Piazzale Michelangelo

Plaza · Ricorboli ·

Piazzale Michelangelo

Plaza · Ricorboli ·

Panoramic city views from a 19th-century piazza with replica David

Information

Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Get directions

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"Renaissance masterpieces housed in prominent museums that exemplify the city’s unparalleled artistic heritage, remaining essential viewing for art lovers and a primary reason many travelers visit." - Paul Brady Paul Brady Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler, Skift, and The Huffington Post. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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Piazzale Michelangelo

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"Beautiful Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo One of the best views of Florence can be savored from the Piazzale Michelangelo, a short walk across the Arno River from downtown Florence . For a fun afternoon head to the square and enjoy an enchanting panorama of the city, followed by a relaxing alfresco lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. The Piazzale Michelangelo is also worth a visit at night to get a very different glimpse of Florence. The lights of the Duomo and the buildings surrounding it make for a magical nighttime scene."

The Best Things to Do in Florence

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Piazzale Michelangelo

@travelleisure

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Our Readers' Favorite Romantic Cities in the World in 2017

"A hilltop terrace favored for postcard‑perfect sunset panoramas over terracotta rooftops and a sweeping view of the cathedral across the river, making it a quintessential romantic lookout for couples." - Peter Schlesinger Peter Schlesinger Peter Schlesinger is a writer, editor, and digital content specialist who is passionate about travel and cross-cultural experiences. He is the associate director of digital content at Indagare and a former editor at Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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Piazzale Michelangelo

Mitch S.

Google

About a 20 min walk from Ponte vecchio, this hilltop square is a great palace to enjoy views of Firenze and backdrop of the Tuscan countryside on a clear day. No admission fees - bring a picnic or buy something from the food trucks there- if you're heading for sunset views prepare for squatting crowds that make it tricky to negotiate the steps to get up to the top. Not recommended if you have walking difficulties as some parts are steep. Highly recommended.

1000thousand S.

Google

Magical. A stunning, free location where you are as high as the Duomo, and can see across the city with a vista that would rival any of the towers in the centre. Moreover, at sunset, it provides one of the best view of the bridges of Florence, and has a playful vibe. It feels safe, and the panoramic spot is not the only part to enjoy. There are shuttles to take you up there, but the walk up is not too challenging if you are see to walking up stairs a bit. Thing is to take your time. It is exposed, so in the height of summer would be a lot. But Spring and Autumn is perfect, and a little less bothered by the hawkers of jewellery and handbags who constantly appear. You might want to bring some food and water up, though there is a nearby eatery. If you feel adventurous you can head further uphill to the Abbazia San Miniato for views higher up, but further away. For me, I find the Piazza Michelangelo is quite enough for the best views, higher isn’t always better. I tried this view during midday, and sunset, but wasn’t here at night, though it felt safe enough I’d expect it would be fine, but check other reviews here. There is a pretty route up from the Porta San Niccolo, approached from the Piazzetta di San Miniato. This Piazza was one of THE highlights of my trip to Florence, I could have spent hours up here.

Sidónio S.

Google

A must do when in Firenze. The ideal would be passing through Ponte Vecchio and walking down the river until you find the stairs with all the fountains. The view from the Piazzale is really amazing, lots of people though. From here you can have a wide view of the city and also from some amazing gardens. Unfortunately we had torrential rain as soon as we arrived there but it was well worth the visit.

Sam D

Google

Such a beautiful experience! In order to see the beautiful views at the top, you have to walk about 10-15 minutes up an incline with stairs/ ramps. It's not too bad once you take your time. The view of Florence from the top of the Plaza is unreal, you have a panoramic view and can take great pictures. There are many food/ drink/ trinket vendors across the Plaza as well as benches to sit. It's free entry and you can stay as long/ little as you'd like. I highly recommend making the time to visit if you're in the area.

Chen Z.

Google

Piazzale Michelangelo is hands down one of the best places in Florence to catch the sunset. The panoramic view of the city is absolutely breathtaking — you can see the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the entire skyline bathed in golden light. It’s one of those moments that make you fall in love with Florence all over again. Be sure to arrive a little early — the place fills up quickly, especially around sunset. I took the bus up and was lucky to get on; several others had to wait because it was already packed. If you enjoy walking, you can also hike up from the river for a great workout and an even better reward at the top! The atmosphere is fantastic — people chatting, musicians playing, couples dancing, and everyone just soaking in the magic of the view. It’s lively yet peaceful at the same time. An unforgettable experience and one of the must-see spots in Florence. I’d come back in a heartbeat to watch the sun set over that beautiful city again.

Agus B.

