Piazzale Michelangelo
Every postcard silhouette of Florence's terracotta skyline — the Duomo's dome, the needle of the Palazzo Vecchio tower, the silver ribbon of the Arno — is shot from this broad hilltop piazza on the south bank. Arrive forty minutes before sunset and watch the city turn amber, rose and then deep violet.
Getting the best view
The main terrace faces due north-west, which means the light falls perfectly on the city in the late afternoon and at golden hour — a photographer's dream that requires zero equipment to enjoy.
Climb the extra flight of stone steps behind the piazza to the church of San Miniato al Monte for a slightly higher vantage point and far fewer selfie sticks; the Romanesque façade glowing green and white marble is a reward in itself.
How to get there
Bus 13 from the Santa Maria Novella train station climbs the hill in about 20 minutes and drops you right at the piazza — far less sweaty than the steep staircase walk from the Ponte Vecchio, though that walk through the rose gardens of the Poggi steps is genuinely lovely in spring.
Cycling up via the Viale dei Colli loop road is a popular local habit on Sunday mornings; rental bikes are available all along the Arno embankment.
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