Adventurous Kate comprises affiliate hyperlinks. Should you make a purchase order by means of these hyperlinks, I’ll earn a fee at no additional value to you. Thanks!
Should you’re on the lookout for one of the best views in Florence, have I obtained the put up for you! I actually ran round Florence like a madwoman photographing all the highest spots so I might share them with you!
I really like Florence, and have beloved it since finding out right here 20 years in the past (!). I do know this metropolis extraordinarily properly.
On this put up, I’ll share the 18 most spectacular views of Florence, all of which I’ve personally visited (aside from the one tower that’s not often open), with my very own private photographs, in addition to data on the logistics of tickets you’ll want and how you can get there.
I even have a piece on one of the best spots for selfies, as a result of not all nice pictures areas translate into nice selfies, and what I feel are the very best of one of the best viewpoints in Florence.
My purpose is so that you can use your restricted time in Florence correctly, and to get photographs you’ll treasure endlessly.
If you wish to get nice photographs from Florence, learn on! (And remember to try my information to one of the best issues to do in Florence, in addition to one of the best day journeys from Florence!) Let’s dive on in!
This put up was printed in August 2024.
View from Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile)
Giotto’s Bell Tower is likely one of the best possible views of Florence, for my part. The bell tower, or campanile, is true subsequent to the Duomo, so you have got a great view of the Duomo, nearly as shut as you will get to it!
I additionally suppose this is likely one of the higher decisions of towers to climb when you have youngsters. There are three viewing platforms as you ascend the tower, which have loads of room and are good spots to catch your breath, and your complete place is wired in, making it unattainable to fall out (not like the Duomo, the place I practically had a coronary heart assault as a five-year-old leaned over the sting).
In fact, the wire is an issue for photographers with DSLR cameras. I couldn’t handle to get a great photograph with my DSLR with out having the wires ruining the shot. I did, nonetheless, get glorious photographs from my cellphone. In order that’s one thing to bear in mind.
Methods to see the view of Florence from Giotto’s Bell Tower: Purchase one of many three cathedral passes that permits you to go to the Duomo (excluding the climb), the Baptistery, and the bell tower. You should buy on-line or on the tourism workplace on the southern aspect of Piazza del Duomo. From there you’ll have freedom to climb the tower inside the time slot of the ticket.
View from the Arnolfo Tower on the Palazzo Vecchio
My different favourite view of Florence is from the Arnolfo Tower (Torre di Arnolfo) protruding from the Palazzo Vecchio, overlooking Piazza della Signoria. This view provides you and up-close-and-personal view of the Duomo at eye degree. It virtually appears like a drone shot!
There are a number of ranges main as much as the viewing platform, providing you with totally different views of the town.
Do know that it’s VERY straightforward to purchase the incorrect type of ticket right here — I truly messed it up on my first strive. And whereas it may not be the preferred place in Florence, I nonetheless strongly encourage you to ebook your spot prematurely.
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Palazzo Vecchio: Purchase a ticket from the official web site right here, and on the tab that claims “Select the kind of ticket,” select “Arnolfo Tower.” Don’t preserve it on the default, which is “Museo di Palazzo Vecchio.” That may solely offer you entry to the museum, and never the tower itself. It’s “Arnolfo Tower” all the way in which!
View from the Duomo
Climbing the Duomo in Florence is a should on many vacationers’ bucket lists! However actually, it’s not my private favourite. Climbing the Duomo is like climbing the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Constructing — positive, it’s a tall constructing, however you don’t see the enduring constructing of the town as a result of you’re in it!
That stated, I completely perceive the draw of climbing the dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, which actually does offer you a panoramic view of the entire metropolis.
One factor it is best to know, particularly when you have youngsters, is that there’s no barrier on the prime. I did fear in regards to the five-year-old on our tour leaning over the sting, however his mother and father saved an in depth eye on him.
It’s past important to ebook this exercise prematurely, because it’s one of many prime three websites in Florence that promote out far prematurely (the opposite two are the Uffizi and the Accademia). Even on my current go to in March, it was offered out for the following 4 days. So ebook it early, particularly when you’re visiting in the course of the hotter months!
