A Duomo dome climb is the highlight of Florence for many visitors: you walk up inside Brunelleschi’s dome, past the frescoes of the Last Judgment, to a view over the whole city. Tickets for the climb use timed slots, and guided tours solve that. The cathedral and dome tour is rated 4.8 across 1,146 reviews, from about $98. The dome and bell tower tour is rated 4.9 across 510 reviews, from about $126.
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The verdict
The cathedral and dome tour is our pick for the Duomo dome climb. A licensed guide takes you inside the cathedral with reserved access and up the dome, and one option starts before the doors open to the public. One reviewer describes being the only group inside at 7 am.
The dome and bell tower tour packs in more: a reserved dome climb at the end, a ticket to climb Giotto’s bell tower any time within three days, and a two-hour guided walk of the Baptistery, the museum and the cathedral façade from outside. The guide may not come inside the cathedral or up the climbs, according to the listing.
Neither tour is wheelchair accessible: the climbs are on narrow stairs with no elevator.
The dome climb goes up several hundred narrow steps, with tight passages near the top, so skip it if you dislike heights or small spaces. Book early for fall dates. Our best tours in Florence guide shows how to fit it into two days.
Which one is for you?
Take the cathedral and dome tour if
- You want the most reviewed option: 1,146 reviews.
- You want a guide inside the cathedral.
- You want the early-entry option.
- You want the lower price, from about $98.
Take the dome and bell tower tour if
- You want the highest rating: 4.9 from 510 travelers.
- You want both climbs, dome and bell tower.
- You want the Baptistery and museum too.
- You are happy to climb without a guide.
What each price covers
The cathedral and dome tour, from about $98
Included on all options: a guided Duomo tour with a licensed guide, a cathedral visit with reserved access, and the climb of Brunelleschi’s dome.
Not included: gratuities.
The dome and bell tower tour, from about $126
Included: a reserved dome climb at the end, a Giotto’s bell tower climb any time within three days, and a two-hour guided tour of the Baptistery, the Opera del Duomo Museum and the cathedral façade.
Not included: a guide inside the cathedral and crypt and during the climbs, which may vary.
Where each one starts
- Cathedral and dome tour: Via dei Lamberti 1, or Piazza del Duomo, depending on the option.
- Dome and bell tower tour: Piazza del Duomo 15R.
Side by side
| Cathedral and dome tour | Dome and bell tower tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8 from 1,146 | 4.9 from 510 |
| Five-star reviews | 1,014 (88%) | 478 (94%) |
| Price | from about $98 | from about $126 |
| Length | 2 to 4 hours | 3 hours |
| Dome climb | Included | Included |
| Bell tower | Depends on option | Included, within 3 days |
| Start | Via dei Lamberti or Piazza del Duomo | Piazza del Duomo |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before | Free up to 24 hours before |
What travelers say
On the cathedral and dome tour
We were the only group in there at 7am. No crowds!
Marcy_A, August 2026, via Viator
Laura, our guide, was charming and knowledgeable.
Marina_K, August 2026, via Viator
On the dome and bell tower tour
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this private tour with our wonderful guide, Anastasia!
Connie_M, September 2026, via Viator
The walk up to the top of the dome was an experience.
Jason_H, September 2026, via Viator
Both are reviewed mostly with five stars: 88% of the cathedral and dome tour ratings and 94% of the dome and bell tower tour ratings. Three stars or lower make up about 6% of the reviews on the first and about 3% on the second.
How the dome fits a trip to Florence
Pair the climb with the Accademia David tour and the Uffizi guided tour. For a walk that covers David and the Duomo together, see the Florence walking tour.
For timings and tickets, read our Uffizi tickets guide and the best tours in Florence for a first visit.
Questions travelers ask
Which Duomo dome climb tour should I book?
The cathedral and dome tour, rated 4.8 from 1,146 reviews on Viator, from about $98 (checked September 2026). For both climbs, the dome and bell tower tour, rated 4.9, from about $126.
How hard is the Duomo dome climb?
It is several hundred narrow steps with no elevator, and tight passages near the top.
Is Giotto’s bell tower included?
On the dome and bell tower tour, yes, any time within three days. On the other tour, it depends on the option.
Can I do the Duomo dome climb early in the morning?
Yes. The cathedral and dome tour has an option that starts before the public opening.
Can I cancel a Duomo tour?
Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Book the cathedral and dome tour for a guide inside and an early start; book the dome and bell tower tour to climb both.
Editorial assessment by Italy2Love, September 2026. Inclusions and exclusions, meeting points, prices, ratings, review counts and cancellation terms read on both Viator product pages (product codes 5049P43 and 410267P11), September 2026. Reviews quoted with attribution to their authors and to Viator. Next review March 2027, or sooner on any change to either option.