Florence, Italy is fascinating! We spent days walking through the city streets, gawking at the architecture and peeking into courtyards.
With all of our rambling around, we decided to create this Free, Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour to help you discover the city on foot.
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With the outlined route, you can set off to see the top sights in the historic center. It fits in perfectly with Day 1 of our 3-Day Florence Itinerary.
To get directions for this easy-flowing Self-Guided Walking Tour of Florence, use the Google Map links provided for each attraction. Just bear in mind that you will need a wireless connection.
If you are traveling from abroad, contact your phone carrier to adjust to an international plan or invest in a handy Pocket Wi-Fi device – like GlocalMe. With an unlocked phone, you can also use an eSim.
Want this article without advertisements? Get the PDF version. If you would rather leave the navigation to someone else, join a highly-rated guided walking tour – like this one!
Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour
Lace up your shoes and let’s get going! This self-guided Florence walk is approximately 3.5 miles and could be completed in about 2-3 hours.
That said, many of the attractions along the route can be entered (and some require a ticket). We’ll share pertinent info about each and leave it up to you to choose to go inside.
#1 Ponte Vecchio
MAP. Ponte Vecchio – or Old Bridge – is the most famous bridge in Florence, Italy. It dates to Medieval times (although a bridge has likely spanned the Arno River at this spot since the 1st century).
The span retains its historic character because, unlike all of the other bridges in Florence, Ponte Vecchio was spared from destruction during World War II.
Running along Ponte Vecchio is the Vasari Corridor. The elevated passageway was constructed in 1565 on the order of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici.
From the north Palazzo Vecchio is connected to Palazzo Pitti on the south. Today, the bridge is lined with jewelry shops – and walking across Ponte Vecchio is a must during your trip to Florence!
#2 Fontana del Porcellino (Bronze Boar Fountain)
MAP. The Il Porcellino – or little piglet – fountain is one of the many famous sights in Florence, Italy. The bronze boar sits on the south side of the Piazza del Mercato Nuovo.
Rub the pig’s snout to ensure a future trip to Florence (we did!). It is also customary to put a coin into the boar’s mouth in hopes that it falls in the fountain. If it does, it grants a dose of good luck.
The space behind the fountain is called the Mercato del Porcellino – or Pig Market – although it is actually not a meat market. Instead, vendors sell leather goods and scarves.
#3 Piazza della Signoria
MAP. Surrounded by ancient architecture and decorated with an array of Renaissance statues, Piazza della Signoria is an absolute must-see.
The top things to see in Piazza della Signoira are the striking Palazzo Vecchio and the spraying Fountain of Neptune.
The David statue that stands in front of Palazzo Vecchio is a replica – but it is the spot where the original once stood. After it was damaged in a protest in 1873, the original was moved to the Accademia Gallery.
Under the arches of the Loggia dei Lanzi (on the south end of the square) are several replicas of notable Renaissance statues. It’s like an open-air museum – and it’s free to go in and get a closer look.
#4 Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace)
MAP. Ranking as one of the most famous buildings in Florence, Italy, Palazzo Vecchio is the striking structure on Piazza della Signoria Square.
Easily recognizable by its rough stone exterior, arched windows and off-center clock tower, Palazzo Vecchio is a symbol of Florence.
The Old Palace was built in the 1300s for protection. Then the powerful Duke Cosimo I de Medici made it his personal residence in the mid-1500s.
Later, it was used as a town hall and now is a museum. The elaborate rooms are lavishly decorated and house many masterpieces and Renaissance treasures.
A ticket is required to enter. However, it is free to visit the main courtyard, which is beautifully decorated with carved columns and frescoes.
If you’re interested in visiting the museum, make the most of your time with a guided tour and skip-the-line entry.
#5 Via dei Calzaiuoli
MAP. The elegant Via dei Calzaiuoli offers the best shopping in Florence, Italy. Featuring luxury brands and boutique shops, the store-lined street connects Piazza della Signoria to Piazza Duomo.
The pedestrianized lane has always been an avenue of commerce. Sections of the street were once named for the goods sold there (or the families who sold them). Prominent artists – such as Donatello – also had workshops on Via dei Calzaiuoli.
#6 Church of Orsanmichele
MAP. While the Orsanmichele Church is not as lavishly decorated as others in the city, it remains one of the best places to see in Florence, Italy.
Built in 1337 to house the grain market, the structure was renovated into a church in the late 1300s (although many original elements were retained).
The statues in the niches on the exterior were provided by the city’s guilds. Each trade organization commissioned a statue (usually of their trade’s patron saint) for decoration. The originals are now in the Orsanmichele Museum.
Inside the dimly lit church is an elaborately jeweled 14th century tabernacle designed by famed Florence artist, Orcagna. It enshrines a painting of ‘Madonna and Child’ by Bernardo Daddi. Note that a ticket is required to enter.
#7 Piazza della Repubblica
MAP. The next stop on your Florence Self-Guided Walking Tour is Piazza della Repubblica – one of the oldest squares in the city.
