Piazzale Michelangelo

We went there on a bus one night and I walked up the next day from along the river. Great things to see walking up from fountains to the towers. It’s free to visit. Has lots of vendors to buy souvenirs, food and drinks

This piazza is truly wonderful with great panoramic views of the city. You can see the churches and towers from here. Also has a small waterfall at the top. A quick 6-7 minute walk from the street level. Highly recommend coming here when in Florence.

Breathtaking at sunset. Musicians playing, everyone drinking wine, just a beautiful moment. It is REALLY crowded and MANY steps, but totally worth it! The walk along the river to get there is also gorgeuros. A bathroom at the view is available for 1 euro.

Really beautiful view point of Florence at sunset. Unfortunately it is a very busy tourist spot, and was completely packed shoulder to shoulder when we visited July 2025. Nice photos to be taken here and would recommend a long telephoto lens 85 and above. Also would highly recommend biking up and scooter or bike down from the Piazzale, it was a really fun experience.

One of the most breathtaking spots in Florence. From my perspective, there’s nothing quite like standing at Piazzale Michelangelo as the sun sets — the golden light washes over the city and the Arno River, and everything feels calm and warm. It’s a peaceful, almost magical place to just take it all in.

Fabulous site, recommended by a friend. We saw a stunning symphony of a sunset, and views on the way up and down are a magical story that only adds to the incomparable beauty. We walked up and down, but you can also take the bus.

So very hot when we got here, too warm to make the climb down through the gardens, but Oh the views! We got on the Hop on Hop off bus to get here at €29 each. But you can get the no13 bus up here for €1.25 or so! Still we enjoyed the tour on two consecutive days.

The best place in the whole of Florence for the sunset view. Also, the best place to have a birds eye view of Florence, whether it's morning or evening or night :) Also, the best party place in the whole of Florence. There is at least one band that plays during the sunrise and converts Piazzale Michelangelo into an open night club. This was my evening routine every single day I was at Florence. I can't wait to go back :D

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.

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 Piazzale Michelangelo is much like most of Florence a must see. In particular if you cannot get in to see David this is an opportunity to see at least a same size replica coupled with killer views. The plaza is pretty large and repleat with eateries, tourist crap, and aggressive panhandlers. One tip is to come straight down the hillside after you see the area as there are walking paths and a killer 4 level Fountain (spread out down the hillside) till you get to the River Arno. The views as noted as spectacular and depending on the time of year the Iris Garden may be open as well.

This place is very beautiful and full of emerges. Ambience is very family oriented with a happy atmosphere.

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.

Our tour group did a super quick stop here. They said it was a must see, from the amazing views, the night sky. The statue was beautiful in the darkness as it glowed. We took beautiful group photo with the gorgeous view in the background. A must stop when in Florence!

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.

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!

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 ;)

True, the journey to get here is RIGOROUS and it is NOT for those who cannot endure such a walk. Make no mistake, I am a young, fitness-focused man and it was still challenging for me. The steps up seem to never end. You WILL feel a bit tired and halfway you may wonder if it's worth it. Make no mistake, IT IS. The view of the city is truly undefeated. You can see everything, for MILES deep into the surrounding mountains. It is truly amazing. So glad I did it. The walk was beyond worth it.

We went up here with a buggy tour and what can you say. Forget the copy of David. You go here for the view over Florence and it is superb.

ONE OF THE BEST VIEWS IN FLORENCE ================================== Seriously, the panoramic view of the city is incredible. You will have a perfect view of the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the hills of Fiesole. This piazza can be accessed just south of the city center. It can be breezy on top of the hill, so make sure you bring a jacket if you are visiting in the Spring like we did.

