I don’t blame you for searching for the most Instagrammable places in Florence. After all, this Italian city has been charming visitors since the Renaissance (those landscape paintings of the city which you can see in the museums? Totally the Instagram of the day, though you probably didn’t get to put stickers stating “YOLO” over them. Don’t get me started on all those Medici selfie portraits).
Simply put, Florence should be at the top of your Italy bucket list, and knowing the best spots to capture the city’s spirit should be a top priority.
Finding the best Instagram spots in Florence
Although it’s safe to say that as one of the prettiest cities in Italy, you can pretty much point a camera in any direction in Florence and hit something photogenic, knowing the very best Instagrammable places in Florence means that you can be assured of an awesome feed whilst having the time to enjoy the city to its fullest. You can capture the highlights, then put the camera in your bag and truly soak in the history and culture of this amazing city. Florence is too good to miss: having a photography guide to the best spots means that you won’t get tied up in a quest for shots which has you missing all the details. Read this, and relax!
And if you want to go a little more in-depth, I’ve got you covered there too! Have a look at my 2 day Florence itinerary (perfect for taking a steady stroll around the city, and seeing all the good stuff!), and this guide to day trips from Florence which will have you photographing Florence and Tuscany!
Now, let’s take a tour around the most inspirational, must-see Instagrammable places in Florence!
1. Piazzale Michelangelo
Let’s start with the daddy of them all, undisputed king of the Instagrammable places in Florence!
Piazzale Michelangelo is your quintessential Florence photo – far enough from the city centre that you can fit all the skyline into a shot, close enough to still have detail, and elevated enough to get that awesome photo that’ll have all your followers swooning. And if you’re looking for a place to capture the best sunset in Florence, this really is the spot. The light streams down beautifully, and the buildings glow in the sunset’s light.
The downside to that elevation is that you’re going to have to walk up some fairly steep hills to get there – I know right; there’s always a downside. But in this case, it really is worth it! Simply walk over the Ponte alle Grazie, and follow the signposts that’ll point you in the right direction. It’s not too bad until you reach a fairly long staircase, but once you’ve made it up, you’re there! Alternatively you can catch a bus – several services go there, including the 365A, 351A, 354A, and 353A.
2. The Duomo
This simply wouldn’t be a guide to the Instagrammable places in Florence without including its most famous sight: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and its magnificent dome in particular.
The Duomo is Florence’s most famous site. You’ll see it on all the postcards, t-shirts, and souvenirs, so it should definitely be appearing on your Instagram feed, too! How else to prove that you really did go to Florence? But in the midst of the photographic frenzy that you’re bound to embark on, take the time to appreciate the beauty of the building – the decoration of the outside walls really is amazing, and the fine details have to be seen to be appreciated. Plus there’s some adorably photogenic angels carved into the pillars of the main doorway; look out for those!
If you’re not content with photographing the outside of the building, then take a tour to climb up the Duomo and get a shot from the roof that’ll really get your followers talking! Or if that sounds too much like hard work (and a long climb), enter the building and stand right underneath the dome itself – look up, and you’ll see the gorgeous interior, just waiting to be snapped.
3. Palazzo Vecchio
This building used to be the seat of power in Florence – and with its modern designation as one of the most Instagrammable places in Florence, it’s seat of awesome Insta POWER! (a little too dramatic? Okay, maybe a little too dramatic.)
But it’s true that this used to be the main HQ for the head honchos of Florence, and aside from seeing a few dramatic incidents in its time (many of them ending up with various people getting murdered in an infinitesimal variety of ways), it also used to be the palace of the Medici. As you’d expect from somewhere housing the merchant family who effectively ruled the city, and had European royalty and popes among their number, it’s pretty fly inside.
If you’re short on time, or you don’t fancy paying the ticket fee to enter the palazzo proper, simply head up the outside staircase until you’re in the beautiful courtyard just inside. There’s no fee to see this part of the building, and you can admire the frescoes (which illustrate scenes from home for one of the Medici brides) to your heart’s content. As well as pose awesomely in front of them, of course.
