Florence, Italy A location guide

Florence photography spots

The five places I go back to for photographs in Florence.

By Jeff Wiswell Duomo to Boboli, on foot

The short answer

What are the best places to photograph in Florence?

Five spots cover most of what I shoot in Florence: the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, Palazzo Pitti with the Boboli Gardens, and the streets in between. Here’s roughly the order I’d shoot them in.

01The Duomo — up close and from abovePiazza del Duomo at ground level, or climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for the dome in your frame.Sunrise
02Ponte Vecchio, from the next bridge overSkip the bridge itself — shoot it from Ponte Santa Trinita or Ponte alle Grazie instead.Morning
03Piazzale MichelangeloArrive an hour early for the classic panorama over the whole city.Sunset
04Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli GardensPlan at least four hours between the palace facade and the gardens above it.Any light
05Street photographyFlorence’s markets, cafes and alleys, worked with a 24-105mm.All day

Before you go

What gear do you need to photograph Florence?

I used my RF 24-105 f/4 about 70% of the time and my RF 10-20 f/4 the rest. I think that was the perfect combination. I also brought an RF 100-500 for zoomed-in architectural photos but never used it.

Florence is almost all getting around on foot, so you want lightweight gear. It was impossible to get an Uber, and taxis are scarce. Unless you want to risk your life on an e-scooter on cobblestones, you’re going to walk a lot — we did 60 miles on our trip. Bring a Platypod instead of a tripod: it’s lighter and easier to pack, and you can use it everywhere a tripod is off limits.

The five spots

Where should you take pictures in Florence?

Spot 01

The Duomo — up close and from above

Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

Best light: Sunrise
Where to stand: Piazza del Duomo for ground level, or Giotto’s Bell Tower if you want the dome in your frame
Also worth it: Fat Tire Tours for the dome climb
Learn more: Duomo website

Directions

Looking down at Florence's Baptistry and the piazza crowds from Giotto's Bell Tower — From Giotto's Bell TowerOrder as a print

The Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) anchors the whole city with its marble facade and red dome. Standing in the Piazza del Duomo at sunrise is worth the early alarm: the soft morning light moves across the green, white and pink marble, revealing textures and colors that get lost during the day. Get close to the bronze doors and relief sculptures for detail shots.

If you climb the dome, book a group tour in advance — I didn’t realize that until we were there, but we got lucky and found one. It’s 463 steps with two rest stops along the way, and the payoff is sweeping views over Florence’s terracotta rooftops toward the Tuscan hills. For the Duomo itself in your frame, climb Giotto’s Bell Tower instead, ideally at sunrise or golden hour, before the crowds arrive.

Photographing Florence: Top 5 Locations (video) — Photographing Florence: Top 5 LocationsWatch on YouTube

The Duomo's Gothic facade in black and white, marble inlay and pointed arches — The facade in black and whiteOrder as a print

The Duomo's dome against a sky streaked pink and gold at sunset — The dome at sunsetOrder as a print

The Duomo's marble facade and dome lit by the setting sun — Golden hour on the facadeOrder as a print

Spot 02

Ponte Vecchio, from the next bridge over

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

Best light: Sunset into blue hour
Where to stand: Ponte Santa Trinita, or Piazzale Michelangelo for a wider view
Gear: A Platypod steadies a long exposure on either bridge without a tripod
Afterward: Rasputin, a speakeasy behind an unmarked door

Directions

Ponte Vecchio at sunset, its colorful facades and arcade lit gold under a dramatic sky, reflected in the Arno — Golden ArnoOrder this print

The Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s most photographed bridge, but I don’t think it’s worth shooting from the bridge itself. At night they board up the shops, and during the day it’s too crowded to work. The real beauty is in viewing it from the bridges on either side.

My favorite vantage point is Ponte Santa Trinita: you can frame the bridge with its reflection on the water in the morning, sun rising behind it. My second favorite is from Piazzale Michelangelo, but leave enough time to get up there. Bring a Platypod so you can set up for a long exposure on either bridge without needing a tripod.

Ponte Vecchio after dark, lit windows and warm reflections on the still Arno — Blue hour on the ArnoOrder as a print

The Arno at twilight in panorama from Ponte alle Grazie, a long exposure smoothing the water — Panorama from Ponte alle GrazieOrder as a print

A stone arcade along the Arno receding toward Ponte Vecchio, Florence — The arcade along the riverOrder as a print

Spot 03

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy

Best light: Sunset
Where to stand: Arrive an hour before sunset and claim a spot at the railing
Gear: A Platypod, strapped to the railing with their accessory strap
Keep in mind: It gets crowded fast — arrive early for a spot for long exposures

Directions

Florence's skyline in black and white from Piazzale Michelangelo, the Duomo rising above the rooftops at dusk — Dusk from Piazzale MichelangeloOrder as a print

If you want the classic panoramic shot of Florence, this is the place. Plan to arrive an hour before sunset: the golden light washes over the city, picking out the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio in the distance. As the sun drops, the city turns into a glowing scene, lights coming on against the darkening sky.

