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We walked from our hotel near the Basilica di Santa Croce, crossing through neighborhoods we had never seen, hiking up hills we didn't know existed, all for the views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Were the views worth it? Absolutely. Stunning and expansive, with lots of spots to sit, rest and people watch. The majority of the people there that day had congregated on one side of the piazza - the picture-taking from that spot must have been extra-'Gram worthy - but we were able to find views that were just as spectacular a few feet away. All the views, none of the crowds. There are a few stalls set up along the road - oh yeah, you can drive up to the Piazzale, as well - selling all kinds of touristy items. They also had a few snack carts, selling drinks and ice cream and sweet treats. There's a replica of the Statue of David dominating the middle of the square, as well as paths down to other parts of the garden. Despite the number of people, it was quite peaceful up there. We were able to snag a couple of seats on one of the marble benches, giving us a chance to people watch and enjoy the cool air that had rolled in on our way up the hill. If nothing else, it was a nice way to see parts of Firenze we wouldn't have otherwise seen (traipsing through the aforementioned neighborhoods) and for us to get even more steps in before heading back down to find something else to shove in our faces.
Well this was the most memorable part of our trip - where my boyfriend proposed!!! We're engaged!!! We took the bus from Oltrarno up to the Piazzale for sunset. We walked around and took tons of photos of the sun setting over the beautiful city of Florence. This was my favorite part of our whole trip. Then it ended with a surprise engagement overlooking the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. A dream! People around us clapped and cheered, and it is a memory I will never forget. Absolutely beautiful place to take in the views.
A nice area at the top of the Piazzo Giuseppe Poggi's grottoes and walkways. It's a slight hike to get up here from the river level, but worth the trip. The views of the city from up here are stunning! Too many tacky vendors though. And for eating, on the way back down, take the back way through the gardens, as there's a very nice pizza place.
We visited Piazalle Michelangelo during our visit Florence September 2024. The walk to the top is pretty grueling if you have been walking around Florence all day but the view is well worth the pain. I will venture to say that this is the best view of the city, completely breathtaking. At the top, there are vendors selling merchandise and there is a restaurant which I hear is a little pricy but we didn't check it out as we had already eaten. Anyway, we were in awe of the gorgeous view and the music. We did shop but didn't buy anything as it was all made in India. Highly recommended!
If you want a view of Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot to be. I first visited in 2014 and caught the sunrise, so we decided to do the same, 10 years later. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy that day but the city views were still nice to see. There isn't really any easy public transportation from the city centre so your options are an Uber, or a 30ish minute walk, and then you still have to hike up to the viewpoint. When I say hike, I just mean that it's a paved incline so if this isn't something you think you can do, the Uber can take you straight up there. Not sure I'll return for a third visit, but if you've never been before, it's definitely worth checking out.
The best place for a panoramic view of the city that started it all. Accompanying the stellar view, they have little stands selling drinks with an aperol spritz clocking in at only 3.5 euro. I was taking full advantage of this pricing over the course of an hour and sat up here for longer than I should have, but it felt like a necessary place to just stop to take a pause. If you can swing a sunset up here, definitely do it. It's beautiful watching the suns final rays for the day spreading over the unique Florentine skyline like the renaissance influence spreading throughout the globe for the past 6 centuries.
I didn't walk. I took the #13 bus and it was still a 45 minute ride to get to here. WORTH. IT. This is the most wonderful spot with a view of the city of Firenze. A magical city of history and culture that dates back centuries and includes Michaelangelo, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli, Galileo, and the Medici ruling dynasty. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I wonder how many of those great stood exactly here at one time. I arrived at sunset and even during the waning days of the pandemic, the terrace was packed tight with tourists taking their selfies and panoramas of the city. There are a few vendor carts here with snacks, beer and wine. Or of course, you can plan ahead and bring your own. I stayed for about 30 to 45 minutes, watched a good portion of the sunset, and took my great pictures. Tip: If you're going to sit on the steps, be sure to leave room for the people who are using them to go up and down the steps. Thanks! [Review 17044 overall - 239 in Italy - 560 of 2022.]
