Things to Do in Florence
• Admire Michelangelo’s *David*, the Hall of the Colossus, and other Renaissance masterpieces.
• Explore Europe’s oldest art-school-turned-museum at your own pace with full-day access.
• Enjoy the most budget-friendly way to experience Florence’s art scene hassle-free.
• Upgrade with an audio guide or a digital guidebook or a guided tour for deeper insights and stories. Else, choose the option to enter the gallery at any time between 9am and 5pm.
Discover Hidden Treasures and Stories of Florence!
Get ready to be fascinated and immersed in an incredible STORYTELLING of Florence's history.
We won't just provide you with dry facts; we'll bring the past to life with vivid and engaging narratives.
Our guides are GENUINE LOCALS and they will show you the city like no one else can, offering a truly unique perspective. You'll discover hidden spots that often go unnoticed by tourists, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city, away from the typical tourist routes.
Believe us: this is a special and unique way to explore the city.
As we walk through the city, we'll share fascinating stories spanning three centuries. We'll talk about the Medici family and the great artists of this city, and their incredible works that still amaze and captivate us centuries later. This tour is not a boring lecture! We've made it enjoyable and relaxed, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the history of Florence.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to join our tour!
Booking is completely free. Reserve your spot now!
• Enjoy the freedom of discovering the gallery without the structure of a fixed tour—pure, self-led immersion in Italy’s artistic heart.
• Marvel at Renaissance icons like Botticelli’s *The Birth of Venus*, da Vinci’s early sketches, Michelangelo’s works, and Caravaggio’s gripping *Medusa*.
• Want more? Upgrade for host-assisted entry, a guided tour for expert insights, or an audio guide to learn as you wander. Alternatively, choose the digital guidebook for easy reference at your fingertips.
Welcome to the free walking tour of the real Florence, a complete tour of the main landmarks of the cradle of renaissance. A tour made by only certified and expert florentine guides, delivering a friendly tour, will introduce the city to you.
You will learn about art, Medici family, history, food, anecdotes, secrets and culture of Florence; with tips about the city, restaurants, museums, night life, told from the perspective of a local.
The meeting point is in Piazza dell'Unità Italiana, very close to the main train station.
Then we will walk through the beautiful streets and squares of one of the most iconic cities of the world.
The route is:
- MEDICI CHAPEL
- SAN LORENZO MARKET
- MEDICI RICCARDI PALACE
- SAN LORENZO CHURCH
- DUOMO CATHEDRAL
- THE BAPTISTERY
- REPUBBLICA SQUARE ORSANMICHELE CHURCH
- PORCELLINO -SIGNORIA SQUARE
- UFFIZI(EXTERNAL) -PONTE VECCHIO
- SANTA CROCE SQUARE
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• Explore the Cathedral’s Gothic interiors, the Baptistery’s mosaics to Giotto’s Bell Tower and Opera Museum’s masterpieces.
• With 3-day validity and an included audio guide, you’re free to explore at your own pace, no back-to-back time crunches, just smart sightseeing.
• Upgrade to get an exclusive tour of the Secret Terraces from an English-speaking expert sharing legends of artistic rivalries or opt for a comprehensive tour of the Duomo Complex.
*This tour is the complementary sibling of the tour The Dark Side of Florence, Mysteries and Legends.
Click on the blue link and book both free tours to get the full experience!
ESSENTIAL FLORENCE
Are you fascinated by the city of Florence? Would you like to discover its astounding history and culture? If you're looking for a fun and engaging way to explore Florence, then look no further than this tour!
Here we'll share with you all the secrets of this breathtaking city. We take you on a journey of Florence's most mind-blowing stories, hidden gems and unheard anecdotes from the city's extraordinary past, all told by the most charismatic storytellers. The experience is guaranteed to leave you with an unforgettable insight into the heart of the city and will leave you longing to return for more!
What should you visit in Florence? How did the Renaissance change the world? Why did this Italian region give birth to many geniuses like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci or Galileo? How did the Medici family become such a powerful dynasty? Which were their secrets and intricacies?
