Florence walking tour & city guide

From the Duomo to the Arno

Every walk in Florence seems to lead to the Duomo, the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose great red dome by Filippo Brunelleschi was an engineering marvel of its time. Climb its 463 steps for views over the terracotta rooftops, or visit the baptistery opposite with its gilded bronze doors.

From there, Via dei Calzaiuoli leads to Piazza della Signoria, an open-air gallery of statues in front of the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio. Beside it, the Uffizi Gallery holds masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo and Michelangelo, and a short walk away the Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno lined with jewelers' shops, as it has for centuries.

The Oltrarno and the hills

Across the river, the Oltrarno district is home to artisans' workshops, the vast Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. The neighborhood around Santo Spirito has a more local feel, with a lively square and small restaurants.

For the classic postcard view of Florence, walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. A little farther uphill, the Romanesque church of San Miniato al Monte offers the same view with far fewer people.

Practical tips

Reserve tickets for the Uffizi and the Accademia, home of Michelangelo's David, well in advance. The center is a limited traffic zone, so walking is easier than driving. Summer is hot and crowded; spring and autumn are ideal, and winter offers quiet museums and lower prices.