{"id":21571,"date":"2022-03-22T16:11:20","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T16:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=21571"},"modified":"2025-09-26T16:03:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T16:03:15","slug":"self-guided-walking-tour-florence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/self-guided-walking-tour-florence\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you thinking of doing a self-guided tour of Florence? Where should you even begin? The great thing about Florence is that you can see a lot just by taking a walk through the city center. Without even hopping on a bus or grabbing a taxi, you can experience a beautiful open-air museum, with treasures like the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, the awe-inspiring Accademia Gallery, and the magnificent Florence Cathedral all within walking distance. Along your stroll, you’ll encounter masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David and have the chance to savor authentic Tuscan cuisine, making every step a feast for the senses.

\"Pedestrian<\/p>

Walking tour in Florence<\/h2>

Discover the beauty of Florentine architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and even peek at some masterpieces by the great artists of the time. This self guided walking tour of Florence will take you to explore so much of what the city has to offer, plus grab some delicious local food along the way.<\/p>

Start at Santa Maria Novella<\/h3>

If you visit Florence for just a quick day trip, you will probably arrive by train and start your day at the Santa Maria Novella station. If you already feel a little peckish for a quick Italian caffé e cornetto,<\/em> step right outside to the Mo Si Caffetteria on Via Masaccio. But save some space—we will soon walk you past some more delicious pastry shops!<\/p>

Immediately, you can dive into Florence’s history at the Santa Maria Novella complex<\/a>. You will admire a beautiful church from the outside, but the historic structure also houses gardens, courtyards, ancient living quarters, and a traditional perfume shop.<\/p>

If you find yourself short on time, you can just take a peek into the church for free; otherwise, you will definitely want to buy a ticket to explore the whole complex.<\/p>

\"Façade<\/p>

Stop at the Market<\/h3>

From here, you can circle back to Florence’s main market, Mercato Centrale<\/a> and the San Lorenzo Market. Here, you will get a taste of Florence’s local life by exploring the indoor food stands, and you can get your leather shopping done with a browse through the famous outdoor leather market.<\/p>

And if all that shopping makes you hungry, you will find Casa del Vino—a local classic—right there for you. Grab a delicious panino<\/em> and a glass of quality wine to keep your energy up for more exploring.<\/p>

\"Overhead<\/p>

Head into Central Florence<\/h3>

Circle around the Basilica of San Lorenzo to make your way to the main attraction: the famous Duomo and Brunelleschi’s incredible dome.<\/p>

After a quick turn down Borgo San Lorenzo, your jaw will certainly drop at the large open piazza which houses the Duomo and its baptistry.<\/p>

Again, if you can spare the time, you should visit the church, baptistry, and bell tower. The art inside will leave you speechless, and the view from the top of the bell tower will give you a whole new perspective of Brunelleschi’s dome.<\/p>

If you feel extra captivated by the work on the Duomo, you can even visit the Duomo Museum<\/a> located just behind it. Here you will see more of the original works that the church once housed, as well as historic plans used in the building’s construction.<\/p>