Renaissance Magic: The Best Spots To Take Photos In Florence

Florence, an artist’s heaven

There are so many reasons to visit Florence, but one of the greatest things about Florence is just how photogenic it is – which means there are soooo many gorgeous spots to take photos in Florence! There are so many places to take photos in Florence, and I’ve put together the best! Whether you’re capturing the art, culture, or everyday life, Florence offers a dream location for any photographer.

What you will find here

Here you’ll find the exact locations (using Google Maps) for every location I personally visited and felt was instagrammable enough to share with you. There are some very popular ones, so I’ve also included some tips and tricks for getting the best photos in Florence. Love photography? I also put together a photo diary of Florence.

Photo location #1: Ponte Vecchio

Why this spot is amazing for photos

Ponte Vecchio is one of the most popular spots in Florence because it is one of the most unique bridges you will see in your life. It has such an interesting history (it survived the war) that it is easy to see why so many people flock here everyday. The bridge is filled with shops that you can visit, but that is not where the best spot is imho!

What to watch out for

The bridge itself gets very busy during the day so it is not a great place to take photos. Like how there are many amazing spots to take photos in Florence, there are also many spots where you can get a good photo of the bridge. But it will most likely have people in it if you are taking a photo during the day. If you want a photo of just the bridge, then a photo from Ponte Santa Trinità will do the trick. This is where I took my night photo of the bridge. 

The best spot to take a photo of the bridge with a subject in the frame is outside Uffizi Gallery, at the end of Corridoio Vasariano and across the road from the Statue of Francesco Ferrucci. There is a small bay where you can stand and get out of the way of people walking by so you can take your time and comfortably take a picture. I still, like always, recommend that you go early and get that morning light and ensure you aren’t rushed.

Where to take the best photo of Ponte Vecchio

Photo location #2: Corridoio Vasariano

Why this spot is amazing for photos

This spot has amazing views of Ponte Vecchio (mentioned above!) and is one of my fav spots to take photos in Florence. If you go to the very end, it makes a great photo with all the arches in the distance. Disclaimer – I’m talking about the Vasari Corridor for peasants that is in the open-air arch walkway on the ground floor, not the private walk-away above. I am no grand duke! 

What to watch out for

This place gets really busy during the day and it is a known hotspot for pickpockets. Go in the morning. The morning is just the best time for everything, OK?

Where to take the best photo of Corridoio Vasariano

Photo location #3: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Why this spot is amazing for photos

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply the Florence Duomo, is the pride and joy of the city. It is such a beautiful, grand, cathedral that it is basically impossible to miss even in a bigger city like Florence.

What to watch out for Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

You can take a photo from any side of the Duomo, but be warned that the front is always full of people trying to make a buck or two off of you (or worse, steal your goodies). I prefer the side (see map below) where there are far less people as it is the exit of the Duomo, so people don’t loiter around that side as much. It makes it easier to get photos!

Where to take the best photo of Florence Duomo

Photo location #4: Brunelleschi’s Dome

Why this spot is amazing for photos

By this time, I was already sweating from the boiling hot August weather, so you know what I did? Walk up a million stairs to see Brunelleschi’s Dome! The inner dome is stunning with artwork that will blow your mind, but the top has a viewing deck that is perfect for getting a shot of the city. I know it sounds daunting, but this is one of the best spots to take photos in Florence so I highly recommend the pain. And no – there is no elevator.

What to watch out for

Definitely walk around to the side where you can get a view of the rest of the Duomo. Another tip (one that I learned the hard way) is to go early or late afternoon so that you don’t risk heat exhaustion. There is almost zero shade at the top and the walk is not easy and quite claustrophobic at times.

Where to take the best photo of Brunelleschi’s dome

Photo location #5:The Boboli Gardens

Why this spot is amazing for photos

Boboli Gardens is the most popular gardens in Florence, and there are some beautiful views as it resides on top of a hill across the river from the city centre. It is easily one of the most busiest spots to take photos in Florence, but luckily there is lots of space! Honestly, you could take a wander around the gardens and easily find a quiet spot to take a photo. However, I think where to take the best photo of Boboli Gardens is actually at the beginning after entering. You have the best views of the city and people don’t tend to stop there as they’re eager to enjoy the gardens.

What to watch out for The Boboli Gardens

It is a large park with Renaissance statues and some ornate landscaping. However, I would not say this is one of the best parks you will find in Europe. It is grand in space but for most of it you’ll just find yourself walking on hot gravel trying to get to the next part of the garden. The main walkway that leads to Pitti Palace has statues along the side which is quite beautiful, but again it is mostly just gravel. Bring a hat if it is a sunny day as it is not very shady.

Where to take the best photo of Boboli Gardens