9 OF THE MOST AMAZING POSTCARD WORTHY VIEWS OF FLORENCE

Last Updated on 6th September 2024 by Bejal

We all know that stunning postcard worthy view of Florence we see in glossy magazines taken from the famous Piazzale Michelangelo but any visitor to Florence will know their are spectacular views all over this outdoor museum city. This short guide shows you nine of the best views of Florence, where to capture them from, with Google Map locations as well as other useful information you may need for your time in Florence.

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The Best Time To Visit Florence

Florence, due to its popularity, and it’s obvious to see why, is pretty busy throughout the year. We’d recommend shoulder season during late September and October is great for photographing views and capturing images in general. May and June are also pretty good but avoid late June, July and August as these are, firstly the hottest months and secondly also the busiest and crowded time of year to be in Florence. Personally, we tend to visit around September or October as the skies are clear of greyish wintry clouds and there are few rainy days, meaning there are lots of fabulous views to swoon over and capture. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit with the changing of the seasonal hues, which leads to great photography opportunities.

The Best Time of Day to Visit the Views

Now, this is a bit of a tricky question. If you are an early bird, then you may prefer to visit at sunrise or shortly afterwards before the crowds gather. This will give you some time to take in the views by yourself. If you want visit the views at a certain time of day such as sunset, then be prepared for there to be many other people around which could make it tricky to capture people free photography. A fine example of this is Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset, which lights up the skyline of Florence with the Ponte Vecchio and Duomo in the background.

Related Article: The Best Things To Do In Florence For First-Time Visitors

The Best Way to Travel Between Views in Florence

Due to the pedestrianisation of the historical streets in Florence, vehicles are not permitted, therefore the best mode of transport are your legs! Yes, walking is most certainly the best way to see all the beautiful views the city has to offer. You’ll also get to see the little hidden alleyways and gems that you wouldn’t see if you travelled by car.

Be-lavie Tip: The historical centre of Florence and much of the surroundings, is full of cobbled stoned streets, wearing the correct footwear for exploring is essential. We’s recommend trainers or low comfy shoes, like loafers. Leave your high heels at the hotel for fancy dinners or evenings out where you’re not walking much.

9 Amazing Postcard Worthy Views of Florence

Here are some of our most favourite views in Florence which are all easily accessible by foot including some completely free options too to help keep the budget friendly.

**Please note that we have used the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) as the centre point so all walking times are from here.

San Miniato Al Monte

We’re a little biased, but this is our very favourite of all the views and that’s why we want to tell you about it first. For those of you who have read our photoshoot article with Flytographer, this will look so very familiar! Not only is the view spectacular but all the many times we’ve visited over the years, it;s been pretty quiet and a far cry from the crowded streets of Florence! It’s actually also a lot quieter than Piazzale Michelangelo too.

It’s a nice walk from the centre and depending on your walking speed, I would leave about 45 minutes to do it in a leisurely fashion! It’s uphill, so ladies there will be some glowing! Just incase you’re wondering, we didn’t walk up there when we had our Flytographer shoot, we opted for a cab!!

We really were a little spoilt because this was really the first view of Florence we saw the first time we visited over ten years ago.

Related Article: Discovering Destination Photography With Flytographer

 

The Details

• Location: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Firenze I Tel +39 0 55 23 42 731.
• Hours & Opening Times: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: The view is free to visit as it’s on the outside of the Basilica di San Minato.
• Best Time To Visit: During the morning or close to sunset.
• Walking Time from Duomo: 35 minutes (it is possible to get a taxi and arrive in 12 minutes). Please note the walk is uphil after crossing over the Ponte Vecchio into Oltrarno.
• Where to get the shot: The second set of step below the Basilica di San Miniato.

 

 Piazzale Michelangelo

In our opinion, you do get one the best views of Florence from here but you’ll have to fight for it with a zillion other tourists! Twilight seems to be the time of choice and when you arrive, you’ll see why. The beautiful Florentine skyline is adorned by dreamy hues of pinks and reds on a clear evening. Thus this is where you can get that unobstructed panoramic iconic view of Florence, you’ll see all over the place! Unfortunately if you’re looking for a romantic sunset spot then be prepared to share it with a ton of Instagrammers trying to recreate that perfect shot but it is quite beautiful nevertheless.

The Details

• Location: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: The view is free to visit on an open square.
• Best Time To Visit: During the morning or close to sunset, it’s the busiest at sunset!
• Walking Time from Duomo: 30 minutes, it is possible to get a taxi and arrive in 10 minutes. Please note the walk is uphill after crossing over the Ponte Vecchio into Oltrarno.
• Where to get the shot: Right on the outside wall of the square facing the view.

