Florence Self Guided Walking Tour, 16 things to do in Florence
Most Visited Must See Attractions in Florence
Besides Rome and Venice, Florence is the third most visited city in Italy. Florence is a walkable city so bring some good walking shoes. The Florence Italy map below will guide you on a walking tour of the many Florence attractions. Everything is within the small compact historic centre. Unless you accidentally book accommodations outside the city centre, you most likely won’t need to use the bus. Everything is within reach by walking. In the event that you need a bus, Florence’s public transportation system is easy to use. I would highly advise not bringing a rental car within the city centre which is very difficult to navigate and park
So what is there to do in Florence? Florence has many attractions (some are listed on the Florence Italy map below to be sued as part of your self guided walking tour) including: many art museums; but not just art museums; there is the weird museum, the perfume museum and the wax medical model museum. Florence has fantastic food, incredible gelato including local favourites called Vivoli or Festival del Gelato or La Carraria
Florence is known for its culture and architecture, welcoming about 13 million tourists a year. In Florence, you can walk along the river and visit the Florence Cathedral – Duomo as well as other Florence attractions with this easy Florence Italy Map and Attractions Guide
A little history about the Medici
The Medici family and the city of Florence seem are tied together historically. The Medici came from northern Italy and settled in Florence during the 13th century. Initially in textiles trade they eventually founded the Medici Bank rising to become one of the most influential European families for 300 years connecting to other elite European families through partnerships and marriages. They dominated the Florentine political landscape and were generous patrons of art and the humanities. Their mark on the city is seen at many of the attractions.
Download INTERACTIVE Florence Italy Map for self guided walking tour HERE
Download a PDF of the Florence Italy Map HERE
Florence Italy Map – Gates of Florence
The gates are on the Florence Italy Map and identified by an orange map pin in the shape of a gate. As you walk around Florence as part of the self guided tour, you may run across these gates or you can take slight detours from the Florence Italy map to visit a nearby gate. Additional information on each gate is HERE
Florence was a fortified city with a defensive wall system dating back to 15BC. The wall fortification and refortification continued until 1333AD with the last know restoration taking place in the 16th century. Fortification involved several stages that encircled the city
First Fortification
With a population of 10,000 the first wall was completed in the 2nd century. You can see the center point of the wall at Piazza della Repubblica. Orange map pin on the walking tour map above
Second Fortification
After the fall of Rome, there were only about 1,000 people living in Florence and a wall protecting a smaller population was built in 550AD. It was called the Byzantine circle. The Tower still exists today and you may run across it on the self guided tour below. It is called Torre della Pagliazza (Tower of Pagliazza). The Brunelleschi Hotel’s entrance is part of the old wall system; see the orange map pin on the walking tour map above
Third Fortification
Florence saw an influx of inhabitants and the Eastern and Western walls were restored. Additionally a third wall was added extending to the Arno River, running parallel to the river on Via Lambertesca in the 10th century
Fourth Fortification
The population continued to grow reaching 20,000. The walls were refortified and successfully withstood the invasion of Emperor Henry IV
Fifth Fortification
From 1172 to 1175 additional walls were built encompassing the Church of San Larenzo and the district of Oltarno. The district was on the south side of the Arno river and was the location of church Santo Spirito di Firenze, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli gardens and Fort Belvedere
Sixth Fortification
The sixth fortification started in 1284 but never really gained momentum
Fortified City Walls – Present Day
Very little of the wall system remains as it was demolished to make room for a road system in the 19th century. You will find as you walk around Florence, part of the wall system and several gates are still standing.
