Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing





Description
Discover the vibrant soul of Florence on our Old City Street Food and Sightseeing Tour. This guided experience blends authentic Tuscan flavors with the city’s rich art, history, and architecture. Wander lively piazzas, medieval alleys, and hidden gems while tasting local street foods. Savor freshly baked focaccia, artisan salami, aged cheeses, and fine Tuscan wine. Try coccole—crispy fried dough bites with creamy stracchino—and flavorful truffle spreads. At the bustling San Lorenzo Market, enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and meet friendly vendors. Delight in classic pasta dishes, refreshing gelato, and sweet cantucci dipped in Vin Santo, a traditional Tuscan dessert wine. Perfect for food lovers and history enthusiasts, this tour offers a true taste of Florence’s culture and cuisine. Bring your appetite and curiosity for an unforgettable journey!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your guide at the obelisk in Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, near Santa Maria Novella station—a central, easily accessible location perfect for starting your Florence walking and food adventure.
Florence oldest central market is a vibrant two-level indoor market in the heart of Florence, near San Lorenzo. The ground floor features traditional market stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local specialties. The upper floor is a lively food hall offering a wide variety of Tuscan and Italian street foods, wine bars, and artisanal products in a modern setting. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to taste authentic flavors, shop local, and experience Florence’s culinary culture.
The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of Florence’s oldest and most important churches, located near the historic San Lorenzo Market. Originally built in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 15th century, it was the parish church of the powerful Medici family. The basilica features stunning Renaissance architecture, with contributions by famous artists such as Filippo Brunelleschi and Michelangelo. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful chapels, intricate frescoes, and the Medici Chapels, which house the tombs of the Medici family. It’s a must-see for those interested in Florence’s rich history and art.
The Florence Cathedral, also known as Santa Maria del Fiore or simply the Duomo, is Florence’s iconic cathedral and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Famous for its massive red-tiled dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, it dominates the city skyline. The cathedral complex includes the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors and Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower). Inside, visitors can admire stunning frescoes, intricate stained glass windows, and beautiful marble façades. The Duomo is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Florence’s artistic and architectural innovation during the Renaissance.
Piazza della Signoria is Florence’s historic political and social heart, an open-air museum showcasing Renaissance art and architecture. It features the majestic Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s town hall, adorned with statues including a replica of Michelangelo’s David. The piazza is also home to the Loggia dei Lanzi, displaying famous sculptures like Perseus with the Head of Medusa. A lively gathering place, Piazza Signoria offers visitors a glimpse into Florence’s rich history, vibrant street life, and stunning artistic heritage.
The Porcellino is a famous bronze statue of a wild boar located near Florence’s Mercato Nuovo. Tradition says rubbing the boar’s snout brings good luck and ensures your return to Florence. Visitors often place a coin in its mouth, hoping it falls through the grate below for fortune. It’s a beloved symbol of the city and a popular photo spot.
The Casa di Dante is a small museum located in Florence dedicated to the life and works of Dante Alighieri, the famous poet best known for The Divine Comedy. Situated near Dante’s historic neighborhood, the museum offers insights into medieval Florence, Dante’s literary legacy, and the city’s culture during his time. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring manuscripts, artworks, and interactive displays that bring Dante’s world to life. It’s a fascinating stop for literature lovers and those interested in Florence’s medieval history.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is one of Florence’s most important churches, known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories” because it houses the tombs of famous Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Built in stunning Gothic style, its facade is adorned with colorful marble, and inside you’ll find beautiful frescoes by Giotto and impressive chapels. Located in the lively Santa Croce square, the basilica is a must-visit for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Florence’s rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour takes place rain or shine
- The local market is closed in the evenings, instead you will visit the Ponte Vecchio
- Please specify allergies and intolerances at time of booking
- This tour does not accommodate vegan, gluten and dairy-free diets.
Reviews(4)
Thank You Anna for the superb experience you provided. Our family enjoyed all the stories, the energy, and the good info you shared throughout the tour, and, of course, all the tastings.
Well this was an experience. I didn’t really understand what was happening the majority of the tour. Most of the food was not really enjoyable and I only liked two of the items we tried (yes, it’s subjective, but still). I did almost get left behind in the crowded market. Apparently, the guide wasn’t allowed to talk about history either which I didn’t know was a thing. The three hour tour turned out to be two hours. Overal, I don’t think anyone could convince me to do this tour again. Wouldn’t want to retry any of the things I ate.
Paulo was our guide. He was raised in the area and was very familiar with the people and places we visited. He had a great personality and was very informative. It was a great experience enjoying the food and exploring the beautiful city of Florence.
Lucrezia was friendly and awesome. This tour was much more than we expected. What we expected: We had 6 “courses”, all amazing food. What we got on top: We were introduced to the staff, including a lovely 95 year old lady who had been at the shop all her life. We sat on Dante’s rock, visited his house, and visited the Church he met his love at. We got lots of extra information on the Duomo, on its history and which bits were most interesting. An overview of Firenze’s history, ruling family, and geography. This tour was well worth the money.