Google

Beautiful experience! If you’re lucky to get a sunny day, all of Florence turns orange with beautiful lighting at sunset. You can see the entire city from up here. There are a lot of people, but the place is big enough to find your own spot. There are also food trucks and places to eat and drink if you’re looking for that kind of experience.

Migle M.

Google

Stunning place to see the whole city view. During the night lights, city shines even more. You have road climbing and stairs climbing at the same time. They also have some bars, restaurants and gift shops on the top. The place, worth to see if you in Florence.

Witold D.

Google

Piazzale Michelangelo is more than just a vantage point; it's a must-see, offering perhaps the most iconic and breathtaking view of all of Florence. From this vantage point, the entire historic center unfolds, revealing a city virtually unchanged since the Renaissance. The centerpiece, of course, is Brunelleschi's Dome (Duomo). Next to it rises Giotto's Campanile. The massive tower of the Palazzo Vecchio (Arnolfo Tower) is also visible. These three vertical lines create Florence's recognizable skyline. A visit to Piazzale Michelangelo is the best way to see Florence as a whole, appreciating its compactness and grandeur. It's the perfect end to a day spent among Renaissance masterpieces.

Jessica S.

Yelp

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.

Carol D.

Yelp

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!

Mel T.

Yelp

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.

Fred T.

Yelp

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.

Michael M.

Yelp

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

Johnny N.

Yelp

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.

Kelly S.

Yelp

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!

Bruce K.

Yelp

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.]

Gohar K.

Yelp

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.

Diana S.

Yelp

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!

Sanjay G.

Yelp

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 ;)

Carl L.

Yelp

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.

Anco M.

Yelp

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.

Cydney M.

Yelp

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.

Scott F.

Yelp

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!

Mia L.

Yelp

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!

John C.

Yelp

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.

David S.

Yelp

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.

Pamela M.

Yelp

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!!!

Cat C.

Yelp

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.

Josh N.

Yelp

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.

James P.

Yelp

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!!!

Blake Q.

Yelp

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.

Tiffany Y.

Yelp

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 :)

Leslie S.

Yelp

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!

Kevin W.

Yelp

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.

Michael T.

Yelp

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

Minoolifediary T.

Yelp

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.

Jay Y.

Yelp

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.

Warren C.

Yelp

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.

Cindy B.

Yelp

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.

Roma M.

Yelp

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

Midnight I.

Yelp

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!

Jin K.

Yelp

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.

Sarina S.

Yelp

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

Deana M.

Yelp

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!

Norman W.

Yelp

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.

Devyn P.

Yelp

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.

Michelle M.

Yelp

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!!!

Gabrielle H.

Yelp

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.

James M.

Yelp

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.

Maggi R.

Yelp

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.

Kanchan B.

Yelp

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.

Emylene E.

Yelp

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

Chris R.

Yelp

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.

Diana A.

Yelp

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.

Eric H.

Yelp

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!

Flory W.

Yelp

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!

Ely J.

Yelp

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

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Piazzale Michelangelo

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The Best Things to Do in Florence

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Piazzale Michelangelo

@travelleisure

28,276 Postcards · 5,516 Cities

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Piazzale Michelangelo

Mitch S.

Google

1000thousand S.

Google

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Google

Sam D

Google

Chen Z.

Google

Agus B.

Google

Migle M.

Google

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Google

Jessica S.

Yelp

Carol D.

Yelp

Mel T.

Yelp

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Yelp

Michael M.

Yelp

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

Johnny N.

Yelp

Kelly S.

Yelp

Bruce K.

Yelp

Gohar K.

Yelp

Diana S.

Yelp

Sanjay G.

Yelp

Carl L.

Yelp

Anco M.

Yelp

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.

Cydney M.

Yelp

Scott F.

Yelp

Mia L.

Yelp

John C.

Yelp

David S.

Yelp

Pamela M.

Yelp

Cat C.

Yelp

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Yelp

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Yelp

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Yelp

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Yelp

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Yelp

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Yelp

Minoolifediary T.

Yelp

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Yelp

Warren C.

Yelp

Cindy B.

Yelp

Roma M.

Yelp

Midnight I.

Yelp

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!

Jin K.

Yelp

Sarina S.

Yelp

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

Deana M.

Yelp

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!

Norman W.

Yelp

Devyn P.

Yelp

Michelle M.

Yelp

Gabrielle H.

Yelp

James M.

Yelp

Maggi R.

Yelp

Kanchan B.

Yelp

Emylene E.

Yelp

Chris R.

Yelp

Diana A.

Yelp

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Yelp

Flory W.

Yelp

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Yelp

Piazzale Michelangelo

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