 

 

Giardino Delle Rose

Giardino delle Rose translates to garden of roses and we actually stumbled upon this place on our way down from San Miniato al Monte. It’s a bit of a haven to relax and take a seat amongst some very pretty roses and sculptures. Again the views are pretty special and quite tranquil in fact, The Giardino delle Rose is actually a five to ten minute walk down from Piazzale Michelangelo so it makes sense to drop in on your way down the hill!

The Details

• Location: Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2, 50125 Firenze I Tel. +39 0 55 23 42 426.
• Opening Times: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: Free to visit.
• Best Time To Visit: Anytime of day but great for an afternoon stroll.
• Walking Time from Duomo: 27 minutes, it is possible to get a taxi and arrive in 12 minutes. Please note the walk is uphill after crossing over the Ponte Vecchio into Oltrarno.
• Where to get the shot: Just as you enter the gardens with the gradient below. This is where you see the Duomo peeping through.

 

 Uffizi Gallery

We actually don’t think we noticed the views from here on our first visit over ten years ago! Amidst the artworks of the Renaissance greats, you will find one of the best views of the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio! But it doesn’t end there either, as there is an outdoor terrace, which will give you a side on view of The Duomo and Palazza Vechhio.

The Details

• Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze I Tel. +39 0 55 29 48 83.
• Opening Times: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: Refer to website and tours listed below.
• Best Time To Visit: Anytime of day but around opening time is best for fewer queues.
• Walking Time from Duomo: seven minutes.
• Where to get the shot: On the first floor gallery, head to the windows at the far side.

Recommended Tours to Visit the Uffizi

We would most certainly recommend skip the line tickets for the Uffizi, especially if you’re short of time in Florence or have a pretty strict itinerary. Entrance tickets that are bundled together are great options in terms of value and allow you to visit more too. We’d recommend a Uffizi and Accademia joint ticket.

  

 

The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

This is somewhere that you will probably head first because you see it from everywhere and you just have to walk towards it! Its’ definitely the central point in Florence for us. We actually joked that if we forgot our phones, and got lost we could just meet here! We soon realised that wasn’t the greatest of ideas as you’d literally be lost in the crowds!

This place does get you some pretty good views, 360ᵒC ones to be precise, so you may want to consider going up Brunelleschi’s dome!

The Details

• Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze I Tel. +39 0 55 23 02 885.
• Opening Times: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: Refer to website and tours listed below.
• Best Time To Visit: Anytime of day but around opening time is best for less queues or late afternoon.
• Walking Time from Duomo: N/A.
• Where to get the shot: Climb up and captire the views from the openings

Recommended Tours of The Duomo & Cathedral

We would most certainly recommend booking a skip the line entry ticket as the Duomo and cathedral can get very busy. Note that guided tours are well worth their money for an insiders guide to the history and architecture. We would recommend seeing the cathedral as well as the Duomo but if you are short of time and want to get the views from Brunelleschi’s Dome, then its possible to climb this only.

 

 The Palazzo Vecchio

Also known as the Town Hall of Florence, which houses a lot of interesting artifacts, however if it’s views we’re considering this is not a bad place! Purely because it’s actually not as overbearing with tourists as the Duomo and the effort gone into climbing that tower will be sure to reward you pleasantly!

The Details

• Location: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze I Tel. +39 0 55 27 68 325.
• Opening Times: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: Refer to website and tours listed below.
• Best Time To Visit: Anytime of day but around opening time is best for fewer queues.
• Walking Time from Duomo: six minutes.
• Where to get the shot: Climb up and capture the views from the opening.

Recommended Tours of The Palazzo Vecchio

Here are some of our favourite options for the Palazzo Vecchio.

 

Boboli Gardens

Situated right behind the prestigious Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens are an exquisite example of gardens created by the Medici family, that later went on to shape many European gardens and courts.

This green space is like an outdoor museum all on its own with Renaissance statues and other stone work and comprises of many grottos. Don’t miss the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Ocean. There is a terrace area with an eighteenth century pavilion, named the Kaffeehaus, showcasing Rococo architecture in Tuscany. The Lemon House is another talking point and was completed in 1778.

Visiting the Boboli Gardens is a must after touring the stunning Pitti Palace.

The Details

• Location: 50125 Florence I Tel. +39 0 55 29 48 83.
• Opening Times: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: Refer to website and tours listed below.
• Best Time To Visit: Anytime of day.
• Walking Time from Duomo: 16 minutes.
• Where to get the shot: Walk up to the highest point of the gardens with Pitti Palace in the background and the Florence skyline in the distance.

Recommended Tours Of The Boboli Gardens

We think these are great ways to see the Boboli Gardens. If you can spare the time, we’d definitely press you to also take a tour of the stunning Pitti Palace.