Dating to Roman times when it served as the Forum, for centuries it was a central gathering place and market. However, in the 1500s, it was turned into a Jewish ghetto.
Completely overhauled in the 19th century, the only nod to the past is the towering column, Colonna dell’Abbondanza. It marks the previous intersection of two main streets.
Today, the square is a lively place where street musicians perform. Repubblica Square is also where you will find the popular Florence carousel.
Free Self Guided Florence Walking Tour Break
A few famous cafes in Florence, Italy are located within Piazza della Repubblica. We recommend taking a seat at one of them to enjoy a refreshment.
Caffe Gilli on Repubblica Square (MAP) is the oldest café in Florence. It opened in 1733 as a pastry shop. Right next door is Caffe Concerto Paszkowski (MAP), which was once a Polish brewery.
On the opposite side of the square is Giubbe Rosse Café (MAP), a long-time favorite haunt for writers and nobility.
#8 Palazzo Strozzi Art Gallery
MAP. The Strozzi Palace is another one of the famous places in Florence, Italy. Built in the late 1400s in the Renaissance style, the aristocratic palace stayed in the Strozzi family until 1937, when it was sold and remodeled into an art gallery.
The museum hosts a permanent exhibition detailing the history of the palace – as well as rotating art exhibits. A ticket is required to enter, but it’s fee to access the courtyard, where they sometimes display artwork.
#9 Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
MAP. Not a typical pharmacy, the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the cool places in Florence, Italy to visit.
The history of the pharmacy dates to 1221 when Dominican friars started using natural remedies from their garden. They sold rose water (Acqua di Rose) to cure aliments and created perfumes for royalty.
The tradition continues to this day. Visitors can shop in the opulently decorated store (which was once a chapel) and tour the on-site museum. We highly recommend stepping inside.
#10 Piazza Santa Maria Novella & Basilica
MAP. The Santa Maria Novella Basilica dates to the 15th century and it’s still one of the best sights in Italy today.
The interior of the church is adorned with amazing artwork. Some of the pieces to seek out are Masaccio’s Trinity painting, Ghirlandaio’s well-preserved frescoes and Giotto’s Crucifix.
Architecturally speaking, the Santa Maria Novella Basilica Florence ranks supreme. The ornate façade appears today as it did when it was completed in 1470.
Additionally, the cloisters are not to be missed! A ticket is required to enter, which grants access to the church, cloisters and museum.
#11 Florence Central Market & San Lorenzo Market
MAP. The Central Market in Florence is a haven for foodies. Housed in a cast iron and glass building that dates to the 1870s, the venue covers two floors.
The ground floor of Mercato Centrale is occupied by the historic market. Vendors sell typical Tuscan products, produce, meats, cheeses and desserts.
Visitors can find some of the best eats in Florence among the ground floor market stalls – especially cured meats and local cheeses.
However, those looking for the best lunch in town should go upstairs to the modern food court. The gourmet offerings range from classic Florentine fare to international dishes with a flair.
While the stalls on the ground floor close by mid-afternoon, the upstairs food hall and bar stay open into the evening.
The bazaar also spills out into the streets surrounding it. Known as the San Lorenzo Leather Market, stalls overflow with leather goods and tons of trinkets.
Now make your way to My Sugar (MAP). This artisan shop dishes out some of the best gelato in Florence! We share more of our favorite places to eat in our Guide to Florence Restaurants.
#12 Basilico San Lorenzo
MAP. One of the famous cathedrals in Florence, Italy (but not the most famous), Basilica di San Lorenzo has a history that stretches back 1600 years. For 300 of those years, it served as the city’s cathedral.
During the 15th century, the powerful Medici family commissioned famed architect Filippo Brunelleschi to renovate the church.
Even though Michelangelo was responsible for creating the façade – none of those designs ever fully came to fruition (and it remains unfinished to this day).
Regardless, San Lorenzo Church is still architecturally important. It houses numerous artworks by famed Renaissance artists (like Donatello) and is the final resting place for many of the Medici family.
A monument to Lodovico de’ Medici aka Giovanni delle Bande Nere (considered the last great Italian mercenary) stands on the northeast corner of the square. Tickets are required to enter the church, museum and cloisters.
#13 Palazzo Medici Riccardi
MAP. The next stop on your self-guided walk in Florence, Italy is the majestic Palazzo Medici Riccardi.
It served as the first palace of the Medici family when Cosimo the Elder commissioned the building in 1444 as a personal residence.
The three-story, stone structure with arched windows was meant to appear subtle, while the interior was richly decorated.
The palace has played a significant part in the city’s history. It was the home of Lorenzo the Magnificent (the Lord of Florence) and a workplace for a young Michelangelo (and other Renaissance artists).
Today, the Palace of Medici is the seat of the local government and a museum. A ticket is required to enter, but visitors can get a peek inside the courtyard for free.
Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour Detour
If you’re trying to make the most of your time, take a short detour to visit The David at the nearby Accademia Gallery Art Museum (MAP). We recommend purchasing a timed, skip-the-line ticket and then resuming the walking tour.
