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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!
![florence walking tour self guided](https://cdn1.discovertuscany.com/img/florence/panoramic-views/view-from-san-miniato.jpg?w=750&q=65)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided](https://cdn1.discovertuscany.com/img/florence/museums/bargello/bargello-exterior-view.jpg?w=750&q=65)
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 .
![florence walking tour self guided](https://cdn1.discovertuscany.com/img/florence/churches/duomo-facade.jpg?w=750&q=65)
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 !
![florence walking tour self guided](https://cdn1.discovertuscany.com/img/florence/bridges/sunset-ponte-vecchio.jpg?w=750&q=65)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided](https://cdn1.discovertuscany.com/img/florence/panoramic-views/view-sunset-piazzale.jpg?w=750&q=65)
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 !
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Self-guided Walking Tour of Florence (With Maps!)
![florence walking tour self guided Walking Tour Of Florence](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Walking-tour-of-florence-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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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
![florence walking tour self guided Florence, Italy Uffizi Museum](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Florence_Italy_Uffizi_Museum-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Museo Galileo Palazzo](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Museo_Galileo_palazzo-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Piazza Della Signoria Din Florenta](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Piazza_della_Signoria_din_Florenta-e1714519254778-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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)
![florence walking tour self guided Exterior Of Palazzo Vecchio](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Exterior_of_Palazzo_Vecchio-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Loggia Dei Lanzi](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Loggia_dei_Lanzi-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Complesso Di San Firenze](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Complesso_di_san_firenze-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Palau Del Bargello Florence](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Palau_del_Bargello_Florence-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Badia Fiorentina](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Badia_fiorentina-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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)
![florence walking tour self guided Firenze, Casa Di Dante](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Firenze_casa_di_Dante-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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)
![florence walking tour self guided Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore & Piazza Duomo](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cathedral-of-Santa-Maria-del-Fiore-Piazza-Duomo-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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)
![florence walking tour self guided Campanile Di Giotto](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Campanile-di-Giotto-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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)
![florence walking tour self guided Baptistery, Florence](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Baptistery_Florence-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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)
![florence walking tour self guided Medici Riccardi Palace](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medici-Riccardi-Palace-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Cappelle Medici Basilica Di San Lorenzo Florence Italy](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cappelle_Medici_-_Basilica_di_San_Lorenzo_-_Florence_-_Italy-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Piazza Della Repubblica, Florence](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Piazza_della_Repubblica_Florence-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Palazzo Davanzati Sala Dei Pappagalli](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Palazzo_Davanzati_sala_dei_pappagalli-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Ponte Vecchio Florence](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ponte-vecchio-florence-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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)
![florence walking tour self guided Palazzo Pitti](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Palazzo-Pitti-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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
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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
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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 walking tour self guided View From Piazzale Michelangelo](https://www.nomads-travel-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/View-from-Piazzale-Michelangelo-384x216.jpg?x77460)
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.
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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.
Florence walking tour map
![florence walking tour self guided](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Florence-walking-tour-map-900x582.png)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Building | Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-23-scaled.jpg)
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).
![florence walking tour self guided Building ceiling | 1 Day Walking Tour Florence Italy](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-9.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Drinks | Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-21.jpg)
From 9am to midnight, you can visit the Mercato Centrale on the second floor (or European “first floor”) for a wide variety of eateries .
![florence walking tour self guided Vegetables | 1 Day Walking Tour Florence Italy](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-12.jpg)
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
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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.
![florence walking tour self guided Building | Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-1.jpg)
E. Uffizi Gallery Courtyard
![florence walking tour self guided Building | 1 Day Walking Tour Florence Italy](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-2.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided River | Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-13.jpg)
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!
![florence walking tour self guided Building | 1 Day Walking Tour Florence Italy](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-3.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided City | Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-10.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Poster | 1 Day Walking Tour Florence Italy](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-11.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Restaurant | Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-22-scaled.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Food stand | 1 Day Walking Tour Florence Italy](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-8.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Pasta Fresca cheap food at Florence market](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/florence-mercato-pasta-fresca-takeout-restaurant.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Food court | Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-25.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Gelato shop | 1 Day Walking Tour Florence Italy](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-26.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Gelato | Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/self-guided-florence-walking-tour-24.jpg)
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 >>
![florence walking tour self guided Florence hotel in historic center](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/florence-9-2022-35.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided FLR Florence airport tram station](https://intentionaltravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/florence-t2-airport-tram-metro.jpg)
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 .
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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
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
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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 🙂
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Europe > Italy > Florence > Free Florence Walking Tour
- Free Walking Tour
- Top Day Trips
- Suggested Itineraries
![Free Florence Walking Tour Map -Self Guided Firenze Italy Free Florence Walking Tour Map -Self Guided Firenze Italy](https://www.bigboytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Free-Florence-Walking-Tour-Map-Cover-2.jpg)
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 ):.
![florence walking tour self guided Free Florence walking tour map city center do it yourself guided - Florence Duomo Cathedral church Dome Side](https://www.bigboytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/free-Florence-walking-tour-map-city-center-do-it-yourself-guided-florence-duomo-cathedral-church-dome.jpg)
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 :
![florence walking tour self guided Free Florence walking tour map city center do it yourself guided - Florence Duomo Cathedral church Interior Clock](https://www.bigboytravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/free-Florence-walking-tour-map-city-center-do-it-yourself-guided-florence-duomo-cathedral-church-interior.jpg)
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 :
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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 ):
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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 ):
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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 :
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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 ):
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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 ):
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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 ):
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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 ):
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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.
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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.
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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
![florence walking tour self guided Florence Italy Map of Self Guided Walking Tour](https://travelwithsheemelle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Florence-Walking-Tour-Map.jpg)
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
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Pedestrian street lined with multi-story buildings leading to a large red-domed cathedral](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/florence-street-P.jpeg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Façade of the Santa Maria Novella church in Florence, Italy](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/florence-santa-maria-novella-church-U.jpeg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Overhead shot of people eating at tables inside a food market](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/Mercato-Centrale-Florence-5.jpeg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided View of Florence, Italy's cathedral dome and the city beyond it on a clear day](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/florence-cathedral-duomo-P.jpeg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Close up of a person holding a small sandwich with prosciutto and broccoli](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/panino-panini-sandwich.jpeg)
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!
![florence walking tour self guided Woman rubbing the nose of a boar statue](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/florence-mercato-porcellino-FCC.jpeg)
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!
![florence walking tour self guided Long hallway of the Uffizi Museum in Florence with black and white checkered floors lined by marble statues](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/uffizi-hallway-florence-U.jpeg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided View of Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence taken from a grassy lawn](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/ponte-vecchio-florence-U-1.jpeg)
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!
![florence walking tour self guided View over the city of Florence, Italy at sunset](https://assets2.devourtours.com/wp-content/uploads/florence-piazzale-michelangelo-U.jpeg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Evelyn Florence](https://wordpress-assets-devourtours.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/Evelyn-scaled.jpeg)
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.
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.
![florence walking tour self guided self guided walking tour florence italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/EA1D376C-66BE-49EA-BB7E-67D904E3E64F-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided mercato centrale florence](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/11872B2E-BDBB-43D7-B2A7-50D81B2FEC1F-1.jpg)
My favorite part of the market was the FN Pasta Fresca stand. For 5 euro I got a delicious plate of handmade gnocchi.
![florence walking tour self guided mercato centrale florence](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/C8DDCE8A-AFC9-4B37-8738-500D77E46463-1.jpg)
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 .
