Florence, the City of the Renaissance, rivals Rome in popularity as a top Italian destination. With its rich history and vibrant culture, a weekend hardly scratches the surface of all the things to do in Florence. Uncover the city’s wonders by diving into city tours, from biking excursions to culinary adventures.
In the table below, you’ll find our personal favorite tours in Florence for first-time visitors. More details on each tour can be found in the text below, where we explain why we’ve chosen these top 3 tours. One offers an immersive exploration of Florence’s rich history, another grants access to the city’s cathedral with optional panoramic views and the last one provides skip-the-line access to iconic art galleries.
| List | Activity | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renaissance and Medieval Visit, Accademia, Uffizi & Lunch | From €99 |
| 6 hours |
| 2 | Cathedral Tickets + Optional Dome & Bell Tower Climb | From €15 |
| 1 hour |
| 3 | Palazzo Vecchio: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour | From €41 |
| 1 hour |
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1 – Renaissance and Medieval Visit, Accademia, Uffizi & Lunch
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (1030 reviews)
“It was a great tour. We got to see some amazing pieces of art and our guide was extremely knowledgeable on both the art and area history. We would highly recommend!” todd, Viator
Discover Florence’s Renaissance riches and medieval allure with CAF Tour and Travel’s iconic city tour. Begin by admiring Michelangelo’s ‘David’ at the Galleria dell’Accademia, then stroll through history at Riccardi Medici Palace and Basilica di San Lorenzo. See some of the best tourist attractions in Florence, such as Fontana del Porcellino, The Fountain of Neptune and Ponte Vecchio. The grand finale awaits at the renowned Uffizi Gallery.
Summary of the tour:
- Entrance ticket, museum reservation fee and guaranteed entry time
- 3-course Tuscan Lunch in a typical Restaurant located in the old city
- Guided Visit of whole Florence city center
- Local professional guide
- English and Spanish
- The tour can be booked as a half or full-day expedition. Only full-day tours conclude with a visit to the Uffizi.
- Museum timed-entry tickets are included.
- Enjoy a traditional three-course Tuscan lunch at a local restaurant (drinks not included).
Our review
Not too long and not too short, the time flies by as you’re shown some of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and Italy’s most famous museum! This city tour perfectly serves Italian culture, from the artwork you see in person to the authentic lunch served in between.
2 – Duomo and Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (396 reviews)
“Our guide was very knowledgeable and very easy to understand. We really enjoyed the history and learning about the Duomo. We did the climb at sunset. Even on a cloudy day – well worth it!” deneen, get your guide
Discover Florence’s iconic Duomo with one of the best Florence Duomo tours by FlorencePass. Ascend Brunelleschi’s Dome, the city’s crowning glory, and enjoy a 45-minute guided walk through the Duomo Area.
Learn about the architecture and history of the iconic structure, as well as the other religious buildings surrounding the Duomo. Afterward, explore the rest of the Cathedral at your leisure.
Summary of the tour:
- 45-minute guided tour around Baptistery and Cathedral
- Entry to the Cathedral/Duomo, Baptistery, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Cathedral’s Crypt, Giotto’s Belltower
- Climb the superb Brunelleschi’s dome, to enjoy the splendid vision of Florence skyline, from its highest viewpoint in town
- Live tour guide
- English
- The guided tour part only includes the walk around the exterior of the Baptistery and the Cathedral
- You will climb the Duomo on your own, but this is inclusive of the tour price
- Your tour also includes tickets with skip-the-line entry to the Cathedral/Duomo, the Baptistery, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, the Cathedral's Crypt and Giotto's Bell Tower
- These areas are unaccompanied
- Headsets are available during the 45-minute guided walk
Our review
Enjoy panoramic views from Florence’s highest viewpoint! Climb the Duomo at your own pace without the pressure of group timeframes. Your tour guide will then explain how to use your all-inclusive ticket, valid for all attractions on Piazza del Duomo.
3 – Palazzo Vecchio with Secret Passages: Skip The Line Ticket + Guided Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)
“We really liked the tour. It was nice to get to see places which are not open to all the public. And the guide was very nice.” mina, tourscanner
Discover Florence’s hidden secrets on CAF Tour and Travel’s underground adventure, tracing the footsteps of medieval power players. Explore the Vasari Corridor, connecting Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti, and uncover hidden passages used by the Medici family for secret gatherings.
