Wondering where the best rooftop bars in Florence are?

Dreaming of sipping on that spritz while overlooking the bustle of the Ponte Vecchio or popping open a bottle while watching the sun set over the red roofs of the city? Keep reading to see all my top suggestions.

Rooftop bars have become much more popular across Italy in recent years. On your next trip to Florence, why not try out some of the stunning rooftop bars that lift you away from the crowds for a moment? These can offer you some of the best views across the entire city as well as tasty drinks.

Most street level restaurants and bars in Florence have an outdoor terrace space, ranging from a single row of tables to a whole restaurant floor.

There are strict local planning guidelines to adhere to and it can be a lengthy bureaucratic procedure. It’s a hill worth climbing for any establishment that wants to stay on top of their game. It can be the difference between success and failure in a city where eating and drinking out is everything.

The Grand Hotel Minerva has been part of the fabric of Florence for decades, welcoming guests from all over the globe in its prime position a stone’s throw from the beautiful basilica in Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

On the very top floor of this 13th century palazzo, guests can enjoy a lovely rooftop pool on the rooftop terrace along with two bars and a restaurant.

During the day access to the rooftop outdoor space is for hotel guests only. But after 7:30PM non-hotel guests are welcome for signature cocktails, gourmet snacks and a BBQ in front of the stunning backdrop of Brunelleschi’s Duomo, which feels only a few feet away.

Prices are what you would expect from a four star property, with meat, fish and vegetarian burgers from €30 and cocktails, such as their legendary Terrace Negroni, from €18.

Perfect if you’re looking to treat yourself at one of my favorite rooftop bars in Florence.

Address: P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 16

Opening hours: 19:30 – 00:00

This rooftop bar is relatively new on the scene. It’s bang in the middle of the historical center, overlooking the wonderful Porcellino market and offering 360 degree views across Florence’s main landmarks.

Just a few minutes walk from Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery, the Angel Rooftop Bar is the perfect post-sightseeing stop.

To reach the top you need take the elevator from the entrance of the hotel where staff radio up ahead to check there is availability and to let their team know to expect you.

It’s a large, multi-level space with a restaurant and two indoor and outdoor bars.

Open every evening, you can enjoy an aperitivo signature cocktail like the ‘Duomo Spritz’ or a classic Negroni while you muse over the dinner menu, offering modern twists on traditional Italian dishes.

At the weekend they are also open for ‘Brunch & Bubbles’ from 11AM, aperitivo with nibbles and sharers from 3PM and dinner from 5PM through to 11PM.

They ask that you reserve in advance by WhatsApp on this number: +39 339 411 3863, which I recommend for busy times and weekends.

If you’re passing by one evening mid-week you can always try your chances and pop in as well.

Address: Via Calimala, 2

Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 17:00 – 00:00 | Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 – 00:00

This ‘Concept Hotel’ markets itself as a place where travelers, locals and students get together to learn, stay, work and play.

It’s a vibrant, progressive, inclusive space where you’ll find, amongst other lifestyle services, a bike shop, hair salon, record shop, restaurants, a gym and, naturally a rooftop pool (which is a regular Instagram star) with stunning views of the Duomo.

The rooftop pool and bar areas are open to non hotel guests from 6PM. The menu is simple but satisfying, offering everything from iced ‘shakerato’ coffee to blueberry cheesecake.

If you grab a comfy, poolside armchair it will be difficult to tear yourself away from the infinity view through the glass rail.

Also known simply as TSH, this hotel is situated a little further out of the historic center, opposite the Fortezza da Basso. It is easy to reach on tram line T3 from the main rail station, just jump off at the stop ‘Strozzi’Fallaci’. The journey is worth it for one of the top rooftop bars in Florence.

Address: V.le Spartaco Lavagnini, 72

Opening hours: 18:00 – 00:00

The Social Hub

The elegant and snazzy part of town around Piazza Ognissanti boasts some pretty impressive historic buildings, art galleries, boutique stores and of course, hotels.

The Westin Excelsior hotel sits right on the piazza, opposite another of Florence’s most prestigious properties, The St. Regis. It’s just meters away from the Arno river and around the corner from the legendary Harry’s Bar along Lungarno Vespucci.

SE.STO on Arno (‘sesto’ is sixth in Italian) is the glass-walled, sixth floor of the Westin, where it can literally feel like you are walking on the air above the city. You can see it all with their spectacular view, from the Ponte Vecchio to the Tuscan hills, on the two large outdoor terraces, one for the restaurant and one for the bar.

They serve lunch, dinner and snacks as well as drinks on their rooftop terraces, the dress code is always smart casual and the cuisine is elegant Mediterranean.

You’re looking at starters or snacks with prices from around €30 and cocktails starting at €28, so it’s quite punchy pricing. But it’s oh so pretty up here, especially with the twinkling lights at night, so it’s worth the punch, just the once. Let’s say this rooftop bar is for special occasions.

