Honest Review of Florence Walking Tours (I Did 3)
2w ago (edited) · 112 views
On our recent trip I signed up for three different walking tours to compare them. Here's my honest breakdown.
Tour 1: Large Group Free Walking Tour
About 25 people, 2.5 hours, tip-based. The guide was enthusiastic but it was hard to hear in a big group, and we spent a lot of time waiting for everyone at crossings. Covered the main sights (Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio) with surface-level history. Good if you want a quick orientation on day one, but don't expect depth.
Rating: 3/5 — Fine for a free overview
Tour 2: Small Group (8 people) Paid Tour
€35 per person, 3 hours, guide was an art history graduate. This was noticeably better. We went beyond the main squares into quieter streets, heard stories about the Medici that I'd never read in any guidebook, and the guide adjusted the pace based on our interests. Small group meant we could actually have a conversation and ask questions.
Rating: 4.5/5 — Excellent value
Tour 3: Private Local Guide Experience
€120 for 2 people, 3 hours, completely customized. Our guide grew up in Florence and took us to her favorite spots — a hidden courtyard, a church she went to as a child, her family's favorite coffee bar. She told us stories about Florence today, not just its past. This felt less like a tour and more like exploring the city with a friend who happened to know everything about it.
Rating: 5/5 — Worth every cent
My Takeaway:
The smaller the group, the better the experience. The price difference between a mediocre large group tour and an amazing small group one is €20-30 — absolutely worth it. If you can afford a private guide, it transforms your entire understanding of the city.