Florence is undoubtedly one of the most charming cities in Italy. Located in the heart of the Tuscany region, it gives all the Italian vibes you have been waiting for. Walking through its streets and admiring all the masterpieces is a real treat. It is one of those rare places where every corner could be a photo spot ! The brilliant architecture, stunning views, romantic atmosphere and historical sites make you feel like you are stepping back in time. Due to its geographical location, it is the perfect day trip from many popular Italian places such as Pisa, Cinque Terre and Rome. In this article, you will find the 5 best photo spots in Florence that you should not miss from your list.
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Things to know before visiting Florence
Florence is a famous Italian destination with millions of tourists visiting every year. The main reasons to visit it are its magnificent panoramic views and its wonderful architecture and history. We could describe it as the city of art and culture. Due to its unique beauty, it is one of the top summer destinations. That is why it is overcrowded in the peak summer season. So, you need to get to the famous photo locations as early as possible. Even around 8am, there were lots of tourists in most of these places during our last trip in August. Since it is packed, you should be aware of pickpockets, especially at the tourist sites like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio etc. If you visit in July or August, you should also be aware of the high prices on food and accommodation. However, Florence is worth every penny and effort to photograph !
How to get to Florence ?
As the capital of the Tuscany region, access to Florence is easy. You can either fly directly into Florence International Airport which is quite small or take the train or bus to Florence. The main train station is Santa Maria Novella and you will find many connections to other Italian places. Obviously you can get to Florence by car, for example as a part of a road trip. Keep in mind that parking in the city center is not the easiest. But, it is something we have done 3 times already and enjoyed it so much, as we had the freedom to visit and photograph all the nearby places ! However, if you are on a budget or looking for the easiest and most comfortable way to get to Florence, we would recommend taking the trains or buses.
The best time to visit Florence
The best time to visit Florence is definitely summer. At this time, you will have the best weather and light conditions and of course the most beautiful and festive ambience. But, we highly recommend visiting during the shoulder season, either spring or autumn to avoid the tourist crowds ! Besides the high prices, it is very tricky to take beautiful photos with the huge crowds and it takes a lot of patience. If you want to avoid it without depriving yourself from the sunny days, spring or autumn are the best options. Since Florence is a very walkable city, it is a real pleasure to wander around and have a drink or a meal. That is why we would not suggest going to Florence in winter.
Best photo spots in Florence
1-Piazzale Michelangelo
We started our list with our favorite spot in Florence. There is something magical about this famous square that every time we visit it, we fall more and more with love with its views and vibes. It is a little far from the city center (about 45 minutes from the Duomo), but is the best sunset spot and really worth a visit. If you visit it at sunset or in the evening, you will be able to enjoy the music that adds to its beauty. Imagine spending your evening there listening to music and admiring the amazing panoramic view of the city ! It is one of the best things to do in Florence. However, it is almost impossible to take photos or video at this time of day. So, you have to make a small sacrifice to visit it at sunrise. You will have it almost empty with the same incredible paster colors.
2-The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Words do not do justice to how you feel when you stand in front of this masterpiece. Not only its unique architecture and details, but also the surrounding area, make it a unique spot in Florence. It is also the busiest place, especially in summer. So, you should visit it as early as possible if you want to create beautiful content. Our advice is to walk around the Duomo and try to find different perspectives. It looks stunning from almost every angle ! Plus, it is a great way to avoid tourists if you did not manage to get there before 8am. As Florence Cathedral is one of the most impressive structures in Italy, we can’t recommend enough to go inside and climb to the roof to enjoy and capture the amazing panoramic views.
Since the entire Duomo area is very pretty, we suggest having a coffee or enjoying a delicious meal in the nearby cafés and restaurants. Most of them are very photogenic with a stylish decor that allows you to take beautiful photos and videos ! We can assure you that you will really enjoy your relaxing time there to the fullest. But again, if you want a table with view, you need to either make a reservation or get there as early as possible.
3-Historic Center (District 1)
The centro storico in Florence is also known as District 1 and is the place that includes most of the highlights of the city. This old part gives us you the sense of entering an open-air museum composed of Florentine masterpieces. More specifically, you will find the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza della Signoria. This is why this medieval quarter was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Because there are all these masterpieces, we strongly recommend you visit it early in the morning and get lost in its narrow streets to discover the hidden gems ! As you can see from the photo below, you can even find amazing angles of the duomo with the red-tiled dome. Grab your camera, get comfortable shoes and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and magical atmosphere of this incredible part of Florence.
4-Ponte Vecchio
Just a few minutes from Florence Cathedral, you will find the other gem of the city called Ponte Vecchio. It is the oldest bridge in Florence with colorful old houses over the Arno river. You can walk along the bridge and admire the view of the river. There are also many shops and most of them sell jewelry. Apart from its special architecture, it is a romantic spot, especially at sunset with the pastel colors reflecting on the river. However, this medieval masterpiece attracts hordes of tourists every year and is one of the most difficult places to photograph ! So, you can easily visit at sunrise to get the same beautiful colors but without the crowds.
5-Arno River
We couldn’t end this list without mentioning Florence’s main river. The best spot to capture it is right accross Ponte Vecchio. So, you can go to the famous bridge first and then photograph the wonderful view of the Arno river ! We highly recommend taking a long walk along the river to get a good taste of the city. However, if you want to live a unique experience, we suggest taking an cruise on Arno river with live music ! It is undoubtedly one of the most romantic and special things to do in Florence.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for the best and most photogenic places in Italy, then Florence should be at the top of your list. There are many things to do and places to explore that it’s honestly impossible not to fall in love with this city. Every time we visit it, we discover something new and exciting about it. We could call it one of the best city trips in Italy, especially for photography lovers.
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