Best Photography Spots in Florence Italy. Italy is an incredible place to visit. There are plenty of beautiful places in the country to explore and even deciding to stop in one city will leave you with endless possibilities for your schedule. Florence is one of the most charming cities in Italy and is the perfect place to completely immerse yourself in all that Italy has to offer from Renaissance art to intricate Italian architecture to extensive history. The city has many museums, monuments, and cathedrals to look at and gives good insight into why this was such a flourishing center back in the day.
There is so much to absorb, learn about, and capture in Florence that there is no doubt you will come across beautiful sights and surprises wherever you go. However, there are also some classic shots that you must be sure to grab while you are in town. These are really some of the most iconic aspects of the city and will help show off the picturesque Italian town that is so well known. Here are the best photography spots in Florence, Italy to include on your list of places to visit while you are in Florence.
THE GEAR
The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity. A wide-angle lens. 14-24mm or something similar. A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.
If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. It would be best if you also had a tripod.
1. Florence Cathedral
The location of the Florence Cathedral is also attached to many other must-visit places in the city. This cathedral sits right beside the Duomo but definitely holds its own when it comes to intricate and beautiful architecture. Its characteristics include pastel marble and extensive detailing. This is a busy spot for tourists and locals alike so make sure to head here early so you have plenty of time to set up your shots.
2. Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the more well-known bridges in the city. It crosses over the Arno river and is unique because it not only connects shops on either side of the water, it also houses a number of shops itself that sell jewelry and souvenirs.
3. Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is a famous art gallery in Florence that gets so busy that many would recommend booking tickets far in advance. There are many photography locations surrounding and within the gallery from the Piazza and courtyard outside to the stunning ceilings inside.
4. Duomo of Florence
The Duomo is attached to the Florence Cathedral and can be spotted from many vantage points around the city as well as captured up close. Some really enjoy finding that perfect skyline shot that showcases the Duomo while others get up close and personal to capture the detail on this massive dome. Pro tip: Climb the dome to get the best shot ever! See photo number 2 below. If y ou are going to climb it make sure you get a permit 2 days in advanced as they do sell out.
5. Bridges of Florence
There are a number of bridges located throughout the city that give you mesmerizing views of Florence’s architecture. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit not only because you’ll find that it looks absolutely stunning with the river.
6. Piazzale Michelangelo
For those that enjoy overlooking the city, Piazzale Michelangelo is the place to go. This is a high point in the hills of Florence that offers a beautiful view of the city below. This square also has its own beauty to share with vineyards, fields, and a large terrace to enjoy an Italian afternoon.
Best Photography Spots in Florence Italy
7. Florence Bell Tower
Also known as the Campanile Di Giotto, this bell tower can also be found right by the Duomo and the Florence Cathedral. This photogenic tower shows off similar architectural characteristics as the cathedral and is a tall, marble masterpiece that leaves viewers in awe.
8. Gates of Paradise
The Gates of Paradise stand at the entrance of the Baptistery which is also near the Florence Cathedral. These detailed gates marked the beginning of the famous Renaissance period and gives visitors a unique look at a moment in history.
9. Piazza Della Signoria
It is hard to imagine Italy without classic pieces of Renaissance sculptures. Florence is known for being the home of many great artists in history. The Piazza Della Signoria shows off just that and is one of the most visited photography spots in the city for its fountain of Zeus and David of Michelangelo replica.
10. The Pig Statue
An iconic bronze statue located in the city is the Fontana Del Porcellino or The Pig Statue. This wild boar was based off a Hans Christian Andersen story and is said to bring good luck to those who rub its snout and place a coin in its mouth.
11. Basilica Di Santa Croce
This religious spot in the city not only has stunning architecture that rivals that of the famous Florence Cathedral nearby but it is also the final resting place of many great Italian artists and thinkers. The basilica is known for being the tomb of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli, and many others.
12. San Lorenzo Market
There are many markets in Florence to visit and the San Lorenzo market is a great place to go to capture local life in Italy. This large market has something for everyone from authentic food to homemade accessories. The bustling crowds will add a spark of excitement to any photo.
13. Side Streets of Duomo
It is not just the Duomo that holds opportunities for beautiful photos. The surrounding streets also offer some classic shots of Italian history and architecture. The narrow streets each have their own interesting angles and is a fun place to experiment with different styles and perspectives.
Best Photography Spots in Florence Italy
14. Florence Skyline
There is no better way to capture the essence of Florence than with a picture of the city’s skyline. These expansive shots give people amazing insight into the city from the most iconic buildings to the simplest homes.
15. Calcio Della Rose
The Rose Garden can be found on the way up the hill to Piazza Michelangelo. This garden is gorgeous in the summer with flowers in full bloom. It also has a great view of the Duomo in the distance.
16. River Arno
The Arno River is the river that is famous for all of the bridges that run across it like the Ponte Vecchio. There are photo opportunities all along the river and you can take your time walking along the side streets to find your perfect shot.
17. Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens holds a lot of historical significance because it was one of the first examples of the Italian garden. Designed for the Medici family, a powerful Italian family in the 15th century, this garden would serve as an example for all of Europe.
18. Vintage Photo Booths
The vintage photo booths play right into a photographer’s interest and it is a fun thing to photograph in the city as well as take photographs in! These Fotoautomatica booths use vintage black and white film which is a cool keepsake for any photographer. There are a few located across the city and you can use their website to find one near you.
These are the Best Photography Spots in Florence Italy
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