By the way, don’t be fooled into thinking that the statue of David outside the front doors is the famous one – although the statue used to be here, this is just a reproduction. What you want is the real deal, which is situated in the next of our Instagrammable places in Florence…
4. Accademia Gallery
Okay, before I bang on about the glories of Michelangelo’s David (and trust me, I will), here’s a top tip: get to the Accademia Gallery as early as you can. It opens at 8.15am, and it is totally worth skipping breakfast at your hotel in order to go and get in the queue – it’s the only chance you have of seeing the statue before it gets really crowded. It’s even worth staying in a hotel nearby so you can get there as quickly as possible: the Hotel Atlantic Palace is a particular favourite of mine.
But let’s get to those glories! When you get into the building, head straight for the statue of David by heading left through a door, and past more statues – the other works in here are utterly beautiful, but the sooner you get to David the better, especially if you were one of the first in the queue. With a bit of luck, you’ll have the area relatively free of people in order for you to get a truly stunning shot of the city’s most famous work of art. Just make sure that you don’t have the flash setting on your camera turned on: the invigilators are rightly strict about it (camera flashes can actually damage fragile artworks), and you’ll be justifiably shouted at.
Once you’ve got a photo you’re happy with, put your camera away and just take in the beauty of Micheangelo’s masterpiece. Notice how David’s expression changes depending on whether you’re looking at him from the front, or the side. Look at how alive his skin looks, which is especially impressive given that the chunk of marble he was carved from was actually damaged, scuffed, and generally regarded as worthless. It’s truly a moment that you’ll remember forever.
5. Giotto’s Bell Tower
We’re heading back to the Duomo for the next of our Instagrammable places in Florence! But my favourite time of day to capture your next shot is at night, when the cathedral and its surrounds are beautifully lit. Plus you’ll get to see a bit of street life, and the local Italians going for an evening stroll – they’re much too smart to go out in the heat of the day, unlike us weirdo visitors!
The campanile, or “bell tower”, if you prefer the translated version, is situated right at the side of the cathedral. During the daytime you can climb up it for a view from the top, or generally just loiter around and watch the street artists (or, more worryingly, the paramedics who seem to be permanently parked just underneath the bell tower – how many steps does it have again??). It gets busy around there, which is no surprise thanks to its position as one of Florence’s must-sees.
However, if you come back at night, the cathedral and the bell tower are both bathed in floodlights which are at just the right level of illumination, making them visible without appearing stark. Go right underneath the bell tower and look up, and you’ll have a picture-perfect shot of the tower stretching into the inky night.
6. Ponte Vecchio
You have to think a little out of the box for the next of our most Instagrammable places in Florence – rather than visiting it, you want to visit somewhere parallel to it!
The Ponte Vecchio is unquestionably one of Florence’s most famous sights, and it’s definitely one that you’ll want to capture and put on your feed, showing off your lovely travels to the envying masses. But there’s three ways you can take a good photo there, and only one of them shows the bridge off to its fullest. So let’s look at the options!
Taking a photo on the bridge itself: The Ponte Vecchio has been the centre of Florence’s gold merchants and jewellers since the Renaissance, when the Medici got tired of butchers’ shops taking up all the room and stinking the place up, and decreed that only goldsmiths could work on the bridge. Therefore, there’s so much gold in the shop windows that the bridge itself attains an almost-golden glow. You can photograph these treasures for ultimate bling-ness on your feed!
Taking a photo from the bridge: There’s a gap between the shops right in the centre of the bridge, and this is your opportunity to capture a river view. Both sides offer a lovely scene, though my favourite is the less built-up east side, with a vista of rolling Tuscan hills.
Taking a photo of the bridge: To my mind, this is the best option! Instead of heading on to the bridge itself, go on to the Ponte Santa Trinita which runs parallel to the Ponte Vecchio, for a beautiful view of the bridge with its shops built upon it, as well as the Vasari Corridor which runs over the top of it. Watch out for hawkers here though: they know full well that it’s an excellent viewpoint, and take full advantage of it in order to try and sell you their wares.
7. Giardino delle Rose
“I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden…”
So sang Lynn Anderson in 1970, fact fans. But it’s all filthy lies, because I actually am promising you a rose garden! And you can double it up with a trip to the Piazzale Michelangelo, as it’s on the way there – if you walk up or down the flight of steps located just to the south of the Piazzale, you’ll notice a little doorway set into the wall on the side. Pop in, and you’ll find this rather lovely little garden!
