90 min Footbike tour in Florence

Imagine zipping through Florence’s charming streets on a footbike, feeling the breeze and soaking in the sights without the fatigue of walking all day. That’s exactly what this 90-minute footbike tour promises—and from what we’ve gathered, it’s a pretty enjoyable way to see the city. Whether you’re a history buff, a casual visitor, or someone who prefers active sightseeing, this small-group tour might just be your new favorite way to explore Florence.

What really caught our eye are two things: first, the opportunity to see major landmarks like Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria comfortably from a bike, and second, the fact that kids are welcomed and accommodated with bikes and helmets, making it a family-friendly option. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the limited time at each stop, which might leave some wanting more details or a longer visit. Still, if you’re after a quick, fun overview with a local guide, this could be a strong choice.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy active experiences, want to cover a lot of ground in a short time, and appreciate a laid-back, friendly vibe. It’s perfect if you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, and especially if you’re keen on getting a local’s perspective while riding through Florence’s lively streets. Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t a deep dive into every landmark—more of a scenic overview with a few interesting facts thrown in.

Key Points

• Flexible and fun way to see Florence in just 90 minutes.
• Includes a guide, helmet, and footbike, making it convenient and safe.
• Stops at major landmarks like Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and more.
• Great for families or groups with kids, thanks to the provision of bikes and helmets.
• No entrance tickets included, so plan separately if you want inside visits.
• Best booked 18 days in advance—a popular choice among visitors.

Why a Footbike Tour Might Be Perfect for You

Florence is a city best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, but with so much to see, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The idea behind this footbike tour is to combine the fun of riding with the chance to cover multiple highlights in a manageable timeframe. We appreciate that it’s designed for a small group (up to 10 people), which usually means a more personal experience—your guide can focus on your interests and answer questions along the way.

The price point—around $33.42 per person—makes this experience accessible for many travelers. When considering value, think about how much ground you’ll cover in 90 minutes and the convenience of not having to navigate the streets alone. Plus, the tour includes a helmet and footbike, which removes some of the hassle of renting equipment separately.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes a local guide, a helmet, and the footbike itself—key for a safe, fun ride. However, admission tickets to attractions are not included, which means if you want to go inside places like the cathedral or Palazzo Pitti, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately. This setup is typical for city sightseeing tours that focus on the exterior and the cityscape view, rather than museum visits.

The tour starts at Via Cavour, 21R, an easily accessible spot near public transportation. Since it ends back at the starting point, it’s convenient for planning your day afterward—whether that’s grabbing a coffee or heading to your next adventure.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See

Each stop on this tour offers a chance to appreciate Florence’s architectural beauty, cultural history, and vibrant street life. Here’s a quick rundown:

Piazza del Duomo

You’ll begin near Florence’s iconic cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, and see the Baptistery and Giotto’s Tower. Although admission isn’t included, this is a perfect spot for photos and to get a sense of the city’s religious and artistic significance. Expect about 15 minutes here, enough to snap some pictures and listen to a quick overview from your guide.

Piazza della Repubblica

Once a Jewish ghetto, this square is steeped in history. It’s also home to the famous Giubbe Rosse café, where poets once gathered. The tour spends 15 minutes here, giving you just enough time to soak in the lively atmosphere and learn a bit about Florence’s literary past.

Piazza della Signoria

This is the heart of Florence’s political life, with the Palazzo Vecchio and impressive statues like Neptune and Michelangelo’s David reproduction. With about 20 minutes allocated, you’ll get an overview of the sculptures and the square’s significance, even if you don’t go inside.

Mercato del Porcellino

A quick stop at this popular market, centered around the Fontana del Porcellino—a bronze boar fountain. The 10-minute break allows for a quick look and some local flavor, perfect for snapping photos and feeling the city’s everyday pulse.

Ponte Vecchio

No visit to Florence is complete without seeing this historic bridge. Known for its shops of jewelry and its survival during WWII, it’s a must-see. You’ll spend around 15 minutes here, enough time to appreciate the architecture and maybe browse some storefronts from the outside.