![florence walking tour self guided mercato centrale firenze](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MCF-_-Mappa_generale_orizzontale_febbraio20191-1.png)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided duomo florence italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/3821822A-8A1E-42AC-A9B1-7C5F66052FD6-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided duomo florence italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/A972D709-7DB4-4517-AAF0-B81CCB07A904-2-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Piazza della Repubblica self-guided walking tour of Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/7D72280A-4E75-4B31-9214-A6EEE1038E7F-1.jpg)
The charming Picci carousel has been run by the same family for five generations.
![florence walking tour self guided Piazza della Repubblica Picci Carousel self-guided walking tour of Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/9B304F06-7334-406A-8427-7EB3A4AC38BB-1.jpg)
If you’re here on a Thursday morning, stop by the flower market along the Via Pelliceria.
![florence walking tour self guided self-guided walking tour of Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/592B9E17-CFC6-47B7-BC84-DCAA28A6D0C4-1.jpg)
Nearby: It’s time for a gelato break! Two minutes from the piazza you’ll find Perché no! at Via dei Tavolini, 19r.
![florence walking tour self guided perché no gelateria self-guided walking tour of Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/11C257DA-0497-44E7-B7CC-E1518AA0A7F2-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided mercato di sant'Ambrogio self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/60EBC925-E227-4297-A1C3-8361F69FF665-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided self-guided walking tour Florence Italy Santa Croce](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5D252DC0-6E47-4583-9CF4-B87E77F6C5C1-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided self-guided walking tour Florence Italy Santa Croce](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/537050B9-A123-49DE-828D-9DB2AA5FC434-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided palazzo vecchio self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/82073970-25BE-4B99-AD8F-F57746048C0E-1.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided piazza della signoria self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/F5917D73-84BB-4696-B7B8-3ED958FCFC92-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided osteria vini e vecchi sapori Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5D206A2E-1592-4B6D-904A-FB843DC23A46-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided ponte vecchio florence](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/3B62E6BA-FA8E-45BF-BCB1-81F173159C01-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided oltrarno florence](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/8D756E9B-51D1-4153-933B-990B25F13517-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided palazzo pitti self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/72599B8B-CECF-41D2-8BC9-35AAE478EB72-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided santo spirito self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/6CA27C75-ECFA-4D3F-8A1A-C4FDA8D508ED-1.jpg)
You might also like: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon’s Chiado Neighborhood
![florence walking tour self guided santo spirito self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/C8C31096-686A-42B6-8E4F-75236D6C0E05-1.jpg)
Nearby: S.forno at Via Santa Monaca, 3r is a gorgeous bakery where you can get bread, a sweet treat or a light lunch.
![florence walking tour self guided s.forno Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/BE0B394B-F0FC-41F8-805B-BC7C5A29B193-1.jpg)
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!)
![florence walking tour self guided Gelateria La Carraia](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/1965A6FF-D2A9-4352-8D9E-5FC4ED8049B0.jpg)
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!
![florence walking tour self guided san miniato al monte self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/985B507F-BA2F-4B55-AFED-ECC3771898AA-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided san miniato al monte self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/27886372-25B2-43B5-913F-0900156CDF48-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided piazzale michelangelo self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/05FA41F9-4918-4C43-AA3A-B9E2CDBFB91C-2-1.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided piazzale michelangelo self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DEC9EB99-2C6E-4057-8D65-D71990106BB8-1.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided Oltrarno self-guided walking tour Florence Italy](https://caitypfohl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/0ADBB160-FBE4-42EC-BA40-3B4D4383FD11-1.jpg)
Use this map to guide your walk.
Have you visited Florence? What spots would you add to this list?
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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.
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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
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Take The Best Self-Guided Walking Tour of Florence, Italy
Get ready to lace up your most comfortable sneakers and embark on a journey through the heartbeat of the Renaissance — Florence, Italy! Personally, I enjoy wandering around a city when I am traveling, and that is when I find treasures within the city. This is why I am sharing a self-guided walking tour of Florence 🇮🇹✈️.
Imagine strolling through the cobbled streets, gelato in one hand, camera in the other, capturing the essence of a city that’s like stepping into a living museum. 🍦📸 So, dust off that wanderlust, grab your “I ❤️ Florence” tee (JK don’t do that), and let me be your virtual guide through this spectacular self-guided walking tour. Andiamo! 🚶♂️🚶♀️
🌟 1. Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (AKA The Duomo)
🌟 2. campanile di giotto, 🌟 3. casa di dante, 🌟 4. palazzo del bargello, 🌟 5. piazza della signoria & palazzo vecchio, 🌟 6. galleria degli uffizi, 🌟 7. ponte vecchio, 🌟 8. palazzo pitti & giardino dei boboli, 🌟 9. forte di belvedere, 🌟 10. piazzale michelangelo & basilica di san miniato al monte.
Hey, before I share some great free info, could you help me out by using my affiliate links to book your trip? It doesn’t cost you anything, and it supports my blog. Let’s keep the good vibes flowing! Thanks a bunch!
First stop, and what a jaw-dropper! 🤩 The Duomo Cathedral is a Renaissance masterpiece! Completed in 1465, this magnificent structure still stands as the world’s largest masonry dome that is a feat of engineering as it stands completely self-supporting. Contruction started in 1296 and took almost 170 years for it to be completed. With a facade that looks like it’s made from the marble of dreams, you can also see the famous fresco “Dante and the Divine Comedy” by Comenico di Michelino.
![florence walking tour self guided walking tour of florence](https://i0.wp.com/thebackpackermom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/11953527_903805072989548_7172071671976220624_o.jpg?resize=780%2C518&ssl=1)
If you’d like to get an up-close and personal view of this masterpiece, you can climb 450 steps on the narrow winding staircase that circles the Dome’s interior. Trust me it is worth the “Stairmaster” workout you’ll get! And for the brave at heart, climb the dome for a view that screams “I’m never leaving Florence!” 🏰💖
Right next to our beloved Duomo stands the Campanile di Giotto, the famous Bell Tower of Giotto. Created after its namesake, Giotto di Bondone was widely regarded the first line of great Italian artists during the Renaissance. Standing at 85 meters it is truly a magnificent structure celebrating Florentine Gothic architecture. Another reason to pack good shoes on your trip to Florence, the views from the top of the 414-stair climb are totally worth it. Sketchy cardio session plus unforgettable selfies? Yes, please! 🧗♂️😍
Imagine texting from the actual house of Dante Alighieri! 📖🔥 This museum is a love letter to the man who basically invented Italian, so prepare to get poetic amidst the history. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to caption your pics with something deep. #FeelingDante 😌📝
![florence walking tour self guided walking tour of florence](https://i0.wp.com/thebackpackermom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/the-museum.jpg?resize=780%2C520&ssl=1)
Ready for a throwback? The Palazzo del Bargello looks like it came straight out of your fave historical drama film. 🏛️✨ Also known as the People’s Palace “Palazzo del Popolo”, it is one of the city’s oldest structures. Dating back to 1255 this building has had a mirad of uses throughout its long history. Including a “police station” in the 16th century, then as a prison till the 19th century and now a museum boasting some serious Renaissance sculptures like Michelangelo’s “David” and other renowned work by artist like Verrochio, Brunelleschi and Donatello.
