Florence is a city made for exploring, with its compact historic center packed with Renaissance art, architecture, and lively street life. But trying to see it all on foot can be tiring—and sometimes, the best way to cover more ground is with a little help. We love some of the tours that make sightseeing both fun and practical, like the Florence City Guided Tour by Rickshaw, which offers a private, non-walking way to soak up the city’s highlights. Or the Family Friendly Florence Private City Tour, perfect for families with kids who want to learn and play along the way. These tours show Florence’s charm from new angles, making your visit memorable and less exhausting.
This list below features a wide range of options, from art-focused experiences like the Michelangelo’s David and Uffizi guided tour to food tastings like the Tasty Florence Street Food. Whether you’re interested in art, history, cycling, or simply trying authentic Florentine flavors, there’s a tour here for you.
1. Florence City Guided Tour by Rickshaw
Ranking at number one, this private guided rickshaw tour offers a fantastic way to see Florence without walking a step. For about $80, you get 1.5 hours of sightseeing with a local guide who can customize your route and help you snap photos from the best viewpoints. Highlights include Piazza San Giovanni, the Duomo, and Giotto’s Bell Tower, all from a comfortable rickshaw that feels more like a sightseeing vehicle than exercise. Visitors rave about Stefano’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge—”Stefano made our first rickshaw ride a magical one,” one reviewer says. It’s perfect if you want a quick, relaxed overview of core sites with plenty of photo ops. The tour can include entry to some palaces or churches, making it flexible for your interests. Bottom line: A fun, hassle-free way to cover Florence’s essentials in a short time.
2. Florence: Guided City Tour by Rickshaw
For a more budget-friendly option, this 1 to 1.5-hour rickshaw tour at just around $44 offers an excellent introduction. The highlight is how it allows you to explore all corners of Florence comfortably, with a local guide sharing stories at key sights, like the Baptistery and Piazza della Signoria. Guests love Stefano’s energy and the ability to see more than you could on foot—“It was great to be in the Tuktuk as it covers more ground,” reports one happy customer. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed pace and a bit of commentary on Florence’s secrets. While the tour is shorter, it still hits major sites and makes for a great first day activity. Bottom line: An efficient way to get your bearings in Florence without wearing out your shoes.
3. Florence in a Day: Michelangelo’s David, Uffizi and Guided City Walking Tour
This 5-hour comprehensive tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to maximize their Florence experience, with skip-the-line entry to the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries. You’ll start with Michelangelo’s David, then stroll past the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, immersing in Renaissance art and history. The tour’s highlight is the seamless combination of museum visits and walking, with headsets ensuring you won’t miss a word. Small groups and expert guides make this a personalized experience, with reviewers praising Ismael’s storytelling. The tour costs about $161 but includes priority access, saving hours of waiting in lines. Perfect for art lovers short on time but hungry for a deep dive. Bottom line: A well-rounded, art-filled day in Florence.
4. Tasty Florence Street Food with Guided Walking of the City
For around $52, this 2.5-hour culinary walk combines food and sightseeing in a relaxed pace. Stroll through Florence’s markets and streets, sampling everything from fresh pasta and truffles to lampredotto and gelato. Your guide shares local food secrets and stories behind Florence’s dishes, making it a savory history lesson. Reviewers love the variety—”We loved the market and all the tasting”—and the chance to try street foods like lampredotto, a Florentine specialty made from cow’s stomach. It’s perfect for foodie travelers who want to taste authentic flavors while exploring the city’s squares and landmarks. Bottom line: A flavorful way to experience Florence’s culinary culture and vibrant street life.
5. Exclusive Florence City Tour Skip-the-line David & Uffizi Gallery
This full 5.5-hour tour offers a deep dive into Florence’s art treasures with skip-the-line access to both the Galleria dell’Accademia and Uffizi Gallery, plus a walking tour of key sights. For around $277, you get an in-depth, intimate experience, with options for private or small-group tours. Highlights include Michelangelo’s David and Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli and Titian. Guests appreciate the seamless blend of art and city sights, plus the detailed commentary. It’s well worth the price if you’re eager for a comprehensive art immersion without wasting time waiting. Bottom line: For art lovers who want to see Florence’s highlights in style and comfort.
6. Florence: City Highlights Bike Tour
This 3-hour guided bike ride offers a fun way to see Florence’s top sights like the Duomo, Uffizi, and Piazza della Signoria. At just over $43, it’s a good value for active travelers who prefer two wheels. The tour covers many major sites and includes interesting stories from your guide, Elena. Reviewers say it’s the best way to get oriented—“I highly recommend this experience to help you decide what else in town is of interest,” writes one. It’s suitable for those comfortable on a bike and looking for a dynamic, outdoor experience. Keep in mind, Florence’s cobbled streets can be bumpy if you’re not used to cycling. Bottom line: An energetic, scenic way to explore Florence’s highlights.
7. Florence: City Highlights Walking Tour + Wine Windows Option
This 1.5-hour walking tour features Florence’s core sights, with optional wine tastings through historic wine windows. For those interested in culture and history, guides like Lorenzo and Francesca bring Florence’s legends to life, including the Medici’s influence. Guests love the personal stories and the chance to explore lesser-known corners. The optional wine window tasting offers a glass of local wine through a historical buchetta—a fun, authentic detail. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a quick but rich overview of Florence’s art, architecture, and flavors. Bottom line: Perfect for a short, meaningful introduction with a tasty twist.
8. 1 Florence City Tour, David & Uffizi | Satisfaction Guaranteed!