Bardini Gardens

These gardens are a bit of a gem in our opinion as they are pretty quite and almost like a little insider secret as we’ve never seen them busy on our visits. They provide.a wonderful tranquil green space and beautiful terracing. We’d say that they offer some of the best views over the city which you will often have all to yourself. They are a much smaller scale compared to the Boboli Gardens but are intimate and romantic. Well worth. a visit to see the different styles of the garden as well as enjoy the peaceful location.

The Details

• Location: Via de’ Bardi, 1, 50125 Firenze I Tel. +39 0 55 26 38 599.
• Opening Times: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: €10, adults and includes joint access to Boboli Gardens. Under 18’s are Free. The first Sunday of each month is also free to visit.
• Best Time To Visit: Anytime of day.
• Walking Time from Duomo: 17 minutes, 10 minutes by taxi.
• Where to get the shot: Walk up to the wrought iron fence near the main house for panoramic views of the city.

Belmond Villa San Michele

Located in the town of Fiesole, located in the hills just outside of Florence is the stunning Belmond Villa San Michele luxury hotel. A former monastery the hotel has some incredible views over the city from its Loggia. You can dine here or pop in for a drink but if you are celebrating a special occasion, it’s definitely worth staying here for a couple of days. It’s a slice of peaceful heaven right outside the bustling city of Florence. The dining is exquisite as are the beautiful manicured gardens,

The Details

• Location: Via Doccia, 4, 50014 Fiesole I Tel. +39 0 55 56 78 200.
• Opening Times: Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Admission: N/A.
• Best Time To Visit: Sunset for a drink or evening meal.
• Walking Time from Duomo: It’s quite a distance to walk with inaccessible roads, a taxi would take 16 minutes.
• Where to get the shot: The loggia of the hotel, terraced gardens or entrance to the side.

Related Article: Belmond Villa San Michele: A Luxury Hotel in Fiesole

Tips on Capturing Views In Florence

• For the best light in the city, golden hours are key. Sunrise and sunset are perfect to avoid the day time sun bleaching your shots.
• Make a rough map of where you want to see views and the kind of angle you want to photograph them from so that you’re in the right spot when you arrive. You may only have.a short window to get the shot, especially if it’s a busy time.
• Consider buying a Florence city card if you are visiting many locations and attractions as this will help keep costs down with bundling.

This eight attraction pass five day pass is great value for money and includes Uffizi Gallery with skip the line entry, plus Pitti Palace, Boboli and Bardini Gardens, Archeological Museum, and Opificio delle Pietre Dure.

• The best way to reach most of these places is by walking. It’s quicker and hassle free so take comfy walking shoes or trainers. Florence has lots of cobble stoned streets.
• We’d recommend a good wide angle lens for your panoramic view photography.
• If you are really into your photography and capturing views, shoulder season, early spring or Autumn is a brilliant time to visit with much fewer crowds.

FAQ’s About Views in Florence

Here area some answers to common questions you may be thinking about when visiting Florence.

Is it possible to walk to all of these locations if based in the centre of Florence?

Yes, absolutely and this is why we have included the walking time from the Duomo to each one. The only place we’d suggest taking a taxi to is the Belmond Villa San Michele in Fiesole.

Are multiple attraction tickets worth it?

If you are wanting to visit two or more of the attractions on the list, wed generally say it’s worth it as often, the tickets include priory access or skip the line too. Thee multiple attraction passes are a fantastic way to bundle and keep the budget friendly.

Can we take photographs inside of the attraction mentioned?

The simple answer is yes but it’s always best to ask if it’s something specific you want to capture. Generally there are signs saying you can take photographs but without a flash, as this can cause the historical artefact bleaching. we find that many places allow you to take photos but not videography. Our advice is always read the signs before whipping out your smart phone or camera.

Postcard Worthy Views of Florence Round Up

Although these are not all of the spectacular views Florence has to offer, it is a great start if you’re planning on a city break to the Renaissance city of Tuscany. If you are heading to photograph the views, then refer to our top tips and also related posts which offer some hotel and dining options that may come in super handy for your trip. Another little pearl of wisdom is to get to as many sights as early as possible and maybe avoid the mid morning and early afternoon spike in visitors. Additionally be a little organised and group your viewing spots into similar locations for some hassle free time in the beautiful city of Florence.

Relavant Articles

• The Best Things To Do In Florence For First-Time Visitors
• A Luxury Stay At The Belmond Villa San Michele, Fiesole
• SoprArno Suites: A beautiful Boutique Hotel in Florence
• Ad Astra Florence: A Beautiful Hotel Located In Private Gardens
• A Luxury Stay At The Beautiful Bernini Palace Hotel
• The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Florence
• Where To Find Vegetarian-Friendly Food in Florence
• La Bottega del Buon Caffee – Michelin Star Review
• Il Locale Firenze: Contemporary Fine Dining in Palatial Surroundings

Resources To Help Plan Your Trip

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