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.
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The area
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!
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See what travellers are saying
- DougdogWales, United Kingdom270 contributionsAway from the hustle and bustle - incredible views and a welcome respiteThe centre of Florence can be overwhelming with people and crowds. This is the perfect antidote - walk down the river, head out of the centre and enjoy the small local cafes and the incredible views at the top of the hill. Well worth it!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 October 2023
- T R3 contributionsAmazing views. Well worth the time and effort.Amazing views of Florence, especially the Duomo. We went about an hour before sunset. Although there was a good crowd, there is plenty of room on top. We took a taxi up the hill from town and then took an easy walk back, downhill.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- Richard MHampstead Norreys, United Kingdom948 contributionsAn amazing place for views of FlorenceIt is well worth the climb up the hill to the Piazza. There is another of the replica statues of David and some other statues. The main attraction is that you get an incredible view across the city. All of the sights and churches can be seen with the Duomo dominating the view. Excellent.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 October 2023
- GoingGuideNottingham, United Kingdom2,461 contributionsBreathtaking views of FlorenceFabulous place to take in the amazing breathtaking views of Florence. Situated on a hillside to the south of the river, the large piazza has a wide balustrade with space for a latge number of people to overlook the city. To get there, there are various options, including steps that are clearly signed or by bus from near the ancient wall of the city near the river. Whatever method you choose, it is fairly easy to find and worth the effort.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 October 2023
- brnz99Belfast, United Kingdom331 contributionsStunning, worth the short walk.Stunning views, you can get a beer at the top as well. Not to strenuous, well worth it. Get a seat on the steps if you can and watch the sun go down. I'd Been at cafe del Mar in ibiza 4 months earlier, watching the sun set just can't be beatVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 November 2023
- MenekagHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam1,940 contributionsOne of the best views of FlorenceWorth the hike to see the sunset over Florence. You get a beautiful view of the city from there. Most of the tourists do head there at sunset so be prepared for the hustle and bustle of picture taking. It is still worth a visit. We wanted to grab a drink at the cafe but the place was packed so decided against it. If you can get a table then I am sure it will be amazing.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 January 2024
- dansimmonsEngland, United Kingdom341 contributionsA special experienceOne 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.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 January 2024
- Johnny NovoNew York City, New York344 contributionsPiazza MichThe 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. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 January 2024
- Rob007Kent_UKWye, United Kingdom3,751 contributionsStunning panoramic views of the city at sunsetOn 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.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 January 2024
- Herbert C1,791 contributionsBreathtaking and inspiring experienceLocated 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.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
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Mal
Blackburn, UK135 contributions
Feb 2020
Stunning views over the city. A fair amount of steps to get up there if you're walking from the centre of Florence but it's well worth it. We stayed for the transition from light to dark, watching the sunset behind the hills surrounding the city and then watched as the street and building lights began to switch on
Written 21 April 2020
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.
travelbugPJ
PJ256 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
We visited Piazzale Michelangelo one evening after Uffizi. It was a pleasant walk across the Arno River, and the climb up the hill was not too difficult. There was a sizeable crowd at the Piazzale and we were lucky to get to an ideal spot overlooking the river and the city. The sunset was a stunning spectacle, as was the scenery when the city lights came on. Well worth the walk and the time spent at the piazzale.
Written 3 March 2020
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.
Leigh A
Fairfax, VA13 contributions
Jun 2022
This was an amazing place to look out over the city and watch the vibrant sunset. While the steps were very crowded, it was not too difficult to find a nice spot to enjoy the sunset over the city. From this location, you can see almost every major landmark in Florence and the surrounding mountains. As you could anticipate from such a good view, it was a heck of a walk/hike up this location. I would definitely recommend making the trek up for those who are able and there seems to be a bus available for those who may find the walk challenging.
Written 12 July 2022
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.
Becks211187
Romford, UK187 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
One of the most incredible, breath taking views! Piazzale Michelangelo is a must see when visiting Florence. It’s a very short walk from the town centre up a steep hill but well worth it! My friend and I visited at sunset and it was truly magical! A beautiful panoramic view over Florence and a lady singing some beautiful music as the sun went down. My absolute favourite memory of the beautiful Florence. There’s a lovely little bar up there too.
Written 8 March 2020
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.
Robert B
Saratoga Springs, NY1,046 contributions
Oct 2019
The view of Florence, its bridges such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo etc., and the hills beyond from the Piazzale Michelangelo are superb. If you are a photographer the light may be a little harsh during midday hours but the walk up via the Poggi Ramps is still worth it. The Piazzale was constructed in the mid 1800's with the intent that it house a museum which was never constructed. Instead, you will find copies of many of Michelangelo's works here! If you opt for a taxi up the hill it will cost at least 25 Euros due to the circuitous route!