If you were like me and went to Florence on a Monday when about all the museums were closed, especially the Academia Galleria where David would be you may be wondering what you can do. Yes you could go shopping but what if you wanted to do sightseeing? I randomly found this place after I spotted steps that seemed to go on forever. There were some good rest spots in between with some nice views of the city but the best view was at the top of the steps. You can take a photo better than any of those Florence postcards you see. The best part is that you didn't have to pay anything for a great photo! There was also a bronze replica of the statue of David which was a huge plus since like I mentioned before the Galleria was closed. Next to the area there were also some really nice gardens with a few restaurants. Just this spot alone was worth visiting!

9.10.16: I'm sure you have an idea that the main reason people come here is for the view and maybe Michelangelo's statue of David. Following the signs are pretty easy, there will be a big crowd that you end up walking with. Visiting Florence all we did was walk. It's good for you. So walk here as well. It's pretty rewarding. The biggest thing is that there are people everywhere so you do have to fight a little bit for a good picture. It's such a beautiful view of the city and best of all it's free. Tip: Bring snacks, wine, beer, and whatever your heart desires. Have a little picnic upon the big long stairs. It's nice to see everyone just gathering on the stairs and drinking, chatting, and just plain ole relaxing. It really help us unwind and it was nice since we were "go go go" previously in the other cities. So this was really nice. Walk around the entire thing to see views in different angle. Of course take picture of David and there's a restaurant there if you feel like eating. A really great place! =) Must come here!

This place is truly magnificent. If you want to capture the beauty and grandness of the City you need to stop off here. Filled with locals and tourists alike its an awe-inspiring and magical place. Its relatively calm and relaxing and is a good place to decompress and having a snack as there are some street vendors in the parking lot. All of the major architectural elements of the city can be stopped from the lookout and is surrounded by some amazing rolling hills that are lush with trees and grass. Yeah, the hustle and bustle of the city life is great when exploring a new location but this stop should not be overlooked.

Well, there happens to be another one of the famous statues here, or at least a replica of the famous statue that Michalangelo carved. Honestly, I'm a little baffled as to why this statue is so famous, but it seems that people like looking at it so I guess I'll have to run with it. However, what is great about this place is the views that it offers you over the city of Florence. It is magnificent.

5 Stars for the rating it completely accurate!! I personally recommend that you find your way here by foot, get up that hill, the reward is worth it! (as long as your able-bodied to make the trek). All I knew is my tour guide was taking us somewhere and she mentioned beer at the top and well, suddenly I found myself in the lead to get to the top!! Lol :) It's a nice little hike and breathtaking reward. Not overcrowded, but a few souvenier sellers and a place to make a libation purchase. There are many little side streets I felt like I could've gotten intentionally lost and done my wandering that I like to do, but I didn't have the time. Maybe you will! A must-see when in Firenze!!!

You want spectacular views? Do it. You don't like an incline trek? Suck it up. I honestly feel like this is the #1 must thing to do while in Florence. My old coworker suggested us checking out the Piazzale at sunset. However, after reading the Yelps and thinking that because we would just be using our iPhone6 cameras, that to get the best photos we would have to do it during the day. Yes hubby was sarcastically saying to remind him to thank my old coworker for suggesting Piazzale on the trek up, but was astounded at the awesome views. The views are gorgeous and some of the photos I took look fake just because it's so breathtaking. You'll get views of the bridges, the tower, and the many churches. There's also a part where you can scribble your name and date. There's some eateries here, but we all know it's more for convenience. I believe to use the restrooms too is an extra charge. As with almost anywhere there's vendors selling things at the top, and you have a copy of the David statue here as well. A must in Florence.

Excellent views up here. I implore you to stop and take in the scenery. Its well worth the time. The place is very crowded and lots of selfies are being taken. Just enjoy the view and later when you are down below, look up and enjoy how high it is.

What a beautiful place for a sunset view of Firenze. EVERYONE and their great uncle comes to snap a sunset pic, so arrive early and save your spot! Despite the über large crowd, parking was easy to find. Do NOT pay the scalpers walking around trying to act official. Lots of hawkers selling their wares. Okay, so in to the view. It's breathtaking! With the drive, walk, and wait. This is NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

This is a must do in Florence! You hike up quite a ways but the view is breathtaking. Highly recommend carving out some time to make sure you see this view. They sell wine and snacks as well so a nice sunset session would be perfect! But if you can get up here, no matter the time of day it will be worth it.

