The Boboli Gardens are among Italy’s most famous gardens, and a popular attraction in central Florence, as they offer a respite from the crowded city streets. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined paths on a private tour—or, for those traveling with kids, a family-friendly garden tour—to admire the expanses of manicured lawns, Renaissance fountains, classical grottos, nymphaea, temples, and an amphitheater with an Egyptian obelisk at its center. Tickets to the gardens include admission to the Porcelain Museum, inside the garden’s 18th-century Palazzina del Cavaliere, and the neighboring Bardini Gardens. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.
A visit to the Boboli Gardens is perfect for kids who need to let off a bit of steam, but stay on the walking paths as some sections of lawn are off-limits.
The gardens can be toured only on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
You may bring food and drink into the gardens for an impromptu picnic on one of the many outdoor benches.
There are four entrances to the Gardens: Pitti Palace, Annalena (Via Romana 37/A), Porta Romana, and Forte Belvedere.
The Boboli Gardens are located between Palazzo Pitti and Porta Romana in Florence’s central Oltrarno neighborhood. From the Santa Maria Novella train station, the main entrance on Piazza de’ Pitti can be reached in 30 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by bus.
The gardens are best visited from spring through fall, when the weather is mild, and early in the morning or late in the afternoon during the hottest months of the year.
The Boboli Gardens hold an important collection of Renaissance statues and fountains. Notable works include Bathing Venus and Fountain of the Ocean sculpted by Giambologna, a copy of The Prisoners by Michelangelo, and a number of pieces by Buontalenti.
