This Italian City Is a Living Renaissance Painting And Every Corner Is a Photo Spot

10 best photo spots in Florence

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, often called the Florence Duomo, is a symbol of the city. With its stunning architecture and detailed artwork, it is one of the best photo spots in Florence.

The cathedral is known for its iconic red-tiled dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. It is the largest masonry dome in the world. This makes it an architectural masterpiece and a must-see attraction. Have you even been to Florence if you haven’t seen the Duomo?

I am sure you will spend a lot of time at the Piazza del Duomo because it offers a lot of photo opportunities. I think that this beautiful location deserves a colorful and long dress. I want you to pop out in the photo.

📸 Equipment: If you want to capture the entire front of Duomo, you will need a wide-angle lens. You can take some beautiful portraits and detailed photos with your telephoto lens.

⏰ Best time: You will have to give up your beauty sleep and wake up as early as possible. Arriving 10 minutes before sunrise is perfect. This way you can find the right spot and take some test shots.

2. Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, has been a symbol of the city since 1345. Spanning the Arno River, this medieval stone bridge has stood through centuries of change, becoming one of Florence’s most beloved landmarks.

The bridge is famous for its row of shops, a tradition that began in the 16th century. Once home to butchers and tanners, these shops now feature sparkling jewelry, handcrafted goods, and souvenirs. 

From the bridge, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Arno River and the city skyline. However, the best Florence photos are taken from Ponte Santa Trinita – it offers the best view of the bridge and gives you a lot of space to capture the magic of Arno.

Hotel Lungarno is another alternative location to capture the beauty of Ponte Vecchio.

📸 Equipment: 50mm will do a wonderful job from Ponte Santa Trinita – enough to capture the bridge and create a bouquet effect around you. Use telephoto lens to capture the details and windows.

⏰ Best time: It is not a busy place, so you can take a good photo any time of the day. Just make sure that you avoid harsh lights. For sunny days – sunrise and sunset time are the best.

3. Airbnb with the best view of Duomo

When I first came across “Duomo Flat Amazing View in Florence,” I immediately fell in love with the view and spacious terrace. I could picture myself having my morning coffee or a nice aperitivo with Duomo sitting right in front of me.

And when it comes to photography, it offers you one of the most unique views in Florence. I am usually very fast with taking photos, but I spent hours on the terrace taking photos of this beautiful sight. Then again, can you blame me?

If you are looking for a special experience in Florence, you will love this accommodation. However, I have to say that this apartment is located on the last floor and there is no elevator in the building. It is a great way to burn some calories after savoring local goodies!

4. Piazzale Michelangelo

When it comes to Florence photography, you simply can’t leave this city without the photo in Piazzale Michelangelo. This square offers you a magical view over the rooftops of Florence, Arno, Duomo, and many other iconic attractions in Florence.

Designed in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi, Piazzale Michelangelo is dedicated to the Renaissance master Michelangelo. The square features replicas of some of his most famous works, including the statue of David. 

You can reach Piazzale Michelangelo by walking up from the San Niccolò neighborhood, taking a bus, or driving. Once at the top, there are cafés where you can enjoy a coffee or gelato while taking in the view.

📸 Equipment: Bring a telephoto lens, you will want to capture the iconic attractions up close. It is great for portraits as well.

⏰ Best time: This is one of the busiest places in Florence, especially during sunset. This is why you should visit Piazzale Michelangelo early in the morning. You will love the sunrise behind the Florence and golden light for your photos.

5. Giardino Bardini

Located on a hillside overlooking the Arno River, Giardino Bardini is a lesser-known gem that provides stunning views of Florence. From its terraces, you can enjoy views of the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio.

As you wander through the gardens, you’ll discover quiet corners, elegant statues, and cozy benches, perfect for Florence photography. The gardens are especially charming in spring when the wisteria-covered walkway bursts into bloom.

There are two entrances – Via dei Bardi 1r and Costa San Giorgio 2. If you want to avoid climbing, head to Costa San Giorgio 2 and walk down to the Via dei Bardi 1r. Otherwise, be prepared for a mini hike (not fun on a hot summer day!).

It is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. The last entrance is at 3 pm. Please note that the gardens are closed every first and last Monday of the month. The entrance fee is 6 euros.

📸 Equipment: A telephoto lens will be needed for the views, especially if you want to recreate the photo above with the Duomo. For the rest of the park, a 35 mm lens will do the job.

