Florence is a city built on art, architecture, and a healthy dose of Italian charm. Its compact historic center makes it perfect for a variety of guided experiences, whether you want to glide through the streets in a rickshaw or learn about Renaissance masterpieces. We’re especially fond of the Florence City Guided Tour by Rickshaw because it combines comfort and flexibility—plus, it’s a private experience without the fatigue of walking. Plus, with options like the David, Cathedral & City Highlights Guided Tour, you get a deep dive into Florence’s most famous sights in just a few hours. For those craving a more relaxed pace, the Electric Tuk-Tuk or Golf Cart City Tour offers an eco-friendly way to cover a lot of ground, and the Street Food Tour is perfect for food lovers eager to taste authentic Florentine flavors.
Below, you’ll find a list of the 15 best city tours in Florence, covering a range of interests from art and history to food and family-friendly outings. Each one offers something unique, so no matter your style or pace, there’s a tour that will help you enjoy Florence’s treasures.
1. Florence City Guided Tour by Rickshaw
At number 1, the Florence City Guided Tour by Rickshaw stands out for its private, no-walking approach. It’s a smart choice if you want to see all the key sights without tiring yourself out, especially in the summer heat. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and includes stops at Piazza San Giovanni, the Duomo, the Battistero, and Giotto’s Bell Tower, with plenty of photo opportunities. The guide shares local insights and can customize the itinerary to fit your interests, including recommendations for other activities in Florence. Reviewers praise the energetic guides like Stefano, who makes history come alive with humor and passion.
This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who want a rundown in a comfortable setting. The rickshaw’s covered design keeps you dry and comfortable, regardless of weather, and the customizable nature ensures a personal experience. Expect to pay around $80, making it a good value for a private tour that skips the long lines and tiring walks.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a fun, relaxed way to see Florence’s highlights with a local guide, this rickshaw tour hits the mark.
2. Florence: David, Cathedral & City Highlights Guided Tour
Next up, the Florence: David, Cathedral & City Highlights Guided Tour offers a deeper dive into Florence’s Renaissance art and architecture. Over three hours, you’ll skip the lines at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David and visit the Duomo with a guide explaining its history and design. The tour also includes the Baptistery and the Opera del Duomo Museum, plus a walk through the historic streets. You can add an optional climb of Giotto’s Bell Tower for panoramic views.
With a small-group format and knowledgeable guides like Ismael, it’s perfect for first-timers who want a thorough introduction without missing the city’s essentials. The reviews emphasize how engaging guides bring art and history alive, making it especially suitable for those who appreciate cultural stories behind the masterpieces.
Value for money is good, considering skip-the-line tickets and expert guiding. It’s best suited for art lovers eager to see Florence’s greatest works in a manageable time frame.
Bottom Line: For a well-rounded, art-focused experience in Florence with expert insights, this tour delivers.
3. Florence in a Day: Michelangelo’s David, Uffizi and Guided City Walking Tour
Going for a full day of sightseeing, the Florence in a Day tour combines highlights like Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, and a guided walk through Florence’s streets. It’s a busy 5-hour experience, but it’s designed for travelers who want to maximize their time and see the top masterpieces along with the city’s most iconic landmarks. The guided walk includes Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo exterior.
Reviewers describe it as an “excellent introduction,” especially noting the knowledgeable guides who make art history engaging. The skip-the-line access to two major museums is a big plus, saving valuable sightseeing time. The tour is suitable for first-timers and those with limited time, offering a good balance of art and city exploration.
The cost reflects the all-in price of tickets and guides, making it a practical choice for art enthusiasts eager to cover a lot in one go.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or those on a tight schedule, this tour packs Florence’s highlights into a manageable day.
4. Florence: City Center, Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour
The Florence: City Center, Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour is ideal for art lovers who want a comprehensive museum experience plus a city stroll. Starting at the Accademia, you’ll see Michelangelo’s David with a guide explaining its significance. Then, the tour continues with a walk through Florence’s historic center, including the Duomo complex, before heading into the Uffizi to admire works by Botticelli, Leonardo, and others.
Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and the smooth logistics of visiting two world-class museums in one day. The tour’s value is high, considering the included admission tickets and expert commentary. It’s especially well-suited for those interested in Renaissance art and looking for an organized, insightful day.
The only caveat: it’s a full schedule, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed.
Bottom Line: For art aficionados seeking an organized, quality museum visit combined with a city walk, this tour offers excellent value.
5. Florence: Electric Tuk-Tuk or Golf Cart City Tour
One of the most fun and eco-friendly options, the Florence: Electric Tuk-Tuk or Golf Cart City Tour uses a quiet, emissions-free vehicle to cover Florence’s main sights in about 1.5 hours. It’s ideal for those who want to see the city’s highlights without the walking or worry about tiring out. The tour includes stops at major spots like the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and the historic squares, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
The guides are known for their tips and local insights, making it a relaxed, enjoyable ride suitable for families and travelers with limited time. Its price point isn’t listed here, but it offers good value for a quick, comfortable overview.