Start of Self Guided Walking Tour, Florence Italy Map
Top 16 things to see and do in Florence:
1. Academia Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia
The Grand Duke of Lorena named Pietro Leopoldo decided to put all the art schools in Florence in one location and calling it the fine arts academy. It also included exhibition rooms to showcase the work of the students. Today this is the academia galleria and the second most popular museum in Florence. It has several rooms that display art works. Click on the Map Pin of the Florence Italy map for video of the Galleria dell’Accademia
Hall of Colossus
This has huge sculptures on display including Michelangelos “David and the prisoners”, Giambologna’s “Rape of the Sabine” and Botticelli‘s “Madonna and the Child” and “Madonna of the Sea”. There are a number of large panel paintings hanging on the floor walls and elaborate brocade garments from Nobel family of the 1450s
Musical Instrument Museum
A great little gallery that displays a variety musical instruments and their history. Many instruments are found in orchestras including pianos, violin, wind instruments. and harpsichords
Other exhibition halls include the Hall of the Prisoners and the Tribune, Florentine 13th Century Gothic Paintings and late 14th century art that is located on the upper floor
2. San Lorenzo and the Mercato Centrale
Florence has a variety of outdoor markets. One of the best known is the San Lorenzo and Mercato Centre. Just behind the basilica of San Lorenzo, it is one of Florence’s great outdoor markets. Here you can pick up fresh fruit, cheese, leather, household goods, pottery, even if you don’t want to buy anything it’s just a great place to walk around and feel the energy. You will also find the Mercato Central, an immense marketplace of fresh food, meats, vegetables, fruit, spices, fish, pickled and cured foods. There is a huge food court where it is difficult to pick from the wide range of delicious offerings. Stop by for lunch or take out, you will also find stalls with multitude of spices well packaged and ready to take home
3. Florence Cathedral – Basilica di San Lorenzo
Located in the San Larenzo neighbourhood which was the original home of the Medici family. Central to the area is the huge Mercato Centrale market. The church itself also claims to be one of the oldest churches in Florence and it was consecrated in 393 by Saint Ambrose. It’s location at that time was outside of the city walls. It was reconsecrated in 1059 and rebuilt entirely by the Medici family in 1418 and was the parish church of the Medici family. It was the main church in Florence for about 300 years before the seat was transferred to Santa Reparata which is the present day Duomo (Cattedrale de Santa del Fiore). The basilica was also the Parish church for the Medici family. It is divided into several sections: the cloister, the crypt, the Medici chapels, the church itself and the library
Cloister and Crypt
As you enter the church you will find yourself in the cloister which was constructed in 1457. It is called cannons cloister and has a two-story arched loggia (covered patio). Originally administrative offices, living spaces, and the kitchen would have looked out onto the cloister
Crypt
From the cloister there’s an entrance to an area referred to as a crypt or sometimes called the cellar. It is an underground chamber where you will find the tombs of Cosimo I of the Medici family and a Donatello, the famous Italian sculptor and close friend of Cosimo I. Many of the churches treasures are also found in the crypt
Laurentian Library
The focal point is the staircase design by Michelangelo. The library holds a large selection of antique books. It’s not always open but when there’s an exhibition, it is open to the public. The long rectangular room has two isles with desks and benches where people can sit and study. The benches have a dual purpose as they also store 3000 manuscripts. If you are able to visit this library, you should do so as it is breathtaking
The Church
The front façade of the church was never completed however the renaissance interior is magnificent with white walls and rounded columnar arches. A marble stone slab in front of the main altar which marks the tomb of Cosimo the elder who was buried directly underneath. From the main altar on the left-hand side is the entrance to the old sacristy
Medici Chapels
The Medici chapels are found in the apse of the church accessed from an entrance at the back of the church. Approximately 50 members of the Medici family are buried here. Explore the Old Sacristy, the New Sacristy and the elaborate octagonal Chapel of the Princes
4. Piazza del Duomo, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Map of Duomo, click HERE
- Visiting hours and tickets, click HERE
- You will be asked to reserve a time slot when purchasing the ticket
Florence Cathedral – Duomo, Cattedrale de Santa del Fiore
The fourth largest cathedral in the world after Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St Pauls in London and the Duomo in Milan The Cathedral was built in the 7th century on the site of the original church, the church of Santa Reparata. The remains of this ancient church are in the crypt. You will also find an old Roman house and pavement in the crypt. The new cathedral was built in honour of Santa Maria Del Fiore in the 1296 century and the dome was added in the 15th century which means it took almost 200 years to build the church. It was consecrated in 1436 as soon as the dome was completed, however the exterior was not completed at that time. The exterior was considered a decoration and it was not finished until the 19th century
Inside the Florence Cathedral – Duomo
Climb the Florence Cathedral Dome (Cupola)
You can climb the tower which has 463 steps to the top. The dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. His large statue is in the piazza thoughtfully looking at his accomplishment. Brunelleschi was a local Florentine resident who was a trained goldsmith. He bid on the dome project making bold statements without plans to back them up. His stubborn hot tempered personality eventually won him the bid with the stipulation that his competitor would be his co- superintendent on the project.
