .

Lastly if you are looking for something more substantial than gelato, may we suggest our Cheap Eats Guide To Florence

• Latest Posts

Hi! I'm Arpita, Contributing Editor for South East Asia for Budgettraveller.org and currently located in Kolkata, India I'm a bibliophile constantly thinking about my 'to be read' list … armchair traveling my way around the world one book at a time. Find me over at Bagfullofbooks.com

• 50 best free things to do in Paris ( Updated February 2023 )
• 16 of the best budget places to stay in Amsterdam
• 51 Free Things to Do in London

You may also like

Things to do in Odense- What to see, where to eat and drink

A few days in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria : Best places to see, sleep, eat & drink

11 best things to do in Český Krumlov: Where to visit, eat & drink

Prague with locals- 24 alternative things to do

BudgetTraveller’s Guide to Vorarlberg : A 5 day itinerary + *FREE MAP*

How to spend 48 Hours in Vilnius: 17 top tips

It’s crazy how picture-perfect every city in Italy is and Florence is no exception! The architecture is absolutely stunning and a walking tour is the perfect way to experience a new city. Also if you would like a little company the first thing I do when arriving in a new city is find a guided free walking tour so I can learn a little bit about the history too!

Each Italian city is like an outdoor museum isn’t it? I do agree that there is nothing like getting tips from a local.

Great post. I’m bookmarking this for when we make it to Florence!

I’m glad you find it interesting. Hope you will find it useful when visiting Florence.

Ciao! You have very interesting post and very cute Bloog!:)

We are language school – SCUOLA TOSCANA, situated in very center of Florencia, in front of Basilica Santa Croce and we have italian courses for foreigners! I invite you to visit our official page and our facebook and you can also follow our blog and find some fresh ideas ? !

https://wordpress.com/posts/it… http://www.scuola-toscana.com/ https://www.facebook.com/scuol…

Saluti della bella Firenze !:)

Thanks for dropping by and will have a look at your blog now 🙂

Grazie Mille Kash

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

More Stories

The world is your oyster and Galway is its home

  “You need stamina and a good liver to enjoy all of the events. However for the festival-wise, who know how to pace themselves,…