Florence Free Tour
The SANDEMANs Free Tour of Florence covers the historic center from Piazza della Signoria to the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. It is the standard guided introduction for budget travelers arriving in Florence for the first time.
Church in Florence
Florence Cathedral
The Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) is the heart of the city, topped by Brunelleschi’s dome. Entry to the cathedral itself is free. The dome climb, baptistery, and bell tower require a combined ticket. The interior is austere compared to the exterior, but the Last Judgment fresco inside the dome is visible from below. Budget travelers enter for free, look up, and decide if the dome climb (463 steps, paid) is worth the splurge.
Practical
Before you go
- Address
- Piazza San Giovanni, 50123 Florence
- Good to know
On foot
Walks that pass through
Free and low-cost routes that stop at Florence Cathedral.
Nearby
More in Florence
Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace are one of the earliest formal Italian gardens, covering a hillside with grottoes, fountains, and cypress-lined paths. Entry is paid at a modest price.
Florence Baptistery
The Baptistery of San Giovanni is an octagonal Romanesque building directly facing the Duomo, famous for Ghiberti's gilded bronze "Gates of Paradise" doors. Entry requires a ticket (included in the Duomo complex pass).
Galleria dell'Accademia
The Galleria dell'Accademia houses Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Entry is paid.
Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) are the funeral chapels of the Medici dynasty behind the Basilica di San Lorenzo. Entry is paid.
Medici Riccardi Palace
Palazzo Medici Riccardi was the first Medici family residence and the prototype for Florentine Renaissance palace architecture. The courtyard is free to enter.
Oltrarno
Oltrarno is the neighborhood south of the Arno, reached by crossing Ponte Vecchio. Free to wander.
Working out what Florence costs?
The whole of Florence