Florence on foot: the best way to discover the historic center
Exploring Florence on foot is the simplest and most authentic way to truly experience the heart of the city. The historic center is compact, rich in monuments, and perfect to explore without using transportation. Starting from Piazza del Duomo, it is possible to discover some of Florence’s most iconic attractions in a single day, walking through historic squares, museums and unique views along the Arno River. Staying in a hotel in the center of Florence makes this easy: step outside the hotel and immediately begin walking through art, history and architecture.Piazza del Duomo: the perfect starting point
The ideal starting point for a walking itinerary is Piazza del Duomo, the monumental heart of the city. Here you will find some of Florence’s most important landmarks:- the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo)
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- the Baptistery of San Giovanni
Piazza della Signoria: the political heart of Florence
Walking for just a few minutes brings you to Piazza della Signoria, one of the most famous squares in Italy. Here you can find:- Palazzo Vecchio
- the Loggia dei Lanzi
- copies of famous Renaissance sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David
The Uffizi and the Arno riverfront
Just a short walk away is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important museums in the world. Even without visiting the museum, it is worth walking through the loggia that leads toward the Arno River, where one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city opens up. From here, you can begin a short walk along the Lungarno, surrounded by historic buildings and picturesque views.Ponte Vecchio: Florence’s most famous symbol
Continuing your walk, you will reach the famous Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge known for its historic goldsmith shops. It is one of the most photographed places in Florence and an essential stop for anyone visiting the city for the first time. Crossing the bridge means moving from the historic center to the Oltrarno district, one of the most authentic areas of Florence.Returning toward the Duomo: the heart of the city
After crossing the bridge, you can return toward the Duomo by walking through small streets in the historic center, artisan shops and historic cafés. In less than ten minutes you are back in the heart of the city, demonstrating how Florence is perfectly suited to being explored entirely on foot.Albergo Firenze: an ideal starting point for exploring Florence on foot
Located just a few steps from Piazza del Duomo, Albergo Firenze is an ideal base for those who want to discover the Florence on foot. From the hotel entrance you can reach:- the Duomo in 2 minutes
- the Uffizi in 5 minutes
- Ponte Vecchio in less than 10 minutes