Enter concealed parts of Palazzo Vecchio, descending closed-off staircases, and learning about its history and original owners while exploring unseen sections of the palace.
Summary of the tour:
- Skip-the-line ticket to Palazzo Vecchio
- Access to the Secret Passages
- Expert local guide will amaze you with anecdotes and curiosities about the Medici family and their most famous palace
- Guided tour
- English and Italian
- Your tour includes a skip-the-line ticket to Palazzo Vecchio
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour with a full refund
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the starting time
Our review
History buffs will find this expedition riveting, especially if they’ve already visited Florence’s typical museums and galleries. Walking through secret passages dating back over 500 years adds an air of excitement and surrealism to the experience.
4 – Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (3371 reviews)
“Well worth booking, we opted to have the tickets for several days and it allowed us to really get around the city outskirts and surrounding areas.” nick, get your guide
Opt for the hop-on hop-off bus Sightseeing Experience if you’re a traveler with a packed Bucket List. With two routes and options for 24, 48, or 72-hour passes, explore Florence at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to jump on and off the bus at any designated stop.
Line A hits the city center, stopping near landmarks like Santa Croce and Piazzale Michelangelo, while Line B ventures to Florence and Fiesole.
- Without hopping off the bus, Line A is a one-hour ride, Line B is a two-hour journey
- There is free wifi onboard
- Download the free sightseeing mobile app beforehand for extra insights and information
Our review
The hop-on hop-off bus saves money and time, perfect for travelers without a car or scooter rental. Plus, in Florence, where parking is tricky, it’s a convenient option, especially for those with limited mobility. For the best views, snag seats on the top level of the double-decker and keep your camera ready.
5 – Highlights: Scavenger Hunt & City Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (147 reviews)
“This was a very fun way to spend the day with my family in Florence. The app is easy to use and the guidance was easy to follow. We loved the little riddles and loved the walk. I highly recommend this.” Amanda, get your guide
Experience Florence like never before with World City Trail’s scavenger game. Powered by a mobile app, solve clues one by one, guiding you to monuments and landmarks throughout the city center.
Learn fascinating facts and history as you explore iconic sites such as the Basilica of Saint Mark, Piazza della Signoria, and Santa Croce.
- Self-guided
- English
- You cover 5.1 kilometers walking distance (wear comfortable shoes)
- Download the World City Trail app from the App or Google Play store before
- You will require internet access to play the game/power your app
- Ensure you mobile is charged
- The activity takes place outdoors
- There is no time limit
Our review
It’s time to put on your thinking caps for this immersive tour! Vacationing with little ones? The scavenger game adds real excitement, and if you’re on holiday with a large group, a gripping way to play is to split up and race the clock, seeing who can finish the game the fastest!
6 – Golf Cart City Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)
“Joseph provided me with a great personal tour of Florence. He had great info, charm and expert driving ability through the busy Florence streets. He even stopped and treated me to an expresso. Great value and enjoyable experience!” sue, Viator
Let Florencyatour take you on a hassle-free exploration of Florence’s enchanting streets. With a private chauffeur guide leading the way in a golf cart, relax and soak in the sights, including Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, the Corridoio Vasariano, the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, and the Gallerie Degli Uffizi.
Navigate through narrow roads and bustling tourist areas with ease, ensuring a fast-paced journey packed with plenty of sightseeing.
- Live and audio tour guide
- English, German, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, French, Spanish
- There is free Wifi onboard
- Service animals are allowed
- There is live and audio commentary provided
- In cooler weather, bring warm clothing as the golf cart is open
Our review
In just one hour, explore Florence extensively with a knowledgeable guide leading the way in a golf cart. This up-close and personal experience offers a unique perspective compared to traditional car or bus tours, making it ideal for those with limited mobility or injuries.
7 – Florence Highlights by E-Scooter
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (399 reviews)
“It was brilliant fun and great way of getting around Florence quickly and seeing lots more. The guide was fantastic and so informative.” jane,Viator
For a quick exploration of Florence, hop on an electric scooter with Fat Tire Tours. Covering more ground than walking, you’ll see the city’s highlights in no time. With a knowledgeable guide, discover the history behind each landmark and monument, along with fascinating local anecdotes.
Don’t worry if you’re new to e-scooters—mandatory safety instructions are provided before the ride.
- Local professional guide
- Extra headphones are available
- English
- This excursion is limited to small groups; there is the option to upgrade to make it a completely private tour.