Palazzo Pitti & Santo Spirito & Ponte Santa Trinita

These stops add layers of historical and architectural interest. We loved the way the palace’s Renaissance charm contrasts with the more laid-back vibe of Santo Spirito. The 20-minute stop at Santo Spirito is a highlight, especially if you’re into historic churches and scenic views along the river.

Basilica of Santa Croce

Finally, a quick look at this stunning Gothic church, where Florence’s most famous figures are buried. It’s free to admire from the outside, and the 15-minute stop gives you a taste of the city’s spiritual heritage.

The Experience: What to Expect on the Ride

Traveling through Florence on a footbike is surprisingly smooth, especially since the tour takes place in a small group. Your guide will lead you through lesser-known streets and main arteries, providing commentary along the way. The footbike itself is easy to ride, even if you’re new to this kind of transportation, and helmets are included for safety.

The pace is leisurely enough to enjoy each view but quick enough to fit all these highlights into 90 minutes. Riders have praised the tour for being engaging and enjoyable, with one reviewer noting that their kids loved the experience. The tour is especially suitable if you’re looking for a relaxed but active way to explore rather than just walking or sitting on a hop-on-hop-off bus.

Flexibility and Adaptability

One review mentioned that the tour was switched from a footbike to a regular bike due to weather, which shows some flexibility on the operator’s part. The guide, Francesco, was highlighted as being “fab,” indicating good local knowledge and friendly service. Keep in mind, weather can impact the experience, so check the forecast before booking.

The Value of This Tour

Considering the cost (~$33.42) and what’s included—guide, helmet, footbike—this is a reasonably priced way to get a broad overview of Florence’s major sights. While it doesn’t include inside visits, it offers a quick, scenic introduction that can complement more detailed tours or museum visits later.

Travelers have appreciated the small group size, which allows for more interaction and a relaxed pace. The tour’s popularity, booked an average of 18 days in advance, indicates that many find it a worthwhile way to see Florence quickly and comfortably.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This footbike tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy a bit of fun while sightseeing. It’s perfect if you want a quick overview without the fatigue of walking all day or the expense of multiple tickets. Families with kids aged 5 and above seem to find it especially suitable, thanks to the bikes and helmets provided.

If you’re someone who prefers a relaxed, outdoor experience with plenty of opportunities for photos and quick stops, this tour fits the bill. However, if you’re interested in exploring inside palaces or museums, you’ll want to plan additional visits.

The Sum Up: Is it Worth It?

This Florence footbike tour offers a lively, engaging way to see many of the city’s highlights in a short amount of time. The small-group setting and included gear make it a friendly option for most travelers. It’s particularly great for those interested in an active, outdoor experience that covers a lot of ground—without the exhaustion of a full day of walking.

While it’s not suited for those looking for in-depth historical talks or inside visits, it compensates with a fun-paced route and a knowledgeable guide. The inclusion of kids’ bikes and helmets makes it accessible for families, and the overall value makes it a strong choice for first-time visitors wanting a quick, lively overview of Florence.

If you’re after a memorable, active way to kick off your sightseeing, or you want to see Florence’s top spots from a different perspective, this tour might be just right.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Kids are provided with bikes and helmets, and reviews mention children enjoying the ride.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a quick but rundown of the city.

Are admission tickets included?
No, admission to attractions like the cathedral or Palazzo Pitti are not included, so plan to buy those separately if you want inside access.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers a local guide, a helmet, and the footbike, making it convenient and safe.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Via Cavour, 21R, and ends back at the same meeting point, making planning your day easier.

Can I book this tour close to the date?
While most book about 18 days in advance, check availability if you’re planning a last-minute trip. It’s popular but sometimes has last-minute spots.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This footbike tour in Florence gives you a lively, scenic, and practical way to experience the city’s highlights—especially if you value a little activity and personal touch in your sightseeing.