Where to find Great Views, Florence

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Favorite thing: Piazzale Michelangelo is a very large square laid out in 1865. It is situated on a hill on the south bank of the Arno river.

From there you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence. You can spot the main sights of the town and also some remnants of the ancient walls.

You can go to Piazzale Michelangelo by bus (take n. 13 outside the main train station) or by foot.

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Favorite thing: Situated on the hilly patches of Tuscany and bisected by the polluted-but-pretty Arno River, there is no denying that Florence is heart-achingly scenic and romantic. One of the greatest (and cheapest) Florentine experience is to view the city from a good vantage point and revel in its dramatic setting and serene skyline. Tourists can do this from a number of places: the Campanile, the Duomo's dome and Piazzale Michelangelo. Arguably, the last location affords tourist the grandest view in that it includes the iconic Duomo and the striking spire that is Torre d'Arnolfo.

As usual, the best time to enjoy these views would be at sunset when the Florentine sky undergoes a lovely transformation with lots of purple and pinkish shades during autumn. And as the dusk gives way to night, the city's lights all come aglow highlighting the dramatic reflections of the city's historical buildings on the Arno River.

To get there, take bus no. 13 from Stazione di Sta Maria Novella. It's quite a long 30-minute ride along the city's clogged streets, and you'd know you've reached there when the bus disgorges tens of camera-toting tourists. If you stay a bit late to say about 7 pm, the bus does seem to take long to arrive - but the trip should be all worth it.

Fondest memory: One of my fondest memories of Florence was of our walk along the river in the evening. It was truly magical.

I took this picture on our way back to the center of town after watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. That night couldn't have been any more romantic. If Maria and I weren't already married, I would have proposed to her right then and there!!

For more information on Piazzale Michelangelo, see my "Must See" section.

Fondest memory: Enjoying the view from the top of the Duomo. It is ofcourse nice to have clear skies and see all the way to the mountains.

If you don´t feel able to climb the 463 steps of the Duomo you can also have a great view of the city from the piazalle Michelangelo.

Favorite thing: Florence is the perfect place to discover the marvels of the Renaissance, the delicious Tuscany food or the elegance of a city full of colorful details. I can only suggest you not to loose any of those things.

Fondest memory: The colors of the nightfall over the river Arno. The view has an impossible beauty.

Favorite thing: You can climb the 414 steps to the top of the Cupolla. From there, you can enjoy wonderful views of the city.-

Se pueden subir los 414 escalones hacia el tope de la cúpula. Desde allí, se pueden admirar maravillosas vistas de la ciudad

Favorite thing: I took few pictures from Piazzalle Michelangelo - I think you can get the best view of Florence right there.
On this picture you can see the river Arno, Palazzo Vecchio on the left and Duomo, Campanile & Baptistry on the right.

Favorite thing: Probably the best way to see Florence is to hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo. From there you can really see one of the most beautiful European cities at once.
As well there's the famous statue of Michelangelo's David.

Favorite thing: Piazzale Michelangelo is the place where you can see beautiful views of the city. I had a lot of fun looking towards the city and trying to identify the places I have visited. The square has a copy of Michelangelo's David.

Favorite thing: Walk along the embankment of the Arno, it's a pleasure!

Fondest memory: Here, on the embankment, round the corner from the Uffizi Gallery they sell the tastiest ice-cream I ever tried!