See the sights of Florence on foot at your own pace with these two walking tours. Both walks start where our courtesty shuttle bus drops you off.
Walking Tour A
Just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza della Repubblica, you arrive at Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge) with its magnificent and sparkling jewellery shop windows.
Crossing over the bridge, you come to what is considered the ‘most typical’ part of the city: the “Oltrarno”. Here, the artisans, the antique dealers and the shopkeepers of historical Florence carry on their age-old traditions still today. For those who love silk and leather, we suggest a stop at the shop, “Madova”, famous for its production of gloves (which can also be custom-made) since 1919.
Turning right onto a street called Borgo San Jacopo, you will find the silversmith’s shop, “Pagliai”, in business in Florence since the 1930’s. At the end of Borgo San Jacopo, on the right, you will find Via Maggio which has always been considered the antique dealers’ road ‘par excellence’. In addition to the antique dealers, this street is also home to the shop, “Paderni” with its beautiful antique fireplaces.
Next to Via Maggio, you will come upon the splendid church designed by Brunelleschi, Chiesa di Santo Spirito, with its stunning frescoes by Filippino Lippi. Continuing down Via Santo Spirito, you will reach the street, Borgo San Frediano, where you will find the shop, ”Bottega di Stefano Bemer”, specialized in the production of refined, custom-made shoes.
Silk having been one of the main protagonists of our Renaissance Age, the historical “Antico Setificio Fiorentino” is still part of Florence’s heritage today and is located at the end of Borgo San Frediano, to the right on Via L. Bartolini. Borgo San Frediano also leads to the square called Piazza del Carmine where the dramatic frescoes by Masaccio in the Cappella Brancacci, located inside the church, Chiesa del Carmine, can be admired.
Continuing along Via S. Monica and Via S. Agostino you will arrive in Via Romana. On the left-hand side of the street you will come upon the imposing former residence of the Medici family, Palazzo Pitti.
For those who have already visited Palazzo Pitti, we suggest a visit to the Grotta del Buontalenti and La Limonaia, both of which have been recently restored and are located in the Boboli gardens behind Palazzo Pitti.
Suggested restaurants:
- Trattoria Pandemonio (Via del Leone 50 r)
- Ristorante 4 Leoni (Via Vellutini 1 r)
Walking Tour B
Starting in Piazza della Repubblica you begin your walk turning onto Via degli Speziali and from here you continue on Via Calzaiouli, one of the most important shopping streets in the city. On the right, you will see the fourteenth century church, Chiesa di Orsanmichele, adorned with important sculptures by artists such as Donatello and Ghiberti.
Continuing on Via Calzaiouli, you will come to the breath-taking Piazza della Signoria where you will find the shop, “Pineider”, one of the most important Italian names in the fascinating world of stationary since 1774. Just a few steps further, you will find the historical “Caffè Rivoire” which has always been a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. Their home-made chocolate is not to be missed!
Continuing along Via de’ Gondi and Borgo de’ Greci you will come upon the church, Chiesa di Santa Croce, a Franciscan monastery of incomparable beauty. In addition to housing frescoes by Giotto and memorials to some of Florence’s most illustrious figures of the past, Santa Croce is also home to “La Scuola del Cuoio”, one of the first leather goods workshops in the city.
Following such a stroll, we suggest something sweet to ‘put you back on your feet’: the renowned “Vivoli” ice-cream parlour, just around the corner from Piazza Santa Croce in Via Isola delle Stinche, has been making its own ice-cream here since 1930. By reserving in advance, it is possible to have a lesson on the old-fashioned way of ice-cream making, followed by a delicious tasting.
At the end of Via Ghibellina, on the left you will find the “Museo Nazionale del Bargello”, known all over the world for its works of sculpture. Leaving the Bargello, you will come to Piazza San Firenze where you will find “L’Emporio San Firenze”, a shop making various wrought-iron articles and lamps since 1939. Continuing on Via della Condotta, you will find two long -established names of historical Florence: “Nencioni” and “Bizzarri”. The first specializes in the production of picture frames and antique prints while the second address is one of the last remaining old-fashioned apothecaries in the city where products for art restoration, spices and herbs of all kinds can be found. An experience not to be missed!!
Suggested restaurants:
- Osteria del Caffè Italiano (Via Isola delle Stinche 11, 13 r)
- Cantinetta dei Verrazzano (Via dei Tavolini 18, 20 r) The most typical wines and foods of the Chianti area can be tasted here.
To gain the most insight possible from these suggested itineraries, our Concierge Service would be delighted to reserve a professional guide or a personal shopper for you, upon request.