The climb up isn’t for everybody. The way up and down the cathedral is very narrow as you are using the same corridors used by construction and maintenance staff. They were not built or meant for public use. Visiting the octagonal dome will get a close-up view of the “The Last Judgement” fresco lining the dome which took 11 years to paint. It has a 3,600 sq meter surface area. You will also see spectacular views of the city of Florence
Giottos Bell Tower, Giottos Campanile
No matter where we travel my husband and my adult children will climb anything that gives them a spectacular view of the area and Giotto’s Bell Tower, a Florentine symbol and will leave you with memorable insta-gramable moments.
It has 414 steps to the top of the tower that took 25 years to build. It was completed in 1334 after Giotto’s death who dedicated 3 years to work on the tower before his passing. The tower has 7 bells and 16 life size statues
Baptistery of St John
Baptistery of St John is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. It is from the 11th century. The baptistery is built on the ruins of the Temple of Mars, dating back to the 4th century. Originally built as a minor basilica in 897, it was consecrated as a Baptistery in 1128. It is the oldest religious site in Florence and until the 19th century, all Catholics were baptized here.
The Baptistery has three spectacular bronze cast doors:
– The northern doors show the story of the Life of Christ from the New Testament. Above the northern doors you’ll find three groups of statues showing Saint John the Baptist teaching
– The older doors are on the southside showing St. John’s life. The set of statues above the doors show the beheading of Saint John
– The eastern door is the most famous and leads to the Duomo referred to as the gates of paradise, showing scenes from the Old Testament. Above the eastern door you will also see statues from the baptism of Christ
The doors are copies and the originals are in the Opera del Duomo Museum
Florence Cathedral – Duomo Tickets
The OPA pass can be purchased to enter the Duomo. You will need to select a time slot to visit the Duomo when purchasing the ticket
5. Mercato del Porcellino (Mercato Nuovo)
Close to Piazza Della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio a loggia, there are merchants selling silk and jewelry. Built in 1547 AD, Mercato del Porcellino translated means market of the piglet and takes its name from the fountain of the Piglet, which is actually a wild boar. According to tradition if you want good luck you should touch or rub the nose of the statue. Notice how shiny it is from all the running hands. After that put a coin in the boars mouth and wait until the water makes it fall. Today it is called the new market or Mercato Nuovo and is a very busy high energy market that sells souvenirs
6. Piazza Della Signoria
One of Florence’s most important squares where concerts, fairs and demonstrations are held. It is a popular meeting spot for both locals and tourists. Central to the piazza is the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio also known as the “Old Palace”. Florence’s city hall was completed in 1302 with a huge clock tower and statues of both David and Hercules. The Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano) connects Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. The piazza was built on the site of a first century Roman theatre. You can visit the ruins of the theatre located beneath the piazza by purchasing a ticket from HERE. You can also purchase a ticket in person at the ticket office at the Palazzo Vecchio Museum. Check to see if tours are available in english
Loggia dei Lanzi
To the right of the Palazzo is the Loggia dei Priori built around 1376. It is a covered area with wide arches used as a shelter during outdoor ceremonies. Today it is called Loggia Dei Lanzi. It still provides shelter. You will notice that there are many tourists sitting in the covered area. The loggia is home to a number of restored statues including: the bronze “Perseus” from 1545, the “ Mannerist Rape of the Sabine” from 1583, the Medici Lions, the “Rape of Polyxena” and the statue of “Hercules and the Centaur”
Tribunals Della Mercanzia (Tribunal of Merchandise)
Built in 1349, it was used as a place for trials between lawyers and merchants when it functioned as a courthouse. Today it is the Gucci museum
Palazzo Uguccioni
It is located on the north entrance of Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Della Assicurazione Generali