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Duomo: If you wish to splurge, I like to recommend doing the after-hours tour of Brunelleschi’s Dome to go to the Florence cathedral after it’s closed — you and your tour would be the solely ones there — and get entry to the personal terrace.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to ebook a mix ticket that features each climbing the dome and visiting David on the Accademia — two actions that I strongly urge reserving prematurely, it doesn’t matter what time of yr you’re visiting.
View from La Rinascente
La Rinascente is a division retailer chain in Italy. And a number of other of their shops have cafes on the roof with glorious views of the encompassing metropolis. (The one in Palermo is a delight, as is the one in Rome.)
However the view from La Rinascente in Florence has been certainly one of my absolute favorites since my time finding out overseas! It’s proper on Piazza della Repubblica, and the rooftop cafe provides you a wonderful up-close-and-personal view of the Duomo!
All it prices is the price of no matter you eat or drink up right here. That stated — final time I used to be right here, the service was abysmal, and I actually waited for half-hour, signaled the waitstaff a number of instances, and no one got here to take my order. After that, I simply gave up and left. Oh properly. Free photographs!
Methods to see the view of Florence from La Rinascente: The principle entrance to La Rinascente is on Piazza della Repubblica. Take the escalators or the elevator to the highest ground, then climb the ultimate staircase to the cafe. Sadly there’s no elevator to the very prime.
View from Piazzale Michelangelo
Should you’re on the lookout for the last word sundown view of Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is THE place to go. Simply know that you just gained’t be alone — as probably the most common vacationer points of interest in Florence, you’ll be sharing the view with a whole bunch of your fellow vacationers, together with some road musicians!
Be sure you double-check the sundown time earlier than you go. And bear in mind — it’s an novice transfer to go away as quickly because the solar units! Stick round and also you’ll proceed to have attractive photographs as the sunshine adjustments, particularly when you have a cloud-streaked sky. And then you definately get blue hour, which is unbelievable from right here…
Methods to see the view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo: It couldn’t be simpler — there’s an enormous car parking zone with a big staircase and loads of room to unfold out. You might wish to mix this go to with the Rose Backyard and/or San Miniato al Monte, as each are shut by.
View from the Rose Backyard
A stone’s throw from Piazzale Michelangelo is the Rose Backyard, an unbelievable spot for photographs in Florence. The backyard is dwelling to greater than 400 sorts of roses, in addition to a lot of totally different sorts of crops and fruit timber.
This occurs to be certainly one of my favourite views in Florence, significantly when you’re visiting whereas the roses are bloom (spring and summer season are good bets). Don’t miss the Japanese backyard inside the backyard, which was a present from Florence’s sister metropolis of Kyoto.
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Rose Backyard: The Rose Backyard is free to enter and has attractive views all through. I like to recommend stopping right here earlier than visiting Piazzale Michelangelo.
View from San Miniato al Monte
The church of San Miniato al Monte is a brief stroll up from Piazzale Michelangelo — and whereas there are definitely loads of fellow vacationers right here, it’s not practically as crowded by comparability. This church has the same view, however is additional again.
San Miniato al Monte has a really totally different really feel from the opposite church buildings in Florence — somewhat than being an indicator of the Renaissance, this church dates again to the yr 1018. Although touches of Renaissance artwork have been added centuries later, it all the time make me really feel a bit off-kilter right here. (I swear this church has ghosts. I can sense them.)
There are staircases main as much as the church from the street, and you’ve got glorious views of the Florence skyline all the way in which up. From the highest, you’ll have a view over some graves of the fascinating cemetery.
Methods to see the view of Florence from San Miniato al Monte: From Piazzale Michelangelo, head uphill alongside Through Galileo till you attain the staircases, then head as much as the church. The church and cemetery are free to go to.
View from the Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are one of many nicest inexperienced areas in Florence, situated within the Oltrarno, south of the river. The gardens, designed for the Medici household, are situated behind the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace), which has a wonderful assortment of artwork.