These are just some of the questions we will try to answer on this exciting tour through the most famous streets of Florence. Our expert and friendly guide will provide you with lots of knowledge and special tips, such as food and leather recommendations, rooftops with stunning views…) to help you enjoy Florence to the fullest.
The tour covers the main historical sights of the city, such as San Lorenzo Square and Church, Palazzo Medici, Duomo square and Cathedral complex (Baptistery, Dome, Bell Tower), Dante Neighborhood, Signoria Square, Loggia de’ Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, The outside of the Uffizi Gallery and The Ponte Vecchio. Besides, you'll also get to explore some hidden corners along the way, curiosities and treasures that you won't see in any other tour.
What are you waiting for? Book now and immerse yourself in this thrilling adventure and let yourself be transported back in time through storytelling at its best!
Rated 4.9/5
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Winner of the Traveler’s Choice Award in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 on Tripadvisor
#1 Best of the Best Experience in the World (Top 1% of 8 million profiles).#3 Best of the Best Experience Worldwide – 25th Anniversary Edition.
* Are you up for more? Book also our complementary free tour: The Dark Side of Florence, Mysteries and Legends
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mandatory audio systems
Due to local municipal regulations, the use of an audio system is mandatory for this tour. You can rent your equipment at the meeting point for €1.50 (card payment only). For your personal comfort, you are welcome to bring your own earphones, provided they have a standard round jack plug.
Gratuities
Please note the audio rental is card-only. Regarding tips for your guide, your generosity is what keeps our tours running! We happily accept them in cash or by card, whichever you prefer:)
• Explore the Pitti Palace’s top galleries, including the Palatine Gallery, Modern Art, Treasury, Costume Museum, and Royal Apartments.
• Wander through the Boboli and Bardini Gardens, masterpieces of Italian landscaping, and visit the hidden Porcelain Museum.
• Enjoy the most flexible, budget-friendly all-access pass, letting you explore both palace and gardens at your own pace.
• Make the most of your visit—add an audio guide for on-demand insights or a guided tour linking the palace’s grand halls with the Boboli Gardens’ design and symbolism.
Discover the essence of Florence with a licensed local guide
Join a walk full of beauty, history and fascinating stories.
We’ll explore the historic center, travelling from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and beyond, discovering the places where the art that changed the world was born.
You won’t just see the city’s most famous landmarks – you’ll hear hidden stories, surprising facts and secrets that make Florence truly unforgettable.
📍 Main stops:
- Basilica of San Lorenzo – the heart of Medici power
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery and Bell Tower – the soul of the Renaissance
- Dante’s medieval district – love, politics and poetry
- Piazza della Signoria – open-air sculpture and political intrigue
- Uffizi Gallery (outside) – art and secrets
- Ponte Vecchio – jewels, war and survival
At the end of the tour, I’ll also give you local food recommendations so you can enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine like a true Florentine!
Why choose this tour?
Because it’s more than a walk – it’s a deep dive into the soul of Florence, led by a passionate and professional local guide.
Book your spot and get ready to fall in love with the city of art.
ℹ️ Useful info:
🕒 Duration: approx. 2 hours
👟 Comfortable shoes recommended
☔ Bring an umbrella if it rains
⏰ Please arrive at least 10 minutes early
📌 Meeting point: in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo
🔴 Look for the red flag – easy to spot!
💡 This is a Free Tour with no fixed price.
Your contribution at the end helps us continue sharing Florence’s history with dedication and professionalism.
Thank you for supporting licensed local guides. 🎓
• Stand before Giotto's 14th-century frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels, among the finest surviving examples of pre-Renaissance painting in Italy.
• Pay your respects at the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli: three of history's greatest minds, all buried within the same nave.
• Wander through Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel, the cloisters, the crypt, and the Opera Museum. One ticket covers it all, with nothing extra to pay inside.
• While admiring these masterpieces, do not forget to witness Pio Fedi’s Freedom of Poetry, a marble statue symbolizing freedom of expression. It is believed that Freedom of Poetry inspired the Statue of Liberty of New York!
This tour is the complementary sibling of our main tour ESSENTIAL Florence with the best STORYTELLERS, Renaissance and Medici Tales.
Click on the blue link and book both free tours to get the full experience!