This square is the heart of the city (second only to the Piazza del Duomo)! This square has held a major historical importance since the Roman times when the city was a small town called Florentia. Back then it was surrounded by a theater, Roman baths and a textile workshop. Over time a church, a looggia and a huge 5th century basillica was later added (which were found by excavations in the 1980s). It’s like the VIP lounge of Florence, minus the bouncer. 🎉 With sculptures that are magnificent feats of artistry and the Palazzo Vecchio standing guard, it’s the perfect place to play pretend as Florentine royalty. Crown and scepter, optional! 👑
![florence walking tour self guided walking tour of florence](https://i0.wp.com/thebackpackermom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2832912450_4a5eafbd6f_o.jpg?resize=780%2C496&ssl=1)
Art lovers, try not to faint! 🎨😲 The Uffizi is where Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo hang out (their art, not them – sorry!). This is where, of you had to choose ONE museum to go to during your time in Florence, this is the one! This galleria was originally used as the office of the Magistrates (thus the name Uffizi). At the same time it was also used to house the art collection of the Medici Family until 1765. You can still see these remarkable collections in the Galleria today. So, get ready to art-nerd out HARD. 🤓🖼
Welcome to one of the most iconic sights of Florence and Tuscany. The Old Bridge! The first documentation of the bridge used for the first time 996. Of all the six bridges that cross the river Arno, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge where the Germans retreated across it in 1944.
Still lined with shops today you can buy almost anything! Art, jewelry, souvenirs! Fair warning though to keep you bags close to you and nothing in your back pockets. When the bridge is crowded it is a pickpocket’s dream! Let me save you the heartache that would taint your love of the beautiful city of Florence with a bad memory.
![florence walking tour self guided walking tour of florence](https://i0.wp.com/thebackpackermom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pexels-photo-1533728.jpeg?resize=780%2C520&ssl=1)
Fancy a bit of palace life? The Palazzo Pitti is packing the opulence, and the Boboli Gardens are like stepping into your most extravagant landscaping dreams. 🏞️🏰 Honestly, my favorite thing about visiting here was the gardens. You could get lost in the labyrinth of the stunning landscaping and not have a care in the world until it was time to eat something!
The Palazzo houses several museums under one roof. The last time this beautiful building was used for a residence was by the Medici family (big big name in Florence) from the 16th to the 18th century. Everything about this architectural wonder just oozes luxury and class.
Pro tip: If you purchase a full ticket to the gardens and the Pitti museums you can enjoy access for two days so you can pace yourself and enjoy more of “la docle vita” lifestyle while in the heart of Italy.
Speaking of views, Forte di Belvedere is your go-to for that “I can see my house from here” moment. It’s giving you exclusive Florence panoramas and a lesser-known spot to avoid those pesky tourist crowds. 🕵️♂️🌆
Built in the 16th century by Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’Medici, the fortress was built for two specific reasons: to safeguard the city of Florence and to showcase the power and prestige of the Medici Family. It was also used as the Medici’s treasury and offered a safe haven for the Grand Duke in times of potential attacks.
The Forte di Belvedere is the largest fortress in Florence and sits on a stratigic vantage point over the city and the surrounding areas, perfect for keeping a watchful eye out and now for getting the best views of the city! On the upper floor of the fort there is a delightful cafeteria where you can grab yourself a cafe and enjoy the stunning views.
Last but not least, end your day with a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s the golden hour spot where Florence looks like it’s blushing! 😌🌅 And if you’re not too tired, a short climb up to the San Miniato al Monte will prove why Florence is not just a city, but a love story written in stone. 💌🛤
So, dear friends and fellow globe-trotters, there you have it! Florence laid out just for you, with all its glory and endless charm. Don’t just walk – saunter , meander , and sashay through history, art, and gelato. Remember, in Florence, every step is a story, and now, it’s your story too. 🌍💞✨
Until our next adventure, keep wandering, keep wondering, and most importantly, keep finding joy in the journey! Ciao for now! 🌈👋
The Dazzling Sahara Luxury Tour: An Extraordinary Affair
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The things I love the most...Wine, traveling, and photography! Join me on my adventures as I travel the world and share my experiences as I travel with my daughter, top places to visit and how to travel on a budget!
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To share our love for travel….countless soul enriching experiences
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Our self planned walking tour of Florence – Part 1
If you read about our adventure during our night tour of Paris , you might already know we did a tour of Europe in 2017 . Before Paris, we did go to Italy, and spent 6 marvellous days in Italy . A couple of them in Florence . Here, we take you through one of our lovely walking tours of Florence.
If you don’t walk during your trip to Europe, I can’t agree you have experienced it the right way. And by walk, I mean a lot of walking. That is, more than five kilometers a day easily. The beauty and culture of Europe is best experienced through walking tours. So, when we planned our Europe trip, we decided to include walking tours profusely into it. And our first was a walking tour of Florence. We designed it ourselves. For this, we put the places on a google map, starting from our apartment. In fact, we designed two different walking tours of Florence during our stay.
![florence walking tour self guided A beautiful view during our walking tour along the banks of river Arno](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ViewFromPonteVecchio_A-min.jpg?x42979)
Table of Contents
Our first walking tour of florence
The first walking tour of Florence that we designed, started from our apartment and went through the bank of the river Arno, all the way to the other side. Along the way, we made several stops in this walking tour of Florence, to cover the beautiful cultural and historical spots.
The day we arrived in Florence, we had half a day after checking into our apartment. We got fresh and took some rest. As we stepped out of our apartment, we were more than delighted to find a vegan restaurant nearby. ( We will soon write about our experience as vegetarians in Europe ) Thereafter, we had a sumptuous meal here before heading off to our first walking tour of Florence. We took almost four and half hours to complete the tour and return back to our apartment, Palazzo Dei Campi . But it was far from exhausting. So, without wait, let me take you through the places that we covered during this walking tour of Florence.
Stop 1 : The banks of river Arno
![florence walking tour self guided walking tour of Florence](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ViewAcrossArnoFromPonteVecchio_A-min.jpg?x42979)
We started straight from our apartment (as you can see in the map at the end of the post) and after a left and a subsequent right, walked straight. Until we arrived at the banks of the river Arno. It was evening, and the view of gradually setting sun across the river was just mesmerizing. We couldn’t help but stop by the pedestrian walkway on the banks of the river and soak ourselves in the eternal beauty that was spread in front of us.
On one side you can see the river getting narrower and on top of it Ponte Vecchio – the beautiful bridge from ancient era abuzz with tourists and locals alike. While glimpsing on the other side, you can see the river expanding. And the beautiful Tuscany terrains spread on it’s border along with the fairytale mountain ranges in their backdrop. Overall, a picture perfect spot that seems to be leisurely created by a great artist. Not to mention, the water is so crystal clear that you can see almost till the river bed. Hats off to the people and government of Florence who have worked together to preserve this beauty.
Stop 2 : Uffizi gallery
Further, we proceeded along the bank of the Arno for another 500 meters, to arrive at Uffizi Gallery. It is one of the most famous museums of art work in the world. In fact, it holds on display a number of master pieces of art from the renaissance period. The arts on display here are the creations of Botticelli , Giotto , Cimabue , Michelangelo , Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello and many others. As we arrived here, there was a festive mood all around. In the courtyard of the museum were several artists sitting and creating live sketches of those interested. I felt like being surrounded by the greatest works of arts. And the feeling was enthralling.
We sat in the courtyard of Uffizi Gallery for sometime, resting our foot and observing the abuzz atmosphere. PS: This is one place where you have to be particularly beware of the pickpockets. Since it is very crowded and it’s common for people to bump into or brush by each other while making their way in and out of this area.
![florence walking tour self guided Walking tour of Florence](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/UffiziGallery_A-min.jpg?x42979)
Stop 3 : Ponte Vecchio
From Uffizi gallery, we proceed a little further along the banks of river Arno to arrive at the Ponte Vecchio bridge. It’s one of the several bridges built over the river Arno. And it is also believed to be built on one of the narrowest parts of the river. It has shops on both the sides, which was common in ancient days. Although, in the earlier era these were mainly butcher shops. But, now, they are predominantly goldsmith and jeweler shops. These shops have on display intrinsic gold ornaments, sunstone ornaments and even diamond ornaments on sale.
