text Teresa Favi photo Dario Garofalo
The most stunning vistas in Florence
Where to go to admire the city in all its beauty, from panoramic viewpoints and restaurants with amazing outlooks
All the charm of the unique mix of history and nature that characterizes florence is especially apparent when viewed from above. Which places enjoy the best views? Follow us to find out.
THE STUDENT HOTEL
For those who prefer a postmodern urban vibe to the charm of the Renaissance. We are on one of the most Instagram-worthy terraces in the city. The rooftop, with swimming pool, is perfect for aperitifs and dinners with a view, and can be accessed by non-residents without a booking from 6.00pm onwards (viale Spartaco Lavagnini, 70 - ph. 055 0621855).
Rooftop of The Student HotelMOVE ON
A concept store, where the pleasures of the palate meet great music. It offers a selection vinyl records, books and hi-fi accessories. What makes it unique, though, is a special balcony on the first floor overlooking the Cathedral square where it seems you can almost reach out and touch Giotto’s belltower (Piazza San Giovanni 1r - ph. +39 055 2192251 - open every day from 11.00am to 1.00am).
The magical view of Florence’s cathedral from the Move On terraceTOSCANINO FIRENZE - RINASCENTE
We are on the 4th floor of Rinascente Firenze where the foodservice format (restaurant, cafeteria, event space) by Simone Arnetoli and Laura Tosetti offers exclusive menus of Tuscan excellence. Don’t miss the terrace overlooking Piazza della Repubblica and beyond (Piazza della Repubblica - ph. +39 055 4933468 - open Thursday and Sunday from 9.00am to 1.00pm, Friday and Saturday from 9.00am to midnight).
Toscanino at the 4th floor of RinascenteTHE GEOGRAPHICAL MAP TERRACE
UFFIZI GALLERY
The Uffizi Geographical Map Terrace, where Dario Argento filmed the scene in The Stendhal Syndrome (1996) where the heroine loses consciousness, has reopened to the public after 20 years. Here two late-16th century maps, with place names written in gold letters, occupy two entire walls, while a fourth wall offers a priceless view of Florence. Entrance is included in the Museum ticket (Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, ph. +39 055 294883, open from 8.15am to 6.30pm, closed on Mondays, booking is required at least 1 day in advance for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays).
The Uffizi Geographical Map Terrace OSTERIA DELLE TRE PANCHE HOTEL HERMITAGE
An unprecedented combination of great traditional Tuscan cuisine and a breathtaking setting, with views over the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio from the rooftop terraces. The house specialty is the truffle, of course, both in first courses such as tagliolini and in second courses like Tagliata (thinly sliced meat), but the menu also includes many other excellent dishes from Florentine and regional culture (Vicolo Marzio, 1 - ph. +39 055 583724, +39 348 4562480 - open every day from 12 noon to midnight).
The view over the Vasarian Corridor from the Osteria delle tre panche restaurant at the top of the Hermitage hotelSESTO ON ARNO
THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR, FLORENCE
On the sixth floor of the hotel, breathtaking views and innovative Italian cuisine, with excellent raw materials combined with flair and harmony by chef Marco Migliorati. Surrounded by big windows, the place is also a bar for an aperitif and perfect for a relaxing break. At the back, a special glassed-in terrace for events (bar and restaurant are open every day from 12 noon to 10.00pm, gourmet aperitif from 6.00 to 9.00am, Piazza Ognissanti, 3 - ph. +39 055 27152783).
SE·STO on Arno Rooftop Bar on the top floor of the Westin Excelsior hotelDIVINA TERRAZZA - GRAND HOTEL CAVOUR
When you take the lift up to the 6th floor and step out, your gaze will immediately be drawn to the view. The Divina Terrazza offers an American bar in the heart of the city where innovative cocktails and excellent wines are served every day. In winter it is heated and partially covered (Via del Proconsolo, 3 - ph. +39 055 266271).
The view from the rooftop of Grand Hotel CavourCAFFÈ DEL VERONE
Right in the city centre, in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, from the roof of the Museo degli Innocenti, is an amazing view of Florence. A café sheltered from nightlife and the city hustle and bustle, where an aperitif turns into contemplation. Enjoy one in a loggia (partially glassed in) overlooking the rooftops of the old city, the Arnolfo tower, Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower, magical visions, at sunset in winter (Piazza Santissima Annunziata, 13 - ph. +39 345 1678267 - open from 10am to 8.00pm, closed on Tuesdays).
Caffè del Verone, in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, in the roof of the Museo degli Innocenti
