Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo
4.5
About
This neoclassical-style piazza built by Giuseppe Poggi in the 19th century offers some of the best panoramic views of Florence's historic center. The plaza is also home to several replicas of Michelangelo's famous sculptures, including David and the Medici Chapel statues. To get to the piazza, you'll need to climb up a steep hill, but the unobstructed views are worth it. Sunset is a popular time to visit when the plaza is bathed in golden light. You can take a taxi or car tour up the hill, or for a unique experience, pass by the piazza on a Vespa tour through Tuscany from Florence. – Tripadvisor
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Piazzale Michelangelo
Just outside the ancient walls of Florence, Viale Michelangiolo starts. It is a winding road rimmed by wonderful poplars and holm oaks. The long ascent opens up to the most beautiful and famous panoramic viewpoint of Florence: Piazzale Michelangelo, where an elevated terrace offers visitors an incomparable and breathtaking view of the entire city from above. During good weather, Piazzale Michelangelo provides visitors with a serene space surrounded by the amazing landscape, better if accompanied by a fresh gelato from a local kiosk. During night, visitors will be dazzled by the warm lights of the capital of the Renaissance. Spend a second with the silent Romanesque beauty of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte: the one that wishes good morning and good night to Florence!
See what travellers are saying
  • GoPlaces61750396082
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful views and a must do to see the city from above
    Walked from city centre, we were apprehensive at first, but once we reach the top of the hill, reviews were breathtaking. I would definitely recommend as must Do. There is a nice little restaurant at the top and grab some drinks and enjoy the view Plus if you grab a few drinks, the restaurant, the bathrooms at the top of the hill are complimentary if you decide to just go there €1 per trip
    Visited March 2023
    Written 29 March 2023
  • worldtraveler59_9
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic view! Don't miss it.
    Best view of Florence, unless you stay in a hillside villa and look down on the city. No visitor should miss it, it will give you a perspective you can't get, otherwise. And the walk down to the Arno and beside the river is fabulous.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 4 April 2023
  • Sarah L
    London, United Kingdom3,054 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The best place for a view of Florence
    Piazzale Michaelangelo was one of my favourite things I saw in Florence. As we went on a sunny day you could see for miles and it was gorgeous. The short climb up a semi steep hill is well worth it. The views of the Duomo and the Ponte Vechhio are amazing as is the copper replica statue of David. Well worth a visit!
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 April 2023
  • Dina P
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous view, must see in Firenze
    I did not know about this place before coming to Firenze, and there everyone told us to come and see. We are close to retirement age, so unable to walk up there, although it should be beautiful walk for those who can. Taxi was not expensive and it's no problem to find one on place to get you down to city. It's amazing panoramic view on mountains, fields, historic city. You'll never regret coming there, just take some windbreaking clothes and your eyes.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 30 April 2023
  • JD Gupta
    New Delhi, India12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bird's eye view of Florence
    We were in for a pleasant surprise. Had seen pics of Florence posted on various travel sites and blogs, clicked by travelers from the Piazzale Michelangelo. But experiencing this firsthand left me in complete awe. The view is majestic and truly mesmerizing. No better way to gaze at this beautiful Renaissance town, than from this spot. Going on top was a task - negotiating through steep roads and steps, but was worth every effort taken to reach here. Also, if you are traveling in Spring (like we did), don't miss out the rose garden at the foothill (on your way to the WC).
    Visited May 2023
    Written 10 May 2023
  • kathemil
    Delray Beach, Florida9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Solo in Florence
    I stayed across from the Duomo & had the most amazing view from my hotel balcony! I visited the Accadamia and saw the David. Glad I got advanced tickets! Enjoyed the markets in San Lorenzo and the best was the Santa Croce church! Loved Florence enough to go back!
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 18 May 2023
  • PAYEL M DEY
    Kolkata (Calcutta), India149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    must go place in Florence
    must go place in Florence - the view is beautiful. this is the best place to see the sunset from the square. its a small hike from the main city and a very enjoyable walk. Otherwise, also local taxi takes around 12 euros from Duomo to the square. the walk can be down via Arno River.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 8 June 2023
  • Andrew W
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful View, Very Crowded
    This spot is very popular and invites a fantastic view of the Firenze skyline. People are generally polite and will allow others to take a picture along the edges either at the corner of the square or along the lower balcony. Arrive ~2 hours before sunset to find a good spot on the steps (often musicians will be playing). There are better places that are less crowded with unobstructed views of the city that locals prefer (such as at the church up the hill), so ask around and don't fall in love with this one location alone.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 28 June 2023
  • Melissa
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
    Sunset is the perfect time to enjoy the view. We arrived 2 hours early to secure a good spot along the railing. Steps were completely full and there were 3-4 people deep behind us. We enjoyed the free music and opportunity to buy snack,s
    Visited June 2023
    Written 3 July 2023
  • Touristy_D
    Lucknow, India162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful views of Florence
    This is a must-visit if you’re in Florence. The view of the city from the top of Piazzale Michelangelo is so beautiful! Loved it… It got a tad bit chilly up there, so if you’re coming from a warm country like me, you may want to have a light shrug or shawl handy. The place has a lot of touristy food trucks as well in case you get hungry. How to get there? We took a bus to Piazzale Michelangelo, after looking up the route on Google maps. Some people also like to do the walk up, but it could be tiring. We did walk down and that was very enjoyable!
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 July 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles34,009 reviews
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georgia may b
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
An absolute must for a sunset/sunrise visit. It is a climb though so may be difficult for someone less mobile. Go with enough time to find a seat on the steps and bring a drink 🌞
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