THE DARK SIDE OF FLORENCE, MYSTERIES AND LEGENDS
In this tour, we’ll show you the hidden and ghoulish side of Florence, with stories of ghosts, murders, betrayals, and curiosities that go beyond the typical history of the city.
Have you ever heard about the Monster of Florence, one of the bloodiest serial killers? Are you curious about florentine superstitions, conspiracies, unexplained things, saints, miracles, or tortures? If so, this is the tour for you.
*We just warn that some topics may hurt some sensitivities and may not be suitable for the public under 18.
Come with us and discover the side of Florence that doesn’t appear in tourist guides, so disturbing, lurid, and unsettling that will make you have a sleepless night. ha ha ha
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* Are you up for more? Book also our MAIN TOUR, which is the perfect complement to this experience: ESSENTIAL Florence with the best STORYTELLERS, Renaissance and Medici Tales
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mandatory Audio System: Due to local municipal regulations, the use of an audio system is mandatory for this tour. You can rent your equipment at the meeting point for €1.50 (card payment only). For your personal comfort, you are welcome to bring your own earphones, provided they have a standard round jack plug.
Gratuities: Please note the audio rental is card-only. Regarding tips for your guide, your generosity is what keeps our tours running! We happily accept them in cash or by card, whichever you prefer:)
• Discover how this former art school became one of Florence’s most iconic museums.
• Explore seven halls of Renaissance art and see Michelangelo’s legendary *David*.
• Hear captivating stories and insights about the artists and their masterpieces.
• Enjoy an affordable, top-rated guided tour in your preferred language (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and German).
Florence in Oltrarno at Sunset
Let yourself be captivated by the magic of Oltrarno at sunset, an off-the-beaten-path tour to discover the true soul of the city. Join us on a journey full of neighborhood stories, iconic architecture, and unforgettable views.
"Florence at Sunset" is our 6:00 PM tour through Oltrarno, the most genuine area on the other side of the river. For two hours, you will discover the artisan and less touristy soul of the city, a vibrant neighborhood full of workshops, bistros, and the epicenter of authentic Florentine nightlife.
Groups are welcome! If your group is larger, please contact us in advance. We can also try to arrange an exclusive tour guide just for you!
Our tour guide will be waiting ten minutes before the start of the tour. You will recognize our tour guide by the small Florence flag with the red lily.
• From Vasari’s dazzling frescoes to Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome, hear the stories behind the marvels as you explore at your own pace.
• Want more? Upgrade your ticket. Add a Brunelleschi Dome climb for unbeatable views over Florence, or choose the express guided tour in English to get insider insights from a local expert.
Join us for an unforgettable, easy walk through the beating heart of the Renaissance. From the marble façade of Santa Maria Novella to the majestic Duomo, we'll pass the political center of Piazza della Signoria and the iconic Ponte Vecchio, concluding before the magnificence of Santa Croce. A journey through art, history, and legendary views in the company of a local and an expert guide.
The Soul of Florence: Walking Tour from the Renaissance to the Medieval Heart
Experience the enchantment of Florence with an itinerary designed for those who wish to discover the city's iconic monuments in a single, thrilling experience. Our walking tour will lead you through centuries of beauty, revealing the secrets of the great masters who made Florence unique.
The main stops on the route:
Piazza Santa Maria Novella: our meeting point, dominated by one of the city's most important churches, with its elegant façade designed by Leon Battista Alberti.
The Religious Center: We'll continue to the Duomo complex, where you'll be enchanted by Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
The Political Heart: Strolling through the elegant streets of the center, we'll reach Piazza della Signoria, a veritable open-air museum where Palazzo Vecchio stands tall and the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi tell stories of power and myth.
Ponte Vecchio and the Arno: A stop on Florence's oldest bridge is a must, famous for its historic goldsmith shops and breathtaking views of the river.
Piazza Santa Croce: We'll conclude the tour in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce, the "Temple of Italian Glories," where geniuses such as Michelangelo and Galileo are buried, in one of the city's liveliest and most authentic squares.
Why choose this tour?
In addition to the main monuments, we'll guide you through medieval alleys and share curious anecdotes that only a local knows, offering you an authentic perspective on Florentine life, past and present.
