Florence Rooftop Bars: The Best Views in the City
The best rooftop aperitivo spots in Florence — from Ponte Vecchio sunsets to hidden loggias most visitors never find.
Angel Rooftop Bar, Hotel Calimala, Florence. Hotel Calimala Image.
Every time I return to Florence, I find myself drawn upward — to the terraces, the loggias, the hidden heights where the city reveals itself differently. Up here, the crowds soften, the air changes, and the skyline stretches endlessly in terracotta and marble. Rooftops are my way of meeting Florence quietly. Here is my honest list.
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My Forever Favourites
These are the rooftops I return to without hesitation — places I have tested across seasons, times of day and years of visits. They are not all the most glamorous or the most talked-about, but they are the ones that have never disappointed me.
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Angel Rooftop Bar — Hotel Calimala
My favourite rooftop in Florence, and it has been since the day they opened. The view of Palazzo Vecchio is so close it almost feels staged — and yet I never get used to it. Winter or summer, golden hour here is genuinely breathtaking. The food is solid, the cocktails are good, but the light is what you come for. Book ahead on the official Angel Rooftop bar website, especially in summer.
Angel Rooftop Bar, Hotel Calimala, Florence. Hotel Calimala Image.
Loggia Roof Bar — Palazzo Guadagni
A Renaissance palazzo's crowning jewel, and a completely different experience from Angel. Here you are overlooking Santo Spirito and the Oltrarno rooftops — softer, more intimate, deeply Florentine. The drinks are decent rather than exceptional, but at dusk, when the golden light settles over the terracotta skyline, it is pure magic. Book via the official Loggia Roof bar website — it fills up quickly.
Loggia Roof Bar, Palazzo Guadagni, Florence. Palazzo Guadagni Image.
La Terrazza — Hotel Continentale
Luxury with a front-row seat to Ponte Vecchio. Owned by the Ferragamo family, this rooftop is one of Florence's most celebrated terraces — polished and chic without being cold, with excellent cocktails and a view that is hard to match. Currently closed for renovation. Check the official Hotel Continentale website for the latest reopening information before planning your visit.
La Terrazza, Hotel Continentale, Florence. Hotel Continentale Image.
Caffè del Verone — Museo degli Innocenti
My quiet daytime sanctuary. This is not about glamour — it is about calm. A coffee, a book, and a loggia that most visitors never discover. The view feels intimate, like Florence unfolding gently rather than performing. No booking needed. Simply go. For opening hours refer to the official Caffè del Verone Facebook Page.
Caffè del Verone, Museo degli Innocenti, Florence. Museo degli Innocenti Image.
701 Rooftop Bar — Gallery Hotel Art
One of the newer additions to Florence's rooftop scene, and still relatively under the radar. It feels fresh, elegant and surprisingly peaceful. Prices are on the higher side, though generous snacks soften the bill. The view is not as dramatic as Angel's, but it is refined and intimate — and I would return without hesitation. For reservations and current opening hours, visit the official 701 Rooftop bar website.
701 Rooftop Bar, Gallery Hotel Art, Florence. Gallery Hotel Art Image.
More to Discover
Florence's rooftop scene continues to grow and evolve, and these terraces are all worth your time — some are newer additions, others simply less visited than they deserve to be. Consider this a curated starting point for your own exploration.
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Cosimo Rooftop Restaurant & Bar — The Excelsior
One of the most panoramic views in Florence. The Arno stretches wide, the bridges line up in perfect sequence, and the Duomo rises in full perspective. It feels expansive and confident — the kind of rooftop that reminds you how beautiful this city truly is. Those who remember the former SESTO on Arno will find this its worthy successor. For reservations and current opening hours, visit the official Cosimo Rooftop website.
Cosimo Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, The Excelsior, Florence. The Excelsior Image.
Zefiro Rooftop Bar — W Florence
The W Florence opened recently and Zefiro is already generating genuine buzz among locals. Sleek, design-forward and contemporary in spirit — it feels like a rooftop for a newer, more cosmopolitan Florence. I have not visited personally yet, but trusted local voices speak highly of it. Worth watching. For reservations and current opening hours, visit the official Zefiro rooftop website.
Zefiro Rooftop Bar, W Florence, Florence. W Florence Image.
Divina Terrazza — Grand Hotel Cavour
Essential for Duomo lovers. You feel remarkably close to the cathedral dome here — the perspective is unlike any other rooftop in the city. Smaller and more relaxed than the grand hotel terraces, which gives it a certain charm. Arrive early to secure the best spot. For reservations and current opening hours, visit the official Divina Terrazza website.
Divina Terrazza, Grand Hotel Cavour, Florence. Grand Hotel Cavour Image.
Tosca & Nino — La Rinascente
Casual, central and unpretentious. Perched atop the Rinascente department store, this rooftop offers a wonderful Duomo view without the formality or price point of a luxury hotel. Ideal for a spontaneous stop between sightseeing — no booking, no dress code, no fuss. For reservations and current opening hours, visit the official Tosca & Nino website.
Tosca & Nino, Rinascente Department Store, Florence. La Rinascente Image.
B-Roof — Grand Hotel Baglioni
Spacious and classically Florentine. A larger terrace with a broad skyline view and a mix of seating styles. Less trendy than some newer openings, but all the more timeless for it. A reliable choice if you are in the Duomo area and want a relaxed, unhurried aperitivo. For reservations and current opening hours, visit the official B-Roof website.
B Roof, Grand Hotel Baglioni, Florence. Hotel Baglioni Image.
The Social Hub Rooftop — Florence Belfiore
A different side of Florence entirely. More contemporary, younger in atmosphere, with a rooftop pool and a relaxed, urban energy. It does not feel Renaissance — and sometimes that contrast is exactly what you need. For reservations and current opening hours, visit the official Social Hub rooftop website.
The Social Hub Rooftop, The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini, Florence. The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini Image.
Practical Tip
Golden hour in Florence falls roughly between 6pm and 8pm depending on the season. Most of the hotel rooftops listed here are open to non-guests, but booking ahead is essential at the more popular terraces — walk-ins are increasingly difficult, particularly in summer and on weekends. Arriving without a reservation risks disappointment, so it is always worth planning ahead before you go.
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Continue exploring Florence
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