FLORENCE FREE WALKING TOURS
Take a Florence free walking tour to set your sights on my favourite city in Italy.
Florence - as good as it gets. An Italian timeless masterpiece, culinary delight, architecturally and culturally sublime.
Here we list our fave Florence tours. Free walking tour options with a few paid tours for you to consider as well.
We only list tours we'd personally use. If you click links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Florence tours not operated by Buddy Free Walking Tours.
Free Walking Tour of Florence
Florence is my favourite spot in Italy (and I absolutely love Italy)!
And what better way to explore it on arrival, other than a Florence free walking tour to get your initial bearings.
Starting from Piazza dell'Unità Italiana (close to Basilica of Santa Maria Novella), this 2 and a half hour tour journeys past the Medici Chapels, San Lorenzo Basilica and Market, Piazza della Repubblica, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazza Santa Croce among others, to give you an awesome introduction to the beautiful Tuscan capital.
The Florence tour is popular so book early to reserve your spot! It is free to book and you can cancel any time.
As this Florence free walking tour is not run by Buddy Free Walking Tours, please ensure you read all the official information (including safety info) on the tour page.
Other Florence Tours (not free)
"Florence is the Tuscan dream destination"
Rafael Domingo P., on Florence, 2023. Attended a walking tour.
Florence Free Walking Tours - a gateway to the Italian masterpiece
About Florence
From the Tuscan landscape surrounding Florence to the enchanting art pieces, from Michelangelo's David to the Uffizi Gallery sights, there is just so much special about Florence.
Take in the amazing art and architecture masterpieces on display. Being comparatively small, it is easy to walk around Florence and its landmarks with some ease.
If you are a foodie - spend enough time in Florence to try some of the best pasta and local Tuscan dishes.
If you need suggestions on where to go, send us a message. One of my favourite restaurants in the world is in Florence.
Your Florence free walking tour will probably take you to these popular historic sights:
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Duomo di Firenze
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Ponte Vecchio, the symbol of Florence - incredible
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Uffizi Gallery
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Michelangelo's David at Galleria dell'Accademia
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Boboli Gardens
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Palazzo Vecchio
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Piazza della Signoria
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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
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Basilica di Santa Croce
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Piazzale Michelangelo
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Mercato Centrale
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San Lorenzo Basilica
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Arno
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San Lorenzo Market
A free walking tour in Florence - what do you mean?
This can be confusing if you have not done free walking tours before.
You will see us refer to some Florence tours as "free".
But what does a free walking tour mean? Is it actually free?
Well, a free tour usually means that the tours have no upfront or booking cost. Popular throughout Italy and the world, they usually operate on a tips only basis where if you like the tour, you can pay your guide how much the tour was worth to you at the end.
How much to tip in Florence for a free walking tour?
There are no set rules here. Keep in mind the length and usefulness of the tour as well as if you had a good time and how much you learnt to help you decide how much to tip for your Florence free walking tour. Ensure you bring some cash on the day and tip your guide how much the tour was worth to you at the end. Remember the guides only get paid from your tips.
Should I book my Florence free tour online?
In short, yes!
We recommend booking your free tour online in advance. This way you know you won't miss out. They are quite popular!
It's easy to book. Online bookings are free, easy, do not require any credit or debit card details and have no cancellation fees in case you change your mind.
History of Florence
Your dream Tuscany trip is booked. Florence is ready. David at the Accademia Gallery eagerly awaits your visit.
You reserved a spot on a free Florence walking tour.
Hiking or walking shoes - tick. Sunglasses, hat and sun screen - tick. Map - tick. You are all set.
While you wait for your journey, let's learn a bit more about the history of Florence.
Florence is believed to have been founded in the first century BC by the Romans.
Over time, Florence grew rapidly and this is especially evident under the powerful Medici family. The Medici family gained significant wealth through business and banking. Between the 14th and 18th centuries, they contributed to Florence becoming a cradle of the European Renaissance (a time period of rapid cultural, artistic and political development following the Middle Ages on the continent).
You will see priceless works of renowned art and culture figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri leaving their finger prints throughout Florence dating back to this period. The Medici's influence slowly decreased in the 18th century, and Florence becoming part of the unified Italy in the 19th century.
To this day, the architectural wonders, museums, galleries and art pieces of Florence continue to captivate visitors from all around the globe. It is estimated to host well over 10 million tourists every year. And we can only see this number growing. You will see why.
Important information regarding Florence tours
Florence and Italy tours listed here (free and paid) are not operated by Buddy Free Walking Tours. Therefore, we advise you to visit the respective tour websites and find out directly the details of their Florence tours as we are not able to provide completely verified tour information.
Participation is strictly voluntary and any tour or travel obviously carries risks you need to be aware of. Be sure to read the official terms and conditions carefully for any walking tours and day trips/excursions you plan to attend.
Ensure you attend on time and be extra cautious at times of high or low temperatures, weather events or if you have any medical concerns. Inform your guide if any issues arise and seek help.
Buddy Free Walking Tours takes no responsibility for tours operated by other providers and cannot in any way be held liable for any negative outcome arising from those. Please always do your own research and ensure you agree with the Buddy Free Walking Tours terms and conditions of use prior to using the site.