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Palazzo Vecchio

Explore many layers of Italian history since Roman times in one of Florence's premier museums.

Palazzo Vecchio: Our most recommended tours and activities

Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour

1. Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour

Palazzo Vecchio was the home of Medici family, and an important site of the Renaissance. Renowned as the main symbol of civil power of Florence, learn more about the vast history of the palace with a 90-minute guided tour.  See the "Salone dei Cinquecento”, the Hall which is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. Marvel at paneled ceilings, large wall frescoes, golden decorations, and imposing sculptures. Explore the second floor of the palace, featuring the elegant Apartments of the Elements, the Apartments of Eleonora of Toledo, and the original Hall of Priors, along with many small chambers and a chapel frescoed by Bronzino.

Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour

2. Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour

Experience Palazzo Vecchio, the hearth of Florence and a symbol of the city’s history, with an experienced guide. Florence’s town hall building dates back to 1299 when it was built to host the government leaders of medieval Florence. You’ll come to understand how its architecture, art, sculptures, and paintings contribute to create a rich and complex representation of the city.   Admire masterpieces by celebrated artists of the Renaissance scattered throughout the Palazzo’s many halls, chambers, and courtyards. The highlight of the experience will be the stunning Salone dei Cinquecento (“Hall of the Five Hundred”), the most imposing chamber in the building, its ceilings rising to 75 feet. Here, you can admire the frescoes and paintings of Giorgio Vasari, who took over the decoration of the room from Michelangelo.   For a truly engaging immersion into the history of Florence, come explore this unique building that has transformed and renewed itself throughout the centuries.

Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Entrance Ticket & Videoguide

3. Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Entrance Ticket & Videoguide

Palazzo Vecchio is the heart of Florence. Built in 1299 to house the leaders of the medieval city it is the symbol of the city’s history. The golden age of Palazzo Vecchio began when the Medici family decided to turn it into a real palace, making it the family residence. During your visit, you’ll be able to admire the architecture of the palazzo, and its sculptures and paintings, and learn about its rich and complex history over the centuries. Your visit to the Palazzo Vecchio will be enhanced with a multimedia guide in the form of a 7-inch tablet that provides fascinating audio-video narration with images in high definition and spectacular 3D re-creations. Upgrade your experience to include Arnolfo's Tower, and enjoy the fantastic views from the tower's summit. Visit the tower first, then head to the museum 1 hour later.

Florence: Mysteries of the Medici Guided Walking Tour

4. Florence: Mysteries of the Medici Guided Walking Tour

Experience the history of Florence through learning about the contributions of the infamous Medici family while seeing their influence on the city first-hand. Visit the Medici Chapel and see the gorgeous mosaic work. Listen as your expert guide takes you on a tour of the past, and hear how money and power drove an intense rivalry between the Strozzi, Pazzi, and Medici families. Discover the secrets and mysteries of the Medici family as your English-speaking guide takes you through the old streets and squares. Stroll through the traces left by the most extraordinary members of the Medici dynasty. Enter the Medici Chapel where most of the remaining remnants of the family found their last shelter. See the sparkling semi-precious stones in the Florentine mosaic Commesso Fiorentino.

Florence: Guided Walking Tour

5. Florence: Guided Walking Tour

Begin your tour by visiting the most important buildings in the heart of Florence. See the Duomo, the Baptistery of Saint John, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo,  which is a museum containing many of the original works of art created for the cathedral of Florence, and Giotto’s Bell Tower which stands adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. Then, move towards Piazza della Signoria where you can admire the sculpture of David by Michelangelo, placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Republic's defiance of the tyrannical Medici. Next, visit Ponte Vecchio Bridge, the most famous bridge in Florence and undoubtedly one of the city’s most illustrious landmarks. Throughout the tour, your professional guide will show you hidden places that most people don’t notice while walking in the city. With a perfect mix of information, covering history, curiosities about the Medici and the Renaissance, you will understand the essence of this beautiful city.

From Rome: Florence and Pisa Full-Day Small Group Tour

6. From Rome: Florence and Pisa Full-Day Small Group Tour

Depart Rome and drive through the Italian countryside towards the rolling hills of Tuscany. Upon arrival in Florence, journey through the "Cradle of the Renaissance" starting at Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can take in an amazing panorama of the entire city. Then, go to the covered Ponte Vecchio across the River Arno to see the city from a different perspective. Stroll the enchanting streets to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and look at its stunning dome by Brunelleschi. Admire the marble monuments of the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower. Next, enter Piazza della Signoria to get a well-rounded view of the political and artistic heritage of the city. The L-shaped square is home to the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio and a copy of Michelangelo's David along with the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi. After lunch (not included), take a walk through the outdoor market of San Lorenzo and find high quality leather jackets and other clothes at affordable prices. Depart Florence at around 2:30 PM and head to Pisa for a guided tour of the spectacular Piazza dei Miracoli. See the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa and the marble façades of the Baptistery and Duomo. Leave Pisa at approximately 5:00 PM for the journey back to Rome.

Florence: Eco Tour by Electric Cart

7. Florence: Eco Tour by Electric Cart

Explore the historic center of Florence by electric golf cart and leave your conscience clean as you cover more sights than possible on a walking tour. Climb aboard the eco-friendly cart in Piazza San Firenze and drive through the streets of the Renaissance city, passing Piazza Signoria and the Porcellino Market. Continue to the Duomo and marble façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Journey along the banks of the River Arno to Piazza Ognissanti. An MP3 player will be provided with commentary about the history of the city and its sites so that you can sit back and relax as your escort drives you across the Santa Trinita Bridge. Marvel at the Pitti Palace and Ponte Vecchio. Continue to the Ponte alle Grazie, rebuilt after it was destroyed in World War II. Go to the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale (National Central Library) on Piazza Santa Croce to see the largest library in Italy.

Florence: Medici Family History Tour

8. Florence: Medici Family History Tour

Relive the story of the family that managed to become the symbol of a city, facing countless obstacles, betrayals and victories. Explore the most symbolic places of the Medici family in Florence, the most famous city of the Renaissance period. See where many of the scenes from the tv series “The Medici” took place, and uncover the true essence of the main characters of the Medici Family, Lorenzo the Magnificent, Cosimo the Elder or Piero the Unfortunate. You can also explore the amazing palaces of enemy families like the Strozzi, Albizi, and Pazzi. Together, you will visit the Palazzo Medici, a famous architectural work of the fifteenth century and the beautiful Chapel of the Magi, which was painted by Benozzo Gozzoli. You will also visit a secret place where the genius Michelangelo learned to sculpt, under the shadow of one of Donatello’s pupils, the Bertoldo.

Florence: Guided Walking Tour in the Footsteps of the Medici

9. Florence: Guided Walking Tour in the Footsteps of the Medici

Experience the Delight of a Stroll Through Florence's Splendor and Timeless Heritage! Embark on a delightful walking tour of Florence, the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city that brims with history and allure. Our expert and engaging tour guide will introduce you to the city's remarkable secular legacy and its breathtaking beauty. Our tour will unravel the layers of history and architecture that have shaped Florence, from its Roman origins through the medieval era, the golden age of the Renaissance, right up to the vibrant Florence of today. Gain insight into the Medici family, the revered masters of Florence, who rose to global prominence during the 14th and 15th centuries. The Medicis emerged during a time of profound social and economic disparity, revolutionizing the status quo with their innovative banking practices that facilitated the rise of a burgeoning middle class and immense wealth. With their unprecedented power and resources, the Medici clan challenged conventional norms, ushering in a revolutionary era of art and science - the Renaissance - that left an indelible mark on human history. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you to iconic locations where great minds and artists once stood, drawing inspiration. Along the way, you'll witness landmarks such as Piazza della Signoria with its majestic Palazzo Vecchio, the awe-inspiring Duomo, the Baptistery featuring the 'Gates of Paradise,' Giotto's elegant bell tower, Brunelleschi's iconic Dome, Santa Trinita, and the Orsanmichele Church. You'll also stroll across the legendary Pontevecchio Bridge and catch a glimpse of the hidden Vasari Corridor, as well as explore famous shopping streets and the Oltrarno district, renowned for its artisanal craftsmanship. As an added treat, we'll pause for a surprise 'tasting' – a delectable break during your delightful stroll through this captivating city.

Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Museum

10. Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Museum

Explore the town hall of Florence on a 2-hour tour of the Palazzo Vecchio Museum. Visit the private apartments of the Medici family and enjoy the atmosphere.  Admire the impressive murals that decorate the walls of the Salone dei Cinquecento — the Hall of the Five Hundred — and discover classic art from medieval masters to those of the Renaissance.

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What people are saying about Palazzo Vecchio

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 7,220 reviews

I would highly recommend this tour to everyone. It was amazing to be able to visit the rooms and stairways that the Medicis themselves used. Our guide, Elisa, was so friendly, engaging and knowledgeable. She made the tour interesting and was happy to answer questions. For me this tour lent a little bit of excitement and intrigue to my visit to this beautiful palazzo. After your secret tour your guide will leave you to explore the other parts of the palazzo and you can easily spend a few more hours there if you wish.

Pam was a great tour guide, we were a very small group and had a good walking tour. I recommend you to do this tour as soon as you arrive in Florence, in this way you can get to know the city and it’s historic value. Pam gave us a lot of information and we asked many questions. Walking tours are the best way to learn about the history, areas and food! In this tour you don’t get to go inside of any of the attractions because all of them need a ticket. Really worth doing! Highly recommended!!

We enjoyed the electric cart tour through Florence. We were able to visit some locations that might have been difficult for us to access on foot, so we appreciate the experience. Our driver, Simon was very friendly and provided so much interesting information on our tour.

This was one the most fun tours I’ve had in a museum. We went where others don’t get to go, we saw a side of the occupants and it’s history that was fascinating. You get the regular museum plus secret passages! What could be better?

Julia was an amazing tour guide! Very interesting and fun tour to learn about the Medici family