Where To Find the Best Views in Florence

Arguably the best view in town is from the top of the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, aka the Duomo. Summiting the 376-foot-tall (115-meter-tall) dome requires walking up 463 steps—there's no elevator—but your effort is rewarded by a 360° vista from one of the highest spots in Florence.

Book your timed entry in advance, as tickets to climb the dome sell out quickly; your ticket is also valid to visit Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni), the Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), and Santa Reparata for 72 hours. Alternatively, join a cathedral tour that includes the dome climb for a deep dive into the history and architecture of Brunelleschi’s masterpiece.

Brunelleschi’s dome may be the most famous panoramic overlook in Florence, but there is one downside to taking in the city from here: You can’t see the dome or much of the cathedral below your feet. If you cross Piazza del Duomo and climb Giotto’s Bell Tower instead, you are treated to an unobstructed view of the church and dome just a few feet away. There are more than 400 steps to reach the top, however, so take your time during the climb to pause and admire the views from the intermediate loggias about halfway up.

Book your ticket in advance to scale this landmark tower or visit with a guide to learn more about its history as you climb.

This soaring tower piercing the sky above Florence’s fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio—known for its austere medieval design and rich collection of artworks—doubles as a scenic overlook. That is, for visitors willing to take on its 416 steps to reach the crenelated battlement just below its 300-foot (95-meter) height. Climb Arnolfo’s Tower (Torre di Arnolfo) after a tour of Palazzo Vecchio to soak in the view over the city and across the Arno River at your own pace, or explore the entire Palazzo Vecchio complex on your own with a pre-booked admission ticket that includes entrance to the tower.

Florence insiders know that the gothic confines of the Orsanmichele Church and Museum (Chiesa e Museo di Orsanmichele) offer two marvels: an excellent collection of Renaissance statues plus floor-to-ceiling upper-floor windows that look out over the tiled rooftops to the Duomo’s dome just a few blocks away. The museum has reopened after a long renovation and is the perfect pairing to a Florence walking tour or a private shopping tour, since it sits along the main Via dei Calzaiuoli shopping thoroughfare in the city’s historic heart.

One of the most surprising rooftop views in Florence can be found at the Ospedale degli Innocenti, the Brunelleschi-designed former orphanage that now houses a bite-sized museum (Museo degli Innocenti) and the rooftop Caffè del Verone. Completely surrounded by glass windows, this 15th-century loggia is a great place to escape the street-level crowds and take in views across Florence’s old town while sipping a cappuccino or Spritz. Stop here after visiting the nearby Accademia Gallery or pop up anytime—you don’t need a museum ticket to access the rooftop.

Most visitors head to the top of Florence’s cupolas, towers, and palaces to glimpse the cityscape from the clouds. For a unique vantage point, however, board a boat and set sail along the Arno River that runs through the heart of the Renaissance city and under the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Marvel at historic palazzi, bridges, churches, and other landmarks from below as you glide past on a kayak or on a raft, or on a traditional rowboat as you sip a glass of bubbly.

One of the most scenic spots in Florence is hidden in plain sight in the Oltrarno district just across the Arno River from the city center. The Bardini Gardens (Giardino Bardini) is a lush historic park that offers a quiet respite from the tourist crowds plus sweeping views over the city’s rooftops from the top of its statue-lined monumental staircase. In the spring, the estate comes to life with blooming plants—including a wisteria tunnel that has become a favorite spot for framing photos of the Duomo’s dome. Explore the terraced grounds as part of a Florence garden tour that also includes the Boboli Gardens behind Palazzo Pitti.

By far the most famous Florence hilltop perspective is from Piazzale Michelangelo, a spacious scenic terrace perched on the slopes leading from the Oltrarno neighborhood to the church of San Miniato al Monte. As the sun begins to set each evening, this romantic overlook fills with locals and visitors hoping to admire the city glowing in the golden rays of dusk. You’ll want to get there early to stake out a prime spot along the railing, so set off on foot from the city center and walk up through the Rose Garden or pedal to the top with a Florence bike tour that includes a photo stop at Piazzale Michelangelo.

One spot that tops the list of where to see the best sights in Florence isn’t in the city at all, but set on the hillsides that ring the Renaissance capital. The pretty town of Fiesole is just a few minutes from Florence, but that’s far enough to offer sweeping views across the entire city from above. Set off to visit this town by e-bike or on foot with a guided walking tour that pairs stunning vistas with ancient ruins and storied churches.