The city of Florence is bound to find its way onto your Italian itinerary. Known for its culture, art, and architecture, there are plenty of Instagrammable spots in Florence.
If you’re like us, our time in Florence was limited. So, you will want to make the most of it by planning ahead. We did that and still managed to find some new incredible spots to take photos. So, let us help you in planning your trip to Florence.
Our post will help guide you through the maze of city streets to the top Instagrammable spots in Florence to capture those iconic shots.
Piazzale Michelangelo
If you are looking for the best shot of the Florence skyline, look no further. Piazzale Michelangelo offers a view of the whole city and the mountains in the background. It does get busy, so we recommend going early to avoid the crowds. One of the most beautiful times to go is at sunrise when the sun is just beginning to hit all the buildings.
Featured Traveler: @francesca_matteoni
Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore – The Duomo
This cathedral needs to be at the top of your list of Instagrammable spots in Florence to visit! Everyone has a photo in front of this stunning cathedral, and you should be no exception. From the unique exterior design to the duomo that dominates the Florence skyline, it’s impossible to take a bad photo here.
Featured Traveler: @creativeroamers
Ponte Santa Trinita
Not only is this bridge the oldest elliptic bridge in the world, but it also offers the best view of the Ponte Vecchio. If you are looking for a photo with Ponte Vecchio as your backdrop, this bridge is your ideal photo-taking spot.
Featured Traveler: @nathalie_wanders
La Terrazza sul Duomo
If you’re looking for a cute bed and breakfast with Italian flair this is the place to go! This historical building sits right beside the main square in Florence. Once you get over your charming Italian room, head up to the rooftop terrace. Here, you’ll be greeted with one of the most spectacular views, and you’ll see exactly why this is at the top of our list of Instagrammable spots in Florence.
Featured Traveler: @selingga
Bardini Gardens
The highlight from these gardens is the tunnel completely covered in lavender blue Wisteria flowers. Instagram worthy? Most definitely! Secondly, there is a Baroque style staircase that is covered with statues and fountains, offering a photo op on every step. Make sure you head to Terrazza Bardini for another great skyline view!
Featured Traveler: @katie_glanton
San Miniato al Monte
This small basilica sits atop one of the highest points in all of Florence. As you walk up the stairs to the church, stop, turn around, and enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the whole city.
Featured Traveler: @danromani
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in all of Florence and is known as the bridge of gold. Not because it’s made of gold, but due to all the jewelry stores on the bridge. We are not talking a $50 bracelet; we are talking about a custom $100,000 bracelet that when you enter the shop, the door locks behind you, before the one in front opens. A must-stop in Florence to get a photo of you on the bridge.
Featured Traveler: @raffaellaferrigno
Piazza del Duomo
This square is the most visited in all of the city, mostly due to the fact the Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is here. With lots of restaurants throughout the square, you’re guaranteed a stunning backdrop to your meal and photos.
Featured Traveler: @catxdavey
Gustapizza
Love Pizza? Love taking photos of your meals? Well, Gustapizza in Florence is the spot for you because some of their pizzas come in the shape of a heart. When ordering, just ask them to make it in the shape of a heart!
Featured Traveler: @sarah.paray
Giardino delle Rose
In 1865, when the capital of Italy was moved from Turin to Florence, this beautiful rose garden was commissioned. The best time to visit is in the spring when the roses are in full bloom, and their fragrance permeates the air. This garden will offer one of the best views overlooking the whole city.
Featured Traveler: @elly
Piazza della Repubblica
This beautiful square needs to be on your list of Instagrammable Spots in Florence. Piazza della Repubblica is full of restaurants and shops, as well as a magnificent archway that is begging you to take a photo under it. Stop here for lunch or dinner, people watch and take your photos!
Featured Traveler: @bellabucchiotti
Basilica di Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce is lesser known than the famous Duomo, but that makes it worth the visit, since this church is less busy. It’s commonly known as the Temple of the Italian Glories because of the influential architects and artists that are buried there – Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo’s tombs can all be found at this Basilica. With a similar exterior design as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, you’re guaranteed to have a magnificent backdrop for a photo!
Featured Traveler: @lakenvsullivan
Tempio Maggiore
Don’t write off visiting this Synagogue so quickly! It’s not only the most beautiful Synagogue in Florence, but is often said to be the most beautiful in all of Europe! Its colorful design, large arches, and sweeping pathways will offer you ample opportunities to take the perfect photo.
Featured Traveler: @m.mostovych
Boboli Gardens
These perfectly manicured gardens will take you back to the 19th century. As you walk around the gardens, you’ll find natural terraces and tunnels formed by trees and flowers, alleys lined with shrubs and statues, Neptune’s fountain, the amphitheater, and stunning views of Florence.
Featured Traveler: @kendallgray___
San Lorenzo Market / Mercato Centrale
Florence’s Mercato Centrale, also known as the San Lorenzo Market, is a must-visit on any trip to Florence. Here, you’ll be immersed in the craziness of what is an authentic Italian Food Market. Fresh meats, cheese, fruit, pasta, pizza, and many other delicious foods are all served here for you to try. The bonus is, if it’s raining, this market is fully covered, and you can take a shot of the stunning wrought-iron and glass design. There is also an outdoor market selling leather goods and local art.