#14 Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
MAP. The vast and airy Santissima Annunziata Square is one of the best places to see in Florence, Italy – yet it is rarely visited by tourists.
Featuring classic characteristics of Renaissance architecture, the square is balanced and proportionate.
Arched porticoes line three sides of the square and an equestrian statue of Grand Duke Ferdinando I de Medici (designed by Giambologna) stands in the center.
The namesake church on the northeastern end dates to the 13th century and features the Miraculous Annunciation.
To the east of the church is the Spedale degli Innocenti, the first orphanage in Europe, and is one of Brunelleschi’s early works (circa 1419).
#15 Duomo Florence, Italy
MAP. Of all the churches in Florence, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore that stands in the Piazza del Duomo is the most acclaimed.
In fact, the cathedral (or Duomo) – along with the Baptistery of St John and Giotto’s Campanile Bell Tower – are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Construction of the cathedral in Florence began in 1296. However, it was not completed until more than a hundred years later in 1436.
Brunelleschi designed and built the dome – an engineering feat at the time – and it’s still the largest masonry vault in the world.
It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the over-the-top, intricately decorated façade of white, green and red marble took form.
The Duomo in Florence is free to visit (although there will likely be a long line). Inside, the vast space is underwhelming, but there are a few noteworthy artworks.
Particularly, the ceiling of the dome is masterfully painted with The Last Judgement by Vasari and Zuccari.
Those interested in climbing up the most famous dome in Florence are permitted to do so with a ticket.
Top Tip: Buy combination tickets that include a guided Cathedral Tour with Skip-the-Line access and the Florence Dome climb.
#16 St. John Baptistery
MAP. Sitting directly across from the Florence Cathedral is the Baptistry of St. John. The octagonal baptistry dates to the year 1059 and the exterior color scheme matches that of the cathedral.
It’s where many of the city’s most respected citizens were baptized. However, it is the bronze doors of the baptistry that cause such a stir.
Designed in the 1400s – and taking 27 years to complete – the doors’ bas reliefs depict key scenes from the Old Testament.
Called the Gates of Paradise, the doors there now are a replica (the originals are in the Duomo Museum). Tickets are required to enter the Baptistry and Duomo Museum – and can be purchased as a bundle.
#17 Biblioteca della Oblate
MAP. While visiting a library may not rank high on some travelers Florence To Do List, the Biblioteca della Oblate is unique. And, in our opinion, it is one of the best places in Florence, Italy to see.
Enter through the garden, then make your way up to the rooftop terrace. From the far side, you are treated to an exceptional view of Brunelleschi’s Dome. The top-floor café sells coffee, beer, wine and bites to eat, too!
#18 Museo Casa di Dante
MAP. Esteemed poet and author of The Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri, was born in Florence in 1265. Incredibly influential and instrumental in the development of Italian literature, Dante left a legacy that still stirs people today.
A ticket is required to visit his birthplace and the museum is dedicated to his life and poetry.
#19 Badia Fiorentina Monastery
MAP. You will, undoubtedly, visit many churches during your Florence visit – but none are quite like Badia Fiorentina Church. That is because it is an inconspicuous place where silence is observed.
The monastery was founded in 978 – and nuns and monks still reside in the abbey. It is free to enter and all are invited to attend the vespers (sung by the nuns and monks) at 6 o’clock in the evening.
#20 Museo Nazionale del Bargello
MAP. Some consider this be the best art museum in Florence, Italy. While not as celebrated as the Academy, it does have masterpiece sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello and others.
The building that houses the museum is one of the oldest in the city – dating to 1255. The former palace also served as a prison – and place of executions – until being transformed into a sculpture museum in 1865.
A fee is required to enter and you can purchase Skip-the-Line Tickets with a Guided Bargello Tour.
#21 Piazza and Basilica of Santa Croce
MAP. The final stop on this self-guided tour of Florence is the renowned Santa Croce Basilica. Although the red brick church dates to the 13th century, the brilliant white marble facade was added in 1863.
While the exterior is dazzling, the inside is equally intriguing. Lavishly decorated with artworks and ornate altars, Santa Croce is one of the most beautiful churches in the city.
That said, many visitors step inside to see the tombs of Florence’s most notable residents. Galileo, Machiavelli and Michelangelo are all buried here.
There is a fee to enter the church, cloisters and museum. You can also join a guided tour.
Our Next Free Walking Tour Florence, Italy
This concludes our Florence self-guided tour. If you are feeling motivated, make your way to the riverside and start our Oltrarno Walking Tour!
Map of Self Guided Florence Walking Tour Route
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Florence walking route below.
Start planning your trip to Italy! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Italy Travel Guides
- Need To Know Florence Travel Tips
- 1-Week Tuscany Vacation
- What To See in Rome
- Plan a Trip to Venice (Plus Budget Tips)
- What To See in Pisa, Lucca and Siena
- Visit Puglia and Lecce
- Day Trip to San Gimingnano
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