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13 Picture-Perfect Views of Florence, Italy (with Map + Tips)

Florence is one of those cities that looks beautiful from every angle. Whether you’re strolling down a quiet street or looking out from the top of the Duomo, the views never disappoint.

After many visits to Florence, I’ve uncovered some of the most breathtaking viewpoints the city has to offer. Here is my list of the 13 best views of Florence, Italy.

1. Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is a large square and terrace with an incredible panoramic view of Florence, From the top of this hill, you can see the Duomo, Arnolfo Tower, Arno River, and the beautiful green hills surrounding the city.

This is the most popular viewpoint in Florence, especially at sunset. While the lighting at that time is perfect for photos, the crowds can be overwhelming, with phones and cameras often blocking the actual view.

My advice? Visit mid-day or 1-2 hours before sunset to avoid the chaos. To get here, it’s about a 25-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo with a bit of an uphill climb.

2. Brunelleschi’s Dome

The magnificent dome of Florence’s cathedral was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. While it looks like a single structure from the outside, it’s actually two domes – one inside the other.

Climbing to the top requires 463 steps. Along the way, you’ll get an up-close look at Giorgio Vasari’s The Last Judgement, which decorates the interior of the dome.

After navigating the narrow stairways between the two domes, you’ll be rewarded with 360° views of Florence’s red rooftops and the Duomo itself – one of my favorite views in the city.

How to visit the Dome: To climb the dome, you need to purchase the Brunelleschi Pass. This pass grants access to all five sites within the Duomo Complex: the Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, and Santa Reparata. When booking your pass, select a specific date and time slot for the Dome. Be sure to arrive on time, as late arrivals won’t be admitted. Make sure to buy your pass at least one month in advance during peak season.

3. Giotto’s Bell Tower

Designed by Giotto and completed in 1359, this bell tower stands 278 feet (84.7 meters) tall. Climb the 414 steps to the top for one of the best views of Brunelleschi’s Dome.

One thing to keep in mind: the balcony is surrounded by a wired fence, which can make it tricky to take photos, especially with larger cameras. That said, I managed to get some decent shots using my iPhone, like the one you see above.

How to visit the Bell Tower: To climb the bell tower, you’ll need to purchase either the Brunelleschi Pass or Giotto Pass. When booking, choose a start date; you’ll then have 3 days from that date to visit.

Read more: Best Things to do in Florence

4. Arnolfo Tower

Photo Credit: Kirk Gulden/Shutterstock.com

The Arnolfo Tower sits atop the Palazzo Vecchio, the city hall, and rises high above the Piazza della Signoria. Climbing the 223 steps to the top is absolutely worth it – the views of the Duomo from here are the best in the city.

To visit, check opening hours and book your tickets ahead of time on the official website.

5. Bardini Gardens

The Bardini Gardens are one of Florence’s best hidden gems. Most visitors don’t know about them, but I think the views here are even better than those at the Boboli Gardens.

There are 2 entrances to the gardens, and I recommend starting at the lower entrance at Via dei Bardi 1 rosso, Firenze. Make your way up through the gardens, passing through the Wisteria Pergola (a must-see in spring) to the top terrace near the Bardini Villa.

Near the terrace, there is an outdoor cafe where you can grab a drink or a quick bite to eat.

Your ticket also includes entry to the Boboli Gardens, which are just a short walk away from the top – I recommend visiting both!

For more information about ticket prices and opening hours, visit the official website.

Read more: 25 Hidden Gems in Florence

6. Boboli Gardens

Located behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli gardens were designed during the Medici era and are the most famous gardens in the city. You’ll find that it is much busier here than the Bardini Gardens.

For the best views, head to Neptune’s Fountain and the Rose Garden near the Knight’s Building. Here’s a map to help you get an idea of the layout.

For hours and pricing, visit the official website. I recommend combining your visit with the Pitti Palace and Bardini Gardens.

7. Forte di Belvedere

Forte di Belvedere opened to the public in the summer of 2024, and best of all, it’s free to visit! Conveniently located between the Bardini and Boboli gardens, it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.

I stumbled upon it during a walk between the two gardens, and I’m so glad I did. The views of Florence from here are completely unobstructed, and it’s still a hiden gem with hardly any visitors. Definitely worth a stop!

Visit the official website for more information and opening hours.

8. San Miniato Al Monte

Photo credit: Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock.com

Just an 8-minute walk uphill from Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte offers equally stunning views of Florence but with far fewer crowds. It’s arguably the best view of the city.

The church itself is a prime example of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, with its striking green and white marble facade. I recommend taking a look inside if it’s open!

9. Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most renowned museums in the world, featuring important Renaissance artworks by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo.

From the top level of the gallery, look out the windows facing the Arno River – you’ll get a beautiful view of the river and the Vasari Corridor above the Ponte Vecchio.

Additionally, the rooftop cafe and terrace offer fantastic views overlooking Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio.

To visit the Uffizi, book your tickets well in advance. I always recommend booking the earliest time slot (8:15 AM) to get ahead of the crowds. Check the official website for opening hours and pricing.

10. Opera del Duomo Museum

The Opera del Duomo Museum is one of Florence’s most overlooked museums. It houses the world largest collection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures, including the original Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti.

For a unique perspective of Brunelleschi’s Dome, head to the terrace on the top floor where you’ll get an up-close view of the dome. A completely underrated spot!

How to visit the museum: You can book any of the three passes for the Duomo Complex to visit the museum. I recommend booking in advance since tickets often sell out.

Read more: 19 Best Museums in Florence

11. Fiesole

Just a 20-minute bus ride from the Santa Maria Novella train station, Fiesole is a charming village tucked away in the hills above Florence.

While Fiesole is small, it has a handful of worthwhile sights. Explore the Roman archaeological area and amphitheater, visit the Duomo, and stop by the Bandini Museum for a dose of local art and history.

But perhaps the best reason to visit Fiesole is the breathtaking views overlooking Florence.

12. Rose Garden

The Rose Garden sits just below Piazzale Michelangelo, and I recommend taking the route that leads you through it on your way up to the piazza.

In the summer, there’s often live music playing and people lounging on the grass. The views from here are lovely, and it’s much less crowded than the piazza above.

13. Rooftop Bar

Looking out over Santo Spirito neighborhood from Loggia Roof Bar

One of the best way to take in some of the best views is to head to a rooftop bar for a drink or two. Many of the rooftop bars are located on the city’s boutique and luxury hotels.

Depending on the location, you’ll get views of the Duomo, the Arno, or a quiet piazza below. Here are some recommendations:

Top 5 Views of Florence

Ranked in order, here are my top 5 favorite views of Florence.

  1. Piazzale Michelangelo
  2. Brunelleschi’s Dome
  3. Arnolfo Tower
  4. Bardini Gardens
  5. Giotto’s Bell Tower

Map of Florence Viewpoints

To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click the star next to the title. This will add it to your “Saved Maps” list, making it easy to access later on your phone.

To view a list of all the locations on the map, click the box with the arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

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ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

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