Yes, you can frolic among the roses to your heart’s content, especially if you’re visiting in the spring or summer months. But there’s still enough here in the winter and autumn to make it worth a visit, giving it the flexibility required to make this list of the most instagrammable places in Florence. Check out the garden’s many sculptures, which were donated to the space by the widow of a Belgian artist, Jean-Michel Folon, or the Japanese garden, with plants donated by Florence’s twinned city of Kyoto.
But my favourite Instagrammable spot here is Folon’s sculpture of a hollowed out suitcase – if you stand in the right spot, you’ll get a gorgeous view of the city’s skyline framed by the suitcase’s sides! Instagram Giardino delle Rose, and your life will indeed be a rose garden. Maybe.
8. Palazzo Pitti
Not only is the Palazzo Pitti incredibly historic, but it’s also fully deserving of its entry of a list of the most instagrammable places in Florence. Why, you ask? Because it offers some fantastic options!
This isn’t one of those places where there’s only one good spot for your Instagram photos, and there’s a massive queue of people waiting to have their two seconds (only to have their loved one / friend accidentally put their thumb over the lens. You know it’s going to happen, right?). The Palazzo Pitti is huge, and there’s a whole raft of options which are equally awesome.
Want to stride majestically in front of the vast front of the building? You can do that. Fancy perching in front of the majestic fountain just behind the central courtyard? Also possible. Or just want to get on to higher ground, and take a sweeping shot of the amazing views? This is also an option! You won’t have to wait in a line of influencers, either.
When you’re done, head into the building itself – it’s equally magnificent, and has a stunning collection of art. There’s definitely something for every taste!
9. Piazza della Repubblica
The Piazza della Repubblica might not strike you as instantly Instagrammable – after all, there’s a busy shopping street going along one side of it, and there’s occasionally scaffolding up on the surrounding building. So what makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in Florence?
Firstly, this was the centre of the ancient city of Florence, back in the days when togas were your only fashion option (all the best Roman influencers had one, darling). The column in the piazza marks the heart of the city, the very centre point of the ancient settlement, and it’s instantly photographic.
Secondly, there’s a lot going on in the square, even if it might be partially scaffolded. There’s usually a lovely carousel plying its trade; perfect for a shot of you enjoying it, or just standing in front of it!
And thirdly, if you’re here at the right time, the sun goes down directly behind the building at the top of the piazza. Capture some absolutely beautiful photos, with the last rays of sunlight streaming out!
10. Food!
Fact: you can’t go to Florence, and not be blown away by the food. It’s simply impossible. Does. Not. Compute.
Tuscany is renowned for its wonderful culinary scene, and you’re definitely going to want to invoke the food envy in your followers. You’ve got lots of choices too: you can go for gelato (a little cliche), pizza (not much better), or the freshly-made pasta found in all the restaurants in the city. But there’s a few choices which are more uniquely Florentine.
If you really must Instagram a pizza to demonstrate that you’re in Florence (even though they’re totally a Naples thing), then head to Gustapizza, who’ll furnish you with a heart-shaped pie for you to snap. How to get a heart-shaped one? Some claim that it’s random. Others say that you have to place your order in Italian (in which case, “voglio una pizza cuore, per favore” is my little gift to you!)
But I like to Instagram something unmistakably from Florence, and that award goes to a sandwich from All’Antico Vinaio. The sandwiches look (and taste!) awesome, and its legend is such that you’ll find Italians posing for photos outside the cute exterior, sandwiches in hand. It’s one of the most instagrammable restaurants in Florence – and when in Florence, do as the Florentines do!
11. Porcellino Statue
Yes, Porcellino is a pig. There’s no getting around it.
But, he’s an incredibly popular pig! He sits just outside the market which is named after him, on the side of the Piazza della Repubblica, and has people feed money into his mouth all day. It’s not a bad job, really.
But what makes this statue one of the most Instagrammable places in Florence is the story that goes with it, namely that if you put a coin in his mouth, and manage to angle it so that it falls out and into the grate at his feet, then you’ll return to the city. Yup, it’s the same story that every city with a popular statue has, but that doesn’t make it any less charming.