Get here in time for sunset! You can see an amazing panoramic view of Florence of the transition from day into night. As the city lights up, you'll be glad you took that mini-hike to get up here. The view will leave you speechless! It's not far from Ponte Vecchio, which is a spot I'm sure you're already planning to visit, so make the extra trip to visit this landmark. Don't miss out on coming here, it's definitely worth the extra walk :)

What a beautiful plaza!! And the view...incredible! The statue of David is neat but compared to the marble one it's just not as good. Surprisingly what is more spectacular about this plaza is the view! You do have to walk up a few flights of stairs so be prepared for that. My husband and I are in good shape and even we were winded when we arrived at the top. We also noticed that the Plaza was full of mostly young fit people so I guess the amount of stairs is a deterrent for people who have trouble walking. The Plaza had a staircase that people were relaxing on and enjoying a meal. There was a street performer with a decent microphone set up so you didn't need to be that close to hear her music. She was very talented and played soft enjoyable music for all ages. There was plenty of spaces to take photos and while we did have to wait for a spot and push our way for a good photo, it was worth it. But be prepared for it to be overcrowded with selfish tourists who just want to stare at the view and not move out of the way even to let you take a picture. Still had a good time though!

Piazzale Michelangelo has great amazing panoramic views of Florence. This is the location to one of the two David replicas in Florence. It is bronze and as tall as the actual statue at Galleria dell'Accademia. Awesome place to get some great skyline shots with the Duomo and other buildings of Florence. The climb up seems bad, but it was not to crazy. It is cobble steps so be careful walking up. Totally worth the effort because once you get up, you will be in awe.

Beautiful view of the city. Easy to get to by foot or car. Could be challenging for disabled to get to by foot. I would recommend for a romantic view of the city especially at night when the lights in the city are shinning. Pros: Nice view of the city just across the river Spacious for lots to come and enjoy the view Close to the center of the city (about 15 mins walk) Cons: Cobble steps may be challenging for some

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.

Even though it's far from city center, this piazza is always crowded for a good reason: Piazzale Michelangelo offers perhaps the best view of historic Florence! Even though the piazza has a David replica, many chose to ignore even this famous artwork because the view is simply too stunning. You have seen the pictures and you have heard all about it, but no matter how much you have seen or heard, you truly have to see for yourself how beautiful Florence is from this excellent vantage point. I don't need to say more. Whether you choose to hike uphill or take the Bus 12/13 from Firenze SMN, find a way to get here because I don't think a trip to Florence is complete and the city's beauty can be truly appreciated without seeing it from this location.

Magnificent view all-around. Definitely worth the walk up the steps. Try to go when it's cooler and there's fewer people. Shade cover is a premium. There is a pay restroom/WC at the somewhere near here as well.

Must. Go. If you want to see one of the most amazing views of Florence, make the hike up here. I went up just as the sun was setting. Lots of people were there but it was still worth it. The view is stunning.

We reached there a little late because of train delay from Pisa, but made it in time to see the sunset and changing colors. It was a mind blowing view from this place. The Duomo looks fantastic from here. The atmosphere is also very energetic. We got a bottle of wine and glasses from a local shop and sat there enjoying the view of the beautiful Florence! Visited May 2015

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!

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.

Best view of the city. Go an hour or two before sunset if you wanna sit on the steps. Definitely go for sunset view!

A bit of a hike up but if you do it early morning, it's not too hot and you avoid the crowd. Fantastic view of Florence!