However, for us, the attraction was a spot halfway through the bridge, between the shops. This spot was the perfect location to admire the beauty of the river Arno and the Florence that spread around it. I don’t think I could see any other spot through my trip with such a magnificent view of the river and it’s surroundings. It was just so surreal. We took some beautiful snaps here, filled our bottle with water from one of the public fountains and then proceeded on further journey.
![florence walking tour self guided Walking tour of florence](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ViewOfPonteVecchio_A-min.jpg?x42979)
Stop 4 : Pitti Palace
Keep walking straight post thePonte Vecchio Bridge and you will soon arrive at the Pitti Palace. Referred to as the Palazzo Pitty in Italian, it was a town residence of a banker named Loca Pitti. It’s more than 5 centuries old and still stands robust. Now, it stands proudly as the largest museum complex in Florence, Italy. The Palace looks nothing less than a grand one. It has already stood the test of time through centuries. And the beauty is that it still seems as if it was built just yesterday.
![florence walking tour self guided Walking tour of Florence](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PittiPalace-min.jpg?x42979)
Stop 5: Boboli Gardens
Right through the heart of Pitti Palace, there is way to the most flourishing gardens of Florence, the Boboli Gardens. So, they will be your next stop during this walking tour of Florence. The Giardino di Boboli or Boboli Gardens is home to several old sculptures dating as long back as the 16th centuary. Lush green and beautiful, the gardens are ever refreshing. There is an entrance ticket to the Boboli Gardens. You can buy it right in front of the Pitti Palace. And then go through the entrance of Pitti Palace behind it, to enter into the vast stretch of green that consists of the Boboli Gardens.
![florence walking tour self guided Walking tour of florence](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/BoboliGardens_A-min.jpg?x42979)
Stop 6: Small garden by the river Arno
From the Pitti Palace, we continued our walking tour of Florence by tracing our steps back till the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Upon arriving at the bridge, we walked down on the other side of the bridge towards Piazzale Michelangelo. However, almost a kilometer afterwards, we arrived at a beautiful spot. I am not sure of it’s name. As, it was not something we had marked in the map. We just spotted it and decided it was worth spending sometime. You will arrive here after crossing the second bridge post the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.
There is a way down to the bank of the river here. We could see people playing volleyball, or just sitting leisurely and having a picnic by the bank of the river. You can go down and enjoy a closer view of the river from here. Just near here, besides the roadside, there is a small green garden. We stopped by here and sat by the garden for quiet some time. The little one loved chasing the pegions here while some of us sat on the boundary wall lining the bank of Arno.
![florence walking tour self guided Walking tour of Florence](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GardenByArno_A-min.jpg?x42979)
Stop 7: Giardino Bardini
Giardino Bardini, the seventh stop on our walking tour to Florence, is a beautiful garden just opposite the small garden where we sat and relaxed. This is another renaissance time masterpiece lined with beautiful layouts and great sculptures. The garden has been opened to public only recently and is not so well known to many. However, it is perched upon a small hill. As a result, it provides not just greenery and refreshment, but a great view of the whole city of old Florence. Although you need to climb several stairs to reach to the top, I would recommend it strongly for the views that you will get from the top.
![florence walking tour self guided Walking tour of Florence](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/SecondGarden.jpg?x42979)
Stop 8: Piazzale Michelangelo
This last spot on our self planned walking tour of Florence doesn’t need an introduction. This is the most famous florentine Piazza. It was developed by Giuseppe Poggi in 1869. And is dedicated to the famous renaissance artist Michelangelo. It has bronze copies of several of his marble sculptures including the world famous David. Although the original David stands in Galleria Dell’ Academia which we did cover in our morning walk tour of Florence
Map of our walking tour of Florence
After visiting Piazzale Michelangelo, we traced our steps back to the bank of river Arno. And then from there, we headed back to our accommodation. Although, if you look at the google map, it shows a walking trip of 6.3km, it might have been close to 7 km for us if we take the round trip in conclusion. Did we feel exhausted? Not at all. If anything, we felt rejuvenated and were more than ready to take up more such walking tours. In fact we didn’t walk the 7km stretch at a go. We took stops at every beautiful corner to admire the place. And we also took snacks breaks on the way and kept refilling our water bottle. All this kept us fresh as ever through the walk.
I guess the evening weather was also supportive. With mild and cold breeze blowing and the temperature just soothingly cold for us. Overall, this walking tour of Florence turned out to be one of the most cherished memories of our trip in Europe.
In conclusion
By the time you reach this last spot, you will be definitely needing some rest. So take some rest and head back to your accommodation, like we did to ours. Although it was as refreshing a walking tour of Florence as we had imagined it to be. You can use our map to plan your own walking tour. All you need to do is replace our accommodation with yours as the starting point. And if yours is way too far from the Arno, take a bus or another means of transport to reach here. Although, we would recommend staying in the old parts of florence to experience the real renaissance vibe.
Tips for a successful walking tour of Florence
- You can combine your trip to Florence with Venice and Rome as well, like we did. In fact, if you have got 2 weeks to spare, here’s a perfect 2 week Italy itinerary for you.
- Carry a water bottle with you. You need to be hydrated as you are doing a lot of walking. You can keep refilling your bottle from one of the several public water supplies or fountains while on this walking tour.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to be done
- If you have wifi or data network, you can easily follow google map. Else, either you can download an offline map for your walking tour of florence, or, you can read the next point, which is like an insider tip
- We didn’t have network connectivity once we stepped out of our accommodation. So, we prepared this map on our phone, and right before starting from our room, we started the navigation. There after, we could still navigate offline, even after going out of the network reach. Of course, we couldn’t change anything in the map there after
- In case you need directions during this walking tour of Florence for any reason anywhere, you can easily reach out to others. This is a busy part of the city that is always thriving with locals and tourists alike. And they are all very helping.
- Beware of pickpockets. This is one of the busiest tourist spots of Florence and hence pickpockets are in full swing, making the tourists their soft target.
- There are several eateries in this whole area, but being the tourist hot spot, they are costly. We will advice, you pack your lunch or snacks from near your accommodation when you start, or prepare something in your apartment. And you can munch on it while you walk along the river banks or sitting into one of the many green gardens that we talked about above.
- If you are with a toddler or a baby, you can take a stroller with you. With so much of walking to do, it will ease carrying the baby.
- Do carry an umbrella with you. For, it did rain a little while we were on this walking tour. Luckily, we were on the bridge at that time, and we found a perfect shelter amongst the shops. And it stopped raining in another 10 minutes.
PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.
![florence walking tour self guided A self planned walking tour of florence. Self guided tour of florence along the bank of the river Arno. Also consists of a google map with all the sites marked](https://revolvingcompass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FlorenceWalkingTour1_Pin-min.jpg?x42979)
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Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour
![Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour 1 Florence's famous Duomo by night. Walking Tour of Florence](https://www.gonomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Duomo-at-night.jpg)
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.
![Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour 2 Bell Tower Citta Della Pieve 1](https://www.gonomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Bell-Tower-Citta-Della-Pieve-1.jpg)
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.
![Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour 3 Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy.](https://www.gonomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Come-early-or-jostle-for-a-spot-on-the-Ponte-Vecchio-photo-by-Debra-Smith.jpg)
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
![Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour 5 The Mercato Centrale food court and market is right around the corner from the Duomo.](https://www.gonomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mercato-Centrale-food-court.jpg)
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.