Written 8 February 2020
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.
Stefan G
Washington DC, DC1,081 contributions
Jul 2020
Set above the city of Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo affords excellent views of the city from an elevated position. It will get crowded in the evening near sunset. Note that there are also many, many stairs to climb up if you are walking from the city; it's a nice walk, though!
Written 16 July 2020
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.
swetamodi
Mumbai, India221 contributions
Sept 2019
Fab views from Piazza Michelangelo of entire Florence. Super lively place - musicians playing instruments, singers singing, everyone chilling on the steps and enjoying.
The walk up to the Piazza can be tiring but it is totally worth the effort.
Go in the evening and stay for sunset to see some amazing views of the sun setting over Florence.
The walk up to the Piazza can be tiring but it is totally worth the effort.
Go in the evening and stay for sunset to see some amazing views of the sun setting over Florence.
Written 21 March 2020
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.
Ryan S
Cardiff, UK1,123 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
When i visited florence i didn't plan on visiting this plaza, but when i found out that the cathedral was Fully booked and i couldnt go inside or to the top of the dome there wasnt much to do than visit the piazzale michaelangelo. I’m so glad i did as it was the highlight of my florence day trip. The view of florence is probably better than the one from the top of the dome of the cathedral. Tho it is a challenge walking to the top to the piazzale, but it is well worth. The best part is just seeing how big the cathedral actually is and the powerful presence it has. You can also see the ponte vecchio, the gardino bardini and the boblio gardens. Just a must see while visiting florence you wont get a better viewing point like this anywhere else in Italy.
Written 25 August 2020
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.
odaayigirl
Singapore, Singapore90 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Well worth the climb to enjoy one of the best views of the city. Most go for sunset; I much prefer going for sunrise when no one is there and the city still sleeps. Both are beautiful, but be prepared to deal with crowds at sunset (though the city is quieter now as travel restrictions remain for most).
Written 21 July 2020
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.
PAM2014
New Jersey208 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
So glad we made the effort. Being used to Rome, Florence is a breeze to navigate. In the interest of time and we’d been walking for over 6 hours, we decided to take the bus up to the look out (it look two buses but the app was easy to use - takes about 10-15 minutes). Get there an hour before sunset to get a good spot on the steps (we saw an excellent musician playing) or along the railing. Bring some wine or Prosecco (pack a picnic if like) and just take in the spectacular views and people watching. This is the best part of visiting the city!
Written 15 February 2020
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.
Hey there! Will it be easy to find a taxi from piazzale Michelangelo to the train station Santa Maria Novella, after the sunset?
Written 29 July 2024
Your chance to catch up a taxi dropping off other passengers. That what happened with us.
Written 30 July 2024
Are there taxi near by the piazza to go back to train station ?
Written 15 September 2023
It's very hard to catch a taxi on the street. The best way to get a taxi quickly is to call the central taxi number: +39 055 4242 and they will send a taxi to you quickly!
Written 16 September 2023
What buses take me to Piazza Michelangelo, where do I catch them, and is a Tabacchi the place where I would buy the bus tickets?
Written 9 July 2022
The bus and tram network in Florence, Italy, is run by the ATAF e Li-nea consortium. Timetables and other service information about day buses, night buses, electric buses and trams can be found on the ATAF website. Much of it is in English, but the Italian version contains the more up-to-date transport network map.
Search for Firenze bus map
I believe you can buy bus tickets at local shops, like Tabacchi
Written 10 July 2022
HI, i climbed the stairs up to the Piazza de Michelangelo in Florence. I am wondering how many stairs I went up. Thank you.
Written 26 October 2021
Great reviews and tips here! Is there any thing a first time visitor should know?
Written 28 January 2020
If you do not like to walk better take the bus number 13. It is very much to get up from the city.
Written 28 January 2020
Is the walk up possible with a stroller? My husband is worried that it will be all stairs.
Written 29 December 2019
There is also a concrete ramp at the side of the stairs for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.
Written 30 December 2019
Bonjour,
L'entrée et visite est gratuite, ou faut-il payer ? Si oui, quel est le prix svp ?
Merci d'avance
Written 9 December 2019
Si Virgile, el acceso es gratuito
Written 10 December 2019
Going on a day trip to Florence from Pisa. Planning on visiting the Duomo and Piazza Michelangelo. What do you recommend as the best way to travel between these 2 attractions?
Is there a bus that services these areas?
Written 4 September 2019
It's just a 1.3mile walk between them past some nice must-see sights. You'll actually get there before the buses. Bus 12 and 13 go to the Piazzale Michelangelo, but from the Duomo you have to take a bus to get to a stop for 12 or 13.
Written 5 September 2019
Where us tge statue of DAVID?
Written 1 September 2019
Right in the middle of the square.
Written 2 September 2019
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