Address: Piazza Ognissanti, 3

Opening hours: 12:00 – 01:00

This medieval tower, dating back to the 13th century, is a genuine treasure sitting at the beginning of the prestigious via Tornabuoni. The road is famous as Florence’s designer shopping street, right near the charming Santa Trinità bridge.

Now a luxury 5-star property, opposite the Salvatore Ferragamo museum and just along from famous boutiques including Tiffany, Gucci, Dior, Prada and Giorgio Armani. The Antica Torre Tornabuoni offers a small and stunning selection of rooms and suites, some with a private terrace.

Right at the very top, behind the parapets, are two rather special panoramic terraces. One overlooks the Duomo atop the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the other overlooks the Arno river.

These private spaces offer fine dining and fine wines right in the heart of one of the most picturesque areas of the city. Generally they are available only to the hotel guests, so if you stay here you can expect to enjoy these terraces all to yourselves.

Address: Via de’ Tornabuoni, 1

In terms of location, this place is pretty hard to beat. Right on the river Arno and opposite the Ponte Vecchio, the atmosphere, views and sunsets from the top of this design hotel and the La Terrazza rooftop bar are spectacular.

You can relax on the lounge sofas which run around the whole terrace while peeking over at the crowds walking across the famous bridge below.

It’s not a large space but it’s super stylish and comfortable with wooden decking and parasols for shade. The space is open from 3PM for drinks and snacks, and the cocktail bar opens from 6PM. The bar offers a range of creative options including the ‘Basil Instinct’ and ‘Salty Smoke’ alongside a selection of premium Tuscan wines and bubbles.

It’s the place to be seen, but be warned, as one of the best rooftop bars in Florence it can get busy.

Address: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 2r

Opening hours: 15:00 – 00:00 (cocktail bar opens 18:00)

For those among you that appreciate Florence’s boutiques and stores, you’ll be familiar with the iconic department store La Rinascente right in the center of the city on Piazza Repubblica.

This grand palazzo houses five floors (including the basement) showcasing men’s and women’s fashion, Italian and international tailoring, sartorial craft and food. The very top floor is dedicated to gastronomic delights and is a very welcome space to rest and recharge.

Continue further up another little staircase however and you reach the ToscaNino wine bar and bottle shop, and the rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant. There is a magnificent view from this height over the historic piazza and you can enjoy a range of dishes all day, every day. The wine selection isn’t half bad either.

Usually you can turn up without booking, but if you have a specific time in mind, booking in advance is never a bad idea. As an easily accessible rooftop bar, it is a popular place with locals and visitors alike.

Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 4

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 23:00 | Friday – Saturday: 09:00 – 00:00 | Sunday: 10:00 – 23:00

This is a perfect example of what makes Florence so special.

In the heart of the trendy Oltrarno neighborhood of artisans and craftspeople, this panoramic terrace (featured in Zeffirelli’s ‘Tea With Mussolini’) sits on top of an ancient palazzo in the vibrant Piazza Santo Spirito.

Once a private Florentine residence, Hotel Palazzo Guadagni is a charmingly decadent place to stay. Its iconic rooftop bar offers a peaceful space above the city, overlooking the beautiful Piazza Santo Spirito and the hills beyond.

Watch the sun set over Florence’s red rooftops with a ‘Loggia Spritz’ or a ‘Gold Negroni’. You can also enjoy traditional light bites including meticulously cut salmon tramezzini sandwiches or plates of truffle burrata with Tuscan prosciutto, followed by the classic frozen dessert semifreddo with pine nuts and berries.

To reach the rooftop bar you may find yourself sharing the tiny elevator, as old as the hotel, mainly used to deliver guests’ luggage. It’s well worth the squeeze for this most stunning of Florence rooftop bars.

Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 9

Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 15:00 – 22:00 | Saturday – Sunday: 13:00 – 22:00

Along via dei Medici between Piazza della Repubblica and the Duomo is the entrance to Hotel Medici. It’s a pretty dated, 2 star property with relatively uninterested staff.

BUT, if you hop in the (slightly creaky) elevator and go up to the top floor, you will reach the pretty cool rooftop bar ‘View on Art’. Here you’ll find funky décor and indoor and outdoor tables at what feels like an arm’s length from the cupola itself.

It feels like a lesser-known spot as they don’t do much to shout about it but what a view.

The Art rooftop cocktail bar offers signature and classic cocktails at reasonable prices (Negroni for €12, Spritz for €11), a decent range of wines and a selection of light bites and snacks from €7.

The terrace is open to non guests, and what may be lacking in service is made up for by being face to face with one of Florence’s most famous sights, without having to climb a single step. You’ll have an unobstructed view of both the majestic cathedral and Giotto’s bell tower as you enjoy the beautiful rooftop terrace.

Address: Via dei Medici, 6

Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:30