It gets crowded fast, so get there early if you want a spot for long exposures. I strapped my Platypod to the railing with their accessory strap. Use the cypress trees and the Tuscan hills to frame the shot, and bring a telephoto lens to compress the view and pull the landmarks together against the skyline.

Palazzo Vecchio tower glowing gold at sunset above the Arno, seen from across the city — Palazzo Vecchio, from across townOrder as a print

Spot 04

Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens

Piazza de’ Pitti, Florence, Italy

Best light: Early morning, or an overcast day for even light on the facade
Plan on: 4 to 6 hours between the palace and the gardens
Tickets: Combined tickets with the Uffizi are worth booking together

Directions

A Renaissance courtyard framed by cypress trees at Palazzo Pitti, golden sunset light on the stone — The courtyard at golden hourOrder as a print

Palazzo Pitti paired with the Boboli Gardens is a rich blend of architecture and nature, and it’s less crowded than the other landmarks despite being just as worth it. Focus on the symmetry of the facade: early mornings or overcast days give the most even light, and the muted stone contrasts well against the greenery.

The palace is big, so plan on at least four hours, if not longer. The gardens are a peaceful retreat after: shaded paths, fountains and sculptures, with elevated terraces that open onto wide views over the city, good for a wide-angle lens. Midday light filtering through the trees can create dramatic contrast, so keep your camera out even in harsh light.

An ornate gilded ceiling inside Palazzo Pitti, geometric glass panels catching the light — Inside Palazzo PittiOrder as a print

A Tuscan courtyard at Palazzo Pitti, symmetrical stone arcades under a golden sunset sky — The arcades at sunsetOrder as a print

A tree-lined path through the Boboli Gardens, manicured hedges leading to classical architecture — A path through the Boboli GardensOrder as a print

Woman in denim jacket smiling at camera in lush garden courtyard, Florence, Italy — In the courtyard at Palazzo Pitti

Spot 05

Street photography

Florence, Italy

Best light: Morning, for Florence’s earthy tones
Lens: A 24-105mm, to move between portraits and wider scenes without swapping glass
Panning shots: Shutter speed between 1/20 and 1/60 for cyclists and scooters

Directions

A cyclist in motion blur through a Florence street, shot at a slow shutter speed — Panning on a Florence streetOrder as a print

Florence’s streets are alive with textures, characters and stories, from bustling markets to quiet alleys where artisans work. I use a 24-105mm lens to switch between portraits and wider scenes. For panning shots (cyclists and scooters are everywhere), set your shutter speed between 1/20 and 1/60, track the subject smoothly, and let the background blur for a sense of motion.

Morning light brings out Florence’s earthy tones, so get out early. Don’t overlook the quiet, candid moments either: a florist arranging blooms, a barista pouring espresso in a centuries-old cafe, light through shuttered windows onto rustic walls. The city’s beauty is as much in those details as in its landmarks. Back home, Alisha and I bring the same eye to senior portraits in La Crosse.

A scooter blurred in motion through a modern arcade lined with lit storefronts, Florence — A scooter through the arcadeOrder as a print

An evening piazza in Florence, diners at tables under umbrellas as the buildings light up — Piazza life after darkOrder as a print

A yellow vintage bike parked under an arched colonnade at dusk, Florence — A bike under the colonnadeOrder as a print

The lay of the land

Where is each spot?

Tap any spot to open directions in Google Maps.

The five spots

Bonus

What do Florence’s ceilings look like through a 10-20mm?

A gilded Florence ceiling with frescoed figures and soft natural light — Baroque goldOrder as a print

A ceiling fresco of golden cherubs radiating from a central sunburst, Florence — The sunburst frescoOrder as a print

A crystal chandelier hanging from an elaborate coffered ceiling, Florence — Chandelier and coffersOrder as a print

An octagonal dome ceiling with a golden fresco and geometric coffers, Florence — The octagonal domeOrder as a print

A white marble horse statue beneath a gilded ceiling, Florence — Marble horse, gilded ceilingOrder as a print

Three visitors lying on a bench to view Renaissance ceiling frescoes in a Florence chapel — Looking straight upOrder as a print

Ornate Renaissance ceiling with frescoed vaults, gilded details, and classical religious imagery in Florence, Italy — Frescoed vaultsOrder as a print

Ornate coffered ceiling with gilt frames and classical medallions, Florence or London architecture — Gilt coffersOrder as a print