Discovering the view is definitely a little bit of a problem, as a result of you’ll be able to’t see it from a lot of the backyard. You must stroll over to the Kaffeehaus, the pale inexperienced constructing on the far left of the gardens after you stroll in. The view of the Duomo and the town skyline will be considered from one aspect of the constructing.
The view is a LITTLE bit obscured right here, however I feel it’s nonetheless price seeing!
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Boboli Gardens: Tickets to the Boboli Gardens can be found on their very own, however you may as well purchase mixture tickets that embody the Pitti Palace. The Pitti Palace is great, and I like to recommend visiting when you have time and aren’t art-ed out.
You will get skip-the-line tickets to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens right here, or for simply the gardens, skip-the-line tickets to the Boboli Gardens right here.
View from the Bardini Gardens
Now, the Bardini Gardens are lesser-known in Florence, however they’re dwelling to an impressive view! And even higher? You get a ticket to the Bardini Gardens alongside together with your Boboli Gardens ticket.
Should you’re on the lookout for peace and quiet — and an escape from vacationer crowds — the Bardini Gardens are a wonderful place to go. (Although there may be a boisterous college group there, like once I visited.)
You’ll be able to see the view from proper subsequent to Villa Bardini, however stroll the gardens and also you’ll see extra of the view from totally different angles.
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Bardini Gardens: To get to the Bardini Gardens, exit the Boboli Gardens on the Forte di Belvedere exit, and easily comply with the indicators for the Giardino Bardini. It’s a couple of five-minute stroll. Your Boboli Gardens ticket will get you in.
View from View on Artwork Rooftop Bar
Florence does have its share of rooftop bars, and probably the most common ones is View on Artwork. And the view right here is likely one of the perfect. It feels just like the Duomo is inches out of your face, all lit up for the night. It’s a wild, intense view.
Truthfully, past the view, View on Artwork isn’t an awesome bar. The cocktails aren’t something particular, the decor is affordable — it’s clear it’s all in regards to the view.
So my suggestion is to go for one drink, take your photographs, after which go to one of many higher cocktail bars in Florence. My favorites are Procacci (cocktails and truffle sandwiches!), Manifattura (serving solely Italian spirits!), and Giacosa 1815 (the place the Negroni was invented!).
Methods to see the view of Florence from View on Artwork: I like to recommend calling forward for a reservation, particularly in excessive season. I used to be in a position to present up and get a desk in March.
View from JJ Cathedral
JJ Cathedral is a bar proper on the sting of the Duomo, near the bell tower. Sure, it’s a really touristy Irish bar, actually in entrance of a serious monument, with a considerably scary rest room — the type of place I wouldn’t go to immediately — however you go right here to benefit from the view.
JJ’s, as my associates and I known as it, was certainly one of my common bars throughout my semester overseas in Florence in 2004! I feel I nonetheless have my membership card. I might all the time get a Strongbow. Although I went again in 2024 and so they not carry Strongbow.
JJ Cathedral has a lot of seats exterior, and a really small balcony on the second ground. If you will get seats on the balcony, that’s even higher! Simply know that it’s just about unattainable to suit multiple celebration onto that tiny balcony, so that you may need to accept one of many exterior seats.
Methods to see the view of Florence from JJ Cathedral: Simply stroll on over and order a beer! The balcony doesn’t have a lot room, so that you may need higher luck within the morning. They open at 10:00 AM.
View from Grand Resort Baglioni
The Grand Resort Baglioni is dwelling to certainly one of my favourite distinctive views in Prague — it’s an precise 360-degree view of the Florence skyline! That is extraordinarily uncommon in Florence, and is a cause sufficient to go to their American Bar on prime of the lodge.
And if it’s a really special day, I recommend you contact them for the desk that’s on the very prime of the bar, above all the opposite seats and platforms — however take into account that with just one desk, reservations go shortly.
Even so, from wherever you stand, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a view of the Duomo, Basilica San Lorenzo, and the numerous purple rooftops of Firenze.
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Grand Resort Baglioni: You’ll be able to stroll in and go to the American Bar everytime you’d like, but when it’s in excessive season otherwise you need the particular desk, it’s good to make a reservation. Word that in off-season, a lot of the chairs are lined, however small areas are open exterior.
View from Porta San Niccolò
This is likely one of the finest however toughest-to-get views of Florence that exists. Porta San Niccolò, the Tower of San Niccolò, is a tower situated not too removed from Piazzale Michelangelo that occurs to have an exquisite view of the panorama of Florence.
Sadly, the visiting hours for Porta San Niccolò are extraordinarily restricted — solely between June 24 and September 30, 4:00-8:00 PM. You have to make a reservation prematurely for a guided tour, which is on the market in Italian or English. It’s a 160-step climb to the highest.
Due to these restricted hours, I’ve technically been to the placement of Porta San Niccolò, which is true by Piazza Poggi, however I’ve by no means been in a position to climb to the highest.
Methods to see the view of Florence from Porta San Niccolò: Ship an e mail to [email protected] and they’re going to let you already know if there’s availability. Reservations go in a short time.
View from the Uffizi Gallery
Does the Uffizi Gallery have a grand view price experiencing? Sort of, however I don’t suppose it’s one of many higher ones. That stated, the Galleria degli Uffizi is likely one of the finest artwork museums on the planet, and I extremely suggest visiting both approach!
The museum is dwelling to a restaurant on the Uffizi Loggia, with a view of the Duomo. There’s a wall that obscures a part of your view, however you’ll be able to see the Duomo peeking up above it. I’ve seen some photographers get artistic with their photographs right here; mine isn’t that inspiring, sadly!
The cafe isn’t that particular, however it’s a great place to refuel with a espresso or water in between your artwork exploration. However if you wish to go to a a lot better cafe after your go to, I extremely suggest Rivoire, shut by on Piazza della Signoria, which has an art-filled inside and makes my favourite sizzling chocolate on the planet.
You may also get pleasure from views of the Ponte Vecchio from the second ground:
Sadly, the home windows have been closed on the time of my go to, however I’ve seen a lot of individuals take unobscured photographs from right here.
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Uffizi: Advance reservations on the Uffizi are BEYOND important. You’ll be able to ebook advance tickets right here. Alternatively, you’ll be able to ebook a small group tour of the Uffizi if you wish to be taught from a information. The cafe is simple to search out within the museum.
View from the Ponte Vecchio
As soon as once more, the Ponte Vecchio DOES have good views — however not of something tremendous memorable in Florence. You’ll be able to’t fairly see the Duomo from right here, however you do get an honest view of the aspect of the Uffizi, and the river itself.
Really, my favourite photograph of the view was this selfie, taken in 2019:
Sure. Florence brings the romance, all proper. (Somebody inform the dude taking a look at his cellphone.)
So sure, you gained’t get one of the best views of your journey right here, however it’s positively price a fast photograph!
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Ponte Vecchio: Simply head over to the Ponte Vecchio and take photographs from the open heart a part of the bridge.
View from the Lungarno
The Lungarno is the street that winds alongside the north fringe of the Arno River. You’ve got stunning views alongside the river, taking within the Oltrarno, however I feel the only finest view is simply to the east of the Ponte Vecchio.
From right here you’ll get the proper shot of the Ponte Vecchio that everybody appears to have. You will get a shot up shut, or head additional down the Lungarno, previous the Uffizi, to get a shot from additional away.
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Lungarno: It couldn’t be simpler. From the town heart, head to the Ponte Vecchio, and take a left. Stroll alongside the sidewalk subsequent to the river till you’ve obtained an angle you want.
View from the Ponte Alle Grazie
Ah, the Ponte alle Grazie was my bridge! My condo throughout my semester overseas was a stone’s throw from right here. The Ponte alle Grazie is the following bridge down from the Ponte Vecchio, which implies you even have a view of the Ponte Vecchio.
Whereas it’s exhausting to slot in every part from this Florence viewpoint, you’ll be able to positively match within the Ponte Vecchio and the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, together with the Uffizi and different buildings alongside the Arno River.
Methods to see the view of Florence from the Ponte alle Grazie: Stroll over to the Ponte alle Grazie, the bridge to the east of the Ponte Vecchio, and head down the southern aspect of the river, the Oltrarno aspect. From this nook of the bridge and the road, you’ll have an awesome view.
