Piazzale Michelangelo was a highlight of our trip to Florence. The panoramic views over the city are simply breathtaking! We were able to admire Florence's stunning architecture, beautiful palaces, and renowned art from this vantage point. The atmosphere was lovely, despite the crowd, and we managed to find a couple of marble benches to sit on, making it perfect for some people-watching. There are also some charming stalls along the road, where you can find various souvenirs, drinks, and delicious snacks, including ice cream and sweet treats. We spotted a replica of the Statue of David, which beautifully dominates the square. It offered us a unique perspective of the city and a peaceful retreat before we continued our exploration of Florence's neighborhoods.
Well worth the walk and the climb for the spectacular views over Florence. We overheard a couple at our hotel being told it was too far to walk, and had to disagree. We're in our 60s, with a reasonable fitness level (although I’m overweight and have bad knees) and we managed it after a morning walking around a museum. Of course, for those who can't manage it, it is drivable, but the walk up was part of the enjoyment.
We had two visits to the viewpoint, one we went slightly earlier than sunset and it was already busy a good 2 hours before sunset but we just wanted to see the view of the city in the daylight. We took a second walk up and went further up from the plaza to the monastery and sat on the steps there, it wasn’t as busy as the main plaza but it didn’t have as wide a range of view of the city but still more than enough that you can sit and enjoy the city and the sunset.
Seeing Florence from this view is worth climbing a few stairs. When we finally reached the top of this viewing point the views were breathtaking. You can admire the beauty of Florence at its full. It is worth going!
Piazzale Michelangelo is absolutely magical! The walk up feels like a mini adventure, and the reward at the top is nothing short of breathtaking. The panoramic view of Florence is truly wower—you can see the iconic Duomo, the Arno River, and the city stretching out in all its glory. It’s like looking at a living postcard! The atmosphere up there is incredible, whether you visit at sunrise, sunset, or any time of day. There’s something so peaceful and awe-inspiring about taking in the city from this vantage point. The combination of the stunning architecture, the Tuscan hills in the distance, and the golden light makes it feel like a dream. It’s also the perfect spot for photos—you won’t find a better backdrop for capturing the beauty of Florence. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music or street performances, adding to the vibrant vibe of the place. The walk up might take a little effort, but it’s 100% worth it. Piazzale Michelangelo is one of those places that makes you fall in love with Florence all over again. Don’t miss it!
