Florence is one of those cities that never gets old—no matter how many times I visit, I always find something new to admire. Growing up in Bologna, just a quick train ride away, I’ve spent countless days wandering its streets.
With so much packed into a compact city center, the best way to explore Florence’s art, architecture, and hidden corners is on foot.
That’s why a walking tour is the perfect way to experience it all, especially if it’s your first time in town. You’ll get up close to the landmarks and hear fascinating stories from your guide. If you’re spending at least two days in Florence, I highly recommend a comprehensive walking tour to give you a deeper understanding of the city.
I’ve rounded up the best walking tours of Florence – beyond the classic city tours, there are plenty of specialized options that focus on art, food, history, or even Dan Brown’s Inferno.
➥ Why should you trust me? I grew up in Bologna, just a 30-minute train ride from Florence, and I’ve spent countless days wandering its streets like a local. With over a decade in the travel industry, I know how to spot high-quality, well-organized tours that are actually worth your time. If it’s on this list, it’s one of the best!
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Florence in a Day With David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour |
| FOOD TOUR | Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals |
| TOUR BY NIGHT | Dark History Walking Tour with Bar Stops |
| FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOUR | Florence Tour for Kids and Families with Gelato |
OUR PICK: The BEST Florence Walking Tour
If you’re in Florence for just one day or you have limited time and you’d like to squeeze in as many sights as possible, the Florence in a Day With David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour is the perfect option. This is the most comprehensive tour of Florence and has been our top pick for many years.
I’ve personally gone on this exact tour and thought it was the perfect introduction to the city. Even if I had already visited Florence many times, I learned a lot thanks to our knowledgeable guide.
This is a full-day tour that starts with a visit to the Accademia Gallery to marvel at the world-famous Michelangelo’s David.
Then, you’ll walk around the city center to admire sights like Ponte Vecchio, the Florence Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. Basically, all the highlights of the city!
After a break and some free time for lunch, the tour continues with skip-the-line access to the Uffizi Gallery. This art gallery is home to some of the finest Renaissance works.
Even if you’re not an art or history buff, you’ll be captivated by some of the stories behind these paintings.
➤ What makes this tour stand out? This full-day tour introduces you to Florence in an in-depth, comprehensive way. Not only is it very informative, but fun and engaging.
On top of that, it includes tickets to one of the city’s most sought-after attractions (which can be hard to get on your own!)
Read what the reviews say:
“A great tour of Florence to enjoy the city, visiting the most interesting cultural sites with excellent explanations by a well-qualified guide. This tour is a must if you just have one day to visit this wonderful city or if you want you have a first thorough insight of Florence. Superb!”
Alba – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A guided walking tour, skip-the-line access to the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ If you prefer, you can book the same exact tour, under the name Florence in a Day: Michelangelo’s David, Uffizi and Guided City Walking Tour, on Viator. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
In a Rush? A Quick Intro to Florence
Join an expert guide to explore the city’s iconic landmarks on this Florence: Guided Walking Tour that takes merely 1.5 hours.
Stand in awe in front of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral at Piazza del Duomo. As you admire it, your guide will regale you with facts about its architecture and construction.
Walk along both busy and hidden streets, following the footsteps of Botticelli and Michelangelo. Delve into their connection with the city and the lives they led there.
The walking tour will take you past the most iconic attractions, including Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio.
This tour includes: A guide, and a walking tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Walking Tours of Florence with the David of Michelangelo
▶️ Get ready to soak up the magic of the Renaissance with the Best of Florence Walking Tour With David & The Duomo. You’ll enjoy three hours of exploration with a knowledgeable guide, and get to admire Florence’s top attractions.
Marvel at Michelangelo’s David in Galleria dell’Accademia, and learn about the Medici family. Rulers of the city for many centuries, they sponsored most Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo!
See the open-air sculpture gallery at Piazza della Signoria, which includes a replica of David, and check out Ponte Vecchio. You’ll also discover the fascinating history behind the Florence Duomo during your visit.
This tour includes: A local guide, a walking tour, and skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out this comprehensive Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour. Stroll around Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria, and admire the opulent Pitti Palace.
Then, stand in front of the legendary Duomo as you learn about the history and culture of the city from your guide.
Cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, and head into the Bohemian neighborhood of Oltrarno. There you’ll delve into the heritage and modern customs of Florence.