Must visit during your stay in Florence. We took a taxi to the piazza. . Let me tell you how breathtaking the sunsets are here. And the panoramic view of the city is unreal. So beautiful from every angle. You can easily spend couple of hours up here enjoying the views. There is a cafe overlooking the city as well, we took a Aperol Spritz and Beer break and enjoyed our surroundings. It get really busy with tourists and locals. I noticed a lot of locals doing picnics on the steps, group of friends enjoying some quality time with one another. I highly recommend to visit.
In Florence, you have a couple of great options for enjoying the end of the day - the first and most traditional is to find your nearest wine bar or After passing over the beautiful and historic Ponte Vecchio get ready for a 20-30 minute hike up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo (You can also take the bus 12 or 13 number or if you have a car, drive up there!), where the wonderfully-scenic Basilica di San Miniato sits. Be sure to get there before it closes so you can peek inside. Then watch the sunset from the best view of Florence in the whole city. It's perfect to end to an eventful day of exploring. Only from this terrace can you fully appreciate how Brunelleschi's dome ( yes that famous brick color dome) dominates the city center. Nor can any other height give you this sweeping city view that encompasses the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Croce, and other landmarks. The piazza is filled with tourists, vendors, and a bronze replica of Michelangelo's David. (The original is displayed at the Accademia Gallery museum). From the square visitors have a magnificent view of the city. Even after the sunset, the place is filled with street artist. Stairs - good luck for that if you reach early, you would get a seat otherwise just stand there and enjoy the view of beautiful Florence city. I really got lucky and managed to get some wonderful capture of Dome & Ponte Vecchio. Between its called Piazzale Michelangiolo ;)
Gorgeous views of Florence here!!! The views are amazing! We walked over here from our hotel across the bridge and it was not a strenuous hike at all. Just be sure to wear appropriate shoes. Next time I plan to go at sunset, as I imagine it's beautiful. Definitely a must see place when you're visiting Florence, you won't be disappointed!
7 years ago
Piazza Michelangelo is on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, just east of the center of Florence, and offers a stunning view of the city. It doesn't really matter what time of the day you get there because in both day and night you can see a spectacular view of Florence. You can also find a bronze copy of David statue there. If you're just walking from downtown Florence, you could just pass the Arno River which is a scenery itself and then walk up to the Piazza Michelangelo although I have to admit that the walk gets a little intense with all the stairs that you need to climb up. you can also take a bus or drive up there and there is a 72 spot dedicated parking that you can use to park your car there. By the way, while you are up there, probably it's a good idea to chill out in La Loggia Del Piazzale Michelangelo which has a great view of the Piazzale Michelangelo and the city and also drinks and environment were great there. read more
10 years ago
One of the best views in Florence, Italy, if not the best. Hands down. You get an entire view of the city with the Duomo right in the middle and let me tell you, Florence is incredibly beautiful. But I'm not going to go off on an tangent about how much I love Florence because that could go on for quite a while. ANYWAY, don't be deterred by the long walk up the hill, even if it's summer. Florence is HOT in the summer, in the high 90s, but this view is worth the long walk and blazing temperatures. I recommend going in the early evening when it is still light out, but is starting to cool down a bit. Come with some friends and bring a bottle of wine or even come by yourself. It's amazing either way. I wish I had been able to go a few more times during my month in Florence. This is a spot that should not be missed when in Florence. I still think about Florence and spending time at Piazzle Michelangelo. It is one of my fondest memories from my trip there. read more
15 years ago
Just Go. SERIOUSLY. If you are in Florence, you MUST go here. No question. A great little hike, the most amazing view of florence, and....... GO. PLEASE don't whine about the little hike or stairs (depending on which way you took)... I used to run up here every day for months in 100 degree heat! Bring some vino and admire the view. read more
9 years ago
Picture perfect views of Florence. Bet time to visit is early morning or around sunset when you get the pink hue from the sun with majestic mountains in the backdrop. A must visit! read more
