Florence: Walking Tour of Art, Duomo & Piazza Signoria

Summary

Florence’s legends come alive on foot from Duomo to Santa Croce

You’ll wander Florence’s winding streets with a local guide who brings Renaissance legends and hidden details to life. From touching centuries-old stone at the Duomo to hearing stories in Piazza della Signoria and ending at Santa Croce, you’ll feel both lost and found in this city’s art-soaked heart.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to care so much about a church door, but there we were—our guide, Giulia, tracing the grooves on the Baptistery’s bronze panels with her finger while I tried not to stare too hard at the pigeons fighting over crumbs nearby. The morning light made everything look softer than I remembered from postcards. Someone was playing accordion off in the distance—totally out of tune, but it fit somehow. We started at Santa Maria Novella and wandered through streets that felt both grand and lived-in, like you could almost hear old secrets echoing off the stones.

Giulia had this habit of pausing mid-sentence when she got excited about a story—like when we reached Piazza della Repubblica and she pointed out where Roman Florence used to stand. “Imagine chariots here,” she said, waving her hands around. I tried, but mostly I just noticed how the air smelled faintly of coffee from some tiny bar nearby. We zigzagged past Palazzo Strozzi and into little alleys where laundry hung above us—honestly, I nearly walked into a Vespa. Happens.

The real surprise was how much art just sits out in public here. At Orsanmichele, Giulia explained why Donatello’s statues looked so different up close (I nodded like I understood). In Piazza della Signoria, there was a group of school kids sitting under Cellini’s Perseus—one of them kept trying to sketch Cosimo de’ Medici’s statue and getting frustrated. It made me smile because I get it; Florence can be overwhelming in the best way. By the time we reached Santa Croce, my feet were tired but my head felt full—in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Florence's historic landmarks

• Learn history of Santa Maria Novella
• Visit Piazza Antinori and shopping streets
• Discover Roman Florence at Piazza della Repubblica
• See Florence Duomo and its features
• View statues by Renaissance masters
• Explore Piazza della Signoria highlights
• Learn about Santa Croce Basilica and Dante

Top questions

Is this Florence walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this walking tour are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include entry tickets to attractions?

No entry fees are included; the focus is on exploring sites from outside with your guide.

Where does the Florence walking tour start?

The tour typically begins near Basilica di Santa Maria Novella in central Florence.

How long is the walk between main sites like Duomo & Santa Croce?

The distances are moderate; most sites are within 10-15 minutes’ walk of each other.

Is there hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; guests meet their licensed guide at a central location.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this tour?

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

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome throughout the route.

Is public transport available near meeting points?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to starting locations in Florence.

What’s included

Your day includes a licensed local guide leading you through Florence’s historic center—from Santa Maria Novella to Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce—with routes that are fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels. No entry fees or hotel pickup; just bring your curiosity (and maybe comfy shoes).