Tour guides Italy > Florence

5 ideas for guided tours in Florence

• The Duomo: Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

  

  Why not begin with one of the most beautiful buildings in the world?
  A true blend of styles, its long construction was well worth the wait. Work on the Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, began in 1296 and was completed in 1436.

  Its grandeur is marked by a façade decorated with elegant marbles in white, pink, and green. To fully appreciate the history and secrets of this emblem, hiring a tour guide in Florence can enrich your visit and bring the past of this architectural marvel to life. Its soaring dome remains its defining feature, the largest in the world with a diameter of 45 meters.

  The cathedral opens its magnificent doors—Porta dei Canonici to the north and Porta del Mandorla to the south—free of charge, able to welcome up to 20,000 people. Each is adorned with finely carved reliefs like precious jewels. Climbing to the top of Giotto’s Campanile is well worth the effort. Its carefully sculpted statues embellish the tower, and the terrace crowns it all with a breathtaking view of the city.

• The Ponte Vecchio

  

  Do you enjoy unusual strolls?
  Head to the only bridge still standing since the Middle Ages, built in 1345. To reach it, you’ll first enjoy an unforgettable path through the secret passage of the Vasari Corridor, built in 1565.

  In its time, the Medici family used it to travel between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace. From there, you’ll wander through charming streets like Via Por Santa Maria and Via Calimala.

  Another lovely option awaits along Via Roma. This marvel, one of the most famous bridges in the world, invites you to discover Florentine craftsmanship in its small wooden shops. You’ll step into goldsmiths’ workshops, specialty gold boutiques, and artisan jewelers’ stores.

• Piazzale Michelangelo

  

  When speaking of Italian art, Michelangelo is one of the first names that comes to mind. Florence is the city that best pays tribute to his work, with landmarks scattered throughout its historic center. Among them, in the Oltrarno district, you’ll find the beautiful Piazzale Michelangelo, built in 1869 by the renowned architect Giuseppe Poggi.

  Perched on a hill, it can be reached on foot via the San Niccolò stairs. From here, you’ll enjoy the most stunning view of the city, especially at sunset. On the way, don’t miss the romantic Giardino delle Rose on Via di San Salvatore al Monte. Its fragrance comes from 350 species of roses and a hundred varieties of plants gathered from around the world.

• Palazzo Pitti

  

  On the left bank of the Arno, the Pitti Palace stands with its massive, weathered stone façade, almost austere, before revealing rooms filled with paintings and lavish décor. You can feel the weight of the families who lived here—Medici, Lorraine—each leaving their mark.

  Behind the palace, the Boboli Gardens stretch out in terraces, straight alleys, and statues worn by the rain. Climbing up to the belvedere offers a breath of fresh air, a contrast to the opulence inside the galleries.

  Just a short walk away, the Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno with its hanging shops, glowing golden in the evening light. Farther on, the Uffizi Gallery draws visitors into rooms lined with paintings, another side of the same artistic legacy.

• Mercato Centrale

  

  Famous markets are often highlighted as showcases of culinary art, bringing together a wealth of traditional ingredients. In San Lorenzo stands the central market, built in 1874 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who drew inspiration from the Halles of Paris.

  This market welcomes visitors every day, with stalls offering an endless variety of foods. The ground floor is dedicated to fruits, vegetables, and meats, while the first floor focuses on local dishes as well as flavors from abroad. You’ll be invited to taste them all on a journey of rich and diverse flavors.

  Not far from here, another open-air market brims with items for travelers. Before heading home, you can browse souvenirs, clothing, and leather goods to share a piece of your trip with loved ones.