- Choose between a morning or afternoon session.
- All gear, from the Segway Maxi Power 8 Electric Scooter to your helmets, is provided.
- Headphones are provided for the tour so you can hear your guide properly.
- Riders need to be 14 years and older to ride the E-Scooter, and teens between 14 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the tour.
Our review
We value the small group sizes of this tour, ensuring a personalized experience. If it’s your first time on an e-scooter and you’re feeling hesitant, consider opting for quieter seasons. In high season (June to August), Florence’s streets are crowded, making scooter navigation daunting for newcomers.
8 – E-Bike Tour with Michelangelo Square
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (765 reviews)
“Penelope was so much fun. She gave some good information and also pointed out some fun places (cafes and bars and gelato) for us to try later.Going around on e-bikes definitely added another dimension to the beauty of Florence. The sunset time was perfect. Highly recommend.” audra, get your guide
Embark on My Green Tour’s E-Bike adventure to discover hidden gems and breathtaking views in Florence. Starting in the historical center, choose from morning, mid-morning, afternoon, or late afternoon tours. Learn about the Medici family’s intriguing history as you explore the Medici Palace, admire Renaissance architecture, and delve into each building’s historical significance. The journey culminates with a pedal up to Michelangelo Square, offering picturesque views along a road lined with cypress trees—a postcard-perfect moment to treasure.
- Live tour guide
- English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, German, Armenian, French
- For visitors on a day trip or travelers planning a sightseeing excursion before heading to the next town and you have already checked out, the tour includes a free luggage deposit.
- If it’s raining on the day, the bike tour converts to a walking tour
- The minimum height requirement to ride the E-Bike is 1.2 meters
- This tour is not suitable for pregnant women
Our review
Multiple time slots make scheduling this excursion easy. An electric bike offers a comfortable ride, covering more ground with ease, including hills. Opt for a guided experience for seamless navigation through bustling streets with a knowledgeable guide.
9 – Family Friendly Private City Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (41 reviews)
“Martina did a fantastic job engaging my kids on the tour. The highlight of the tour was the paper demo. My kids and I had a great time.” morgan, Viator
Withlocals offers a family-friendly city adventure in Florence, perfect for all ages. Dive into local history while enjoying fun games and puzzles, including a treasure hunt and medieval trivia. Indulge in delicious gelato along the way, with surprises awaiting at every turn. It’s one of the best private tours in Florence for everyone to enjoy!
- Private guide
- English, Italian, Spanish
- This is a private tour, so your group is the only one involved
- Children under ten years old join for free
- A snack stop is included in the overall costs
Our review
Your guide ensures everyone, regardless of age, feels welcome and content throughout the tour. Their genuine passion for their job shines through, making the experience even more enjoyable. Expect personalized recommendations that go above and beyond, adding extra value to your journey.
10 – City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 2.9/5 (41 reviews)
“I totally recommend this experience if this is your first visit to Florence and you want to make the most out of a short visit. Ivan, our guide, is so knowledgeable and experienced that we were able to learn a lot, laugh, have fun and get to love this gorgeous city in a short amount of time. Really great experience!” rosanna, get your guide
Discover Florence’s mesmerizing squares and iconic monuments with Ciaoflorence Tours & Travel’s city highlights expedition. This walking tour offers a captivating glimpse of Firenze’s magic in just over an hour. Begin in the enchanting Piazza della Repubblica and follow a knowledgeable guide to iconic landmarks such as the ‘Perseus with the Head of Medusa’ statue by Cellini and the ‘Rape of the Sabine Women’ statue by Giambologna.
- Live local tour guide
- English and Spanish
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- As a walking tour, the experience is not suitable for toddlers, those who tire easily and travelers with impaired mobility.
Our review
Planning a walking route to Florence’s famous plazas, statues, and streets can be time-consuming and confusing. But with this guided walking tour, navigate the city’s labyrinthine streets effortlessly. Children will particularly enjoy the first stop at Repubblica Square, featuring a vintage carousel, and you’ll also pass by the famous leather market.
11 – Gondola Boat Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (103 reviews)
“The ride was breathtakingly beautiful! Our guide was very friendly, personable, and very knowledged. Loved the experience!” laura, get your guide
In Florence, you can enjoy a gondola boat tour along the picturesque Arno River, offering a unique perspective of the city. Florencetown promises a fresh experience if you’ve already explored on land. Glide along in a vintage barchetto, passing elegant buildings along the riverbanks. Morning sessions conclude with a delightful Italian pastry and coffee, while sunset cruises offer an aperitivo and a glass of wine.