![Florence: A Self Guided Walking Tour 6 oscar davis unsmushed](https://www.gonomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/oscar-davis-unsmushed.jpg)
Oscar Davis is a freelance writer from Leeds, UK.
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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.
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A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps)
![florence walking tour self guided Panorama of Florence seen from Piazza Michelangelo](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/2012-07-08-IMG_0478.jpg)
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.
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 1 Walking map of Florence, north of the Arno River](https://www.touristbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_0097.jpg)
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
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 3 Santa Maria Novella church is a great starting point for your walking tour of Florence](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/florence-italy-23.jpg)
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
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
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 11 The imposing building of the Dome has a facade made of white, green, pink and red marble.](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/2012-07-10-IMG_0812.jpg)
6. Piazza Della Signoria
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 13 Piazza della Signoria is filled with tourists in the summer.](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/2012-07-10-IMG_0826.jpg)
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.
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 15 An open air gallery of sculptures at the Loggia dei Lanzi inside Piazza della Signoria](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/florence-italy-12.jpg)
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
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 19 Ponte Vecchio seen from the upper floor of the Uffizi Gallery.](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/2012-07-10-IMG_0931.jpg)
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 .
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 21 Florence, Italy - Walking on Ponte Vecchio and admiring the old jewelry shops.](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/2012-07-07-IMG_0077.jpg)
9. Santa Croce Church
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 23 The church of Santa Croce has the same marble facade as the Dome.](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/2012-07-10-IMG_0859.jpg)
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.
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 25 Walking map of Florence, south of Arno River](https://www.touristbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_0098.jpg)
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
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 27 Another replica of Michelangelo's David in Piazzale Michelangelo.](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/2012-07-08-IMG_0468.jpg)
11. Pitti Palace
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 29 Beautiful view of Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens.](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/florence-italy-19.jpg)
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.
![A Charming Walking Tour of Florence Italy (with maps) 31 Beautiful panorama of Florence seen from Palazzo Pitti.](https://www.touristbee.com/photos/Italy/Florence-07_2012/images/2012-07-07-IMG_0101.jpg)
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.
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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.
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A free, self-guided walking tour of Florence
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“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.
![florence walking tour self guided 5364623641_4ed49fa1b9_b](https://budgettraveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/5364623641_4ed49fa1b9_b.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided 16820059528_9ef8efe824_k](https://budgettraveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/16820059528_9ef8efe824_k.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided 8022254333_b23949382f_k](https://budgettraveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/8022254333_b23949382f_k.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided 7742789154_9806d1065f_k](https://budgettraveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/7742789154_9806d1065f_k.jpg)
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
![florence walking tour self guided DIGITAL CAMERA](https://budgettraveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1876046712_74aba97254_o.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided IMG_5335](https://budgettraveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_5335.jpg)
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
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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
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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
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Self Guided Walking Tour in Florence Hidden Gems
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Embark on an enchanting journey through Florence's captivating outdoor wonders with our interactive self-guided tour. Discover picturesque landscapes and historical landmarks at your own pace, guided by our informative and captivating app. Unearth hidden treasures, delve into the city's fascinating history, and immerse yourself in its cultural diversity. Your smartphone becomes your trusted companion, eliminating the need for paper maps or guidebooks while providing real-time information, navigation, and an immersive audio experience. Enjoy the flexibility to wander at leisure, pause for breaks, and explore at your own rhythm. Pre-download our app for seamless, offline exploration, ensuring uninterrupted access to the tour as you discover Florence's timeless beauty.
Ticket Options
1 Option Available
Self Guided Walking Tour in Florence Hidden Gems: $2.99
Ticket Information
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
What's Included
- Self-guided walking tour (app)
What's not Included
- Private transportation
- Ticket fees for cultural institutions and tourist attractions.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Additional Info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Connectivity: This activity requires an internet connection for the best experience. However, you can also pre-download the tour guide app to your smartphone or tablet for offline access.
- Internet Connection, charged smartphone and headphones are needed.
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Free Florence Walking Tours
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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.
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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.
![florence walking tour self guided Ponte Vecchio](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Ponte-Vecchio.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Florence Sunset Tours](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Florence-Sunset-Tours-e1595580052357.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Free Florence Museum Tours](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Free-Florence-Museum-Tours.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Street Art Tour Florence](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Street-Art-Tour-Florence.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided florence walking tour self guided](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/View_of_Santa_Maria_del_Fiore_in_Florence-1800x1196.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided Baptistery & Bronze Doors | Jebulon / CC0](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Humilitas_baptistery_Florence-1800x1961.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided florence walking tour self guided](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Via_dei_Calzaiuoli_04-1800x1350.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided florence walking tour self guided](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Florence_-_Orsanmichele_4249174592.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided florence walking tour self guided](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Piazza_Signoria_-_Firenze-1800x897.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided florence walking tour self guided](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/palazzo-vecchio-5955033_960_720.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided florence walking tour self guided](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Arso_Savonarola_Firenze-1800x1499.jpg)
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.
![florence walking tour self guided florence walking tour self guided](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gallery-1803525_960_720.jpg)
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.
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Walking tour Florence self guided
by Tour Florence
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 !
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Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David
Uncover the best of florence at the duomo and ponte vecchio, and skip the line at accademia.
Want to see the heart of Florence and Michelangelo's David in just a few hours? This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Italy’s Renaissance city! With an engaging local guide to show you Florence’s most important areas and landmarks, learn the city’s rich history as you stroll past iconic sites such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. To top things off, you’ll have skip-the-line tickets to the incredible Accademia Gallery, home to the famous statue of David!
![Meet your guide at Piazza Santissima Annunziata A woman in front of the Statue of David in the Accademia Gallery with her guide from The Tour Guy.](https://staticcdn.thetourguy.com/presentationfiles/a6e87021-b8c8-44f0-800b-bc2fc4351905/thumbnail-sm.jpg)
- Meet your guide at Piazza Santissima Annunziata
- Accademia Gallery
- Florence Duomo (exterior)
- House of Dante (exterior)
- Bronze Boar
- Piazza della Signoria
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery (exterior)
- Dante's District
- End at Ponte Vecchio
After meeting your local guide in Piazza Santissima Annunziata in central Florence, you'll enjoy a short stroll to the popular Accademia Gallery. The main admission line here can be incredibly long at times, but your skip-the-line ticket lets you get inside much more quickly. Your guide will lead you through the gallery, telling stories of its history and the famous artwork housed here —the most famous being Michelangelo's David ! Afterwards, you'll begin your walking tour through the city.
After the Accademia, your guide will then lead you through Florence, taking in iconic sites including the Florence Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Along the way, learn the fascinating history of Florence and gain local insights that'll help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Florence and Accademia Walking Tour Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line Accademia tickets with statue of David
A walking tour of Florence's highlights
An engaging, English-speaking guide
A maximum group size of 18
The Accademia Gallery
Your tour begins with skip-the-line entry to the Galleria dell'Accademia. Aside from the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery is the most-visited museum in Florence. This means that long lines to get inside are common. Luckily, we reserve your Accademia tickets ahead of time, meaning that the only line you'll stand in is the much shorter security line.
Your guide is an expert in bringing the gallery's masterpieces and exhibits to life with entertaining stories about their history and meaning, and they'll help you connect more closely with the stunning artwork you'll see inside, including the most famous piece of all: David.
Michelangelo's David
When you enter the gallery in which the iconic statue of David stands, you'll immediately notice his height, smooth surface, and famously determined expression which reflects the moments before David went into battle with Goliath in the famous biblical tale.