A visit to the striking Galleria dell’Accademia is included as well, so you can marvel at Michelangelo’s David from up close. The tour can be upgraded to become private.
This walking tour in Firenze includes: A guide, skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery, and headsets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Private Walking Tour in Florence, Italy
▶️ Ready to explore the Renaissance city like never before? Best of Florence Private Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals is the answer.
This half-day experience accommodates up to 8 people, and is led by a knowledgeable guide dedicated solely to you and your group.
While you can tailor the tour to your interests, some of the must-see spots included are Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. During the tour, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with included antipasti and wine tasting.
This tour includes: A local guide, a walking tour, antipasti, wine, and Santo Spirito Church entry. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Medici Tour of Florence for History Buffs
Travel back in time to discover the story of the Medici Dynasty on this Florence: Mysteries of the Medici Guided Walking Tour.
Explore the streets of Florence and uncover the secrets of this banking family which came to be one of the most important ruling houses in the city.
You’ll learn about the most remarkable members of the dynasty, who used their wealth and influence to shape the Renaissance. Visit the Medici Chapel, and other city spots related to the family.
Marvel at the Commesso Fiorentino, and learn about the intense rivalry between the Strozzi, Pazzi, and Medici families. You can choose between a shared group or a private walking tour.
This tour includes: An expert guide, a walking tour, and optional Medici Chapel entrance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Walking Food Tour in Florence
The Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour is a great foodie experience. Count your time in Florence with meals, not hours, as you follow a guide to the most authentic eateries and bars in the Oltrarno neighborhood.
Considered the building block of Tuscan cuisine, it bustles with spots where you’ll sample delicious Florentine bites. From focaccia and pecorino cheeses to olive oils, and balsamic vinegar, you’ll eat your way through the district… and then embark on a tour around the enotecas!
Discover how wine is produced and stored, and sample the best Tuscan wines paired with local aperitivos. You’ll even get a glass of wine served through the famous wine windows!
This tour includes: A local guide, a walking tour, and all food and drink tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Looking for more options? I’ve written an entire post about food tours in Florence. Check it out!
Florence Walking Tours by Night
▶️ Wanted to explore the city in a different light? Join this Florence: Dark History Walking Tour with Bar Stops to drink, walk, and party.
Start your adventure at the famous Piazza della Signoria, and from there stroll toward Ponte Vecchio as you learn about its fascinating history.
Then, head to the Oltrarno district, where you’ll experience the authentic Italian nightlife scene with a Negroni or Spritz. As you explore the city, delve into the darker side of Florence’s history with tales of murder, mystery, and intrigue.
This Florence night walking tour includes: A tour guide, bar visits, a cocktail, shot, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Experience a splendid excursion with this Florence: Sunset Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting. Walk through the charming Oltrarno district and marvel at Florence’s iconic landmarks as you learn about them from your guide.
You’ll also taste some of the finest wines from the Chianti region, and satisfy your taste buds with crostoni, cheeses, and cold cuts.
This tour allows you to delve into the history and culture of Florence, so it’s highly recommended.
This tour includes: A guide, wine tasting, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Family Friendly Walking Tour in Florence
The Florence Tour for Kids and Families with Gelato is perfect for those traveling with children, as it’s specifically designed for them. It’s a 2.5-hour experience that takes you around the city on foot.
Discover hidden gems and beautiful alleys off the beaten path as a guide tells interesting stories about the city and its landmarks. Games and trivia will keep the children entertained and eager to learn as you also walk past the most remarkable attractions in Florence.
Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, San Lorenzo Market, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio are a few of the landmarks you’ll get to see! Cap off the tour with delicious Italian gelato.
This tour includes: A guide, a family-friendly walking tour, and gelato. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Tour for Dan Brown’s Fans
If you are an avid reader, this Florence: Dan Brown’s Inferno 2-Hour Walking Tour might pique your interest. The tour gives you a chance to follow the adventures of Robert Langdon, the protagonist of the best-selling novel.
You’ll visit the key locations featured in the novel and be reminded of details and important facts linking the book and the city. Piazza della Signoria, Florence Cathedral, and the Gates of Paradise are a few of the attractions you’ll visit.
This Florence Inferno walking tour includes: A tour guide, and entrance tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