- Live licensed art and history guide
- English
- Closed shoes are recommended as it can get tricky boarding the gondola in flip-flops or sandals.
- The ride along the river lasts approximately 50 minutes
- The boat departs from the embarcadero docks
Our review
Enjoy the dreamy experience of sailing with your barcaiolo (a Florentine boatman), watching the world go by. Sailing beneath the city’s bridges offers a unique perspective compared to crossing them on foot. Opt for the sunset option for an extra romantic moment, available in addition to morning cruises.
12 – Guided City Tour by Rickshaw
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (37 reviews)
“Stefano is so pleasant, friendly and knowledgeable. Go on this tour- you will not be disappointed. Fantastic way to see the city especially if you have been busy walking all over and need a break. Stefano is the best and you can only be happy in his presence! Highly recommend!” jeniffer, get your guide
For a comfortable and unique tour focusing on Florence’s history, try Velotourflorence’s rickshaw ride. The compact three-wheeler allows your guide to navigate tiny roads and hard-to-reach spaces without any walking required, ideal after a day of exploration. Admire landmarks like the Brunelleschi Dome, Gondi Palace, and Borgo dei Greci. Since it’s a private tour, feel free to ask your guide to stop at any shops that catch your eye.
- Live tour guide
- English, Italian, Spanish
- Audio guide included: English, Dutch, Danish, French, German, Hebrew, Polish, Portuguese, Russian
- This tour is limited to two pax
- Meet at the designated departure point or choose your own preferred meeting point
- You can stop to explore churches and other buildings, but the tour doesn’t include entrance tickets
Our review
Discover the historical center comfortably with a rickshaw ride. Your driver can guide you, or customize your route by informing them of specific landmarks you’d like to see. With a focus on privacy and personalization, this tour accommodates only two guests, offering more freedom than larger tours. Plus, the covered rickshaw ensures the tour happens rain or shine.
13 – Segway Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (60 reviews)
“Had a fabulous time. Only had the afternoon in Florence and found it a great way to see all the major sites in a short space of time and the Segway was heaps of fun. Vera the tour guide was so lovely and was able to give us so much interesting information regarding the history of Florence.” catherine, get your guide
Explore Florence’s hidden alleys and popular areas effortlessly with Segways—so much fun! My Green Tour Sr. allows you to visit two of the city’s most popular parts in under two hours, saving time compared to walking. After a safety briefing, you’re off on your adventure! Ascend to the top of Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city.
- Live tour guide
- English, Italian, Spanish
- In case of bad weather the Segway tour will be canceled as it’s unsafe to drive in the rain
- It includes all equipment and gear, from Segway to safety helmet
- A free luggage deposit is available for day-trippers
- You need to be at least 1.2 meters to drive the Segway
Our review
Segways are a super convenient mode of transport, where one can easily break and hop off their individual ride without causing a fuss for other passengers. Forget about having to figure out the city’s endless one-way roads and how to avoid traffic fines — Florence has a rather tricky no-parking system (trust us on this one).
14 – Mysteries & Legends Free Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (3171 reviews)
“The tour is focused in the mistery side of Florence and allowed us to get a new perspective of the city which is not that easy to find on the internet. We loved it and Angela was a fantastic guide, we highly recommend it.” pedro, civitatis
Discover Florence’s hidden secrets on a mysteries and legends tour, exploring its dark past of murders and medieval antics. Led by an expert in the city’s history, delve into centuries-old immorality and bizarre events.
Learn about the Age of the Renaissance and even encounter tales of the notorious Florence Monster from the 1960s. Wander through small lanes and areas where these events unfolded, gaining a deeper understanding of Florence’s enigmatic history.
- This is a free walking tour, however, gratuities for your tour guide are surely appreciated
- Suiting its theme, it’s an evening tour, running from 7 PM to 8.30 PM
- The entire expedition is outdoors
Our review
Choose the extraordinary over the mundane! Free walking tours offer passionate guides who are exceptional storytellers and genuinely love their city. Your local cicerone is a wealth of knowledge, so don’t hesitate to ask about Florence’s intriguing curiosities!