The building was built as the local office of the General Insurance Company founded in 1831. It was constructed in1871 and today it still has the historical Café Rivoire on the main floor
Statues
On either side of the Palazzo you will find two statues in a prominent place. A copy of Michelangelo’s David is in the exact location it stood in 1504, and to the far left of the Palazzo and towards the centre of the Piazza is the statue of Cosimo I on horseback
Fountains
You will find Fountain of Neptune also known as the White Giant showcasing Florence’s domination of the seas. In front of the fountain is a round plaque marking the location where a Dominican friar was hanged and burned for heresy. The next day the exact spot was filled with flowers, palm trees and petals. Every year the Florentines mark the day, May 23, by bringing flowers to this spot and throwing leaves and petals in the Arno River
7. Palazzo Vecchio
Built in 1299, this was the place of government buildings and administrative offices for the city of Florence and the ruins of a theatre. In the 16th century Cosimo I of the Medici family decided to turn this building into his own private residence. It became known as Palazzo Ducale. Eventually the Medicis moved their residence to Palazzo Pitti across the Arno River and built the Corridor connecting Palazzo Ducale to Palazzo Pitti cutting into the Ufizzi gallery. The Palazzo Ducale was renamed Palazzo Vecchio and once again became government administrative offices
8. Piazza Santa Croce
A favorite place for both tourists and locals, the basilica that it is named after was originally a Franciscan church built on marshy land just outside the city. The 1210 church of the Franciscan order was replaced by the present day basilica which was built in 1295AD and consecrated in 1443AD.
9. Florence Cathedral – Basilica di Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Cross)
The basilica is the burial place of great masters and is therefore known as the Temple of Italian Glories, Tombs of the composer Rossini, the poet Foscolo and others such as Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo, are located here including a cenotaph dedicated to Dante. Michelangelo was originally buried in Rome, however he had wanted to be buried in his native Florence. His nephew, Leonardo, stole the body in Rome and brought it to Florence. Michelangelo was then buried in Florence with the permission of the Duke of Florence
The Basilica is not only the burial place of renowned Italians. It has 16 chapels from prominent Italian families, three cloisters, a crypt, a bell tower, and the main church. The basilica is full of art, history, architecture. You can easily spend hours admiring and viewing the multitude of sculptures, frescoes, and monuments.
Bell Tower
The bell tower was destroyed by lightning in 1512. It was not completely restored due to lack of funds until 1847. It is often to referred to as the Santa Croce stone because it stood unfinished for over 100 years
Crypt
The crypt was discovered after a flood in 1884 and it was transformed into a shrine in 1934. In between, it was used as a storage space and as a war Memorial
Chapels
Founded by Saint Francis chapter, it is the first Franciscan church in the world. The Chapels had frescoes, frieze and sculptures by Italian masters depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament. Wealthy Italian families acquired patronage of chapels allowing them to decorate and furnish them. They were also named in their honour. These included families like the Peruzzi, the Alberti, the Bardi, the Rinuccino, the Bonaparte, the Baroncelli, the Medici and the Pazzi. The Pazzi family were wiped out by the Medici for an attempted assassination by the Pazzi on the Medici. The Medici took revenge by killing the entire Pazzi family. The event is known as the Pazzi conspiracy
Cloisters
There are three cloisters, a covered walkway with arches and columns surrounding a rectangular open space. It’s a place for reflection, meditation or prayer
10. Uffizi Palace and Gallery (Florence’s administrative offices)
Here you will find works from the greatest Italian masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Giotto, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. It has over 22,000 works of art
The exhibition area is about 8000 m² with 45 rooms and an unbelievable amount of artwork from the middle ages to modern times including sculptures wall hangings and paintings that are seen by 1.5M tourists a year.
