Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is best experienced on foot. In this Florence walking itinerary (6 hour Florence walking tour), I’ll guide you through a perfect 6-hour loop filled with art, incredible views, local cuisine, and handcrafted shopping treasures.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this plan ensures you hit the essentials — with some personal tips along the way from my own experience, including where we had lunch and where my girlfriend bought her dream leather bag. You’ll not only enjoy the beauty of Florence’s most iconic spots but also dive into local life, artisanal traditions, and the sensory richness that defines this Tuscan gem.
We had around 6 to 7 hours in Florence while waiting for our connecting train to Rome, so we stored our luggage at Santa Maria Novella station, which is conveniently located next to the church. This gave us the freedom to explore without carrying bags around the city — something we highly recommend for short layovers or transit visits. The luggage service was quick, easy to access, and fairly priced. Within minutes, we were out on the cobblestone streets, maps in hand and excitement in the air.
🕒 Start: 10:00 AM – Santa Maria Novella
Begin your adventure at Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s most iconic churches and a masterpiece of Gothic and early Renaissance architecture. As you step into the piazza, take a moment to admire the stunning facade designed by Leon Battista Alberti. The geometric patterns and colorful marble inlays reflect a blend of Romanesque and early Renaissance styles, showcasing Florence’s transition into a new artistic era.
Inside, you’ll discover beautiful frescoes by Masaccio, Ghirlandaio, and Lippi, each telling the story of Florence’s artistic legacy. Look for Masaccio’s Holy Trinity — a revolutionary work in perspective that changed the course of Western art. Ghirlandaio’s frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel capture Florentine life through religious scenes, making the sacred deeply relatable.
The wooden crucifix by Brunelleschi is an underappreciated masterpiece that many tourists overlook — be sure not to miss it. The nave, with its serene symmetry and vaulted ceilings, invites quiet contemplation. As you leave, enjoy a slow walk through the adjacent cloisters and take in the peaceful garden. The cloisters are lined with ancient tombstones, and their calm atmosphere provides a quiet contrast to the busier parts of the city.
Don’t forget to stop by the old pharmacy, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, just around the corner. Founded by Dominican monks in 1221, this is one of the oldest operating pharmacies in the world. Inside, vaulted ceilings, antique bottles, and marble counters create a setting that feels part apothecary, part museum. Products range from rosewater tonics to medieval elixirs, all crafted with original recipes.
Wander a bit through the surrounding streets. Look out for artisan print shops, local leather ateliers, and cafes with terraced seating. These quieter corners show you a Florence that’s lived in, not just visited. You’ll see locals enjoying their morning espresso, bicycles leaning against ivy-covered walls, and the kind of authentic atmosphere that makes Florence so charming.
👜 12:00 PM – Leather Shopping in Oltrarno
After exploring the heart of the city, we crossed into the Oltrarno district — Florence’s artisan soul — for one very important mission: leather shopping. If you’re asking yourself where to buy leather bags in Florence, this is the place. The streets here feel different: quieter, more local, with workshop doors wide open and the smell of leather drifting into the air.
We first stopped at The Bridge, a boutique known for refined, high-end leather bags with clean lines and timeless Italian design. The staff were incredibly friendly, letting us browse slowly and explaining the differences in leather type and stitching style. My girlfriend immediately fell in love with a classic tan shoulder bag — elegant, sturdy, and unmistakably Florentine. It was the kind of bag that gets better with age, and it felt like taking a piece of Florence home.
Just a few steps away, we found I Medici, a family-run leather shop tucked between a wine bar and a paper goods store. This place had a completely different vibe — more rustic and full of character, with shelves lined in soft, earthy tones. Their bags were beautifully handmade, many of them unique, and the prices were fair for the quality. If you’re trying to decide where to buy leather bags in Florence, comparing shops like these side-by-side is part of the experience.
Both shops offered the option to personalize items, and many bags come with certificates of authenticity. It was clear we weren’t buying just a souvenir — we were investing in a piece of living craft tradition. Leather in Florence isn’t a trend, it’s a legacy.
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🌉 12:30 PM – Ponte Vecchio
A walk across the Ponte Vecchio is like stepping into another time. Built in 1345, this medieval stone arch bridge spans the Arno River and is famous for being one of the few in the world lined with shops. Originally home to fishmongers and butchers, the bridge transformed in the 16th century when the Medici family ordered all butchers to vacate, replacing them with goldsmiths and jewelers to elevate the prestige of the structure.
Today, it remains a hub for fine jewelry, with glittering window displays offering everything from traditional Florentine designs to contemporary works of art. Walking across the bridge is an experience in itself — each window, each doorway oozes history. You’ll often hear the clink of metal tools as craftsmen adjust rings or polish silver behind the counters.