Get a photo of yourself placing the coin into his mouth, or even better, make a video of you successfully getting the coin through the grate. It’s perfect for an Instagram Story, and you can edit out all the failed attempts (and lost coins) later!
12. The Uffizi Gallery
What’s the appeal of the Uffizi Gallery? It’s pretty simple, to be honest: it’s nothing less than one of the very best art galleries in the world.
Seriously. There’s very few that can challenge it. So your first thought should be to put your phone in your bag for a while (if you’ve got a backpack, you’ll need to check it into the cloakroom), and simply take in the art. There’s works from Da Vinci, Rubens, Caravaggio, and the simply divine works of Botticelli, which steal the show. You can’t visit Florence, and not see The Birth of Venus in all its glory. Although it’ll be familiar to you from posters and postcards, nothing quite compares to seeing it in real life, and seeing the delicate brushstrokes which capture the shadow and light. It’s simply wonderful.
Once you’re done, you’ll be able to choose a location for your own masterpiece. Pose on the roof by the cafe, staring out at the neighbouring Palazzo Vecchio. Get a snapshot of the gallery’s magnificent corridors, or maybe even the art itself (make sure that your flash is turned off). Or go back outside, and get a pic of you walking through the glorious columned courtyard outside.
The Uffizi is one of the most Instagrammable places in Florence, both as a place displaying art, and as a work of art itself!
13. Bardini Gardens
Florence loves its gardens. And well it should, because it has some of the most scenic gardens in Europe!
Right at the forefront of Florence’s catalogue of awesome outdoor spaces in the Bardini Gardens: a series of beautifully landscaped terraces making their way down a hillside, a tumbling vision of pastoral loveliness.
But what really gets the attention at the Bardini Gardens, and what makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in Florence (if not the world) is the wisteria. That gorgeous, delicately coloured and scented flower that we all know and love. And there is a metric crap-ton of it at the Bardini.
You’ll want to visit in the spring to really make the most of it (you’ll have a few lingering flowers in the summer, but not quite as magnificent a display), and you can take a photo of yourself skipping down the tunnel created by gorgeous blooms. Wisteria are a very light purple/blue in colour, so wear something to match, and you’ll have the Instagram masses eating out of your hand.
Thanks to the extremely awesome Kristen G for helping me out with this photo! Go follow her! She has adorable bunnies, too!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxTHPc3gJTX/
14. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
This is the church at Santa Maria Novella, not the train station of the same name. Do not pose for selfies in front of speeding trains, y’all.
But as you can see, it’s a very pretty church indeed, making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Florence for sure! You’ve got a lovely broad canvas to work with: the piazza outside of the church used to hold chariot races, so you’ve got plenty of room to stretch those legs for a walking shot, or just a wide angle of yourself taking in the view.
I think this is also an area which works particularly well at night – there’s something about the soft lighting and the relative quiet which makes it rather magical. Other areas, such as the Duomo, stay busy well into the late hours, but Santa Maria Novella is a little oasis despite its proximity to the city’s main train station!
Another site near here that’s an established Florence photo shot is the historic Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, with its quaint and classy displays. Get a photo of the bottles, or of yourself as you try out some of the shop’s perfumes!
15. Basilica di Santa Croce
Staying on the theme of churches which are also Florence photography spots (buckle up: there’s a lot of them!), make your way to the Basilica di Santa Croce for another quiet spot with a touch of elegance.
The Basilica is one of the city’s most prestigious resting places, and you’ll find some giants of Italian history getting their eternal rest in the building, which is well worth visiting. Pay your respects to the artistic genius of Michelanglelo, the scientific wonder that is Galileo, or the dodgy scheming of Machiavelli. They’re all here, and each they had a massive impact on the city you’re enjoying. I’m sure I don’t need to say it, but be respectful if you’re taking photos inside the church, especially at the tombs.
But the outside is your playground, and once you’ve soaked in the history, you can get photographing! If you’re after that epic selfie, how about coordinating your outfit with the black-and-white frontage of the church? No one said that you can’t respect the history, but look darned stylish at the same time.
