Florence
The ULTIMATE photograhy guide
Florence
The ULTIMATE photograhy guide
Looking for the perfect photo spots in Florence? I got you.
Florence: A photographer’s dream where every corner tells a story.
Florence is a dream for photographers—a city where every corner feels like stepping into a masterpiece. From the grandeur of the Duomo to the vibrant energy of its streets, Florence offers endless opportunities to capture history, culture, and light.
Whether you’re here to chase sunsets over Piazzale Michelangelo or explore the intricate details of Renaissance art, this guide will help you make the most of your photography journey through this timeless city.
The 5 Best Photo Spots In Florence
Above: One of the best views is from the Campanile di Giottio near the Duomo
Gear For This Trip
The Duomo: Up Close and From Above
Piazza del Duomo
50122 Firenze FI, Italy
At the heart of Florence lies the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore—the Duomo—a marvel of Gothic architecture that commands attention.
Its intricate marble facade and iconic red dome dominate the skyline, making it a must-shoot location for any photographer.
Ground-Level Photography
Standing in the Piazza del Duomo at sunrise is a transformative experience. The soft morning light dances across the green, white, and pink marble, revealing textures and colors often lost during the day. Get close to capture the ornate details: the bronze doors, relief sculptures, and statues. These are rich in symbolism and artistry, perfect for close-up storytelling shots.
Pro Tip: A wide-angle lens is your best friend here but you’ll need something with length to reach the roof of the dome. If you’re here in the morning during blue hour, you won’t have issues with a tripod.
Brunelleschi’s Dome: This climb is not for the faint-hearted, but the panoramic reward is worth every step. You’ll capture sweeping views of Florence’s terracotta rooftops, with the Tuscan hills rolling in the background. One thing I didn’t realize is that you have to book a group tour to do the dome climb (fortunately we booked one!). It’s 463 steps but there are two areas to rest, so it isn’t that bad. The view at the top is astonishing.
Giotto’s Bell Tower: If you want the Duomo in your frame, climb the Campanile instead. Sunrise or golden hour is ideal—fewer tourists, softer light, and the city awakening beneath you. We did this right after finishing our Duomo climb and it was very manageable.
Tour company recommendation: Fat Tire Tours–we did their Duomo Climb and it was magnificent!
Inside the Palazzo Strozzi
Ponte Vecchio: Historic Charm on the Arno
Ponte Vecchio, 50125
Firenze FI, Italy
The Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s most famous bridge and a photographic icon.
Whether you’re capturing its unique architecture or its shimmering reflection on the Arno River, this spot offers endless possibilities.
From the Bridge
Personally, I don’t think it’s worth photographing while on the bridge itself. The real beauty lies in viewing from the bridges on either side. At night, they board up all the shops and it’s far too crowded during the day.
Pro Tip: Bring a Platypod so you can set up your camera for long exposures on either adjacent bridge without needing a tripod.
From Afar
You have multiple options, but my favorite is the Ponte Santa Trinita. From here, you can frame the bridge with its reflection on the water in the morning with the sun rising behind it. My second favorite vantage point is from the Piazzale Michelangelo but make sure you leave enough time to get up there. Sunset is magical, but nighttime shots with long exposures can create a dreamy effect as the city lights illuminate the river.
Cocktail Recommendation: After capturing your perfect shot, unwind with a drink at Rasputin, a secret speakeasy. Hidden behind an unmarked door in the Oltrarno district, this dimly lit bar offers expertly crafted cocktails that pair perfectly with Florence’s timeless allure. Make sure to book ahead online and they will send directions.
Sunset from the Ponte alle Grazie as a panorama using my Platypod for the long exposure
Piazzale Michelangelo: A Photographer’s Dreamscape
Piazza del Duomo
50122 Firenze FI, Italy
If you’re after the quintessential panoramic shot of Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is the place to be
The Perfect Timing
Plan to arrive an hour before sunset. The golden light washes over the city, highlighting the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio in the distance. As the sun dips lower, Florence transitions into a glowing masterpiece, with lights twinkling against the darkening sky.
Pro Tip: Consider during a panorama here. Also, it gets incredibly crowded, so be prepared to arrive early if you need a spot for long exposures. I was able to set up my Platypod by attaching it to the railing with their strap.
Framing Your Shots
Use the surrounding cypress trees and Tuscan hills to create natural borders. Bring a telephoto lens to compress the view and highlight the iconic landmarks against the skyline.
Dinner Spot: After your shoot, head to Ristorante dei Rossi. This intimate restaurant offers traditional Tuscan dishes and a cozy ambiance that feels authentically Florentine. It was exquisite!
Tour company recommendation: Fat Tire Tours–we did their Duomo Climb and it was magnificent!
Ceiling inside the Opera Del Duomo Museum
Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens: History Meets Nature
Piazza de’ Pitti, 1,
50125 Firenze FI, Italy
The grandiosity of Palazzo Pitti paired with the serene Boboli Gardens offers a rich blend of architectural and natural beauty.
Palazzo Pitti
Focus on the symmetry of the palace’s facade. Early mornings or overcast days are best for even lighting. The muted tones of the stone contrast beautifully with Florence’s vibrant greenery.
The palace is huge so plan on at least 4 hours, if not longer. They have a nice little restaurant on site but the waitstaff are clearly overworked.
Pro Tip: Midday light filtering through the trees creates dramatic contrasts, so keep your camera handy even during harsh light hours.
Boboli Gardens
The gardens provide a peaceful retreat with endless opportunities for creative compositions. Wander through shaded paths, fountains, and sculptures. The terraces offer elevated views of the city, perfect for wide-angle shots.
In addition to the gardens, there are some spectacular views over the city from here.
Inside the Cappelle Medicee with my Platypod resting on the floor
Florence’s streets are alive with stories, from bustling markets to quiet alleys where artisans craft their goods.
Florence’s streets are alive with textures, characters, and stories. Use the 24-105mm lens to switch seamlessly between portraits and scenes. For panning shots—ideal for capturing cyclists or scooters—set your shutter speed between 1/20 and 1/60. Focus on your subject, track their movement smoothly, and keep your background motion-blurred for that dynamic city vibe.
Morning light enhances Florence’s earthy tones, so hit the streets early and explore.
Don’t overlook the quiet, candid moments—the hands of a florist arranging blooms, a barista pouring espresso in a centuries-old café, or light cascading through shuttered windows onto rustic walls. Florence’s beauty is as much in its subtleties as its grandeur, making it a city where even the smallest details can create powerful images.
If you’re looking for a great snack and place to shop, check out Nino and Friends. They have amazing chocolates, liquours, and other delicacies–all of which are given as free samples. Make sure to put any jams or liquids in your checked luggage though . . .
Overlooking Ponte alle Grazie towards Piazalle Michelangelo
Florence is a photographer’s dream, where every corner feels like art.
A few more of my favs
So many amazing places to photograph in this city
Bonus: Ceilings in Florence
Almost all were taken with the RF 10-20 f/4
Question: Why don’t the ceiling painters get as much credit as those with works hanging in the galleries?
I’M Jeff
An internationally award-winning portrait and documentary photographer who got my start in travel photography before beginning medical school
Depending on when you read this, I’ll either have content uploaded or am in the process of creating it.
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I’M Jeff
An internationally award-winning portrait and documentary photographer who got my start in travel photography before beginning medical school
Depending on when you read this, I’ll either have content uploaded or am in the process of creating it.
Either way, follow below for more!