If, like us, are on a short break to Florence then do this 'trek' on your first day. Believe me, after seeing all the sights in this great city, you won't have the energy. Follow the Arno to the Ponte Alle Grazie, cross it and follow the well sign posted walk. There is a choice of a circuitous route, following the road or straight up the steps. Either way, keep going and remember the sight you will see. Reaching the top you come to this fantastic Piazzale Michelangelo. A very open area with a replica of David and an awesome view across Florence. A view, better than the Duomo or the other towers within the city. Sit down, you will need to, and relax taking in the spectacle. On the way down go through the rose garden. A delightful stroll. Looking out to the city turn left, down the steps, and you will see the entrance. Enjoy your visit.

Want a GORGEOUS view of Florence?! Head here. It's a steep climb up (some stairs, mainly incline) but it's totally worth it. The views are breathtaking. Once at the top, you'll find some small vendors selling the usual leather purses, shirts, etc as well as a beverage truck with a large assortment of drinks. In addition, there is a small cafe, serving a variety of cold/hot coffee drinks, juices, cocktails, etc. Very relaxing and beautiful.

Piazzale Michelangelo offers one of the most breathtaking views in Florence!!! This hilltop spot is surrounded by lush countryside and overlooks the city of Florence and the Arno River. Best of all, there are no tickets to buy or long lines to wait in. If you are staying in the center of Florence this is about a mile and a half (2.3km) walk. Must go if you are visitng Florence!!!

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.

Talk about a lower body workout... Although it's a painful trek to the top of the hill, it's definitely worth it. Especially if you're trying to burn off some of that scrumptious food you've been stuffing your face with. Yes, I'm talking about the 3rd gelato you just had when it's not even 4pm... Well, that breathtaking view you've always seen can now be yours. No lenses, no filters. Just your naked eyes and one helluva view. Breathe it all in, and be prepared to battle selfie hogs for a spot up front. To avoid the crowd up top, you can take the stairs down to another section for nice selfies/panoramic shots. There's also a restaurant/cafe, along with a conveniently located public bathroom.

On the way back down, we passed Piazzale Michelangelo, which has a spectacular view that captures the heart of Florence from Forte Belvedere to Santa Croce; across the lungarno and the bridges crossing the Arno, including the Ponte Vecchio; the Duomo; Palazzo Vecchio; the Bargello; and the octagonal bell tower of the Badia Fiorentina. Beyond the city are the hills of Settignano and Fiesole.

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.

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

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.

This is easily the most beautiful piazza in Florence. It's a mostly easy uphill walk, easily accessible from the historic centre, who's effort will reward you with one of the most breathtaking views of the city. This is a definite must see for any tourist, or local for that matter. In the spring, the Rose garden and the Iris garden are both open and freely accessible (and well worth visiting). The rose garden remains open for the warm season, while the iris garden season is very short. I would recommend bringing a bottle of red wine, some stuzzichini, and someone you care about, and then find a nice spot (preferably in the garden) to laze the day away while gazing over the gorgeous scenery that is Florence.

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!

If you're traveling in Florence, it's not worth your visit, if you haven't been to the Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a MUST SEE on your list. I was telling our guide, 40 years ago, we were in Florence, and we had our photo taken in front of a dark statue of Michelangelo. She said, the original statue is inside the Accademia Gallery, and there are duplicated statues everywhere! But she didn't tell me where this one was found, and during our trip, I've been looking for it, even asked our Italy Tour Guide, and he has NO IDEA WHERE IT WAS. I told him, we were up on a hill. . . . but he didn't know since there are many hills too! I was saddened, but suddenly the bus was going up this hill, and there it was, the SAME LOCATION where we saw the 'dark statue, and I was like a little girl in a candy store again. The happiest minutes left of Florence I FOUND the location where we were 40 years ago on our honeymoon. This is the spot, where you want to PROPOSE for marriage. This is the spot, you will never forget, and this is the same spot, you'll end up in your old age. Go here! You won't want to leave. This is why I want to come back to Florence again and again and again!

The walk up the stairs is less than 4 minutes. Don't waste money on any type of transportation if you are able-bodied. Worth the steep walk and tons of people bring wine to the top. Nice at night or day time