Discover the beauty of Florentine architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and even peek at some masterpieces by the great artists of the time. This self guided walking tour of Florence will take you to explore so much of what the city has to offer, plus grab some delicious local food along the way.

Absolutely—Florence is arguably one of the best cities in the world for independent exploration. The "Centro Storico" (Historic Center) is almost entirely pedestrianized and very compact, meaning you can walk from the Accademia Gallery (to see David) to the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio in less than 20 minutes. Exploring on your own allows you to avoid the "herd" of large tour groups and discover hidden gems like the Oltrarno district, where local artisans still work in traditional workshops. The key to a successful solo visit is planning and reservations; you must book tickets for the Uffizi and the Duomo dome climb weeks in advance to avoid 3-hour lines. Using a high-quality audio guide app or a Rick Steves-style "walking tour" can give you all the historical context of a guide while allowing you to stop for gelato or coffee whenever you please. Florence is incredibly safe, and its beauty is best appreciated at your own pace.