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Walks In Europe · Florence

David, the Duomo and the bell tower

This tour does not climb Brunelleschi's dome. It's the plan B for sold-out dates: Michelangelo's David at the Accademia with a guide, then the Duomo square, with tickets for the museum, baptistery and an optional climb of Giotto's Bell Tower, which has the best view of the dome itself.

David, Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower

About this experience

To be clear from the start: no dome climb on this tour. We list it because when the dome's calendar shows a grey 0, Giotto's Bell Tower is the next best thing, and many argue the better view, since the dome is in it. The tower is 414 steps and 84.7 metres, with three landings to rest on, per the Opera's bell tower page. Your ticket here includes it as an optional climb.

The day starts at the Accademia Gallery with timed tickets for Michelangelo's David, the 5.17-metre marble finished in 1504. Then the guide walks you to Piazza del Duomo. Afternoon tours include a guided cathedral visit; morning tours give you independent entry afterwards. Pre-reserved tickets cover the Duomo Museum, the baptistery and Santa Reparata, though the listing warns the tour may only fit one of museum and baptistery in.

Some fine print. No cathedral visits on Sundays. Backpacks of any size aren't allowed. Every traveller needs ID that matches the booking name. And Giotto's Bell Tower has been under restoration since March 2026, with scaffolding and mesh at the top: still open, but your photos will show it. It's closed 9 to 13 November 2026.

  • Michelangelo's David with a guide and timed entry
  • Giotto's Bell Tower climb (optional): 414 steps, with the dome in view
  • The Duomo Museum, baptistery and Santa Reparata
  • Guided cathedral visit on afternoon tours
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

How the day runs

  1. 15 min beforeMeet in Piazza San Marco

    In front of the Manfredo Fanti monument. The guide holds a Walks In Europe sign. Late arrivals can't join once the timed entry starts.

  2. About 45 minThe Accademia and David

    Michelangelo's David and the unfinished Prisoners leading up to it.

  3. About 15 minWalk to Piazza del Duomo

    A short walk south to the cathedral square.

  4. About 50 minCathedral, museum, baptistery

    Guided cathedral on afternoon tours; then the Duomo Museum and the baptistery (the tour may fit in only one).

  5. About 30 minGiotto's Bell Tower (optional)

    414 steps and three landings to the top, with Brunelleschi's dome right in front of you.

Aerial view of Giotto's Bell Tower beside the domeThe marble facade of Florence CathedralVisitors around Michelangelo's David in the Accademia Gallery

What's included

Included

  • Timed entry tickets to the Accademia Gallery
  • Cathedral visit (guided in the afternoon, independent after morning tours)
  • 2-hour guided tour and optional bell tower climb
  • Pre-reserved tickets: Duomo Museum, baptistery, Santa Reparata
  • Licensed expert guide
  • Headsets

Not included

  • Brunelleschi's dome: not included
  • Transport to the meeting point
  • Cathedral visits on Sundays
  • Backpacks of any size

Who it suits

Book it if

  • The dome is sold out on your dates and you still want a climb
  • You want David and the Duomo in one morning or afternoon
  • You'd rather climb 414 steps with landings than 463 without
  • You want the dome in your photos, not under your feet

Skip it if

  • You want to climb the dome itself: see the dome and terraces tour
  • You're visiting on a Sunday and want the cathedral
  • You've already seen David
  • You need to bring a backpack

What guests say

★★★★★

Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and she made the tour concise. We didn't feel like she skipped anything though. [...] We skipped the bell tower because we were so tired, but we did use our ticket to go into the baptistery and museum. Loved our tour guide!

Tyler_M · Aug 2026
★★★★★

It was a great experience. The tour guide Maria was very good at managing the large crowds and making sure we saw the most important parts of the tour. We were able to see the many works of Michelangelo.

frank_m · Sep 2026
★★★★★

Very interesting and informative . Our guide was very knowledgeable . She was a great narrator. She made it so interesting and easy to listen to her . She knew how to captivate all of us on the tour.

Kimberly_F · Sep 2026

Tips before you book

  • Book an afternoon tour if you want the cathedral guided. Morning tours leave you to go in alone.
  • Save energy for the tower. One guest skipped it because they were too tired after the tour.
  • The bell tower closes 9 to 13 November 2026. See our note on the tower restoration.
  • Bring a scarf for the cathedral: no shorts or skirts above the knee, no sandals.
  • Still want the dome? Check the official calendar every morning: cancelled slots can reappear.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the David and Duomo tour include the dome climb?

No. It includes Giotto's Bell Tower (optional climb), the cathedral, the Duomo Museum, the baptistery and Santa Reparata, plus the Accademia. For the dome itself see what to do when the dome is sold out.

Is Giotto's Bell Tower a good alternative to the dome?

Yes. It is 414 steps against 463, with three landings to rest on, and the view from the top has the dome in it. The stairs are narrow and two-way in places. Our dome or bell tower guide compares them.

Is the cathedral visit guided?

On afternoon tours, yes. Morning tours include independent entry after the tour with your pre-reserved tickets. Either way there are no cathedral visits on Sundays.

Do I need ID for the David and Duomo tour?

Yes. The listing says each traveller must show a valid passport or ID that matches the name given at booking.

Ready to book

Book David, Duomo & bell tower

Michelangelo's David with a guide, then Giotto's Bell Tower: the plan B when the dome is sold out.

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Plan your date before you go

Michelangelo's David with a guide, then Giotto's Bell Tower: the plan B when the dome is sold out.

Check dates for the David and bell tower tour