Florence in 1 Day for Families - San Lorenzo neighbourhood & markets
In Collaboration with Roseway Tours. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A 2-hour, family-focused guided walking tour of Florence’s Renaissance highlights. Meet in Piazza della Repubblica and explore San Lorenzo, the Duomo, Dante’s neighbourhood, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio with a licensed guide. Designed for families with strollers and young children — short walks, frequent stops, and engaging stories.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Roseway Tours, inspired by the tour Treasures of Florence: Guided Walking Tour of City Highlights. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- San Lorenzo neighbourhood & markets
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) exterior
- Dante's neighbourhood (Casa di Dante area)
- Piazza della Signoria (open-air sculptures)
- Ponte Vecchio (historic bridge)
- Meeting and finish at Piazza della Repubblica
Itinerary
Day 1
Compact, stroller-friendly family walking tour covering Florence’s central highlights. Total official tour time: 2 hours (10:00–12:00).
Meet & check-in — Piazza della Repubblica (tour briefing)
Meet your guide at the central fountain/column in Piazza della Repubblica for a quick check-in, safety notes for families, and an overview of the route. Guide will distribute audio headsets (if used) and point out restroom and stroller-friendly paths for the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Landmark for families: stand by the round column/fountain next to Caffè Gilli so kids can spot the guide easily.
- Stroller note: the square is flat and paved — foldable strollers work best if the group needs to pass narrower streets later.
- Restroom tip: public toilets and cafés with toilets are nearby on the square — use them before we start to avoid mid-tour interruptions.
San Lorenzo neighbourhood — markets & Medici stories
Stroll into the lively San Lorenzo area to see the market stalls, hear stories of the Medici family, and view the exterior of the Basilica di San Lorenzo. The guide highlights local crafts and points out family-friendly market snacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Snack-friendly: vendors sell simple pastries and fresh fruit — grab a quick bite that kids can eat on the go (Mercato style).
- Accessibility: major streets here are mostly flat; your guide will pick a route with the fewest kerbs for easier stroller access.
- Sightseeing game: ask kids to find a carved Medici crest or a leather stall to keep them engaged between stops.
Piazza del Duomo — Cathedral, Giotto’s Campanile & Baptistery (outside viewing)
Arrive at Florence’s iconic cathedral complex. The guide explains Brunelleschi’s dome, the Baptistery’s golden doors, and Giotto’s bell tower — all from the piazza (tour is outdoors; entrances not included). Plenty of photo stops here.
Tips from local experts:
- Crowd tip: the piazza fills quickly — keep the family together on the left side where there’s more space for strollers.
- Restroom + baby care: Museo dell'Opera del Duomo nearby has facilities if needed (ask your guide for the quickest route).
- Kid-friendly angle: focus on the dome as a 'giant hat' and the Baptistery doors as 'golden story books' to make the art approachable.
Dante’s area & narrow-street exploration — Via Ricasoli vicinity
Walk through the characterful alleys near Dante’s childhood area. Your guide shares family-friendly tales of Dante and points out small artisan workshops where children can observe traditional crafts from a distance.
Tips from local experts:
- Short walks: this section uses narrower streets — keep strollers folded briefly in the tightest spots or use the main parallel street.
- Quiet moments: there are small piazzas and benches ideal for short rest or snack breaks if little ones need time out.
- Learning for kids: ask your guide for a 2-minute kid-friendly story about Dante to make the stop memorable without losing attention.
Piazza della Signoria — open-air sculpture museum & Medici history
Explore Piazza della Signoria — an open-air sculpture gallery dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio. The guide highlights key sculptures, explains Florence’s political past in kid-friendly terms, and points out safe places for children to view the art.
Tips from local experts:
- Seating: several benches and ledges give parents a place to rest while children view the sculptures from a safe distance.
- Interactive idea: make a simple sculpture checklist (lion, fountain, soldier) to keep kids moving and curious.
- Shade and shelter: if it’s sunny or drizzly, the arcades next to Palazzo Vecchio offer quick shelter without losing the view.
Ponte Vecchio — historic bridge and jewelry workshops (short stop)
Walk across the medieval Ponte Vecchio lined with historic goldsmith shops. The guide tells the bridge’s story — from meat market to jewelers — and points out safe photo spots and areas to pause with the family.
Tips from local experts:
- Watch for traffic: the bridge is pedestrian but often crowded — hold little ones’ hands and keep strollers close to the inner railings.
- Window-spotting: kids often love looking into the tiny jewelry windows — ask them to pick their favourite colorful piece as a game.
- Quick eats: if children need a treat, your guide will recommend a nearby gelateria off the bridge to avoid the busiest points.
Finish & family wrap-up — Piazza della Repubblica (optional local tips & departures)
Return to Piazza della Repubblica to close the tour. The guide will suggest family-friendly lunch spots, nearby gelaterie, and quieter museums suitable for children, and answer any questions before you continue your day.
Tips from local experts:
- Post-tour lunch: Mercato Centrale Firenze (short walk) has many kid-friendly options and high-chair seating for families — ideal after the tour.
- Gelato pick: if you want a family treat, head to a trusted nearby gelateria recommended by your guide to avoid tourist queues.
- Wrap-up logistics: your guide will point out the closest public toilets and stroller-friendly routes back to major hotels or tram/bus stops.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture |
