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When you’re in search of the most efficient perspectives in Florence, have I were given the publish for you! I actually ran round Florence like a madwoman photographing the entire most sensible spots so I may just proportion them with you!
I really like Florence, and feature cherished it since finding out right here twenty years in the past (!). I do know this town extraordinarily smartly.
On this publish, I will be able to proportion the 18 maximum impressive perspectives of Florence, all of which I’ve for my part visited (excluding for the only tower this is infrequently open), with my very own own footage, in addition to data at the logistics of tickets you’ll want and how you can get there.
I even have a phase on the most efficient spots for selfies, as a result of no longer all nice pictures places translate into nice selfies, and what I believe are the very best of the most efficient viewpoints in Florence.
My objective is so that you can use your restricted time in Florence properly, and to get footage you’ll treasure perpetually.
If you wish to get nice footage from Florence, learn on! (And make certain to take a look at my information to the most efficient issues to do in Florence, in addition to the most efficient day journeys from Florence!) Let’s dive on in!
This publish used to be printed in August 2024.
Now THAT is an incredible view of Florence.
View from Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile)
Giotto’s Bell Tower is among the very best perspectives of Florence, personally. The bell tower, or campanile, is correct subsequent to the Duomo, so you’ve gotten a excellent view of the Duomo, with reference to as shut as you’ll get to it!
I additionally assume this is among the higher possible choices of towers to climb you probably have youngsters. There are 3 viewing platforms as you ascend the tower, that have quite a few room and are excellent spots to catch your breath, and all the position is stressed in, making it not possible to fall out (in contrast to the Duomo, the place I just about had a middle assault as a five-year-old leaned over the brink).
After all, the twine is an issue for photographers with DSLR cameras. I couldn’t set up to get a excellent picture with my DSLR with no need the wires ruining the shot. I did, then again, get superb footage from my telephone. In order that’s one thing to bear in mind.
How one can see the view of Florence from Giotto’s Bell Tower: Purchase probably the most three cathedral passes that permits you to discuss with the Duomo (with the exception of the climb), the Baptistery, and the bell tower. You’ll purchase on-line or on the tourism place of work at the southern aspect of Piazza del Duomo. From there you’ll have freedom to climb the tower throughout the time slot of the price ticket.
Doesn’t this Florence cathedral view nearly seem like a drone shot?
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 will give you and up-close-and-personal view of the Duomo at eye stage. It nearly seems like a drone shot!
There are more than one ranges main as much as the viewing platform, providing you with other perspectives of town.
Do know that it’s VERY simple to shop for the flawed roughly price ticket right here — I in fact messed it up on my first take a look at. And whilst it may not be the preferred position in Florence, I nonetheless strongly inspire you to ebook your spot prematurely.
How one can see the view of Florence from the Palazzo Vecchio: Buy a ticket from the official site here, and at the tab that claims “Make a selection the kind of price ticket,” make a choice “Arnolfo Tower.” Don’t stay it at the default, which is “Museo di Palazzo Vecchio.” That can handiest come up with get entry to to the museum, and no longer the tower itself. It’s “Arnolfo Tower” the entire method!
The vintage view from the highest of the dome in Florence!
View from the Duomo
Mountaineering the Duomo in Florence is a will have to on many vacationers’ bucket lists! However in truth, it’s no longer my own favourite. Mountaineering the Duomo is like mountain climbing the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Development — positive, it’s a tall development, however you don’t see the long-lasting development of town since you’re in it!
That mentioned, I utterly perceive the draw of mountain climbing the dome designed through Filippo Brunelleschi, which in point of fact does come up with a breathtaking view of the entire town.
Something you must know, particularly you probably have youngsters, is that there’s no barrier on the most sensible. I did fear in regards to the five-year-old on our excursion leaning over the brink, however his oldsters saved a detailed eye on him.
It’s past very important to ebook this task prematurely, because it’s probably the most most sensible 3 websites in Florence that promote out a ways prematurely (the opposite two are the Uffizi and the Accademia). Even on my contemporary discuss with in March, it used to be bought out for the following 4 days. So ebook it early, particularly in the event you’re visiting all the way through the hotter months!
How one can 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 discuss with the Florence cathedral after it’s closed — you and your excursion would be the handiest ones there — and get get entry to to the non-public terrace.
However, you’ll ebook a mixture price ticket that incorporates each climbing the dome and visiting David at the Accademia — two actions that I strongly urge reserving prematurely, it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you’re visiting.
The view from Los angeles Rinascente in Florence is strangely scrumptious.
View from Los angeles Rinascente
Los angeles Rinascente is a division retailer chain in Italy. And several other in their shops have cafes at the roof with superb perspectives of the encompassing town. (The only in Palermo is a satisfaction, as is the only in Rome.)
However the view from Los angeles Rinascente in Florence has been one among my absolute favorites since my time finding out in another country! It’s proper on Piazza della Repubblica, and the rooftop cafe will give you a very good up-close-and-personal view of the Duomo!
All it prices is the price of no matter you consume or drink up right here. That mentioned — remaining time I used to be right here, the provider used to be abysmal, and I actually waited for half-hour, signaled the waitstaff more than one instances, and no one got here to take my order. After that, I simply gave up and left. Oh smartly. Unfastened footage!
How one can see the view of Florence from Los angeles Rinascente: The principle front to Los angeles Rinascente is on Piazza della Repubblica. Take the escalators or the elevator to the highest ground, then climb the general staircase to the cafe. Sadly there’s no elevator to the very most sensible.
My view from the panoramic terrace Piazzale Michelangelo — no longer an excellent day for sundown, however nonetheless great!
View from Piazzale Michelangelo
When you’re in search of without equal sundown view of Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is THE position to move. Simply know that you just received’t be on my own — as one of the common vacationer sights in Florence, you’ll be sharing the view with masses of your fellow vacationers, at the side of some boulevard musicians!
Be sure you double-check the sundown time prior to you cross. And be mindful — it’s an beginner transfer to depart as quickly because the solar units! Stick round and also you’ll proceed to have beautiful footage as the sunshine adjustments, particularly you probably have a cloud-streaked sky. And then you definately get blue hour, which is unbelievable from right here…
How one can see the view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo: It couldn’t be more uncomplicated — there’s an enormous parking zone with a big staircase and quite a few room to unfold out. Chances are you’ll need to mix this discuss with with the Rose Lawn and/or San Miniato al Monte, as each are shut through.
The Rose Lawn has many plant life in bloom in past due June, when this shot used to be taken.
View from the Rose Lawn
A stone’s throw from Piazzale Michelangelo is the Rose Lawn, an improbable spot for footage in Florence. The lawn is house to greater than 400 kinds of roses, in addition to a lot of other forms of crops and fruit timber.
This occurs to be one among my favourite perspectives in Florence, in particular in the event you’re visiting whilst the roses are bloom (spring and summer season are excellent bets). Don’t pass over the Eastern lawn throughout the lawn, which used to be a present from Florence’s sister town of Kyoto.
How one can see the view of Florence from the Rose Lawn: The Rose Lawn is unfastened to go into and has beautiful perspectives during. I like to recommend preventing right here prior to visiting Piazzale Michelangelo.
The view of Florence from San Miniato al Monte is as top as you’ll get.
View from San Miniato al Monte
The church of San Miniato al Monte is a brief stroll up from Piazzale Michelangelo — and whilst there are no doubt quite a few fellow vacationers right here, it’s no longer just about as crowded through comparability. This church has a equivalent view, however is additional again.
San Miniato al Monte has an overly other really feel from the opposite church buildings in Florence — moderately than being a trademark of the Renaissance, this church dates again to the 12 months 1018. Even though touches of Renaissance artwork had been added centuries later, it at all times make me really feel a bit of off-kilter right here. (I swear this church has ghosts. I will be able to sense them.)
There are staircases main as much as the church from the street, and you have got superb perspectives of the Florence skyline the entire method up. From the highest, you’ll have a view over some graves of the interesting cemetery.
How one can see the view of Florence from San Miniato al Monte: From Piazzale Michelangelo, head uphill alongside By way of Galileo till you achieve the staircases, then head as much as the church. The church and cemetery are unfastened to discuss with.
It’s somewhat bit obscured, however the Boboli Gardens has a pleasant view of Florence!
View from the Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are probably the most nicest inexperienced areas in Florence, situated within the Oltrarno, south of the river. The gardens, designed for the Medici circle of relatives, are situated in the back of the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace), which has a very good selection of artwork.
Discovering the view is in fact a bit of of a problem, as a result of you’ll’t see it from lots of the lawn. You wish to have to stroll over to the Kaffeehaus, the faded inexperienced development at the a ways left of the gardens after you stroll in. The view of the Duomo and town skyline will also be considered from one aspect of the development.
The view is a LITTLE bit obscured right here, however I believe it’s nonetheless value seeing!
How one can see the view of Florence from the Boboli Gardens: Tickets to the Boboli Gardens are to be had on their very own, however you’ll additionally purchase aggregate tickets that come with the Pitti Palace. The Pitti Palace is glorious, and I like to recommend visiting you probably have time and don’t seem to be art-ed out.
You’ll get skip-the-line tickets to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens here, or for simply the gardens, skip-the-line tickets to the Boboli Gardens here.
Now THIS is a superb view of Florence — from the Giardini Bardini!
View from the Bardini Gardens
Now, the Bardini Gardens are lesser-known in Florence, however they’re house to an excellent view! Or even higher? You get a price ticket to the Bardini Gardens at the side of your Boboli Gardens price ticket.
When you’re in search of peace and quiet — and an break out from vacationer crowds — the Bardini Gardens are a very good position to move. (Even though there could be a boisterous college team there, like after I visited.)
You’ll see the view from proper subsequent to Villa Bardini, however walk the gardens and also you’ll see extra of the view from other angles.
How one can see the view of Florence from the Bardini Gardens: To get to the Bardini Gardens, go out the Boboli Gardens on the Uniqueness di Belvedere go out, and easily observe the indicators for the Giardino Bardini. It’s a couple of five-minute stroll. Your Boboli Gardens price ticket gets you in.
You are feeling SO CLOSE to the Duomo at View on Artwork!
View from View on Artwork Rooftop Bar
Florence does have its proportion of rooftop bars, and one of the common ones is View on Artwork. And the view right here is among the absolute best. It feels just like the Duomo is inches out of your face, all lit up for the night time. It’s a wild, intense view.
Truthfully, past the view, View on Art isn’t an excellent bar. The cocktails aren’t anything else particular, the decor is affordable — it’s transparent it’s all in regards to the view.
So my advice is to move for one drink, take your footage, after which cross to probably the most higher cocktail bars in Florence. My favorites are Procacci (cocktails and truffle sandwiches!), Manifattura (serving completely Italian spirits!), and Giacosa 1815 (the place the Negroni used to be invented!).
How one can see the view of Florence from View on Artwork: I like to recommend calling forward for a reservation, particularly in top season. I used to be ready to turn up and get a desk in March.
JJ’s is as shut because it will get to the Duomo!
View from JJ Cathedral
JJ Cathedral is a bar proper at the fringe of the Duomo, with regards to the bell tower. Sure, it’s an overly touristy Irish bar, actually in entrance of a significant monument, with a slightly frightening toilet — the type of position I wouldn’t cross to these days — however you cross right here to benefit from the view.
JJ’s, as my buddies and I referred to as it, used to be one among my common bars all the way through my semester in another country in Florence in 2004! I believe I nonetheless have my club card. I’d at all times get a Strongbow. Even though I went again in 2024 they usually not elevate Strongbow.
JJ Cathedral has a lot of seats outdoor, and an overly small balcony on the second one ground. If you’ll get seats at the balcony, that’s even higher! Simply know that it’s just about not possible to suit multiple birthday celebration onto that tiny balcony, so you may have to accept probably the most outdoor seats.
How one can see the view of Florence from JJ Cathedral: Simply stroll on over and order a lager! The balcony doesn’t have a lot room, so you may have higher success within the morning. They open at 10:00 AM.
I guess you’ve by no means noticed a view of Florence somewhat like the only from this resort.
View from Grand Resort Baglioni
The Grand Resort Baglioni is house to one among my favourite distinctive perspectives in Prague — it’s a real 360-degree view of the Florence skyline! That is extraordinarily uncommon in Florence, and is a reason why sufficient to discuss with their American Bar on most sensible of the resort.
And if it’s an overly special day, I recommend you touch them for the desk this is on the very most sensible of the bar, above the entire different seats and platforms — however remember that with just one desk, reservations cross temporarily.
Even so, from anyplace you stand, you’ll revel in a view of the Duomo, Basilica San Lorenzo, and the numerous purple rooftops of Firenze.
How one can see the view of Florence from the Grand Resort Baglioni: You’ll stroll in and discuss with the American Bar every time you’d like, but when it’s in top season or you need the particular desk, it’s excellent to make a reservation. Word that during off-season, lots of the chairs are lined, however small spaces are open outdoor.
The view of Porta San Niccolò from the Bardini Gardens — sadly I didn’t take a photograph from its base, however the view is very similar to Piazzale Michelangelo!
View from Porta San Niccolò
This is among the best possible however toughest-to-get perspectives of Florence that exists. Porta San Niccolò, the Tower of San Niccolò, is a tower situated no longer too a ways from Piazzale Michelangelo that occurs to have a lovely view of the landscape of Florence.
Sadly, the visiting hours for Porta San Niccolò are extraordinarily restricted — handiest between June 24 and September 30, 4:00-8:00 PM. You will have to make a reservation prematurely for a guided excursion, which is to be had in Italian or English. It’s a 160-step climb to the highest.
On account of those restricted hours, I’ve technically been to the positioning of Porta San Niccolò, which is correct through Piazza Poggi, however I’ve by no means been ready to climb to the highest.
How one can see the view of Florence from Porta San Niccolò: Ship an electronic mail to [email protected] and they’re going to mean you can know if there’s availability. Reservations cross in no time.
The out of doors cafe on the Uffizi — technically a view, although the wall will get in the best way.
View from the Uffizi Gallery
Does the Uffizi Gallery have a grand view value experiencing? Roughly, however I don’t assume it’s probably the most higher ones. That mentioned, the Galleria degli Uffizi is among the best possible artwork museums on the earth, and I extremely suggest visiting both method!
The museum is house to a restaurant at the Uffizi Loggia, with a view of the Duomo. There’s a wall that obscures a part of your view, however you’ll see the Duomo peeking up above it. I’ve noticed some photographers get inventive with their pictures right here; mine isn’t that inspiring, sadly!
The cafe isn’t that particular, nevertheless it’s a excellent position to refuel with a espresso or water in between your artwork exploration. However if you wish to discuss with a a lot better cafe after your discuss with, I extremely suggest Rivoire, shut through on Piazza della Signoria, which has an art-filled inside and makes my favourite sizzling chocolate on the planet.
You’ll additionally revel in perspectives of the Ponte Vecchio from the second one ground:
Unfortunately, the home windows had been closed on the time of my discuss with, however I’ve noticed a lot of people take unobscured footage from right here.
How one can see the view of Florence from the Uffizi: Advance reservations on the Uffizi are BEYOND very important. You can book advance tickets here. However, you’ll ebook a small group tour of the Uffizi if you wish to be informed from a information. The cafe is straightforward to search out within the museum.
That’s the Uffizi at the left, nevertheless it’s no longer THAT thrilling a view.
View from the Ponte Vecchio
As soon as once more, the Ponte Vecchio DOES have great perspectives — however no longer of anything else tremendous memorable in Florence. You’ll’t somewhat see the Duomo from right here, however you do get a good view of the aspect of the Uffizi, and the river itself.
In truth, my favourite picture of the view used to be this selfie, taken in 2019:
Sure. Florence brings the romance, all proper. (Somebody inform the dude having a look at his telephone.)
So sure, you received’t get the most efficient perspectives of your shuttle right here, nevertheless it’s indisputably value a snappy picture!
How one can see the view of Florence from the Ponte Vecchio: Simply head over to the Ponte Vecchio and take footage from the open middle a part of the bridge.
The most productive perspectives of the Ponte Vecchio are from the Lungarno.
View from the Lungarno
The Lungarno is the street that winds alongside the north fringe of the Arno River. You might have gorgeous perspectives alongside the river, taking within the Oltrarno, however I believe the one best possible view is solely to the east of the Ponte Vecchio.
From right here you’ll get the very best shot of the Ponte Vecchio that everybody turns out to have. You’ll get a shot up shut, or head additional down the Lungarno, previous the Uffizi, to get a shot from additional away.