Your guide will explain how Michelangelo heroically carved this masterpiece out of a block of carrara marble that no other artist wanted to touch. Make sure you take a good look at Michelangelo's hands and feet! They're out of proportion because David was supposed to be placed on top of the Florence Duomo.
The Duomo of Florence - Exterior
This iconic Duomo is Florence's most recognized landmark, located in the heart of Florence's historical center. Florence's cathedral towers over the city and is topped by a magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Your guide will take you around the outside of this incredible structure, and you'll learn the amazing story of its construction, which began over 800 years ago. You'll also get a closer look at the famed bronze Baptistry Doors.
Piazza della Signoria and the Medici Family
Filled with statues, fountains and beautiful architecture, Piazza della Signoria is the historical and emotional heart of Florence. The most prominent feature of the piazza is Florence’s town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio —once home to the powerful Medici family . Admire the Loggia dei Lanzi and the beautiful exterior corridors of the Uffizi Museum as you learn about the Medici family’s deep impact on the history of Florence, Italy, and the Renaissance movement.
Hidden Gems of Florence
Your walking tour isn't only about world-famous galleries and landmarks. Your guide will also show you some of the city's lesser-known gems, including the beautiful Orsanmichele Church, the ancient leather market, and the popular Bronze Boar fountain. Get to know more of Florence with the insights of your local guide!
Dante's District and Church
Your tour continues past the original house where Dante grew up, now converted into a museum. Plus, see the little church of Santa Margherita. It's said that this is where Dante and Beatrice fell in love. Dante writes about Beatrice in his most famous work, The Divine Comedy .
The Jewelers on Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Ponte Vecchio means “old bridge” in Italian, and it's appropriately named. Merchant shops have lined this famed bridge since the 13th century. Originally, the shops included fishmongers, butchers, and tanners, however these particular goods caused such a stench in the area that Ferdinand I proclaimed in 1593 that only jewelers were allowed to sell on the bridge. You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time as you stroll around this historic part of Florence.
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What you get with this tour
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See what people are saying
523 total reviews
The tour gave us a small taste of Florence. Cozzetta our guide was very passionate about her lovely city.
Truly amazing tour, our guide Lucia was so informative and passionate, and great fun as she talked us through this must do tour. Highly recommend.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Bring a little cash with you to try some gelato. Since this is a walking tour, you'll need comfortable shoes. Avoid bringing large bags, as the Accademia requires you to check them.
Do we get to go inside the Duomo?
This tour includes a visit to the outside of the Cathedral and a chance to see the Baptistry Doors. It does not go inside. We want to make sure we cover as many sights as possible in a day and consider the Duomo to be far more magnificent from the outside. If you wish to climb the dome, choose from one of our Florence Duomo Tours that include Dome Climb tickets.
Bring a little cash with you to try some gelato. Since this is a walking tour, you'll need comfortable shoes. Avoid bringing large bags, as the Accademia requires you to check them.
What if I'm concerned about my mobility?
This small group tour does involve a fair amount of walking, and some streets may be uneven. If you're concerned about your mobility, consider our Florence Private Walking Tour with Michelangelo's David which can be more easily tailored to your needs.
Does this tour include the Uffizi Gallery?
While you'll see the Uffizi from the outside, this tour doesn't include entry to the gallery itself. If you'd like to include this as part of your tour, check out our Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David and Uffizi
Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more
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Top 10 trips to Italy
When you start planning a trip to Italy, you may imagine yourself wandering the cobblestoned streets of Florence, deciphering the ancient ruins of Rome, or drifting along the canals of Venice. But, as our specialists will share with you, there are a myriad of additional experiences on offer in Italy that can fully immerse you into this sensorially enriching country.
Your Italy trip may include kayaking along the Amalfi coast, being guests on a private boat around Sardinia’s La Maddalena islands, staying in one of Matera’s cave hotels, or accompanying a volcanologist across the volatile landscape of Mount Etna.
Whatever your passions, our specialists can help you plan your own bespoke adventure. Below are some suggested Italy tour ideas to help inspire your own trip to Italy .
Pick your trip
- Venice, Florence & Rome
- Northern Italy & the Lakes
- Tuscany & Umbria
- Puglia & Matera
- Southern Italy & Amalfi Coast
- Italy’s great outdoors
- Lakes & mountains of Italy
- Naples & the island of Ischia
1. Italy’s art cities: Venice, Florence & Rome
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Italy embodies and inspires artistic mastery. Under the bluest of skies, you’ll see swifts swooping around the domes, bell towers, and ramparts of soaring architectural marvels, while masterpieces adorn the walls, ceilings, doors, and loggias of every palazzo. Venice, Florence and Rome are the ultimate triumvirate of Italy’s art cities and you can easily combine exploring all three cities in a two-week trip to Italy.
Where the trip could take you:
You can fly into Venice and out of Rome or vice versa, with Florence a two-hour midway point from each. You’ll use the train network to jump between the three, and private Venetian water taxis or personal drivers will transport you between each station and hotel.
Experiences you can have:
On an art-focused trip, expert guides will introduce you to some of the world's most important monuments and works of art, while giving you contextual background to the cities as you walk through them. From Roman to medieval, Renaissance to Baroque, you’ll be given a tour of Italy that allows you to track the country’s trailblazing role in the history of art.
Your guides will know the best time to explore the treasures of each city with you. From early mornings at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel or discovering the artwork of Florence, to private evening introductions to Rome’s highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and Piazza del Popollo.
Crucially, you’ll get whizzed around queues and into exclusive behind-the-scenes areas — from hidden chambers in the Venetian Doge’s Palace to queue-jumping entry to the Colosseum in Rome.
2. Cultural trip to Northern Italy & the Lakes
![florence walking tour self guided Bellagio, Lake Como](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/istock_76790771_lake_como_bellagio_1024923.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
The north of Italy is a land of serene lakes, mist-topped mountains, ornate palaces, waterside towns, and the capital of couture, Milan . On this trip, you’ll explore its highlights, including viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , following the footsteps of Shakespeare’s love-struck Romeo and Juliet in Verona , and exploring the Borromean Islands of Lake Como by boat.
Flying in and out of Milan, a personal driver will take you between Bergamo, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Verona. At Lake Como, private boats will lead you to the Borromean Islands, Villa Balbianello, and Bellagio. While the towns of Varenna, Tremezzo, and Menaggio are easy to visit using public ferries.
Milan is the cultural hub of this region, and a privately guided walking tour shows you its highlights in detail, including The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the ornate shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the gleaming Duomo di Milano, and La Scala opera house.
Tranquil and elegant, the gentle waters of the Italian Lakes are surrounded by ornate villas, picturesque waterside towns, and the ever-present backdrop of the Dolomite mountains. You can board a private boat at Lake Como to tour the palaces and gardens of the Borromean Islands.
The Italian lakes have been the backdrop for numerous iconic films and your guide will take you by private boat to visit the lakeside retreat of Villa Balbianello, the setting of the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale . After which, you’ll head to the ‘pearl of the lake’, Bellagio, to wander its cobblestoned streets.
3. Tuscany & Umbria’s scenic landscapes
![florence walking tour self guided Vineyard, Chianti](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/shutterstock_1810918480_vineyard_chianti.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
Hills painted golden with cereal crops, row upon row of heavily laden vines, and winding roads lined with Cyprus trees… The landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria are among the most celebrated in the world. You can set the pace with a self-drive tour and dip into immersive guided experiences along the way.
Linking flights into Florence and out of Rome, you can drive out to the hills of Chianti, meandering your way through the Val d’Orcia to Montepulciano. From here you can pass south to Pienza and cross into Umbria, heading for the town of Perugia before a visit to Assisi and Orvieto. Here, you may choose to visit Bagnoregio before heading south to Rome.