However, when it comes to taking pictures of the bridge — it’s much better to not be on it. For stunning photos, head to the next bridge toward the hillside — Ponte Santa Trinita. From there, you get a perfect view of Ponte Vecchio in all its beauty, especially during sunset. The three arches of the bridge, with their reflections in the water, make it a favorite among photographers. The view is especially dramatic at golden hour, when the yellow tones of the buildings are illuminated by the setting sun.
Be mindful: pickpockets are known to operate around here and throughout Florence. This area is one of the busiest, with tourists frequently distracted by the architecture and shops. Keep your bags zipped, wear your backpack in front, and avoid putting valuables in back pockets. Florence is generally safe, but it’s always wise to be cautious in high-traffic areas.
Once across, explore Borgo San Jacopo, one of the city’s most atmospheric streets. Here you’ll find artisan workshops, antique stores, wine bars, and tiny doorways leading to quiet courtyards. The facades still retain their medieval character, with irregular arches and weathered fresco remnants.
Not far from here, tucked into a peaceful side alley, we stumbled upon Humilis, a boutique specializing in handcrafted jewelry (Unique jewelry gifts Florence Italy) inspired by Florentine and spiritual motifs. It was there that I found a perfect birthday gift for my girlfriend — a delicate necklace made from sterling silver and olive wood. The staff explained the symbolism behind each piece with passion, and even offered to wrap the gift beautifully with a handwritten note. It was more than just a purchase — it became one of the most meaningful moments of our Florence walking itinerary.
🍝 1:00 PM – Best lunch spots Oltrarno Florence: Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino
In the Oltrarno district, you’ll find Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino, a hidden gem of Florentine cuisine. Located in a quiet square called Piazza della Passera, this osteria specializes in traditional Tuscan offal dishes — a bold but authentic introduction to local food culture.
This restaurant is known for its tripe dishes, such as lampredotto, trippa alla fiorentina, and nervetti. These recipes date back centuries and reflect Florence’s humble culinary roots. The menu also includes a few pasta options like pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar) and gnocchi with butter and sage. The wine list features local producers, focusing on Chianti Classico and Vernaccia.
We stopped here for lunch and were blown away by the authentic flavors. The rustic atmosphere, friendly service, and local crowd made it one of the best dining experiences of our trip. The waitstaff was eager to explain each dish, and many diners were clearly regulars.
However, it’s worth noting that many dishes contain stomach, intestines, or other offal, which are a traditional part of Tuscan cuisine. If you’re not into that, you may want to check the menu in advance or consider an alternative spot nearby — Florence has no shortage of great food. For a safer option, there’s Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco just a few streets away.
Try their signature ravioli or lampredotto with a glass of Chianti. If you’re unsure about tripe, just ask the staff—they’re happy to guide you through the menu. They even offer a sampler plate if you want to taste small portions of multiple traditional dishes.
After your meal, take a stroll around the charming Piazza della Passera. The square is small but vibrant, often decorated with flower pots and surrounded by art galleries and artisan studios. It’s a wonderful area to sit on a bench, people-watch, and enjoy a post-lunch espresso.
🌇 3:00 PM – Piazzale Michelangelo: The Grand Finale
End your tour with a scenic walk uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo. The climb takes about 20 minutes, but every step is worth it. You’ll pass through the district of San Niccolò, filled with trendy cafes, small boutiques, and Renaissance walls. Halfway up the climb, take a break at the Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose), a tranquil park with sculptures and over 400 varieties of roses.
Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with the most iconic panoramic view of Florence. You can see the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Croce, and the long stretch of the Arno slicing through the city. This view, framed by Tuscan hills in the background, is unforgettable. It’s the kind of moment that defines a trip.
This is a great place to rest, take photos, and reflect on the day. Street musicians often play here in the late afternoon, and food vendors sell everything from gelato to panini. As the sun begins to set, Florence takes on a golden glow that’s impossible to forget.
When we were there, a street musician was performing with a guitar in a very unique style — he laid it flat across his knees and played it like a piano. The melody was dreamlike, and people gathered around, mesmerized by the sound. It added an emotional layer to an already breathtaking view.
Bring a journal or sketchbook, sit on the stone steps, and enjoy the scene — you’ve earned it. On your way down, revisit the Rose Garden or stop for a final Aperol Spritz at La Loggia, the terrace café nearby. The descending sun, the rustling of leaves, and the distant toll of church bells — all create a magical ending to a perfect Florence walking itinerary.
And that is it with our 6 hour Florence walking tour.
If you are interested to read more about Tuscany, you might be interested in our 7 Day in Tuscany Itinerary.
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