15 – Food Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (346 reviews)
“Our family had a wonderful time on the food tour. Every spot was tastefully chosen and we would’ve never found such great food simply wandering around on our own. On top of that our guide, Veronica, was an excellent and lovely person who made us feel right at home in Florence! 10/10” andre, Viator
Explore Tuscany’s renowned cuisine with a food-centric tour operated by Fat Tire Tours Holdings LLC – Italy. Visit local markets, a Florentine delicatessen, and a winery, with tastings at each stop. Learn about coffee roasting and enjoy espresso at cafes, while sampling Tuscan wines at a local enoteca. Indulge in cheeses, olive oils, balsamics, bread, fresh produce, and gelato, immersing yourself in authentic Tuscan flavors.
- Food and wine tastings are included
- The legal drinking age in Italy is 18 years old (participants under age will not be served wine)
Our review
Attention foodies! Explore Florence’s largest and most popular market on this tour. Chat with locals and learn about classic Italian dishes, though prying family secret recipes may take some persuasion! Perfect for food and cooking enthusiasts, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Italian ingredients.
16 – Inferno Guided Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
“the guide was very knowledgeable of the history about the area and how the different locations fit into the Inferno movie, and how they were a little ‘tweaked’ in the book. She also had good answers to questions that were raised. Made me appreciate the book and the movie even more.” sosa, Viator
Attention Dan Brown fans! Florence Tours by Made of Tuscany offers an Inferno-themed tour focusing on the fourth book of the Robert Langdon series. Join your guide on a treasure hunt, exploring the city symbols related to the Italian poet’s literary depiction of Hell. Follow in Professor Langdon’s footsteps, starting at the Fountain of Neptune, and visit squares and landmarks featured in the 2016 movie ‘Inferno’ starring Tom Hanks.
- Local professional guide
- English, German, Italian, French, Spanish
- Tour size is limited to eight pax
- Entrance ticket to Palazzo Vecchio is included
- Participants need to have an average fitness level as it’s a walking tour
- A hotel pickup is available for an extra cost
Our review
Save time and ensure you don’t miss a thing with a local guide leading the way to the symbols featured in the books and movie. Even if you’ve studied the novels extensively, you’re bound to learn something new on this guided tour.
17 – Oltrarno Street Art & Food Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (2 reviews)
“Splendid tour in the Oltrarno to discover the works of famous writers on the walls of Florence. Lucia was an exceptional guide showing us all the murals and paintings explaining the meaning and the artist’s message. Recommended walk through a characteristic neighborhood of Florence to end up eating an ice cream offered by Lucia in Ponte Vecchio at sunset. francesca,Viator
Discover Florence’s art and food culture with Exclusive Connection, diving deep into its vibrant neighborhoods. Explore street murals, hidden art, and classic Florentine bites in the Oltrarno neighborhood, where locals outnumber tourists. Sample street food at local delis and vendors while exploring the area’s pretty alleyways. Situated just south of the River Arno, the Oltrarno quarter includes famous landmarks such as Piazzale Michelangelo, Santo Spirito di Firenze, Palazzo Pitti, and Belvedere.
- Local guide
- English and Italian
- Tours are limited to eight pax
- The excursion will be canceled in bad weather
Our review
Explore the road less traveled with a tour centered around Oltrarno, offering a unique perspective of Florence. Discover the city’s creative side and enjoy its best street food bites, immersing yourself in local culture and cuisine.
18 – Women of Florence + Medici Chapel
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1 reviews)
“My wife and I took the Women of Florence tour today and really enjoyed it. Our tour guide Emanuela was very knowledgeable and funny. She shared a lot of information as we walked through the old town and made our way slowly to the Medici chapel. I you are a fan of Michelangelo you HAVE to visit it.” Niko, Viator
Discover the often overlooked impact of women in Florence’s history with LivTours’ Women of Florence Walking Tour. Journey through sites like Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Medici Chapels, hearing tales stretching back to medieval times. Learn about the pivotal role played by Florence’s female figures, spot sculptures inspired by women, and delve into fascinating history.
- Expert local guide
- English, German, Italian, French, Spanish
- Entry to the Medici Chapels is included
- This is a private tour and is limited to your group only
Our review
Witness the influential role of women in Florence’s history firsthand on this tour. Explore reliefs, art, sculptures, and architecture inspired by Florence’s women, shedding light on their often-overlooked contributions. Gain a new appreciation for their impact, which you may not have realized before this tour.
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