You can slow your pace by exploring on foot or by bike in both Tuscany and Umbria. On foot, you can choose to have a private guided hike through the hills of the Val d’Orcia, or walking tours of Florence, Assisi, or Perugia. By bike, you can cycle around the hill towns surrounding Greve in Chianti, or take a gentle e-bike tour to the isolated hilltop community of Bagnoregio.
Wine and cheese are gastronomic highlights of the region, and you can sample both in atmospheric surroundings here. From cycling the vineyards of the Chianti hills, to sipping your way through a wine-tasting session within a 12th-century abbey, you’ll leave with a deep understanding of the Chianti terroir. In the Val d’Orcia, we can arrange for you to visit to a family-owned cheese maker’s farm, with a hands-on demonstration of cheese production followed by a sampling lunch.
4. Highlights of Puglia & Matera
![florence walking tour self guided Trulli houses, Alberobello](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/istock_987784302_trulli_houses_alberobello_8000668.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
Cone-shaped stone houses, twisted olive groves, towns carved out of tufa, and a coastline of sheltered coves are highlights of this south Italian region. You can visit an olive-oil farm, indulge in some local gastronomic delicacies, and explore some of the region’s unusual stays with an immersive introductory visit.
Between the two airports of Bari and Brindisi, there are a multitude of destination highlights for you to choose between, all easily accessible with a private driver. From the caves and alleyways of Matera to the conical houses of Alberobello , the Baroque town of Lecce or the 13th-century frescoes of Galatina. Additionally, Fasano and Otranto are good bases for coastal adventures.
The Pugliese people are proud of their distinct cuisine, so you can delve into its heritage with tasting tours in Bari and Lecce, as well as on drives along roads lined with olive groves between Castel del Monte and Ostuni.
You could also choose to stay in a hotel built entirely within the Sassi caves of Matera, or in traditional Pugliese trulli buildings, with their archetypal pointed roof tops.
For a visual treat, you can follow a guided cycling tour around the Baroque landmarks of Lecce. Or, opt for a privately guided walking tour to fully appreciate the whitewashed beauty of Ostuni, the 17th-century architecture of Galatina, or the conical roof tops of Alberobello with their decorative and symbolic markings.
5. Southern Italy & the Amalfi Coast
![florence walking tour self guided Pompeii](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/shutterstock_302494442_pompeii.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
The home of taste-bud enticing street food, narrow alleyways with high-slung, criss-crossing washing lines, and a lively social scene, Naples is the heart of Southern Italy and a vibrant inclusion in a tour of Italy. You may choose to explore the omnipresent Mount Vesuvius, and the towns it buried at Pompeii and Herculaneum, indulge yourself in chic Capri, or unwind beside the dramatic Amalfi Coast .
Naples will form the beginning and end of any trip to this region, via its international airport. Beyond the city, private cars with drivers and accompanying guides can take you between highlights, including Sorrento, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Amalfi, and Positano. For a slice of luxury, take a private boat to the island of Capri.
Steeped in haunting historical remnants, Pompeii and Herculaneum offer an insight into everyday life over two thousand years ago. Walking both sites in the company of a guide will provide you with expert perspectives on the archaeological findings, and bring to life the relics surrounding you.
For a culinary focus on the region, you may choose to explore Naples under the guidance of a local gastronome, who can lead you to some of the best food spots among the maze of narrow alleyways. If you want to learn the culinary tricks for yourself, we can arrange an individual cooking class in a local family home, where you’ll learn the secrets behind typical Southern Italian meals.
6. Sicily heritage tour
![florence walking tour self guided Mount Etna, Sicily](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/istock_506756062_etna_volcano_1321141.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
From the diversity of its landscapes to the myriad of different influences on its architecture, dialect, and cuisine, Sicily is culturally distinct from the rest of Italy. You can choose to climb the volatile Mount Etna, taste wine cultivated on volcanic soil, stroll around the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, or indulge in the chocolate capital of Modica.
Sicily has two international airports at Palermo and Catania, so it’s easy to experience the island’s highlights between the two. We can arrange for a private driver to take you from place to place. We like starting in Palermo and heading south to Agrigento, then east to Ragusa and Modica, on to Syracuse and Taormina, before finishing with a trip up Mount Etna.
Peppered with archaeological remains and architectural treasures, you can easily spend an entire trip to Sicily awestruck by relics of the past. We can unlock these sites for you, with a private guide who will accompany you around Palermo, the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, the classical Greek temples at Agrigento, and the Teatro Greco — core of the ancient Greek city of Syracuse.
You’ll find any trip on the eastern side of Sicily is dominated by the omnipresent Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. Taking a guided tour up to its multiple craters with a volcanologist gets you as close as is safely possible to its alien landscape of steaming vents, hot stones, and black volcanic dust.
7. Culture & coast in Sardinia
![florence walking tour self guided Local cheeses, Sardinia](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/istock_1132937082_local_cheeses_sardinia_15996873.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
Land of soaring peaks, outlandish rock formations, luxurious yachts, and crystalline waters, Sardinia has been a European playground for generations. But it was also an important Bronze Age settlement and has a traditional farming culture with a reputation for producing delectable cheese. The island is easy to self-drive, and we can arrange an array of experiences that allow you to connect with its people along the way.
Flying into Cagliari, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of this island’s glamorous capital city. The roads are of high quality here, and self-drive tours are the best way to cherry-pick your own highlights. They may include the Bronze Age remains at Su Nuraxi di Barumini or the multihued streets of Oliena, before heading north to the luxurious Costa Smeralda.
Punctuating your self-drive trip with private guided tours gives you the best chance to really understand the sights on this island. You may choose to have a private walking tour of the old town of Cagliari, or be lead through the Su Nuraxi di Barumini archaeological site by an expert in Bronze Age history. For some down-time, you can sit back and relax as a qualified skipper sails you out over the translucent waters that surround the island.
Cheese tasting is a quintessential experience on Sardinia. For a behind-the-scenes look, you could spend time with a flock of sheep and goats in the company of their shepherd. There, you’ll learn the traditional culture behind cheesemaking, giving you a far more profound understanding of each variety’s nuances.
8. Italy’s great outdoors
![florence walking tour self guided Truffle hunting, Tuscany](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/tuffle_hunting_tuscany_1025131.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
Not simply a country of architectural marvels, fabulous food, and notable galleries, Italy’s landscapes cry out to be explored. From kayaking the caves of Sorrento to hiking the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast and learning the art of truffle hunting in Tuscany , we can find activities to match all of your interests on an outdoor based Italy trip.
The choice of routes is almost endless. It may be that you want to start in the north of Italy, flying into Milan before heading to Lake Como, where you can use exclusive boats and public ferries to explore. Trains can whisk you down to Tuscany to venture through the Chianti region or onto Naples, where private drivers will take you to Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Kayaks are the perfect way to gently paddle between caves here before heading back to Naples for your international flight.
We can arrange for private guides to accompany you on many different walking tours. From exploring picturesque towns such as Bellagio on the edge of Lake Como, or the hilltop sanctuaries of San Gimignano and Siena in Tuscany, to rural trails that take advantage of the sweeping scenery, like the Path of the Gods, high up above the Amalfi Coast.
If food is your passion, you may choose to spend the morning walking through the woodlands of Tuscany with a local truffle expert and his dog, as they search for these illusive treasures buried in the ground.
For a remote adventure, the secluded beaches and hidden caves of the Bay of Ieranto on the Sorrento Peninsular lie at the heat of the marine protected area of Punta Campanella and we can arrange for you to have a guided kayak tour around these pristine waters.
