Alexander Meddings
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3 hrs
Flexible TravelNo city boasts a skyline quite like that of Florence. Whether you're admiring it from above or exploring on the ground, the Tuscan capital seems unchanged from its architectural heyday in the 15th century.
Both the quality and the quantity of Florence's cultural patrimony have earned it the nickname 'the Cradle of the Renaissance.’ Problematically, Florence’s unparalleled beauty is no secret; and with roughly 16 million visitors each year, you won’t be alone in enjoying it.
We’ve written this guide to help you find the best views in Florence while steering clear of the crowds. To give you flexibility in your itinerary, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 5 views. But we’ll also be providing insider tips on when to go, how best to get there, and where to eat and drink nearby.
Perched atop a hill to the south of the River Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo is the closest viewpoint to Florence's historic centre and the best view in Florence you can visit for free. You can reach it in just 10 minutes by walking from the rose garden in San Niccolò, or in 15 minutes by walking up from the south bank of the River Arno.
Piazzale Michelangelo is well worth visiting, especially early in the morning or around sunset. It offers sweeping views of the Renaissance cityscape, as well as the River Arno and surrounding Tuscan hills, and is a great place to get a photo of Florence's most famous landmarks: the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and Basilica of Santa Croce.
View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
You would be forgiven for thinking that this square is a remnant of the Renaissance, but it actually dates from 1865, when Florence was the capital of Italy. Designed by the architect Giuseppe Poggi, the piazza was named in honour of the great Renaissance artist, Michelangelo Buonarroti. A bronze replica of Michelangelo's David stands in the centre of the square (the original is in the Accademia).
Climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo can be thirsty work, especially during summer. You can fill up your water bottle at two public water fountains: one at the bottom, near Porta San Miniato, and another at the top near the Chalet il Boschetto. But we wouldn't recommend getting snacks from the food trucks as they're overpriced for passing tourists.
If you want something more substantial, you can grab lunch at La Loggia del Piazzale Michelangelo, which has a decent menu but mainly charges for the views. We would suggest holding off on eating until you're back down in the city and checking out one of the many bars around the San Niccolò district.
Discover Tuscany's capital through its cuisine on a tasty Florence Food Tour!
Founded by the Etruscans when Florence was still marshland, Fiesole is one of the most charming little towns in the hills just north of Florence. You can get there and back by bus (#7 from the "La Pira" stop near Piazza San Marco) in about 30 minutes, and Fiesole is worth visiting for a half-day max.
Jump on the bus to Fiesole for one of the best views of Florence
This historical town is also known for its mix of ancient (Roman and Etruscan) and Romanesque architecture. Its most popular landmark is the well-preserved Roman theatre, which dates back to the 1st century BC and is the scene of Italian concerts and performances during the spring and summer.
Festa della Musica at Fiesole's Roman Theatre
There’s also a monastery, complete with an eclectic oriental museum, from which visitors have a wonderful view of Florence’s Cathedral and Giotto’s Bell Tower, as well as the Tuscan countryside.
If you’re in the mood for a creamy mid-morning cappuccino and a croissant (cornetto), check out either Caffe Teatro Romano right next to the Etruscan site, or the bakery, Il Fornaio di Fiesole, just a few minutes away. If you're looking for a fantastic place for lunch, La Reggia degli Etruschi, which is among the best in Florence for Florentine Steak and hearty, meaty pasta dishes.
If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can't go wrong at either of Fiesole’s two gelaterias — Ferro Battuto and Gelateria Siciliana — though you tend to find better gelato down in Florence.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (or Duomo as it's best known) is Florence's most famous attraction, and the first monument visitors see when arriving at the central station of Santa Maria Novella.
Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, it serves as the episcopal seat of Florence’s archdiocese and is believed to be the largest free-standing masonry in the world.