Ornate Renaissance ceiling with frescoed panels, gilded coffers, and classical medallions in Florence, Italy — Painted panelsOrder as a print

Ornate gilt ceiling with baroque chandelier and intricate gold detailing, Florence, Italy — Gold detailingOrder as a print

White marble statue beneath ornate gilded ceiling with Renaissance frescoes, Florence, Italy — Statue and frescoOrder as a print

Ornate Baroque ceiling with gilded details, classical sculptures, and central religious fresco in warm golden light, Florence, Italy — Warm gold lightOrder as a print

Ornate Renaissance ceiling with geometric panels, frescoed medallions, and gilt architectural details in Florence, Italy — Geometric giltOrder as a print

More frames

More from Florence

White dome and spire with golden cross framed through stone archway against brilliant blue sky, Florence Italy — Framed by the archwayOrder as a print

Illuminated museum display window featuring ornate blue-lit perfume bottles and decorative objects, Florence, Italy — Blue hour shopfrontOrder as a print

Two elegant cream gowns displayed on mannequins in ornate gallery with red walls and gilded ceiling, Florence — Gowns in the galleryOrder as a print

Ornate neoclassical chapel interior with gilded dome, red velvet chairs, and symmetrical religious artwork, Florence, Italy — Inside the chapelOrder as a print

Symmetrical view upward through ornate architectural ceiling with nested square frames and bright skylight, Florence or London — Looking up through the frameOrder as a print

Geometric staircase with dramatic linear ceiling lights receding into darkness, stark black and white architectural composition — Lines into the darkOrder as a print

Long rustic dining hall with arched brick ceiling, golden chandeliers, and ivy garland; Florence, Italy — The rustic dining hallOrder as a print

Ornate coffered ceiling with geometric patterns and glowing panels stretches toward decorative iron grille in historic London passage — Coffers and ironOrder as a print

Golden afternoon light illuminates classical stone columns and arches of a historic European building facade — Golden light on stoneOrder as a print

Shelves of Italian liqueur bottles with golden sun logos, arranged in neat rows at a Florence shop — The liqueur shopOrder as a print

Colorful spice and dried goods displayed in bulk bins at a European market stall, Florence — The spice marketOrder as a print

Ornate gallery room with crimson walls, gilded paintings, marble sculptures, and intricate inlaid floor in Florence, Italy — The crimson galleryOrder as a print

Statue reaching upward toward ornate circular skylight and vaulted architecture, London, England — Reaching for the lightOrder as a print

Visitors photograph Botticelli's Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy — The Uffizi crowdOrder as a print

Row of red kayakers paddling on the Arno River below Renaissance palaces and stone bridge in Florence, Italy — Kayaks on the ArnoOrder as a print

Palazzo Vecchio illuminated at twilight in Florence, Italy, with surrounding Renaissance architecture glowing against a blue evening sky — Palazzo Vecchio at twilightOrder as a print

Prints

Florence, printed to order.

Every photograph on this page is mine. The ones in the collection ship framed or on metal, in three sizes, printed to order.

Browse the Florence prints

Questions

What people ask me about photographing Florence

Is it worth climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome?

Yes, but book a group tour in advance — you can’t just climb on your own. It’s 463 steps, with two rest stops along the way, and the view over Florence’s terracotta rooftops toward the Tuscan hills is worth every one of them.

Should you photograph the Ponte Vecchio from the bridge itself?

I don’t think so. At night the shops are boarded up, and during the day it’s too crowded to work. Shoot it from Ponte Santa Trinita instead, or from Piazzale Michelangelo for a wider view.

When should you go to Piazzale Michelangelo?

Arrive about an hour before sunset. It gets crowded fast, so get there early if you want a spot at the railing for a long exposure — I strapped my Platypod to it with their accessory strap.

How much time should you plan for Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens?

At least four hours, if not longer. The palace alone is big, and the gardens above it are worth the extra time for the elevated views over the city.

What’s the best way to shoot Florence’s street life?

A 24-105mm lens covers portraits and wider scenes without swapping glass. For cyclists and scooters, set your shutter speed between 1/20 and 1/60 and pan with the subject so the background blurs.

What gear did you bring to Florence?

My RF 24-105 f/4 covered about 70% of the trip and my RF 10-20 f/4 the rest, and that combination worked well. I brought an RF 100-500 for architectural details but never used it, and a Platypod instead of a tripod, since we walked 60 miles and it’s lighter to carry.

Jeff Wiswell with his camera on the Thames at sunset, Tower Bridge behind him

Behind the lens

I’m Jeff

An internationally award-winning portrait and documentary photographer who got my start in travel photography before beginning medical school. I love being up early to see a place without the commotion of the day: the light and the silence of blue hour.

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