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Piazzale Michelangelo Perched atop a hill on the south side of the Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a breathtakingly expansive view of Florence, making it a popular spot for residents and tourists alike. Florence Italy 43.7627905 11.2649025

4.54 17

Piazzale Michelangelo - Landmark | Nightlife Area | Outdoor Activity | Square in Florence.

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13 User Reviews

User Reviews (13)

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Lucas

Adriana

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Emma

Party Earth Review Perched atop a hill on the south side of the Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a breathtakingly expansive view of Florence, making it a popular spot for residents and tourists alike. The front of the Piazzale looks out... ... read full review

Neighborhood:

Oltrarno
Address:

Piazzale Michelangelo
50122 Florence

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Hours:

24/7
Recommended as:
- Day Spot
- Night Spot

First to review Gabe L.

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Party Earth Piazzale Michelangelo Review

The Scene

Perched atop a hill on the south side of the Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a breathtakingly expansive view of Florence, making it a popular spot for residents and tourists alike.

Oltrarno, Florence –

Perched atop a hill on the south side of the Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a breathtakingly expansive view of Florence, making it a popular spot for residents and tourists alike.

The front of the Piazzale looks out over the Palazzo Vecchio, Duomo, and beyond to the hills of Fiesole. Though the place is usually over-crowded during the day – and intensely hot in the summer – by night there’s no more romantic spot for enjoying a gelato and admiring the city from afar as local street performers provide soothing guitar music.

Concerts and shows are often staged in the piazza during the summer, and important football matches are shown on a gigantic screen in the middle of the square.

Whether visitors bring a bottle of wine to share on the stairs or set up their easels and tripods to try to capture the view, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a stunning backdrop for a scenic interlude during the course of the day or a bit of high-spirited conversation with the young local crowd that gathers there at night.

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Tip from Emma:

The vendors in the piazza are pricey, so buy a bottle of wine from a supermarket in the center to save a little cash. Then find a comfortable nook from which to enjoy an amazing view of the city.

Crowd

Mainly tourists, but also young Italians at night, all ages.
Entertainment / Music

Various concerts and shows during the summer. Regular rotation of guitar players and street performers.
Food / Miscellaneous

Many sandwich and gelato stands.

Prices

Concerts €0–€30+.
What to Wear / Dress Code

Casual.
Hot Nights / When to Go

Any night. If there’s an important football match, watching it on the giant screen is a don’t-miss experience.

Tags:: All AgesAll TypesCasualFootballFootball FansFreeHistoricJam PackedLive MusicLocalsPeople WatchingRomanticSandwichesSightseeingSnack FoodSportsSports FansStreet PerformersTouristsYoung Professionals

Piazzale Michelangelo User Reviews

Jessica Dao May 16, 2013 4.0 stars something to write home about... listen, i won't delve too deep into the story, but after a long night of drinks, my friend and i found ourselves giddily cramped in a young italian man's fiat, speeding through the streets of firenze, on our way up to what he promised would be the most spectacular view in the entire city. he was right. and for once, the alcohol had nothing to do with it. i'm sure the view is equally alluring at any time, but something about seeing the lights flickering below in the night resonated in a way that i don't think would have, had i seen it otherwise. piazzale michelangelo is a huge open square and from it, you can see all of florence, including ponte vecchio, the duomo, and santa croche. it's just incredible and though slightly off the beaten path, a definite must see.

Ezra Edmond Apr 24, 2013 4.0 stars A Great Escape Climb the hundreds of stairs, catch your breath, and prepare for an absolutely astounding view of all of Florence. Piazzale Michelangelo is a wonderful place to escape to and gather your thoughts, and visiting in the day makes for a very different experience than visiting at night. I've met some awesome people, and had some wonderful existential experiences up there, high above Florence. If you could make a list of mandatory tourist destinations, I would add this incredible spot at once. A must see.

Patrizio Qualireto Apr 12, 2013 4.0 stars Astonishing and relaxing Imagine: You're on vacation in Florence, and you've visited and taken pictures in all the major not-to-miss landmarks and you feel in need to chill out. You may take the bus, then (line Nr. 13 departing from S.Maria Novella train station), and reach piazzale Michelangelo. The view is the most renowned one of Florence, but it's absolutely worth the while to climb up there, lean onto the white balaustrade and enjoy live a really, really awesome view. It's probably the most featured view on Florence's postcards, but the real thing is something totally different! The view of the old city lying below you, the Cathedral's dome, Giotto's campanary, all the towers, bridges and historical buildings of the old city, make up one of the most beautiful and relaxing views ever. Better if at sunset, because in the late evening it's less overflown with people, and the sight of the sun setting down the hills and colouring the Arno river red and gold is really peace-bringing. Even better if you watch it eating an italian gelato. Tip: I'd absolutely recommend it for a date; possibly at sunset. May sound very "cliché" but it really works. Guaranteed.

Danny dePasquale Apr 5, 2013 4.0 stars Amazing View Easily one of the best views of Florence, and most well-known, Piazzale Michelangelo should be witnessed by anyone who visits Florence. Pick a sunny day to follow the signs leading you up the hill and to the final destination. Or some may argue an even better view at night when the city is lit up. If you are looking to escape the tourists littered all over the Piazzale, just climb a little further towards the Church of San Miniato al Monte, where a peaceful graveyard overlooks the same panoramic view as Piazzale Michelangelo.