Also, if you’re visiting in June, you may catch a glimpse of the calcio storico – historic soccer. It’s a brutal game, but received with wild enthusiasm by the locals, and the colours and celebrations are quite something! You’ll have to be very lucky to get a ticket, as the majority rightly go to local residents, but you can capture the equally dramatic street scenes!
16. Via del Giglio
Via del Giglio probably won’t ring any bells – after all, it’s a fairly normal street. So why is it on a list of Florence photography spots?
Well, it’s because this is an undiscovered gem. I don’t think you’ll see it on any other lists of Instagrammable places in Florence, so let’s keep it as our little secret. Just you and me.
If you look on a map, you’ll see that Via del Giglio goes into a weird and abrupt left-turn at the top of its length, merging into the neighbouring Via del Melarancio. This leaves an odd triangle of land, and opposite that is a university building called CAMNES – the Center for Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies. This stately building throws off any accusations of being stuffy by having fairly lights strung along both sides, on both Via del Giglio and Via del Melarancio!
Stand directly in front of CAMNES on a summer’s evening, and you’ll get a wonderful shot of fairy lights stretching off along the building, and capture some Florentine street life whilst you’re about it!
17. The Boboli Gardens
In a city with really awesome gardens, the Boboli Gardens are the undisputed king. The one to rule them all. It sits upon the Iron Throne, but with zero last-season disappointment!
You need to buy a ticket for the Palazzo Pitti to actually access the gardens, but as the palace is also one of our other Instagrammable spots in Florence, that’s not a problem. Head through the central courtyard (be sure to come back later and see the exhibitions), and up one of the stone staircases, and you’ll have a vast expanse of beautiful landscapes to photograph.
It would genuinely be harder to find something in the gardens which isn’t photogenic. You can pose seductively on a staircase, looking over your shoulder. You can walk along tree-lined avenues. Fountains provide a regal backdrop. Statues add an artistic twist. And the views of the city from the higher ground are nothing short of exceptional.
The Boboli Gardens are stunning, and great fun to explore – being a top Florence photography spot is an extra cherry on top!
18. Bargello National Museum
The Bargello is a double threat: yes, it can sing and dance! (not really.)
Instead, the Bargello’s talents lie both within and outside of the building, and you’ll be hard pressed to choose which you want to photograph more. Luckily, you don’t have to – just choose both! Going inside gives you access to some of the city’s most beautiful art, including Donatello’s gorgeous statue of David. It’s quite different from Michelangelo’s more-famous interpretation – smaller, more sensual, and almost teasing. It’s a beautiful work of art, and bound to get your followers engaged!
Outside might be less conventionally attractive – the building was used as prison for a while, after all – but the tower still has a lot of charm. It has a lot of metalwork which will be immediately familiar to anyone who’s ever played the Assassin’s Creed series of video games, and you really will get a lot of delighted comments! You can almost visualize yourself using the handholds to climb up the tower, AC-style, but please: no assassinating people walking below. It really won’t work out well for you.
19. Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte
The Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte is just a little further up the road from the Piazzale Michelangelo, but it’s completely worth a visit!
If you stand in the Piazzale with your back to the view (yes, I know that it’s difficult to turn your back on that sight, and all those glorious photo ops), keep walking forward and cross over the busy road which runs along the side. Bear to the right, and keep following the road round. After a few minutes you’ll come across a stone staircase heading upwards; walk up these steps – they’re not too steep or numerous, fortunately – and you’ll be in front of the rather beautiful building of San Miniato al Monte.
But that’s not the best bit! Turn around again, and you’ll see a view which is similar to that of Piazzale Michelangelo, but from even higher up, meaning that you really can get a fantastic cityscape! It’s a great option if you’re fed up of the crowds at Piazzale Michelangelo, and the view is arguably better. Bear in mind that it’s a religious site though, so don’t go too crazy with the poses.
By the way, check out the church’s gift shop – it’a herbalist shop, and contains all kinds of medical tinctures and herbal teas!
20. Markets
Everyone loves a bit of street life, and seeing how daily routine is for the locals – what better place for it than a market? Plus you can score some souvenirs and/or delicious foodstuffs at the same time, so it’s a total win!