Climb the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore for the best view in Florence's centre
Tourists line up to visit the Duomo to marvel at its cavernous interior and gaze up at its striking, gargantuan dome from beneath. But spoiler alert: there are far more impressive cathedral interiors — not just in Italy but in Florence itself. Instead, the real reason to visit the Duomo is to access its cupola for unrivalled views over the Renaissance capital.
From there, you’ll get a captivating view of the Florentine cityscape, as well as the city’s breathtaking skyline. You also get a magnificent and unobstructed view of all the beautiful, historical landmarks across Florence, such as Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Palazzo Vecchio, among others.
While climbing the dome is rewarding for its views, it's not for everyone. If you suffer from heart disease or are afraid of heights or have claustrophobia, you might want to visit Fiesole or Piazzale Michelangelo instead — both of which can be accessed using public or private transport.
That’s because the view from the pathway leading up to the dome can be dizzying. Even though you are protected from all sides to prevent you from falling, the path is no wider than 1 meter. People who have problems with tight spaces might find it too narrow to pass through. Additionally, some visitors may find the 463 steps exhausting, as they are steep and narrow.
Nevertheless, the view from up there is remarkable because you can admire the magnificent frescoes up close, such as Giorgio Vasari’s The Last Judgment. You will also have a clear view of the cathedral’s interior while standing on the walkway above. In other words, the way up to the dome and the view from the dome are treats that you can savour when you visit the Il Duomo.
Palazzo Vecchio is one of Florence’s most overlooked attractions, perhaps owing to its proximity to the neighbouring Uffizi Gallery. Being a lesser-known attraction, the queues are nowhere near as long as the Uffizi or Duomo, and yet its collection of art and sculpture is second only to the Uffizi's.
The best reason to visit Palazzo Vecchio is that it gives you an excellent view of Florence from the top of the 13th-century Torre di Arnolfo. This 95-meter bell tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Florence, encompassing the River Arno, Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and Giotto’s Bell Tower in its skyline.
Climb the Palazzo Vecchio to view Florence without all the crowds
To get to the top of Palazzo Vecchio's tower, you'll need to climb around 416 steps (including 233 in the tower alone). This makes it a slightly easier climb than the Duomo, but still challenging for anyone with limited mobility.
Before visiting Florence, make sure to check out our whistlestop guide, packed full of local recommendations no matter how long you're staying.
Whether you are staying for a day or a month, having an organized itinerary always pays off. There are some great travel forums and Facebook groups whose members help each other plan their trips to Italy. But if you'd rather leave your travel planning to the experts, get in touch with us!
Whether you're planning on visiting the Uffizi or Accademia — or one of the dozens of other museums or galleries in Florence — always make sure to book your Florence tours and/or tickets ahead of time. By doing so, you can avoid long queues and waiting lines, saving you precious time to view other historical landmarks.
Summer in Florence can be a scorcher, often reaching the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F). If you're not constrained to visiting during summer, try to book your Florence trip for late autumn, winter, or early Spring to be in with the best chance of fewer crowds and shorter queues.
Carpe Diem is committed to bringing you the best in Florence tours. That's why we rank in the top 2% of tour agencies in Italy! Book today and get ready to explore the best of Florence with an expert!
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Enjoy Traditional Drinks and Scandalous Stories in the Heart of the Renaissance City.
This isn’t your typical tour. The Tipsy Tour in Florence is the perfect blend of fascinating history, tasty drinks, and making memories with newfound friends. Explore the vibrant nightlife of the Renaissance City and sample signature Italian cocktails, wine, and shots. Along the way you’ll hear about Florence’s less savoury past with some saucy stories and dark history, all the while getting tipsy of course! This tour is all about bringing people together so if alcohol isn’t your thing, not to worry! We’ve got some alcohol-free options for travellers who want the social experience without the hangover.
Your fun-loving guide will wow you with scandals from Florence’s history. Sip away as you learn the life stories of some of Florence’s most notorious figures. The Medici are a great starting point – specifically, Catherine de Medici, believed by many to have had a penchant for poison and a dabble in the dark arts.
