# Best Panoramic Views in Florence

Since 1982, Florence has reigned supreme as a UNESCO heritage site and one of Italy’s most important cities. Every year, thousands of tourists come from around the world to visit its Renaissance art and architecture. Sure, you may know about the city’s most famous attractions—but most people don’t know about these hidden panoramic spots where you can admire the eye-catching Tuscan views.

### Piazzale Michelangelo

[Piazzale Michelangelo](https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/piazzale-michelangelo-in-florence/) is the best spot to take some enviable Instagram pictures of Florence, built in 1875. It was first meant to become a shrine to Michelangelo. The architect Giuseppe Poggi even had the idea to open a museum where visitors could admire some of the best Italian painters and sculptor´s artworks. The idea was scrapped, though and nowadays, the Loggia has become a restaurant-cafe overlooking Florence where you can sip some Prosecco, taste some crunchy pizzas and enjoy the panorama.

To reach the Piazzale, climb Rampe del Poggi's monumental stairs (San Niccoló district) and admire tourist attractions like _Ponte Vecchio_, the _Duomo_, and _Palazzo Vecchio_ from above.

### Brunelleschi's Dome

[Brunelleschi’s Dome](https://duomo.firenze.it/en/discover/dome) is the city's symbol and a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Can you believe its architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, didn´t use scaffoldings while vaulting the Dome? The dome is the largest masonry vault ever built in human history, with its 45.5 meters diameter and a total height of more than 116 meters.

To reach the top, you have to climb 463 steps. The route takes you to the interior of the Dome, where you can gaze upon Giorgio Vasari's beautiful frescoes of _Last Judgement_ (1572-79). After climbing the (very steep) stairs, you’ll be on the summit of the [Duomo](https://duomo.firenze.it/en/discover/cathedral), also known as _Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore_, where you can admire Firenze's historical centre.

### Rose Garden

Below Piazzale Michelangelo, there is another breathtaking panoramic spot. If you're looking for a romantic promenade or a place to relax and unwind, visit the [Rose Garden](https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/the-rose-garden-inflorence), a green oasis at the heart of the historical centre. Here, you’ll be surrounded by 400 types of roses and the 12 bronze sculptures of the Belgian sculptor and painter Jean-Michel Folon. The most outstanding one is probably “_Partir_”, a massive suitcase with a ship riding sea waves inside. This sculpture frames Florence´s skylines, giving the landscape a dramatic yet artistic touch to the Medici´s city. To take the best landscape pics in the garden, visit it between May and June when the roses bloom!

### Bardini Garden

At Villa Bardini, nicknamed “Villa Belvedere” (literally “beautiful view”), you will have the privilege of getting the best of Florence´s panoramic view in the [Bardini Garden](https://www.villabardini.it/villa-giardino/giardino/). The garden belonged to Florence's wealthy families and occupied part of a hill bordered by medieval walls. It integrates three different gardens: the Italian-style one, with a Baroque staircase; the English-style woodland, with exotic elements and the agricultural park, where the beautiful wisteria pergola blooms in springtime and stunningly frames Brunelleschi´s Dome. No coincidence this is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Florence.

There are a million activities to do in Florence, and visiting the city's most breathtaking viewpoints is one of the musts! Would you also like to take enviable photos to make your Instagram feed cooler? Then book your stay at [Vita](/content/locations/italy/florence/san-marco/vita?adults=1&arrival=2023-01-24&children=0&departure=2023-01-26&infants=0/index.html) or [Rodo](/content/locations/italy/florence/duomo/rodo?adults=1&arrival=2023-01-24&children=0&departure=2023-01-26&infants=0/index.html) furnished apartments to experience the true essence of the Tuscan capital.