Things to Do in Florence
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!
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
*This tour is the complementary sibling of the tour the Dark Side of Florence, Mysteries and Legends. https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/41450-the-dark-side-of-florence-mysteries-legends-free-walking-tour?ref=p6v21e2ociuwommrx95y
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 and 2024
#1 in Italy and #11 in the world
* Are you up for more? Book also the complementary and alternative free tour: The Dark Side of Florence, Mysteries and Legends:
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/41450-the-dark-side-of-florence-mysteries-legends-free-walking-tour?ref=p6v21e2ociuwommrx95y
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mandatory audio systems
Due to municipal regulations, the use of an audio system is mandatory. Starting February 18, you can rent whispers and headphones at the meeting point for €1.20 per person. We recommend bringing the exact amount, as the company does not provide change. You can also pay by card.
For greater comfort, you can use your own earphones.
Our pomeridian tour saw the scope of the authentic spirit of Firenze: Oltrarno.
Starting from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, we will cross the elegant Via Tornabuoni, heart of Florentine fashion. Tra le vetrine di marchi Italiani e internazionali, ammirerete eleganti palazzi ottocenteschi, testimoni del tiempo brief en quei Firenze ser capitale d'Italia.
Faremo tappa la maestoso Palazzo Strozzi, gioiello rinascimentale constructed by a powerful family rivale dei Medici. Successively, we will raggiungeremo Piazza Santa Trinita, with its chiesa rich in history, and we will traverse the Ponte Santa Trinita, a rinascimentale bridge with an indimenticabile view of the Ponte Vecchio.
This is the gate in Oltrarno, the most fascinating and authentic quarter of Firenze. Want to discover a very intimate Firenze, rich in botteghe artigiane, orafi, ristoratori, museums and unique gardens, dove the traditions of the prosperous ancient city.
We pass through the pittoreschi vicoli, cross Piazza della Passera and raggiungeremo il vivace quartiere di Santo Spirito, noto per i suoi bar, le sue trattorie e la vivace vita locale.
First of all, we will visit Piazza Pitti, dominating the imposing Palazzo Pitti, the last residence of the Medici and the headquarters of important museums such as the Galleria Palatina.
The tour ends next to the Ponte Vecchio: you can traverse it and explore the historic center or continue to immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere of Oltrarno. Come concludere this indimenticabile tour, it depends only on you!
This tour is the complementary sibling of our main tour ESSENTIAL Florence with the best STORYTELLERS, Renaissance and Medici Tales.
Book both free tours to get the full experience!
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/28091-essential-florence-with-the-best-storytellers-renaissance-and-medici-tales?ref=p6v21e2ociuwommrx95y
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
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/28091-essential-florence-with-the-best-storytellers-renaissance-and-medici-tales?ref=p6v21e2ociuwommrx95y
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mandatory audio systems
Due to municipal regulations, the use of an audio system is mandatory. Starting February 18, you can rent whispers and headphones at the meeting point for €1.20 per person. We recommend bringing the exact amount, as the company does not provide change. You can also pay by card.
For greater comfort, you can use your own earphones.
On the occasion of the centenary of the Poet's death, we will take you on an extraordinary journey into the bowels and darkness of "Hell": through the story and the pressing verses of the Divine Comedy , which still today speak to us of the vices and virtues of his fellow citizens. Together we will meet famous people, his contemporaries, who, in their torments, tell their heartbreaking story and their tragedies. People who will make us discover the daily life of the time, the so-called "dark ages". Their stories will be so engaging that you will soon be involuntarily fascinated and will ask yourself if they really deserve such a severe sentence, characterized by merciless suffering that never ends. Together we will discover the reasons why the Poet, with contempt and irony and sometimes with respect, places them in the bowels of hell. We will ask ourselves why the Poet has such a complex and contradictory personality. We will end the journey with the Meeting of the Chief of the Devils: Lucifer. But do not be afraid, the Supreme Poet will protect you. Itinerary.
1) Republic Square
2) Cacciaguida Tower House
3 ) Tower House by Filippo Argenti
4) Baptistery
5) The Poet's Birthplace
6) Palazzo Vecchio: Uberti's Farinata
7 Piazza S. Firenze (Boccaccio). 8 S. Croce: Statue of Dante.
Important information for travellers:
- Minimum number of participants 6
- Walkers who wish to cancel the tour are requested to do so at the latest 24 hours before the start of the tour. Thank you
Discover the best of the Florence Cathedral with this ticket. You'll see the Dome, the Baptistery, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, and Giotto's Campanile.
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. 🎓