9. Lakes & mountains of Northern Italy
![florence walking tour self guided Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Dolomites](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/shutterstock_2485647037_tre_cime_di_lavaredo_dolomites.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
While many trips to Italy focus on the highlights of the culture-rich towns and cities, those seeking more remote treasures might enjoy heading north into the lake district that borders the alpine hinterland of the Dolomite Mountains . From a walking tour of Verona to hiking up Val di Genova to the Nardis waterfall, or relaxing on the shores of Lake Garda , you can choose a rural respite that meets your interests.
Verona’s international airport is the gateway to a trip exploring the mountains of Northern Italy. From there, we can arrange a private driver to take you up into the Dolomites and transfer you between destinations for your whole trip. Once in the lake district, Lake Garda’s Sirmione, Bardolino, and Garda are all easily accessible by local ferry.
Not just a starting point, Verona is also a destination city in its own right, and you can explore it on a walking tour that takes in the frescoes of Basilica di Santa Anastasia. You may also wish to sample some of the region’s highly regarded amarone wine here, or visit the house inspired by Shakespeare’s Juliet.
With fresh mountain streams, flower-laden meadows, and soaring mountain backdrops, the walking trail at Val di Genova is well known for its numerous waterfalls that cascade into the Sarca River. We can arrange for guides to go with you or recommend the best routes to explore it on your own.
At Lake Garda, you can enjoy a wine tasting tour of a boutique vineyard, a guided visit to Vittoriale degli Italiani, once owned by the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, or a trip to the historic town of Sirmione.
10. Naples & the island of Ischia
![florence walking tour self guided Island of Ischia](https://media.audleytravel.com/-/media/images/home/europe/italy/travel-guides/top-trips-to-italy/istock_521957591_ischia_15980751.jpg?q=79&w=800&h=571)
If you have read Elena Ferrante’s trilogy, the Neapolitan Novels , you’ll have a good sense of the island of Ischia , just off the coast of Naples . It has long been a respite destination for Neapolitans and is slowly becoming more popular with inquisitive visitors from further afield. Combining the heady, cultural excitement of Naples with the calm, thermal beauty of Ischia will give you a well-balanced trip in the south of Italy.
Flying in and out of Naples International Airport, you’ll spend some time in the city before taking the ferry to Ischia for some relaxation. You’ll have a private driver for your time in Naples and on the island.
Naples is a hive of energy, best explored on foot, from its narrow alleyways to its bustling piazzas. You can enjoy a private guided walking tour of the city to help find your sense of direction among the labyrinthine streets. We can also arrange a guide to accompany you through the Naples Archaeological Museum, where you can examine original relics from Pompeii.
While on Ischia, you may want to soak in one of the island’s bubbling, curative thermal pools. They’re fed by the volcanic fault line linked to nearby Vesuvius, and we can lead you to the best of its many restorative springs.
The island is also a renowned hiking destination, and we can recommend trails that climb over volcanic rock, across verdant vineyards, and through remote chestnut woodlands to viewpoints high above the shimmering coastline.
Read more about trips to Italy
![florence walking tour self guided St Mark's Square, Venice](https://cdn.audleytravel.com/270/355/79/1021400-best-time-to-visit-italy.jpg)
Italy's art cities: Venice, Florence & Rome
10 days from $6,935pp
![florence walking tour self guided Val di Genova, Dolomites](https://cdn.audleytravel.com/270/355/79/16018190-val-di-genova-dolomites.jpg)
Lakes & mountains of Italy
10 days from $9,625pp
![florence walking tour self guided Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Tuscany](https://cdn.audleytravel.com/270/355/79/1021996-cathedral-santa-maria-del-fiore-florence-tuscany.jpg)
Classic Italy tour: Rome, Venice, Florence & Tuscany
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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They're just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.
Further reading
- Italy’s art cities: Venice, Florence and Rome
- A guide to the regions of Italy
- Food highlights of Italy
- Luxury vacations in Italy
- Best family vacations in Italy
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A self-guided walking tour takes you up to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato in Florence, Itay.
Discover Florence at your leisure with our self-guided walking tour. Explore Renaissance art, stunning architecture, and hidden gems, all while easily navigating with our detailed maps.
Florence, Italy self guided walking tour map and itinerary for one or two days, perfect for seeing Firenze by foot and on a budget
Explore Florence on this ultimate self-guided walking tour! With a map and walking directions. Includes highlights, overlooked gems, and lesser-known Florence facts!
Our free Florence walking tour map from the Duomo to Ponte Vecchio is the best self-guided tour in Florence Italy. This do-it-yourself guided Florence walking tour map covers the top sights in the heart of town.
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 ...
This self guided walking tour of Florence will give you a look at all of the city's most iconic sights, with plenty of delicious local food along the way.
Self-guided walking tours in Florence, Italy. Follow these 11 expert designed self-guided walking tours to explore the city on foot at your own pace
Here's our self-guided Florence walking tour that will take you to one of the most beautiful overlooks in the city along with the highlights of what you can see and do along the way.
Use this self-guided walking tour of Florence, Italy to visit the city's most iconic sights. Gelato and pasta breaks included.
This is why I am sharing a self-guided walking tour of Florence 🇮🇹 ️. Imagine strolling through the cobbled streets, gelato in one hand, camera in the other, capturing the essence of a city that's like stepping into a living museum. 🍦📸 So, dust off that wanderlust, grab your "I ️ Florence" tee (JK don't do that), and let ...
An account of our self planned and self guided free walking tour of florence along river arno along with a google map that you can customize for your needs
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.
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.
Via dell'Arte della Lana, 50123 Firenze, Italy; every day: 10.00-17.00; 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. Start the walk at the Piazza del Duomo and continue to all the stops mentioned in a clockwise manner.
Overview Embark on an enchanting journey through Florence's captivating outdoor wonders with our interactive self-guided tour. Discover picturesque landscapes and historical landmarks at your own pace, guided by our informative and captivating app. Unearth hidden treasures, delve into the city's fascinating history, and immerse yourself in its cultural diversity. Your smartphone becomes your ...
This post covers the 4 types of free walking tours in Florence (Firenze), a city overview tour, tours focused on the Renaissance, museums, and sunset tours.
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.
Florence deserves at least one well-organized day: see the Accademia (David), tour the Uffizi Gallery (Renaissance art), visit the Duomo Museum (original bronze Baptistery doors) or the underrated Bargello (best statues), and do my guidebooks' self-guided "Renaissance Walk" (also available as a free audio tour ). Art lovers will want to chisel out another day of their itinerary for the many ...
Self-guided walking tour: Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walking Tour in Florence, Italy. The detailed walk route map can be downloaded to your mobile device for turn-by-turn travel directions.
Self-guided walking tour: Dante's Florence Walking Tour in Florence, Italy. The detailed walk route map can be downloaded to your mobile device for turn-by-turn travel directions.
Discover Florence on a guided walking tour. Learn about the impressive history and architecture of the city as you explore its picturesque streets and see iconic sights, including Ponte Vecchio.
A perfect introduction to Florence, Italy! Take a guided walking tour of the city's highlights, and skip the line at the Accademia to see Statue of David!
The free self-guided Zagreb walking tour covers a total distance of approximately 7.8 kilometers (4.85 miles). The tour starts at the Zagreb Main Train Station (Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor) and terminates at the Grič Tunnel.
You can set the pace with a self-drive tour and dip into immersive guided experiences along the way. ... you can choose to have a private guided hike through the hills of the Val d'Orcia, or walking tours of Florence, Assisi, or Perugia. ... you can follow a guided cycling tour around the Baroque landmarks of Lecce. Or, opt for a privately ...