Carriage Rides in Florence: What to Know
Carriage rides in Florence
Horse-drawn carriages have been part of Florence’s streets since the Medici period. Today they function primarily as a tourist activity, but they remain a genuine and distinctive way to see the historic centre of the city.
For families with children, a carriage ride offers a specific advantage that a walking tour or bike ride does not: children sit still in a moving vehicle at a pleasant height above street level, without physical effort, seeing the city from a different angle. Children between 2 and 8 tend to be particularly enthusiastic about carriages. The novelty of the experience and the presence of horses make it memorable.
This guide covers where the carriages depart, how long a typical ride lasts, what you see, how much it costs, and whether the experience works for very young children.
Where the carriages depart
Horse-drawn carriages in Florence depart from two main locations in the historic centre.
The primary departure point is Piazza del Duomo, on the north side of the cathedral near the Baptistery. Carriages queue here throughout the day from approximately 09:00 to 19:00. This is the most visible and most heavily touristed location for carriage rides in the city.
The second departure point is Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s main civic square. A smaller number of carriages operate here, primarily in the afternoon. The proximity to Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi makes this a visually appealing starting point.
Private carriage bookings can be arranged to depart from other central locations, including in front of large hotels. Contact carriage operators directly for this service. Prices for private departures are typically 20 to 30 euros higher than standard rates.
The carriage operators in Florence are a small, established group. Prices are not regulated but have remained broadly consistent over recent years. You will always negotiate slightly, and it is worth asking two or three operators for their current rates before committing.
How long it lasts and how much it costs
Carriage rides in Florence are offered in several time increments. The most common options in 2026 are as follows.
A 20-minute ride covering the immediate area around the Duomo costs approximately 50 to 60 euros per carriage. Most carriages seat 4 to 5 adults or a family with two adults and three children. The per-person cost for a family of four is therefore around 12 to 15 euros, which is comparable to a private guided tour segment.
A 30-minute ride extending to Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio area costs approximately 70 to 80 euros per carriage. This is the most commonly requested length.
A 60-minute “grand tour” covering the historic centre including Piazza della Repubblica, the Oltrarno bridge crossing, and the main piazzas costs approximately 120 to 150 euros per carriage. This is the most comprehensive option and works well for children between 6 and 12 who have the patience for a longer ride.
Evening rides, from approximately 19:00 to 21:00, are offered at slightly higher rates. The city at dusk and in early evening light is one of the more beautiful versions of Florence, and an evening carriage ride through the illuminated historic centre is a particularly good experience for families with children between 5 and 12.
Prices should be confirmed in writing (or shown on a clear rate card) before the ride begins. Ask the coachman explicitly: “Is this the total price for our family?” and confirm how many people it covers.
What you see during the ride
The carriage route varies depending on departure point and duration. The following is typical for a 30-minute ride from Piazza del Duomo.
The carriage moves from the Baptistery south along Via dei Calzaiuoli toward Piazza della Signoria. This central pedestrian axis is one of the most densely tourist-visited streets in Florence. Passing through it by carriage gives you a different perspective from walking through it on foot.
From Piazza della Signoria, the route continues to Ponte Vecchio. The approach to Ponte Vecchio along the riverfront embankment (Lungarno degli Archibusieri) is one of the most photographed views in Florence. Children tend to respond to the bridge with genuine interest, particularly its unusual structure of shops built on both sides.
The carriage typically crosses the bridge and travels briefly through the Oltrarno before returning to the north side of the river and back to the departure point. The full 30-minute circuit covers approximately 2.5 km.
For a 60-minute ride, the route extends to include Piazza della Repubblica (the former Roman forum of the city, marked by a distinctive 19th-century arch), Via Tornabuoni (the luxury goods street with some of the most elegant facades in the city), and Piazza Santa Trinita.
The coachman provides commentary during the ride. In tourist areas, most Florentine carriage operators speak sufficient English for basic explanations. For a more detailed English commentary, confirm language capability when booking.
Is it suitable for young children
Carriage rides in Florence are generally well-suited to young children. The following is a practical assessment by age group.
Children under 2: a carriage ride is possible but requires a child to be held or seated in a lap throughout. There are no seatbelts or child restraint systems. Children who are reliably comfortable in a lap for 20 to 30 minutes will manage this without difficulty.
Children between 2 and 5: this is the age group that typically derives the most enjoyment from a carriage ride. The height above street level, the motion, and the presence of horses all produce strong positive reactions. Short rides of 20 to 30 minutes are well matched to attention spans in this age group.
Children between 6 and 10: consistently positive experience, particularly for children who have an interest in horses or in the historic appearance of the city. A 30-minute ride is well matched to this age group.
Children between 11 and 14: variable. Teenagers who are self-conscious about tourist activities may find a carriage ride awkward. Those who approach it without that concern tend to find it genuinely enjoyable. A 60-minute evening ride is the format most likely to work for this age group.
The carriages operate on the streets of the historic centre, which include cobblestone sections. The ride is not entirely smooth. Children who are sensitive to motion may find the cobblestone sections slightly uncomfortable.
Where to stay
Charlotte guesthouse in Florence is located in central Florence, within easy walking distance of both departure points for carriage rides. Piazza del Duomo is approximately 5 to 10 minutes on foot.
If you are planning a morning carriage ride before other activities, or an evening ride as a memorable end to a Florence day, the Charlotte location makes both straightforward.
Find more about the guesthouse and rooms at Charlotte.