As we travel from bar to bar, tracing the steps of prisoners and sex workers alike, your guide will immerse you in the bloody tale of the Pazzi Conspiracy, where Lorenzo de Medici and his entourage were attacked in Florence’s cathedral during High Mass on Easter Sunday. Then you’ll find out what happened to the Pazzi family, too.
Spoiler alert – it was way worse.
During the experience, we’ll visit at least two vibrant bars and enjoy drink stops outside famous sights. Plus, we’ll order shots from a wine window on the street, like a true Florentine. You might wonder why wine from a window never became a worldwide phenomenon, and trust us – we don’t know either.
When the Tipsy Tour is over, the night out officially begins. We’ll enjoy the city long into the night, making unforgettable memories with our Tipsy besties.
Spaces fill up fast, so book your Florence Tipsy Tour today!
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Florence’s Accademia Gallery houses one of Europe’s richest collections of art and sculpture. Hone in on its highlights on a tailored tour and come face to face with the world’s most famous sculpture: Michelangelo’s David.
This private Accademia tour is perfect for art enthusiasts looking to broaden their knowledge and fill in the gaps. It covers the evolution of western art from the Giotto’s gilt gold of the Florentine Gothic to Botticelli and Lippi’s humanist masterpieces the High Renaissance.
See for yourself why the statue of David is considered one of the most life-like sculptures ever carved and learn the historical context that saw the Florentines adopt the biblical David as the symbol of their city.
Learn about the artists behind the work, their history and the techniques they used. Gain insider knowledge of lesser-known works like Michelangelo’s Prisoners or Slaves, and enjoy free time at the end of the tour to wander through the museum at your own pace.
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Most people are familiar with the Uffizi’s international reputation as a gallery. Its halls house masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, and Caravaggio. But the Uffizi didn’t start life as a gallery. Deriving its name from the Middle Italian for ‘the Offices’, this 16th-century complex constitutes the most beautiful and architecturally innovative administrative office complex ever designed. And while going into the office isn’t something you typically associate with being on holiday, here you must make an exception.
The Uffizi was designed by the architect and biographer Giorgio Vasari, under the patronage of Cosimo I. After Cosimo died, his heirs lost interest in politics. His eldest son, Francesco I, brought his private collection of artworks and made the Uffizi his private museum. The collection they accumulated over the coming centuries is what you see today.
And our private tour of the Uffizi brings you face to face with its highlights.
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Every cobble in Florence tells a story. Its 14th-century walls contain such a wealth of archaeological and artistic treasures that the city centre itself is a UNESCO site – a global centre of cultural importance. This private walking tour of Florence tells the story of Renaissance city through the monuments it leaves behind.
Accompanied by your expert, licensed guide, you’ll explore Florence’s streets and discover its attractions, being transported through its illustrious history – from its founding as a Roman colony through to its patronage by medieval Europe’s most powerful bankers and merchants (not least the infamous Medici).
Your private walking tour takes you through Florence’s world-famous sites. Gaze up at Brunelleschi’s 15th-century Duomo – the dome of Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – and the Golden Doors of Paradise on its adjacent Baptistery. Learn to decipher the symbols and reliefs that adorn the Tower of Giotto beside the Duomo and learn why the Florentine’s chose them and what they said about their city.
Stroll past Piazza della Repubblica, Italy’s most important square in the mid 1800s when Florence was the country’s capital, and admire the statues that line the niches of the nearby Church of Orsanmichele. Florence’s most picturesque piazza lies just a short stroll away: Piazza della Signoria, in the background of which loom the medieval fortress of Palazzo Vecchio and the Renaissance offices converted into the world’s most famous gallery: the Uffizi.
Head through the vaulted arches of the Uffizi and you arrive at Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most famous bridge, which dates back in its current form to the days of the Medici. Absorb its rich history, and some of its seldom shared secrets, as your expert guide shares their expertise and answers all your questions.
5(16)