The best rooftops in Florence
Rooftop terraces to take in the Tuscan capital from above
How many times have you pictured yourself on a terrace in Florence, sipping a drink as the sky turns shades of pink at dusk? The Tuscan capital, steeped in art and beauty at every turn, is a treasure trove best appreciated from every angle, especially from its highest and most secluded spots, where details, colours and tones come into sharp focus. With the evening light tracing the city’s skyline, we have rounded up the most beautiful rooftops in Florence for a glass of wine with friends, soaking in the view.
The selection is varied: terraces gazing out over the Galleria degli Uffizi or Brunelleschi’s dome, vantage points looking straight down onto Ponte Vecchio or Santa Maria Novella, quiet hideaways tucked between the alleys of the historic centre and balconies looking towards the quiet hills surrounding the cradle of the Renaissance. Here is our guide to Florence’s most captivating rooftops to help you choose your favourite.
B-Roof
Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, 6
If you are looking for a front-row seat over the city and the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, B-Roof, set on the fifth floor of the historic Grand Hotel Baglioni in Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, is an ideal address. Open daily from mid-June to late September from 6pm, this terrace makes a relaxing retreat during warm Florentine evenings. In B-Green, the lush garden corner of this versatile rooftop that regularly hosts themed nights, you can order a drink under the vine-covered pergola of the American Bar loggia for a peaceful night out with a view.
Empireo Rooftop View American Bar & Pool
Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, 38
To watch the sunset glinting off the city’s terracotta roofs and the waters of the Arno, an evening drink on the terrace of Empireo is hard to beat. The crown jewel of Plaza Hotel Lucchesi, one of the city’s best-loved hotels, this terrace offers sweeping 360-degree views across Florence’s historic landmarks. It also features a striking raised swimming pool, setting the scene for DJ sets, live music, cocktails and aperitivos as night falls over the city streets below.
Loggia Roof Bar
Piazza Santo Spirito, 9
On the top floor of Hotel Palazzo Guadagni lies Loggia, one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Open daily from 10am to 10.30pm, this rooftop offers an authentic perspective over the Oltrarno district. From here, you can gaze across Piazza Santo Spirito, admire the basilica and look out toward the rolling hills that frame the city. The setting is relaxed yet romantic, especially at sunset when the red-tiled roofs catch the evening glow.
La Terrazza Rooftop Bar
Vicolo dell’Oro, 6
Often cited among the most scenic terraces in the world, La Terrazza Rooftop Bar sits atop the medieval Consorti tower on the top floor of Hotel Continentale, just steps from Ponte Vecchio. This intimate rooftop and lounge bar serves drinks alongside postcard vistas across the Arno. Open Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 11pm, it is an ideal spot for an evening cocktail above the city, as well as private events and quiet dinners for two.
Divina Terrazza
Via del Proconsolo, 3
Divina Terrazza truly lives up to its name on the top floor of the storied Grand Hotel Cavour on Via del Proconsolo. The skyline catches your eye immediately, leaving you feeling close enough to touch the Cupola di Santa Maria del Fiore. With attentive service and an intimate atmosphere, this refined terrace is well worth booking ahead. Open all year round, it welcomes guests under warm heaters during winter and in the fresh air all summer long.
Three Sixty Rooftop Bar
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 16
Three Sixty Rooftop Bar needs little introduction: this splendid terrace sits atop the historic Grand Hotel Minerva in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, a noble building once owned by the Compagnia dell’Arcangelo Gabriele, a Florentine brotherhood linked to the adjacent convent. It is a wonderful setting to take in Florence from a fresh vantage point, relaxing poolside with an aperitivo and taking in 360-degree sunset views across the skyline.
SE.STO on Arno
Piazza Ognissanti, 3
If you are looking for a special spot to admire Florence over an enchanting dinner, SE.STO on Arno – on the sixth floor of the exclusive Hotel Westin Excelsior – is undoubtedly the place for you. The menu pairs Mediterranean cuisine with an elegant, distinctive setting, while the cocktail bar serves expertly crafted drinks or a glass of wine to enjoy at sunset, alongside a selection of finger food. Panoramic views over the whole city can also be admired from the indoor dining rooms, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the vista and let in natural light throughout the day. Cheers!
The Student Hotel Firenze Lavagnini
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini, 70
One of the newer arrivals on the Florentine scene is the terrace at The Student Hotel, the high-end student accommodation near Fortezza da Basso, in the former headquarters of Ferrovie dello Stato. 20,000 square metres reviving Palazzo del Sonno, bringing to Florence the celebrated Dutch brand known across Europe for creating welcoming, international spaces for travellers. Well-kept communal areas, playful swings to greet you at the entrance, and a rooftop bar with a pool offering magnificent views across Florence: the city’s new place to be for a special evening and meeting new people in a distinctly cosmopolitan setting.
Caffè del Verone
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 13
On the top floor of the Museo degli Innocenti in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, Caffè del Verone opens onto a charming terrace overlooking Florence. Housed in the historic loggia that once served as the orphanage’s drying room, it was carefully restored and transformed into the museum café. Its highlight is an unusual view of Florence’s green-domed Great Synagogue, making it a scenic spot for an aperitivo as day turns to dusk.