Vasari Corridor
It’s a U-shaped building with an elevated 1km passage called the Vasari Corridor built in 1565. It gave the Medici family passage from the historic center to the Pitti Palace, on the other side of the Arno River. Built for and used by the Medici family, it allowed them to enter the center without having to walk with the commoners and also allowed for a quick exit in the event of an uprising. A plain doorway depicts the entrance to the passage which is lined with great works of art. The corridor runs above the goldsmith shops on the old bridge
The lineup is very long to visit this museum, so I would suggest that you buy reservation tickets. Reservations tickets are exactly that. You have a reservation to purchase a ticket which means you have to stand in a much shorter line to purchase your ticket when you get there
Once you are done here, stroll down to the river and take a walk across the bridge
11. Florence Bridge – Pointe Vecchio (Old Bridge)
The oldest historic bridge, it is a beautiful iconic symbol of Florence consisting of three prominent arches spanning the narrowest portion of the Arno River. Referred to as the “old bridge”, it is documented in history as far back as 996 AD. The bridge spans the narrowest portion of the Arno River which flooded and destroyed the bridge in 1133 and 1333. Both times the bridge was reconstructed. Miraculously, it was not destroyed during the WWII. However the two entrances to the bridge were destroyed so it was not accessible at that time. Over the years that have been several reconstructions due to flooding of the bridge including an 1117 and 1333. It survived the floods of 1966. There have always been stores and shops spanning the bridge. Originally these were butcher shops and fish markets. However in 1565 after the Vasari Corridor was built atop the shops connecting Palazzo Vecchio, Florences town hall, to Palazzo Pitti and the Medici Palace, the Medici Grand Dukes prohibited butchers from selling on the bridge. After that decree, the old butcher shops were replaced with gold merchants by 1593
12. Palazzo Pitti
This was built by the wealthy Florentine banking family Luca Pitti in 1458. His goal was to build a palace that rivalled that of the Medici family. The Pitti Palace was located across from the Arno River and just a short distance from Florence historic city Centre. The area was considered a rural area at the time and was sparsely populated. In 1549 the Pitti descendants ran into some financial difficulties and they sold the palace to Cosimo Medici who needed a rural location where his ill wife could recover. He moved his family into the Palazzo Pitti and then created the Varasi corridor connecting historic Florence city Centre to his home, Palazzo Pitti. This allowed him quick passageway into the city administration offices without being seen on the streets
After moving in, Cosimo I expanded Plazzo Pitti by adding a courtyard, terrace, fountains, and the Boboli Gardens. After the fall of the Medici’s, the Palace became the House of Savoy, the Boubons, Napoleon and eventually King Vittorio Emanuele III. The King opened the palace to the public
13. Boboli Gardens
These 45,000 m² English style gardens that are located behind the Pitti palace. Under the Medici family the grounds of Palazzo Pitti were expanded becoming the largest green area in Florence. The gardens have fountains, a Pergola, a small lake, grottoes, marble statues, terraces and a wonderful view of the city. Tickets can be purchased separately for the gardens or in combination with Piazza Pitti
14. Forte di Belvedere
It was built on the highest hills of the Boboli Gardens in 1590. It took five years to build and overlooked the entire city of Florence. Designed not only to protect the government of Florence, it was also designed to protect the Medici family who lived in the Palazzo Pitti next door. Not surprising, the Fortress is connected by the Vasari Corridor to Palazzo Vecchio (Florence’s City Hall) and the Petti Palace (the Medici family Palace) with pathways through the Boboli gardens.
Interestingly, Galileo used the fort for astronomical observations and his conclusions based on these observations led to his imprisonment. An opulent palace, Palazzina di Belvedere is found at the center of the fortress.