TL;DR - Get a panoramic view of Florence Piazzale Michelangelo is probably one of the best ways to see the entire city of Florence. It is a bit of a walk from Pointe Vecchio, but it is well worth the walk. Once you're at the top of plaza, get yourself a cold drink, sit on the steps, listen to buskers perform, and enjoy the beautiful view of Florence. read more
11 years ago
Heaven here on earth is Florence city views on a hazy holiday weekend in May!! One of the highlights of my holiday to Florence was waking the road from town and then climbing the gazillion steps and then emerging into Pizzale Michelangelo and seeing the city of Florence and the vistas of Tuscany spread out in front of me. There was a classical musician playing some beautiful tunes, and so that added to the enchanting air. The day we visited, there was actually a gelato festival happening, so we grabbed a cone and then just walked around, checking out the nude statue of a gentleman not unlike the famous David, eavesdropping on other conversation, and generally just admiring the view, which changed from each location around the square. I would def recommend visiting here, and the walk to get here makes you appreciate the beauty even more! Also one tip - walk a bit more and go to the nearby Basilica di San Miniato al Monte as you get another view of Florence and the church shop has beautiful soaps and perfumes, hand made by the nuns in the traditional manner. read more
14 years ago
This is a must stop, we happened to come across it by accident and boy are we glad we did. You'll see a breathtaking view of the entire city and all of its main attractions. There were plenty of parking spots, so that wasn't an issue. Be sure to try and take a panoramic picture, you won't regret it. There were also some small kiosk venders if you're looking for a snack or drink. read more
12 years ago
If you are in Florence this is a MUST. Seriously. This is the place to come for a view of the entire city and it will not disappoint. There's two ways to get to the piazzale. One way involves switchbacks and the other is going up a hill with some stairs. Either way works and you'll be there in less than ten minutes starting from the bottom. Make your way to the top and prepare to be amazed. Seriously, bask in the beauty up here. Soak it in and spend as much time as you can here. I studied abroad in Florence and on one of my morning runs I ran up to the piazzale and oh my goodness. I highly suggest coming in the early morning during sunrise. It was just myself and one or two other people up there and it was so serene. It was the most at peace and relaxed I was on that trip. Sunset is another great time to come. If you're in the summer, it's obviously a wise time to come when the weather is starting to cool down. There's plenty of people up here for sunset and late night. There's a restaurant where you can grab some food if you'd like but I suggest bringing a little picnic. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy an evening at Piazzale Michelangelo! Whatever you decide to do up here, just spend some time to reflect on the beauty of Florence! It's an amazing city read more
12 years ago
Spent 25ish minutes making the walk here from our hostel with our friends. It's a hell of a hike, so be prepared. The walk itself is really beautiful going through a club-like area, which was unexpected, and then some gorgeous steps surrounded by huge healthy trees. Once we got to the top, there were many people around including people trying to sell some cheap knockoffs. I was able to get a pair of sunglasses for about 2 euros when the guy started me at 30. Just for kicks. The view was absolutely amazing. All of Florence lit up right underneath our noses, a really elegant orange glow from the street lights and the cars. We could see spires, squares, statues, our hostel. Everything of Florence could be seen here sitting right in front of the mountains. This is absolutely worth every waking moment we spent in Italy and in Europe. read more
15 years ago
Wowww ....what an amazing view of the city !! When in florence make the time to take the tour either walking or by bus it is completely worth it. Best way to see how beautiful the city looks. not much else to do here or see other than the surrounding area. if u are with a tour , u have time to look around take pics & just relax & enjoy the scenery it is just simply beautiful. read more
12 years ago
Easily the highlight of Florence, and free too! Though the hike up takes maybe around 15 minutes if you're very good and just take the straight route up, if you'd like to take a bit of a detour and have some time, halfway up the stairs, they have a Rose Garden that gives you another great view of Florence. This place is obviously prime for sunset. You can see Florence's main attractions and tallest buildings as well as the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio. It's great for sunset since you get to see all the streetlights that line the Arno which surprisingly makes for a very picturesque sight. You can basically see the entire Florence and surrounding area and get a nice 360 panorama of the area. We were lucky to catch the place during sunset and there was a guitarist playing an impromptu concert on the steps the Piazza. Everyone was there with their beer and wine, and it was just a really, really nice moment. You listened to some mellow early evening music while watching the sun set over the Florence landscape. It was perfection. tldr; a great highlight of Florence, and a wonderful place to see the entire city! read more
