Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Tour with Entry & Local Guide

Summary

Palazzo Vecchio secrets, Medici stories, and quiet corners in Florence

You’ll step into Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio with a local guide leading you through Medici legends and hidden corners. From Eleonora’s apartment to glimpses of the Salone dei Cinquecento, every room holds stories you can almost touch. Expect real-life details — creaking floors, laughter over old myths — and leave feeling like you brushed up against history.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small walking into Palazzo Vecchio — it’s not just the size, but the echo of footsteps on stone and that faint old-wood smell you get in places that have seen centuries. Our guide, Francesca, had this way of pausing before each story, like she was letting us peek behind a curtain. She pointed at a faded crest above a doorway and asked if we knew why it was there (none of us did). I still think about how she laughed when someone guessed “for good luck.” Maybe it was, who knows.

The tour moved through rooms I’d only read about — Eleonora’s apartment felt more lived-in than I expected, all soft light and slightly uneven floors. In the Salone dei Cinquecento, you could almost hear old arguments bouncing off the walls (Francesca said sometimes you can’t go in if there’s an official meeting, but we got to peek from above). The Medici history here isn’t just facts — it’s woven into every painting and even the way people lower their voices out of habit. At one point I caught a whiff of candle wax near a side altar; maybe my imagination running wild.

It’s funny — Dan Brown fans were whispering about Inferno in the back, but honestly I was more caught up watching sunlight crawl across the flagstones. The tour lasted about 90 minutes but felt quicker. There were families with strollers and an older couple who kept asking questions about secret passages (Francesca didn’t give away everything). Leaving through Piazza della Signoria, I realized I hadn’t looked at my phone once inside. That says something.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Palazzo Vecchio's history and art

• Arrive at Piazza della Signoria
• Enter Palazzo Vecchio
• Visit Duke Cosimo I's residence
• Explore Eleonora’s apartment
• See Salone dei Cinquecento
• Discover Medici family secrets
• Learn about Renaissance masterpieces

Top questions

How long does the Palazzo Vecchio guided tour last?

The guided experience lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is entrance to Palazzo Vecchio included in the tour?

Yes, your entrance ticket to Palazzo Vecchio is included.

Will we see the Salone dei Cinquecento during the tour?

You may be able to overlook the Hall from above; full access depends on official events.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are strollers or prams allowed inside Palazzo Vecchio?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the visit.

Can service animals join this guided experience?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Does this day trip start from central Florence?

The tour takes place at Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, central Florence.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets for Palazzo Vecchio plus a guided walk led by a licensed local expert; families with strollers or guests using wheelchairs will find access smooth throughout. You’ll move room to room hearing Medici tales without worrying about logistics — just show up ready to listen and look around.