15. Piazale Michelangelo
Central to the Piazale is Michelangelo’s most famous statue, David. It’s set on a monument base honoring Michelangelo. The base of the statue is surrounded by four smaller statues depicting day, night, sunset and sunrise. With a great view of the city it is very crowded with tourists taking pictures of the hills and the scenic surroundings. From here you have a clear view of prominent landmark such as Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo
Getting there is pretty easy. You can walk up to it from the city center. Take the historic walking route from Porta San Miniato and climb up via scale del monte alle croc and scalinata del monte alle croci. Or you can take bus 12 or 13 from the city center. Here is a map
16. Florence Italy Map – City Gates of Florence
The gates were about 35 meters tall and decorated with religious scenes and events. The gates are: Porta San Miniato, Porta San Frediano, Porta San Gallo, Porta alla Croce, Porta San Niccolò, Porta San Giorgio, and Porta al Prato. In front of each gate you will notice a statue of a famous Florentine citizen. The gates are in orange on the Florence Italy map above and clicking on the map pins will provide images and details for each gate
Gate: Piazza della Repubblica
The gate located at Piazza della Republica was once part of the ancient defense wall system of Florence. The center point of the wall is at Piazza della Repubblica
Gate: Torre della pagliazza
After the fall of Rome, there were only about 1,000 people living in Florence and a wall protecting a smaller population was built in 550AD, it was called the Byzantine circle. The Tower still exists today and you may run across it on the self guided tour below. It is called Torre della Pagliazza (Tower of Pagliazza). The Brunelleschi Hotel’s entrance and reception are part of the old wall system
Gate: Porta alla Croce – Piazza Beccaria
Another gate in the Florence wall defense system; The gate was part of the fourth fortification of walls in the 13th century. Construction began in 1284 and it was named after a cross that was at this location in ancient Florence. The cross is located where the first martyr of Florence was beheaded. This gate, like other gates, was lowered in the sixteenth century so that it was not vulnerable to gunfire. There is a plaque to the south side of the gate that commemorates the fallen in WW1
Gate: Torre della Zecca
The Mint Tower; it closes off the city from the Arno River and was once connected to a number of buildings that were powered by the Arno River. There are underground passages that are said to pass under the River. They are now flooded. Today it stands in an isolated spot. The tower was once connected to the Florence’s Mint factory. There are plans to open a museum here in the future.
Gate: Porta San Niccolò-San Niccolò Tower
Part of the defensive wall system and built in 1324AD, it is located in Piazza Giuseppe Poggi in Oltrarno. The gate was the doorway from the south and stands majestically at its original height, not being lowered in the 16th century like the other gates. If you have the opportunity to climb it, there are 160 steps to the top which has a spectacular view of the city
Gate: Porta San Miniato
At the site of the Chiesa di San Miniato al Monte, it was built in 1320 where the road from this gate led to the hills of San Minato.
Stairs on the inner side lead to a gallery while the outer sides of the door has a two symbols representing the City of Florence (the Lily and the Cross)
Gate: Porta San Giorgio
It is a small doorway into the city, named after the Church of San Giorgio which was close to the gate. The gate was built in 1324AD. Parts of the Belevedere fort are adjacent to the gate. Note the two reliefs on the gate including St George Slaying the Dragon and Madonna and Child with St Leonardo and St George located on the city side of the gate.
Gate: Porta Romana, Florence
Constructed in 1326, it was the southmost entrance to the city and was also known as Porta San Pier Gattolino as it was on the site of church of San Pier Gattolino that had stood there since at least 1068. The larger gate entrance was for horse drawn carriages while the smaller one was limited to pedestrian traffic. The wooden doors on the gate are originals, where on most gates they are copies of the original door
Gate: Porta di San Frediano
The 13th century western gate to the city was built around 113AD and part of the last fortification of the city. The road from this gate leads to the city of Pisa and the gate was lowered in the 16th century. The gate is named after the church that is located close by, the Church of San Frediano. The doors and the bolts are original. Note the iron rings on the outer walls that were used to tie horses.
Gate: Torrino di Santa Rosa
This marks the defense wall system end point. Also known as the Tower of Garbage as garbage and animal carcass were abandoned here just outside the city wall
Gate: Porta A Prato
The gate is surrounded by the city traffic and was built in 1285. It is perhaps the oldest of all the gates. The gate area was once an unpaved cattle market located on a field (Il Prato = The Field), hence its name Porta a Prato
Gate: Porta San Gallo
The gate construction started in 1285. It faces the huge Arch of Triumph and is located in the south end of Piazza della Liberta (Freedom Square).
Other Attractions in Italy
- Visit the Roman Colosseum. Click on the Roman Colosseum attractions map HERE and accompanying Colosseum attractions guide HERE
- Take the Rome attractions map and self guided tour: It includes the Vatican City attractions map HERE and the Vatican attractions guide HERE
- Self Guided Walking tour to explore the neighborhood of Trastevere with map of attractions HERE and guide of attractions HERE
- Visit St Peters Basilica. Explore all the attractions in St Peter’s Basilica with the attractions guide HERE
- One of my favorite places is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The map of attractions is HERE and the self guided walking tour is HERE
- Self Guided Walking Tours – Day Trips from Rome
