Free self-guided walk · Florence

The Renaissance core, from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio

A free self-guided walk from the Duomo and Baptistery past Orsanmichele and Piazza della Signoria to the Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce.

Distance
2.2 km
Walking time
29 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsFlorence city guide

About this walk

Almost everything in the centre of Florence is within a short walk of the cathedral. This walk links the city's main squares, crosses the Ponte Vecchio's approach and ends at the great Franciscan church of Santa Croce.

Museum entry needs tickets; the streets and squares are free.

  • Terrain: Flat, on stone paving. Narrow pavements; shared with cars and scooters in places.
  • Best time: Early morning, before tour groups arrive in Piazza della Signoria.

Route map

1234567
Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Duomo

    Start at the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with Brunelleschi's dome.

  2. Baptistery of St John

    The octagonal baptistery facing the cathedral, with its bronze doors.

  3. Orsanmichele

    A former grain market turned church, its outer niches filled with statues of patron saints.

  4. Piazza della Signoria

    The civic square, with the Palazzo Vecchio and a copy of Michelangelo's David.

  5. Uffizi courtyard

    Walk through the long courtyard of the Uffizi to the river.

  6. Ponte Vecchio

    The medieval bridge lined with jewellers' shops.

  7. Santa Croce

    Finish at the Franciscan church where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried.

Tips

  • Book the dome climb and the Uffizi in advance.
  • Cover shoulders and knees for churches.
  • For the view over the city, cross the river and climb to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Prefer a guide?

Advertising disclosure: these link to Viator. If you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See all walking tours in Florence.

Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.