Featured Traveler: @carolynknox
Grand Hotel Cavour Rooftop
Sitting six stories up, this rooftop bar puts you at eye level with the magnificent Duomo. This is the spot to go if you want to get a photo that fewer people have. The rooftop is open to hotel guests and the public, but spots can be limited. We recommend booking a table before your trip to ensure you get a spot and the chance to take a photo on this rooftop!
Featured Traveler: @elepetrella
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a much smaller square in Florence but has lots of appeal. This piazza has a copy of Michelangelo’s Statue of David, so if you don’t want to wait to see the real one, this is the spot to go. Also, if you want to try Florentine Steak in Florence (Bistecca alla Forentina), there are a few restaurants that offer reasonable pricing in this area!
Featured Traveler: @irene.fbct
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The Statue of David
What is a trip to Florence without visiting the statue of David? Located in the Galleria dell’Accademia, this marble statue, created by Michelangelo, is famous all over the world. We recommend going early if you want to get a photo of just you and David. Get creative with your Insta shot!
Featured Traveler: @themayaahmad
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Located in the middle of the city, we recommend climbing the 414 steps to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower. At the top, you’ll have a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city. If you don’t want to work up a sweat climbing to the top, taking a photo at the bottom of the tower is equally impressive.
Featured Traveler: @lisianebiset
Palazzo Vecchio
Once a palace for Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, it’s now used as the city’s town hall. This building overlooks Piazza della Signoria and offers great photo-taking opportunities, especially at night, when it’s lit up perfectly.
Featured Traveler: @yleniabattaglia
Palazzo Pitti
When was the last time you visited a Palace? Palazzo Pitti is precisely that, a Palace. The walkways around the Palace are the perfect backdrop to act like the king or queen that you are! The inside of the palace is where you start to understand how this made our list of Instagrammable spots in Florence. Artwork and statues covering the walls, art fresco on the ceiling, and gold leaf everywhere you look.
Featured Traveler: @brooklynkitten_
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
This quaint church is not the most popular or busiest in the city, so you should use that to your advantage. The exterior of the church is stunning, especially when the garden’s flowers are in full bloom. Without question, this church encompasses everything that is Florence.
Featured Traveler: @gracie.browne
Basilica di San Lorenzo
This church is said to be one of the oldest in Florence, and its unfinished façade makes it that much more unique. While the outside is not the best for taking photos, the interior is beautiful, especially the Laurentian Library staircase that was designed by Michelangelo.
Featured Traveler: @marine__cll
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
Said to be one of the most beautiful squares in all of Florence because of its symmetry and statues. At any time, you’ll find small markets, tasty gelato, and handcrafted souvenirs for sale. The main feature of this square is the giant bronze equestrian statue of Ferdinando I de’ Medici in the middle of the piazza.
Featured Traveler: @laurenelizabethprior
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery will take you back in time to the Italian Renaissance. With some of the most important and famous art collections on display, it’s well worth checking out! Take a second to look out the windows of the gallery – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the view. Some windows offer the perfect shot of Ponte Vecchio and the city of Florence.
Featured Traveler: @m.hakase
Mercato Nuovo
This stunning outdoor building, and market, is still used daily. Today, it’s used to sell a variety of custom leather goods from bags to wallets. The market has all sorts of different souvenirs for you to purchase as well!
Featured Traveler: @_tashaarora_
Bronze Boar – Fontana del Porcellino
Located at the Mercato Nuovo, this bronze boar is a staple of Florence. After rubbing its nose, put a coin in the mouth of the boar, and make a wish! When rubbing the nose of the boar, don’t forget to get that shot for the Gram.
Featured Traveler: @lei_malibu
Gates of Paradise
This is the main gate to the Baptistry of Florence, located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Made entirely of bronze and weighing about three tons, this 17-foot tall door has ten gold painted panels depicting the Old Testament. It’s most definitely worth a quick visit to get a shot in front of the Gates of Paradise.
Featured Traveler: @vikadove
Art Rooftop Bar & Ristorante
Located on the top floor of a building adjacent to the Duomo, this bar offers one of, if not the most stunning view of Florence and the beautiful cathedral. Order your Aperol Spritz, sit back and take in the view. Don’t forget to get that perfect Instagram shot!
Featured Traveler: @msvalentina31
Map of Instagrammable Spots in Florence
List of Instagrammable Spots in Florence
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore – The Duomo
- Ponte Santa Trinita
- La Terrazza sul Duomo
- Bardini Gardens
- San Miniato al Monte
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazza del Duomo
- Gustapizza
- Giardino delle Rose
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Basilica di Santa Croce
- Tempio Maggiore
- Boboli Gardens
- San Lorenzo Market / Mercato Centrale
- Grand Hotel Cavour Rooftop
- Piazza della Signoria
- The Statue of David
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Palazzo Pitti
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
- Basilica di San Lorenzo
- Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
- Uffizi Gallery
- Mercato Nuovo
- Bronze Boar – Fontana del Porcellino
- Gates of Paradise
- Art Rooftop Bar & Ristorante
Did we miss any Instagrammable spots in Florence?
Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us in your Instagrammable spots in Florence @the_wandering_tourist!