8 years ago
Will definitely come back! What a great view from above the city. Bring your snacks if you want to eat up there. Theres food truck with sandwiches croissants, cookies and espresso. Just dont use the public bathroom read more
18 years ago
Ok, now I'm not much of a one for history, but I'll do my best. This is a must if you are visiting Florence. It is high up at the edge if the town, and offers great panoramic views of the town (almost as incredible by night as by day) It was built in 1869 and designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi. The plaza is a tribute to Michelangelo and contains copies of some of his most famous works such as a bronze David in the middle of the square. I really enjoyed seeing (a copy) of the David statue in a better setting than through about 10,000 school groups at the back of an art gallery, and the dramatic views make it worth the walk uphill! read more
9 years ago
Absolutely amazing the views at sunset are breathtaking. If you go to Florence even for only one hour make sure it's at sunset and make sure you go to piazzale Michelangelo. Try and arrive an hour before sunset and get close to the corner it is so perfect it almost seems like it can't be real! read more
12 years ago
This is the spot to take THE perfect photo of the city. The piazzale overlooks the entire historical city center and is the panoramic view that graces many postcards, so bring your camera and snap away! The piazzale is relatively new, as far as Florentine standards go, as it was built in 1869 and dedicated to one of Florence's favorite sons, Michelangelo Buonarroti. A large bronze copy of his sculpture of David stands majestically in the center of the piazzale, looking toward the city, Perched on the base of this beautiful reproduction are bronze copies of his sculptures of the four allegories of the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo. There are two levels to the piazzale where you can take in excellent views of the city and the Arno river. The upper level has several coin-operated binoculars in case you wish to get a closer view of the sites. Street musicians, food and souvenir vendors can be found here, as can the (illegal) street vendors. (As a side note: I highly suggest not buying "designer" purses from these vendors (who can be recognized by their merchandise being placed on sheets or blankets on the ground), because it is illegal to buy or have in your possession counterfeit goods. Stick to buying souvenirs from vendors with legitimate carts/shops.) The piazzale can be reached by walking up from the city center, by taking the number 12 or number 13 bus, or by car. (As of 8 March, 2014, the parking lot area of the piazzale will be eliminated, but they say that there will be parking available nearby) In the summer months especially, it can get crowded with tourists, but it is still worth the trip. Just keep in mind that it can get quite hot under the blazing Tuscan sun in July and August. There isn't much of any shade in the piazzale, so plan accordingly. Going in the evening or after dusk is a nice option and can be a great place to take a romantic stroll. If you happen to be in Florence in May, be sure to take a stroll in the rose garden to the west of the piazzale and the iris garden to the east of the piazzale. Both are only open for a few short weeks each year and are free to enter. read more
7 years ago
If you can only visit one place in Florence, this is it. Here, you have a breathtaking view of the city and the Santa Maria del Fiore towering over the buildings. We saw no other view like it in our Italy trip and it is so iconic that you'll never forget it. It's not crowded at all and we were able to easily take pictures at noon. There's several bus lines that come here and you can easily walk down to the city afterwards. read more
Our tour guide recommended we travel up here at sunset, and after a ten minute taxi ride from il duomo (approx 11 euro) we could see why. The views are stunning and the food carts gathered nearby come with delicious treats. I would highly recommend you make the short trip if you're looking for a great panorama of Florence. read more
14 years ago
12 years ago
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10 years ago
Try going around sunset sit on the steps and watch the sun go down. Most beautiful view of the city. A must visit spot. read more
10 years ago
14 years ago
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Piazzale Michelangelo
50125 Florence
Italy
Michelangelo
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Piazzale Michelangelo - publicplazas - Updated July 2026
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