⏰ Best time: I recommend visiting late in the afternoon. But keep in mind that it closes at 4 pm and you will need a bit over an hour to visit the entire park.

6. Giardino Delle Rose

Giardino delle Rose, spread over approximately 2.5 hectares, provides stunning views of Florence’s iconic skyline, including the majestic Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. 

As its name suggests, the Giardino delle Rose is most famous for its roses. Housing over 350 varieties, the garden blooms with colors and scents, especially during late spring and early summer.

Though located near the popular Piazzale Michelangelo, the Giardino delle Rose is often less crowded. It is free to enter, which makes it a great choice for budget travelers visiting Florence.

📸 Equipment: This location requires a telephoto lens, especially for the views. If you have a 200mm+ lens, bring it with you!

⏰ Best time: Considering the location, you should visit Giardino Delle Rose right after Piazzale Michelangelo. It is not a busy place, so you can get great photos any time of the day, but early morning offers the best light.

7. Piazza della Signoria

At the core of Florence’s historic center lies Piazza della Signoria, a square that has served as the city’s political and cultural epicenter for centuries. Dominating the piazza is the Palazzo Vecchio, another iconic landmark.

The Piazza della Signoria is an open-air gallery filled with important statues. The most famous is Michelangelo’s David. Nearby, Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus symbolize strength and victory, while the Fountain of Neptune represents Florence’s maritime ambitions.

Even if you are not familiar with these works, you can understand how much beauty you can find in this square. This is, without a doubt, one of the best photo spots in Florence.

📸 Equipment: I used a 35mm lens for the first photo and a telephoto lens for the sculpture. As you can see, the options are endless and will depend on your preferences. A wide-angle lens could be useful to capture the entire square.

⏰ Best time: Early morning is a must, but from my experience, you will never find it empty. Make sure you combine this with another early morning spot, like Duomo or Ponte Vecchio.

8. Basilica of Santa Croce

If the Duomo is the city’s centerpiece, the Basilica of Santa Croce feels like its charming “little cousin.” This beautiful church offers a rich history and artistic significance, all with the bonus of a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere.

Known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” Santa Croce is the final resting place of figures like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Its stunning Gothic facade, detailed frescoes by Giotto, and marble tombs make it a must-visit attraction in Florence.

It shares the same architectural style as the Duomo but is much smaller and easier to photograph. Capturing this lesser-known gem can result in a unique Florence photo that stands out.

📸 Equipment: The square in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce is relatively big, so you have a lot of space to capture it. I used a 50mm lens.

⏰ Best time: With a bit of patience, you can take a good photo any time of the day, but I would consider late afternoon for a softer light.

9. Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica is one of Florence’s most iconic and vibrant squares. Located at the heart of the historic center, it offers a lively atmosphere and some great photo opportunities.

At the center of the piazza stands a massive arch that represents the triumph of the Italian Republic. While the square is known for its elegant arcades and surrounding buildings, the real beauty lies in its mix of neoclassical and Renaissance architecture.

In the square, you will find the Merry-Go-Round carousel, which is one of the best photo spots in Florence. Nearby is the iconic Caffè Gilli, a historic café dating back to the 18th century, and the Hotel Savoy, one of Florence’s most prestigious hotels.

📸 Equipment: Square is big enough, so almost any lens can do a great job here. Depends on what kind of result you want to get.

⏰ Best time: Don’t get scared of crowds, it is part of the essence. If you come here early in the morning, it just doesn’t have the same energy.

10. Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte is one of Florence’s best photo spots. This stunning Romanesque church and monastery built between the 11th and 13th centuries, offers breathtaking views of Florence.

The church’s façade is an example of Romanesque architecture, with marble inlays and a geometric design. The green and white marble used in the construction reflects the architectural style of Florence’s other religious landmarks, such as the Duomo.

Inside, the abbey is equally impressive. The crypt is one of the oldest parts of the church, with its simple yet powerful design and stone columns. The chapel of San Miniato, with its beautiful marble floor, is an especially peaceful place.

📸 Equipment: You will need a wide-angle lens because the square is tiny and you don’t have much space to capture it. The photo that you see above is taken from Giardino Bardini with 200mm lens.

⏰ Best time: Late afternoon is a perfect time to visit and take photos. You can combine it with Piazzale Michelangelo, Giardino Bardini, or Giardino Delle Rose.