Photographers, Instagrammers, aesthetes, visual creators… This one’s for you! Discover the best photoshoot locations in Florence. Those photogenic spots where you can capture the real essence and charm of this city.
From the favourite Piazzale Michelangelo, to lesser known corners of the city, we’ll show you where to capture the perfect city snaps.
=> Florence Travel Guide: see the highlights of Florence
Best places to take photos in Florence
1. Piazzale Michelangelo
The best view of Florence is undoubtedly Piazzale Michelangelo, the panoramic terrace that looks over the city from the hills of the Oltrarno, Florence’s ‘south bank’.
From up there you can see the city stretched out in front of your eyes, the river Arno snaking through the red roofs of the city. Unforgettable at any time of day, this photo location is just perfect at sunset, where the pink and orange hues of Florence melt with the sky.
2. Top of Giotto’s tower
Rise above the city and discover what it looks like from the sky. Climbing to the top of the Giotto Tower, the Cathedral‘s bell tower, gives the photographer a unique perspective of the Dome and the expanse of roofs that surround it.
Alternatively, you can get to the top Brunelleschi’s Dome and capture the beauty of Florence from the top of its most famous landmark.
=> 20 Unmissable Experiences to live the real Florence!
3. Ponte Vecchio
You’ve probably seen thousands of photos of the Ponte Vecchio, the most photographed bridge in the city and one of its best known landmarks. The ideal spot to take pictures of the ‘Old Bridge’ is standing on the adjacent bridge Ponte Santa Trinita.
The backdrop to the Ponte Vecchio is simply perfect, with the hills gently rising to embrace Florence.
4. Along the River Arno
Many spots along the Lungarni provide visual thrills for the camera. With the pastel coloured buildings reflecting in the water, it’s easy to get a good shot. Lots of architectural details, the silhouettes of the city, and a magical golden light at sunset.
Would you like to discover the best places to take photos in Florence with an expert photographer? Check out this Florence Photo Walk => you’ll learn cool photography tricks, find some hidden spots and learn new perspectives.
5. Bardini Villa and gardens
On the Oltrarno, 15 minutes by foot from the Ponte Vecchio, you find some gardens on the hillside that overlook the city. The garden itself is a gorgeous spot to steal a romantic picture, especially in spring when the wisteria is in bloom and cascading over the pergola.
As you reach the top of the stone staircases you arrive at a huge terrace with some statues, looking out to the city centre. These weathered characters make the perfect subjects for a ‘vintage feel’ pic.
Enter the Villa and find the small terrace on the second floor for some more photogenic views.
=> Check out the Best 7 Photoshoot Locations in Tuscany
6. Top of the Palazzo Vecchio tower
The Torre di Arnolfo, the slender tower of the Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza Signora, is a great viewpoint. After a visit to the history-filled palace, you should climb the tower and admire Florence and its fabulous buildings from a different angle.
TIP => If you love art, you might want to spend a bit of time at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza Signoria, and capture all the beauty and drama of its bronze and marble statues.
=> Where to see Contemporary Art in Florence
7. Boboli Gardens
The vast Boboli Gardens annexed to the severe-looking Pitti Palace offers more than one photo opportunity. Ancient statues poking through greenery, long cypress tree avenues, and elaborate Renaissance fountains, it doesn’t get more Florentine than this.
8. Piazza Santa Croce
We love this piazza. The elegant façade of Santa Croce Church, Dante Alighieri’s imperious statue and the array of decorated buildings surrounding the square are all perfect subjects for the camera.
9. Santa Maria Novella church
Everything about the Church of Santa maria Novella says ‘shoot’. The incredible details of the marble facade, the frescoes that seem alive, the cloisters full of atmosphere. A photographer can spend hours in this church trying to capture its soul.
10. The Rose Garden
If you visit Florence in May, climb up to the Rose Garden on the way to Piazzale Michelangelo. Definitely one of the best places to take photos in Florence in Springtime! A variety of stunning roses will make the perfect frame for your shots of Florence. As a bonus… The garden is free to enter.
=> My secret Florence: hidden gems in the city of the Renaissance
=> Best time to visit Florence
=> Tips for Taking the Perfect Picture in Florence & Tuscany