There’s various markets dotted around the city, but I’ve got an abiding soft spot for the best-known: the Mercato Centrale. You can enter the building and check out the market stalls on the bottom floor piled high with goods, varying from dried meats, to alcohol, to masses of cheese. If that’s not photogenic enough for you, head upstairs to the food court, and snap photos of your lunch. There’s certainly an insane amount of choice!
But there’s still more, even after you’ve snapped those scenic stalls! Head outside, to where the streets are lined with market stalls. A large percentage of them sell leather goods, as Florence is renowned for its quality leather – however, these ones are generally copies. But that doesn’t mean that they’re not photographic! Get a photo of the street with the dome of San Lorenzo in the background, and you’ll see why this is one of the most Instagrammable places in Florence!
21. Basilica di San Lorenzo
Speaking of San Lorenzo, it’s time to head there!
The last of Florence’s awesomely pretty churches, this was actually a pretty important place back in the day. It was the ‘home’ church of the Medici family, the bankers who rose to lead the city, and have popes and royalty in the family. Consequently there’s a huge number of them getting their eternal rest in the basilica; you can visit their tombs, and gaze upon the people who truly made Florence the city it is today. You can also visit Donatello’s tomb; as a big favorite of the Medici family, he received the ultimate honor of being laid to rest next to them.
However, you’re also here to up your Instagram game, and happily it’s definitely one of the great Florence photography spots! Head out to the piazza at the back of the basilica, and capture a great street life scene (the Florentines seem to stream through here quite a lot, possibly on the way to Santa Maria Novella train station).
Alternatively, strike a pose in front of the church’s dome. San Lorenzo is one of the biggest and oldest churches in the city, but the neighboring Duomo gets all the attention. Take advantage of the lesser crowds here!
22. Statue of Dante, Santa Croce
And here we are at the last of our Instagrammable places in Florence. It’s been epic. It’s been emotional.
We’re back at one of our other favorite Florence photography spots, the Basilica of Santa Croce, but we’re not going inside this time. Nor are we going to take a selfie. Instead, we’re going to pay tribute to one of the great men of Florence – indeed, one of the great men of Italy, whose influence was so great that he affected the very language that you’re hearing around you.
Back when Italy was a newly-united series of small states, the fledgling country had to decide on a standard form of language. As anyone who’s traveled around Italy will know, there’s a lot of local dialects – the Italian spoken in Venice is vastly different to that of Rome, which is completely different to the language spoken in Naples. A council had to decide what was going to be the official language and dialect.
They chose the language used by Dante in his Divine Comedy, because it was considered the most beautiful form of Italian. As well as writing one of the greatest works of literature in human history, he directly influenced how millions of people talk. That’s pretty cool, and he deserves a place on your Instagram feed! Extra points if you can capture some dramatic clouds behind him!
I hope that this guide to the finest Florence photography spots has been useful, and that you’re happily snapping and posing your way around Florence! Remember though: your Florence experience is going to be soooo much richer if you get the shots you need, and then fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city. Florence has an astoundingly rich history, and the stories of the Medici really make the place come alive! (if you really want to get ahead of the game, check out the book below – I read it whilst I was in Florence, and highly recommend it!)
If you want to help someone out and reap all that sweet karma, feel free to share this article! Either pop a click on one of the share buttons below, or save one of these rather lovely images to Pinterest!
By the way! This article may contain affiliate links! These incur no extra cost to you, should you choose to purchase the service they offer, but help to support this blog. Any extra cash made is spent on airline fees to fly Florentine sandwiches on their own private plane, Bono-style, and have them parachuted into my waiting mouth below.
3 Comments
Viola
June 1, 2019 at 12:16 pmI had no idea Florence has such a beautiful garden with wisteria!! Wowww! Also, I love that shot you got at Piazza della Repubblica. I didn’t really have any photography skills when I visited Florence back in 2014. I will have to return and check out all these spots next time.
Kelly
June 1, 2019 at 2:26 pmGreat photos! Florence is so amazingly photogenic and this guide makes me want to visit right now! Saving this for when I finally get there!
Kimberly Cross
June 11, 2019 at 2:54 pmLoved this article so much! I also got a great picture at Bar Terraze. It was an amazing view! Thanks for sharing 🙂