This 5.5-hour tour includes skip-the-line tickets to the Accademia and Uffizi plus a walk through Florence’s main sights. For $277, it offers great value for those eager to see major art and architecture, from Michelangelo’s David to the Ponte Vecchio. Reviewers mention how Eleanora’s enthusiasm and knowledge made the experience memorable. It’s ideal for visitors who want an in-depth tour with fewer crowds and more personal attention. The combination of museum visits and city walk makes it a favorite among art and history enthusiasts. Bottom line: A comprehensive, no-fuss way to soak up Florence’s highlights in one day.
9. Family Friendly Florence Private City Tour
This 2-hour private tour is tailored for families, with fun games and engaging stories that make Florence’s Renaissance period accessible for kids. For $149, you explore places like Ponte Vecchio and Piazza del Duomo at your own pace. Travelers highlight the guide Martina’s ability to keep children entertained, even booking additional workshops afterward. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with young kids, as it balances education and entertainment. The private format allows flexibility for your family’s interests. Bottom line: A stress-free way to introduce children to Florence’s highlights without sacrificing fun.
10. Florence: Eco Golf Car & Tuk Tuk City Tour
This 1-hour eco-friendly tour in electric tuk tuks or golf carts costs about $66. It’s perfect if you’re eco-conscious or short on time but want to see key sites like Santa Maria Novella and Ponte Vecchio. The tour covers major attractions with photo stops and commentary, including the Vasari Corridor and Uffizi from the outside. Reviewers praise its fun factor and the opportunity to see Florence’s birthplace of the Renaissance from a different perspective. Best suited for those who want a quick, sustainable way to get a broad overview. Bottom line: A lively, planet-friendly option for a quick city tour.
11. Florence City Tour & David
This 3-hour small-group tour centers around visiting Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, then exploring nearby landmarks like Palazzo Medici Riccardi. It costs about $464 but offers a personalized experience with skip-the-line access and insights into Florence’s Renaissance history. Guests laud the guide’s ability to make art and history engaging, especially for those who want more depth. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a focused, intimate look at Florence’s cultural icons. Bottom line: For art lovers willing to invest more for an enriching, small-group experience.
12. Florence: Pontevecchio Bridge and City Sights Rafting Cruise
Combine adventure with sightseeing on this 2-hour rafting cruise down the Arno River. Starting at around $44, you’ll paddle past iconic sights like the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, with opportunities for photos from a unique vantage point. Reviewers describe it as “fantastic” and “great fun for the whole family,” with the added thrill of sliding down the San Niccolò slide. It’s suited for those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline and want to see Florence from the water. The activity is safe and includes waterproof containers for valuables. Bottom line: A lively, memorable way to see Florence’s cityscape from the river.
13. Florence Airport Private Transfer to the City
A practical choice, this private transfer service costs about $51 and takes 30-45 minutes. It’s ideal for a smooth arrival or departure, with drivers waiting at the airport and helping with luggage. Perfect for those who appreciate convenience and want to start their trip stress-free. Travelers mention punctuality and friendly service, making this a reliable option. If you’re arriving late or leaving early, this transfer guarantees a comfortable, hassle-free start or end to your Florence visit. Bottom line: The best way to ensure a smooth arrival in Florence.
14. Florence: City Highlights and Street Food Walking Tour
For just $40, this 2.5-hour guided walk combines sightseeing with tasting Florence’s local recipes. You’ll see the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and sample dishes like pizza, prosciutto, and more. Reviewers love how guide Martina shares stories and local tips, making it an engaging experience. It’s a great way for food lovers to explore Florence’s culinary scene while visiting major sights. If you prefer a shorter, tasty tour with plenty of local insights, this fits the bill. Bottom line: An affordable and flavorful way to combine art, culture, and cuisine.
15. Florence: Combo guided tour, City, Uffizi, Accademia and David
Finally, this 7-hour tour is a full-day exploration that includes the Uffizi, Accademia, and city highlights like Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. For $167, it offers a comprehensive experience with skip-the-line tickets, expert guides, and a detailed walk through Florence’s artistic treasures. Reviewers praise its thorough approach and the guides’ knowledge. It’s best suited for travelers with ample time who want an in-depth immersion in Florence’s art and history. Bottom line: A perfect choice for those wanting a complete, guided experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Florence City Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your main interests, budget, and how much physical activity you’re comfortable with. If you want a relaxed overview, the Rickshaw Tours or the Eco Golf Car & Tuk Tuk are excellent for covering ground without tiring. For art lovers, the Uffizi and David combo or the in-depth Florence in a Day provide immersive museum visits. Foodies should consider the Street Food Tour, which combines culinary tastings with sightseeing, or the Highlights Walking Tour + Wine Windows for a taste of Florence’s hidden culinary traditions. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer shorter tours, while art enthusiasts may want to splurge on the Exclusive Uffizi and David. Book early, especially for popular art tours, to secure your preferred time.
Florence offers a wealth of ways to explore its streets, art, and flavors. Whether you prefer riding through historic streets in a rickshaw, cycling past Renaissance landmarks, or savoring street food while soaking up the atmosphere, there’s a tour tailored for you. For those looking for a relaxed overview, the Rickshaw Tour remains a top choice, combining comfort with culture. If art is your priority, the comprehensive Uffizi and David offers unmatched insight, but if you’re on a tighter budget or short on time, the Florence in a Day hits all the highlights efficiently. No matter your style, early booking is wise to secure the best times—Florence’s charm is best experienced without long lines and missed opportunities.