Are you thinking of doing a self-guided tour of Florence? 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, with treasures like the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, the awe-inspiring Accademia Gallery, and the magnificent Florence Cathedral all within walking distance. Along your stroll, you’ll encounter masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David and have the chance to savor authentic Tuscan cuisine, making every step a feast for the senses.
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 visit Florence for just a quick day trip, you will probably arrive by train and start your day at the Santa Maria Novella station. If you already feel 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 will soon walk you past some more delicious pastry shops!
Immediately, you can dive into Florence’s history at the Santa Maria Novella complex. You will admire a beautiful church from the outside, but the historic structure also houses gardens, courtyards, ancient living quarters, and a traditional perfume shop.
If you find yourself short on time, you can just take a peek into the church for free; otherwise, you will definitely want to buy a ticket to explore the whole complex.
Stop at the Market
From here, you can circle back to Florence’s main market, Mercato Centrale and the San Lorenzo Market. Here, you will get a taste of Florence’s local life by exploring the indoor food stands, and you can get your leather shopping done with a browse through the famous outdoor leather market.
And if all that shopping makes you hungry, you will find Casa del Vino—a local classic—right there for you. Grab a delicious panino and a glass of quality wine to keep your energy up for more exploring.
Head into Central Florence
Circle around the Basilica of San Lorenzo to make your way to the main attraction: the famous Duomo and Brunelleschi’s incredible dome.
After a quick turn down Borgo San Lorenzo, your jaw will certainly drop at the large open piazza which houses the Duomo and its baptistry.
Again, if you can spare the time, you should visit the church, baptistry, and bell tower. The art inside will leave you speechless, and the view from the top of the bell tower will give you a whole new perspective of Brunelleschi’s dome.
If you feel extra captivated by the work on the Duomo, you can even visit the Duomo Museum located just behind it. Here you will see more of the original works that the church once housed, as well as historic plans used in the building’s construction.
- Highlights of this area include:
- The awe-inspiring Duomo and its iconic dome
- The bell tower, offering some of the best panoramic views in Florence
- The baptistry, with its magnificent bronze doors
- The Duomo Museum, where you can discover original sculptures and building plans
Time for Another Snack
When you visit Italy, you simply cannot resist grabbing a bite of anything and everything. We like to think the best part of travel is the food, so you should not miss any opportunity to snack!
If your sweet tooth calls, head down Via Roma and stop into Caffe Gilli for a coffee and sweet pastry. On the other hand, if you prefer to eat something a little more nutritious first, take Via dei Calzaiuoli to the corner of Via dei Cimatori for authentic Florentine street food. It’s here where you’ll find the incredible I Due Fratellini, whipping up delicious panini since 1875.
Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi
Continue down Via dei Calzaiuoli and you’ll soon reach the Piazza della Signoria. Here, you will see a replica of Michelangelo’s David in its original location, plus a few other statues from the Uffizi collection.
This is also where the Gucci Museum and Cafe stands if you want to experience this fashionable side of Florence’s history.
Before you get in line for the Uffizi, you might want to walk around the block to admire the Fontana del Porcellino, Florence’s wild boar fountain. Rubbing its snout ensures you will return to Florence one day!
- In Piazza della Signoria, you can:
- Marvel at the replica of Michelangelo’s David
- Admire the statues in the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi
- Visit the Gucci Museum and Cafe
- Find the quirky Fontana del Porcellino and make a wish
If you look for the entrance to the Uffizi, head to the corner of Palazzo Vecchio to the Piazzale degli Uffizi. You will find the entrance right under the porticoes.
However, if you don’t manage to get tickets to the famous museum—or do not have time for it on this day trip—plenty more awaits you in Florence!
Ponte Vecchio
Continue your self guided walking tour of Florence with a walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio, lined with historic shops (mainly jewelry and souvenir shops these days).
The name (literally “Old Bridge”) comes from the fact this is actually where the oldest bridge connecting both sides of Florence stood. This is where Florence has been connected ever since Ancient Roman times.
To the right, you can wander deeper into the Oltrarno neighborhood, which is a great place to find amazing food. And if you need a caffeine fix, within just a few steps you’ll find Ditta Artigianale, where you can enjoy a freshly roasted specialty coffee.
But to keep sightseeing, and making the most out of your day in Florence, head down Via de’ Guicciardini to catch a glimpse of Pitti Palace.
Pitti Palace & Piazzale Michelangelo
Pitti Palace is another great museum of Florence that is worth checking out. But even if you do not feel in the mood for a museum, you may still want to buy a ticket for the view.
Behind the Pitti Palace, you will discover the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful and peaceful spot where you can lounge for the afternoon and enjoy a bit of Florentine history while also getting off the busy streets. The extra great part of visiting these gardens is the wonderful view they will give you of the whole city of Florence.
If you skip out on this view, the last scenic stop we have for you will make up for it.
Head back down to walk along the river until you turn at Piazza Poggi to head up a little ways to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is the spot you’ll especially want to be at when there’s a nice sunset, but any time of day provides a great view of the whole city.
But after all this walking, it’s time to kick back and eat!
Aperitivo & Dinner
Our favorite spot for a little tradition of evening wine and snacks is definitely Le Volpi e L’Uva, which you will find 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 are 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!
FAQ: Florence Walking Tour Essentials
Can I visit the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery on a self guided walking tour of Florence?
Absolutely! Both the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery are centrally located and easily walkable from one another. However, we recommend booking tickets in advance for both museums, especially if you want to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. If you’re short on time, consider focusing on one gallery, or simply enjoy the inspiring architecture from the outside.
Is Florence Cathedral (the Duomo) free to enter, and is it worth climbing the dome?
Entry to the Florence Cathedral itself is free, but there is a fee to climb Brunelleschi’s dome, visit the bell tower, or explore the baptistery and museum. The climb is well worth it for the incredible views over Florence and a close look at the dome’s frescoes.
Where can I try authentic Tuscan cuisine during my walking tour?
You’ll find traditional Tuscan cuisine throughout Florence, but for a truly local experience, try spots like I Due Fratellini for classic panini, Mercato Centrale for a variety of regional bites, or Il Santo Bevitore in the Oltrarno for a more contemporary take on Tuscan dishes.
How much walking is involved, and is Florence suitable to explore on foot?
Florence’s historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for a walking tour. Expect to walk several kilometers if you visit all the highlights, but you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery and hidden gems along the way. Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks to enjoy local coffee or gelato!
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.