Kendyll Bieze Mar 5, 2013 4.0 stars Breathtaking The city of Florence, while renowned for its supreme Renaissance architecture, is made up, almost entirely, of stone. That being, said, Piazzale Michelangelo offers fresh air, foliage and, due to its location atop quite a large hill, an awe-inspiring view of Florence. There are two manners by which you will find yourself at the top of Piazzale Michelangelo. For those weary from a day of travel, there is an inexpensive bus to be taken (providing you purchase your ticket at a local tabaccheria first). If, on the other hand, you are up for a a bit of a workout, the journey to the top via a gently sloping set of stairs can be quite rewarding and provide a number of great photo-ops. Thus, if you are looking to gain a novel and, to make a play on words here, heightened, perspective of this beautiful city, then Piazalle Michelangelo is both an exceptional and transcendental destination. Take the bus or climb the stairs, either way you will be rewarded with a miraculous panoramic view.

samthecolonel Dec 13, 2012 3.0 stars nice view Florence is a really nice city and there this square is a nice spot to look at the whole city. You won’t be alone coz there are always a lot of tourists and people trying to sell you shite but its still a pleasant activity if you have water and patience. Florence is the nicest city in Italy coz its still beautiful after hundreds of years and even if you couldn’t care less about history Florence will still make an impression.

tartars Dec 6, 2012 4.0 stars Before you leave... See a sunset here. That’s non-negotiable. If you leave Florence without watching sunset from this Piazzale, you are missing out on life. Stuck in the middle of Florence’s crazy winding streets, it’s hard to see the bigger picture—until you get here, and see everything in its right place—the Duomo next to Sante Croce, the river running through and the Ponte Vecchio—everything you study, every museum you visit makes sense here. It’s one of those things that’s hard to explain, but get to the top of this hill and you’ll know what I mean.

comurp12 Dec 4, 2012 4.0 stars Unbeatable view The view is unbeatable and something you must do when in Florence. It's something I recommend to everyone, and have taken many visitors to watch the sunset and they are never disappointed! You get a great view of the whole city, and at night the Duomo, Santa Croce, and Ponte Vecchio are all lit up! It is a bit of a hike but we made it fun by turning the walk into a drinking game after picking up bottles of wine from the supermarket. There are some great, but more expensive, cafes up there if you want to spend time sitting down at a place, but I think the best way to do it is, bring your own wine and join in the crowd on the stairs listening to the musicians that are usually there in the summer. It is something you have to do!

Jody Pollara Dec 3, 2012 4.0 stars Not to be missed! I don't think anyone doubts that you are going to get the best view of Florence from Piazza Michaelangelo. There is no excuse for not going there while you are in Florence. From the Piazza, you look down over Florence and can pick out the landmark buildings (namely, the Duomo) and take photos. There are little cafes up there so you can have lunch or just hang out. If you keep hiking up a little past the PIazza, there is an amazing church with a really cool crypt and graveyard to explore. This is a great area for a nice little afternoon.

bturp11 Nov 27, 2012 4.0 stars Worth it! This Piazza is one of the most amazing parts of the city. It’s a beautiful walk up to the Piazza with gorgeous views of the city ever step of the way. Once you get to the top there are many picturesque opportunities. If you continue up the hill a little further, you reach the church San Miniato al Monte. At specific times of the day there are monks who sit and chant in the church. It’s beautiful and serene, definitely something you don’t want to miss. After listening to the haunting chants, take a wander around the church’s old and extensive graveyard because it truly is exquisite. Then, enjoy the walk down back towards the city with some gelato!

Chloe Gonon Nov 23, 2012 4.0 stars Piazza Michelangelo, a place to dream. This 19th century piazza has undoubtedly the best panoramic view of Florence. The square is decorated with copies of Michelangelo's sculptures, but it's the view people come here to see. At night the view is breath taking with lights which illuminate all along the arno and the major buildings of Florence which are lit up such as the Duomo and the Uffizi or even the ponte vecchio. During the day, tourists enjoy trying to spot out all the different buildings and naming the different bridges. All in all this Piazza is by far one of the most spectacular of Florence thanks to the view which you will find yourself staring at as the minutes tick away.

Caitlin Morrissey Nov 1, 2012 4.0 stars Perfect for a Sunset view of Florence Piazzale Michelangelo is a must see for tourists and locals alike. The views are breathtaking, especially when the sun is setting over the city. The view of El Duomo is unlike any other as well as the picturesque Ponte Vecchio across the Arno. Sunset is the best time to go as the air begins to cool off and the glow of the sun sets everything in the perfect light. Sitting on the steps atop the city as the lights come on and the sun goes down creates the perfect romantic or calming atmosphere for a date or to relax with a group of friends. However, get there early because the coveted steps fill up quickly. Bring some wine, some cheese, bread, salami and some friends to enjoy everything Florence has to offer.

Gabriel Larkman Aug 7, 2012 4.0 stars Stunning This place is absolutely beautiful. Once you brave the hike up to the top you have an incredible view of the entire city. The best time to go is right before the sun sets. Pick up some alcohol at a market and prepare to regain your faith in humanity and planet Earth in general knowing that something as beautiful as the sunset over the city and river can exist.

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Piazzale Michelangelo Landmark / Nightlife Area / Outdoor Activity / Square

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Party Earth Piazzale Michelangelo Review

The Scene

Tip from Emma:

Crowd

Entertainment / Music

Food / Miscellaneous

Prices

What to Wear / Dress Code

Hot Nights / When to Go

Piazzale Michelangelo User Reviews

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