How one can see the view of Florence from the Lungarno: It couldn’t be more uncomplicated. From town middle, head to the Ponte Vecchio, and take a left. Stroll alongside the sidewalk subsequent to the river till you’ve were given an attitude you prefer.
This view of the River Arno in Florence appears like house to me.
View from the Ponte Alle Grazie
Ah, the Ponte alle Grazie used to be my bridge! My rental all the way through my semester in another country used to be a stone’s throw from right here. The Ponte alle Grazie is the following bridge down from the Ponte Vecchio, because of this you in fact have a view of the Ponte Vecchio.
Whilst it’s exhausting to slot in the whole thing from this Florence perspective, you’ll indisputably are compatible within the Ponte Vecchio and the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, at the side of the Uffizi and different constructions alongside the Arno River.
How one can 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 excellent view.
Fiesole from above, by way of Shutterstock
View from Fiesole
Fiesole (fee-YAY-zo-lay) is a small the town this is even older than Florence, relationship again to the Etruscan length. Only a 20-minute power from Florence within the Tuscan hills, Fiesole is house to a Roman amphitheater, some beautiful church buildings, a small museum, and a very good view of Florence from a distance. It’s an extraordinary view of town from a northern perspective.
(Word: I’ve been to Fiesole, again in 2006, however I took horrible footage with an historic digital camera, so I used a inventory picture above. You’ll see my dangerous picture right here in the event you’d like.)
Is visiting Fiesole value it? Truthfully, I believe there are a lot better day journeys from Florence. However it’s shut through sufficient that you want to nip in for an hour or two, take your footage, then nip again, in the event you in point of fact sought after to discuss with.
How one can 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 ready a 20-minute power.
My selfie on the Palazzo Vecchio.
Absolute best Florence Perspectives for Selfies
When you’re in search of a great spot for selfies in Florence, I’ve were given you lined! This used to be a part of my analysis.
The most productive spots for selfies are spots which might be reasonably with regards to the Duomo. If no longer — assume San Miniato al Monte — it’s going to exhausting to make out what’s in the back of you.
That selfie above used to be taken on the Palazzo Vecchio. I in point of fact love this perspective, although you must know that the ground of the window is beautiful top. I’m 5’4″ (162 cm) and the ground of the window got here midway up my chest. You’ll have to raise kids as much as get them into this place.
I additionally love this selfie at Los angeles Rinascente. It helped that I had the seat proper within the nook and didn’t have to invite somebody to transport to get this (or the different dozen different pictures I took).
And I in point of fact cherished this night time selfie at View on Artwork. It used to be in order that shut, and being there with the aperol spritz — it used to be so festive!
This rose lawn view is unfastened — why no longer drop through?
Which viewpoints of Florence are maximum value it?
I needless to say no longer everybody desires to do what I did and climb tower after tower, once in a while two towers in a row, only for the sake of comprehensively researching a town. However I do assume there are a couple of extra value it than others.
So, which perspectives of Florence are maximum value it?
Total, my most sensible two favourite perspectives are from the Arnolfo Tower on the Palazzo Vecchio, and at Giotto’s Bell Tower. Then again, in the event you’re the use of a DSLR, you most likely received’t just like the bell tower because of the rooster twine protecting the whole thing. Those are the 2 paid choices I’d put money into.
As well as, I believe it’s very a lot value seeing the sundown at Piazzale Michelangelo, as crowded as it could actually get, and preventing within the Rose Lawn en course. Those are each unfastened to discuss with.
And naturally, you want to walk alongside the Lungarno to get the ones pictures of the Ponte Vecchio! That’s really easy to do, and unfastened.
And in the event you’d like so as to add one cafe on your record, I’d suggest the cafe on most sensible of Los angeles Rinascente. That can handiest value the cost of your beverages or meals.
The ones, to me, are the perspectives I believe you must prioritize in Florence. I don’t even assume mountain climbing the Duomo is very important — that is your blessing to skip Brunelleschi’s Dome in the event you’re no longer feeling it!
I’m hoping you’ve gotten the most efficient time in my loved Florence, and get photos you’ll treasure perpetually.
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Have you ever been to Florence? Any tricks to proportion?