Guests appreciate the environmentally friendly approach, and the tour’s flexible nature means you can ask for customized stops. This is perfect for travelers who want a quick, fun introduction to Florence without breaking a sweat.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers who want to see the city in style and comfort.
6. Tasty Florence Street Food with Guided Walking of the City
If your idea of a perfect day includes local flavors and insider stories, the Tasty Florence Street Food Tour is a must. Over about 2.5 hours, you’ll stroll through markets and squares, sampling pasta, truffles, lampredotto, gelato, and more. The guide shares stories about Florence’s culinary traditions and history, bringing the city’s food scene to life.
Reviewers love how it combines food tastings with cultural insights, calling it “a food journey like no other.” Highlights include sampling salumi and prosciutto and enjoying views of landmarks like Santa Croce and Palazzo Vecchio. It’s a relaxed experience ideal for food lovers and first-timers who want to experience Florence’s authentic flavors.
At a price of about $52, it’s a good value considering the variety of tastings and cultural stories packed in.
Bottom Line: For those who want to taste Florence’s best dishes and learn about its culinary culture, this tour is top-notch.
7. Florence: City Walking Tour and Uffizi Gallery Visit
This 3-hour walking tour offers a balance of art and city sights, including skip-the-line access to the Uffizi Gallery. Starting in the city center, the guide takes you through Florence’s streets, sharing stories of Brunelleschi’s dome, the Medici family, and Renaissance art. You’ll see the Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo’s exterior.
Guides like Leticia are praised for their friendly, personalized service, making the experience both educational and fun. The small group size ensures you get personalized attention, and the timing works well for those with limited time who want a taste of everything.
The tour’s value lies in combining city exploration with museum access, making it suitable for first-time visitors eager for a concise, culture.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, engaging introduction to Florence’s art and streets—perfect for first-timers.
8. Exclusive Florence City Tour Skip-the-line David & Uffizi Gallery
For those seeking the ultimate art experience, this exclusive 5.5-hour tour covers both the Galleria dell’Accademia and Uffizi Gallery with skip-the-line tickets. It also includes a stroll past major landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. The tour emphasizes a deep understanding of Florence’s artistic masterpieces, with guides who can tailor the experience based on your interests.
Guests rave about the comprehensive itinerary and the knowledge of guides like Rubina, who makes art stories accessible and engaging. The tour is priced at around $277, but it includes tickets and expert guidance, making it a valuable investment for serious art lovers.
The pace is relaxed enough to appreciate each artwork and landmark, but it’s best suited for those with a genuine interest in Renaissance art and history.
Bottom Line: If art is your priority and you want a deep, private experience, this tour offers the best of Florence’s masterpieces.
9. Florence: Accademia, Uffizi, and City Center Walking Tour
This 3.5 to 4-hour tour combines visits to both major museums with a walking exploration of Florence’s historic center. It’s designed for art enthusiasts eager to see Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s works at the Uffizi, with a knowledgeable guide explaining the significance of each piece.
It’s perfect for travelers who want a flexible yet comprehensive experience, with early access to the Uffizi, avoiding long lines. Guides like Larisa or Greta are praised for their passion and knowledge, making the art come alive.
While slightly shorter than some full-day options, it’s a good choice for those who want quality over quantity, with enough time to wander and absorb Florence’s atmosphere.
Bottom Line: For an art-focused, well-organized tour with expert commentary, this experience is hard to beat.
10. Florence: City Highlights Bike Tour
For active travelers, the City Highlights Bike Tour offers a fun way to cover Florence’s top sights in about 3 hours. Using comfortable cruisers, you’ll pedal past Brunelleschi’s dome, the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi, and more. The guides are known for their stories and local tips, making it both educational and enjoyable.
Guests enjoy the easy pace and the ability to see many sights without walking. It’s perfect for families or travelers who prefer an outdoor, interactive experience. The tour’s reviews highlight how it helped them decide what to revisit later, making it a smart choice for planning your stay.
Considering the price (~$43), it’s a cost-effective way to get oriented with Florence, especially for those who like cycling.
Bottom Line: An engaging, active introduction to Florence’s highlights—great for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
How to Choose the Right Florence Tour for You
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical comfort. If you love art and museums, options like the Exclusive Florence City Tour or the Uffizi & Accademia Experience are perfect. For those who want a relaxed, fun way to see the city, the Rickshaw or Tuk-Tuk tours are excellent choices.
If you’re a foodie or traveling with family, the Street Food or Family Private Tour will suit your needs. Budget travelers might prefer the Bike Tour for its affordability and active pace.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the Uffizi or David tours, to secure your preferred time slot.
Florence offers an array of ways to see and experience its treasures. From art-focused tours like the Uffizi & David to fun and eco-friendly rides like the Tuk-Tuk, there’s something for every traveler. Consider your interests and schedule, and don’t hesitate to book early—Florence’s beauty waits for no one.