898frank
Virginia354 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
Great view from the terrace at the entire city. Easy to get here by bus 13, saves you the walk upstairs. Downstairs is an easy walk back to the city center.
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CrossFit B
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Nice walk along river and a few steps (!) to go up, and once there, amazing view! Totally worth it! It took us about 30 mins from town center, but we didn’t walk fast.
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ShadraB
Nottingham, UK416 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
This is a must if you're in Florence. The views are spectacular. The hike up can be difficult if you have mobility issues because there are many stairs and inclines, but there is a road that comes up behind Piazelle Michaelangelo, so you can drive (there is parking) or take a taxi up, and should you choose to walk it's an easier walk (still a climb, but no stairs and a flat surface on which to walk). We climbed up and took the back road down. The getting there takes longer than the being there, but there is no place in Florence with a better view of the city.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nina
89 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
When visiting Florence, we also went to Piazzale Michelangelo and we definitely did not regret it. We went up there just before sunset and the view from the stairs was amazing! We bought a small bottle of wine in a shop in town and took it with us to the top. A lot of people were already sitting on the steps, and the whole thing was brightened up by music. You have to go there when you're in Pisa! 😊
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Herbert C
891 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Located on the south bank of the Arno River and within a relaxing walk from Florence's historic center, Piazzale Michelangelo was built as a broad terrace atop a small hill, which accorded a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence. The square is evidently a dedication to none other than its namesake and the "Renaissance man" himself, Michelangelo. Built in 1869 by Florentine architect, Giuseppe Poggi, and intended as a showcase of replicas of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the plan was eventually altered to emphasize the simple beauty of its spaces and provide a peaceful setting above Florence for visitors to enjoy. Notwithstanding the statue of David standing imposingly at the center of the square, the highlight of this attraction is undeniably the majestic vista over the red roofs of Florence. As you stand there admiring the skyline dominated by the majestic dome of the Florence Cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the tower of Palazzo Vecchio, as well as the bridges crossing the Arno River including the Ponte Vecchio, you are not only capturing a perfect photo for your Instagram, but you’ll be enthralled in a moment of wonder by the sight of the city that gave birth to incredible artists and scientists that have truly inspired and left a lasting legacy for those who come after them.
Written 7 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rob007Kent_UK
Wye, UK1,030 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
On a hill on the south bank of the Arno river, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. It is well worth a visit to watch the sun set. Be prepared to share your time here with hundreds of tourists who flock to this popular mecca at sunset but it’s worth the climb and you can grab a drink at the café or the street vendors at the top and then gather on the steps to listen to the live guitarist serenade the crowd.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Johnny Novo
New York City, NY136 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Solo
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.

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Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nurul A
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
amazing view thst worth the steps to go up the climb. even better the san miniato church where the view is even better. wow florence
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dansimmons
England, UK252 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
One of the standout memories from our four-day trip to Florence and Pisa. Highly recommended during sunset!

We sat on the steps (as did everybody else) with mulled wine, and a live guitarist in the background as we watched the sun go down - with fantastic views of the Florence skyline and its beautiful landmarks. The same can be said in terms of views from other vantage points around the piazzale.

Absolutely worth the effort/walk to reach the top from when you’re down by the Arno.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Piazzale Michelangelo