View from Fiesole
Fiesole (fee-YAY-zo-lay) is a small city that’s even older than Florence, courting again to the Etruscan interval. Only a 20-minute drive from Florence within the Tuscan hills, Fiesole is dwelling to a Roman amphitheater, some fairly church buildings, a small museum, and a very good view of Florence from a distance. It’s a uncommon view of the town from a northern viewpoint.
(Word: I have been to Fiesole, again in 2006, however I took horrible photographs with an historic digital camera, so I used a inventory photograph above. You’ll be able to see my unhealthy photograph right here when you’d like.)
Is visiting Fiesole price it? Truthfully, I feel there are a lot better day journeys from Florence. Nevertheless it’s shut by sufficient that you possibly can nip in for an hour or two, take your photographs, then nip again, when you actually needed to go to.
Methods to see the view of Florence from Fiesole: To get to Fiesole, take bus ATAF 7 from Santa Maria Novella bus station to Fiesole, which is a couple of 20-minute drive.
Greatest Florence Views for Selfies
Should you’re on the lookout for a great spot for selfies in Florence, I’ve obtained you lined! This was a part of my analysis.
The very best spots for selfies are spots which are pretty near the Duomo. If not — suppose San Miniato al Monte — it is going to exhausting to make out what’s behind you.
That selfie above was taken on the Palazzo Vecchio. I actually love this angle, although it is best to know that the underside of the window is fairly excessive. I’m 5’4″ (162 cm) and the underside of the window got here midway up my chest. You’ll must raise kids as much as get them into this place.
I additionally love this selfie at La Rinascente. It helped that I had the seat proper within the nook and didn’t must ask anybody to maneuver to get this (or the a number of dozen different photographs I took).
And I actually beloved this night selfie at View on Artwork. It was simply so shut, and being there with the aperol spritz — it was so festive!
Which viewpoints of Florence are most price it?
I perceive that not everybody desires to do what I did and climb tower after tower, generally two towers in a row, only for the sake of comprehensively researching a metropolis. However I do suppose there are a number of extra price it than others.
So, which views of Florence are most price it?
Total, my prime two favourite views are from the Arnolfo Tower on the Palazzo Vecchio, and at Giotto’s Bell Tower. Nonetheless, when you’re utilizing a DSLR, you in all probability gained’t just like the bell tower as a result of rooster wire overlaying every part. These are the 2 paid choices I might spend money on.
As well as, I feel it’s very a lot price seeing the sundown at Piazzale Michelangelo, as crowded as it may possibly get, and stopping within the Rose Backyard en route. These are each free to go to.
And naturally, you have to stroll alongside the Lungarno to get these photographs of the Ponte Vecchio! That’s very straightforward to do, and free.
And when you’d like so as to add one cafe to your listing, I might suggest the cafe on prime of La Rinascente. That may solely value the worth of your drinks or meals.
These, to me, are the views I feel it is best to prioritize in Florence. I don’t even suppose climbing the Duomo is important — that is your blessing to skip Brunelleschi’s Dome when you’re not feeling it!
I hope you have got one of the best time in my beloved Florence, and get footage you’ll treasure endlessly.
Extra on Florence:
Planning a Journey to Italy:
Extra Cool Locations in Northern Italy:
Better of Southern Italy:
- 28 Fabulous Issues to Do in Naples, Italy
- 16 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Sorrento, Italy
- Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Located Seaside City
- The Joys and Challenges of Touring in Sicily
- 22 Stunning Locations to Go to in Sicily
- The place to Go in Japanese Sicily
- 23 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Palermo, Sicily
- Full Information to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
- Aci Trezza: A Laid-Again Coastal City in Sicily
- Visiting Sicily within the Winter: Value it or not?
- 17 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Bari, Italy
- 17 Cool Issues to Do in Matera, Italy
- The Gorgeous Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
- 16 Fab Issues to Do in Lecce, Italy
- Experiencing the Carpino People Competition in Puglia, Italy
Have you ever been to Florence? Any tricks to share?
