Hot Spots for Timeless, Magical Photo Sessions

Planning your dream photoshoot in Florence but feeling a bit lost? No worries! Check out my list of the top 10 photoshoot locations in Florence that never fail to leave me speechless.


Florence is beautiful no matter where you go but it's always a good idea to have some special places in mind before a shoot. Whether you're searching for the ultimate Instagramable photo or are looking for the best Florentine backdrop for your family photos, this list is for you.

 

Family walking together during golden hour with Florence cityscape in background.

TOP 10 PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS IN FLORENCE:

  1. San Miniato al Monte
  2. Piazzale Michelangelo
  3. Boboli Gardens
  4. Piazza Santo Spirito
  5. Ponte Santa Trinita | Ponte alla Carraia
  6. Piazzale Degli Uffizi
  7. Piazza della Signoria
  8. Piazza della Repubblica
  9. Piazza del Duomo
  10. Piazza di Santa Croce


1. San Miniato Al Monte: A Hidden Gem


San Miniato Al Monte is a beautiful basilica, standing atop one of the highest points in the city. Which naturally means it has one of the best panoramic views of the city below. Since it's a bit of a trek up the hill from Piazzale Michelangelo and is a bit lesser known, it doesn't get as crowded as some of the more famous landmarks in the city.


If you make it up to the top while the sun is setting, you will be rewarded with spectacular views. If you don't want to walk all the way back down the steps of the basilica, there's an alternative route out through the back. It will take you through a small park with beautiful Mediterranean pine trees back down to Piazzale Michelangelo.


This location is one of my favorites because of the beautiful staircase at the base of the hill. It makes the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.

Group photo on historic stone steps in Florence with cypress trees in background.
Couple standing at scenic overlook with Florence Cathedral dome in background during golden hour.
Proposal moment at Piazzale Michelangelo with Florence Cathedral in background.
Romantic moment in front of large mint green door in Florence.
Couple embracing at viewpoint overlooking Florence Cathedral during sunset.
Group seated on stone steps of a historic Tuscan building with climbing vines.
Couple standing between stone arches with sunlit wall behind them.
A group walks up ornate stone stairs surrounded by cypress trees in Florence, Italy.

2. Piazzale Michelangelo: Famous Panoramic View


Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best and most famous lookouts for a stunning view of Florence. The square is just a 20-30 minute walk from Ponte Vecchio, but it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the route is all uphill. The square offers several locations to get the perfect shot and is beautiful both in the morning and evening. Please note that visiting this location near sunset may result in a particularly crowded experience.


The other wonderful thing about this location is that the Rose Garden sits right underneath the square. The entrance is free and is another great place to do a photoshoot. I often start a photoshoot in the square and then if we have time, we'll walk down to the garden for a more green backdrop.

Couple enjoying a scenic view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint.
Romantic moment at a scenic overlook with cypress trees and stone balustrade.
Couple overlooking Florence cityscape with the Duomo cathedral visible in the distance.
Tourist using viewfinder telescope to observe Florence cityscape from elevated viewpoint.
Intimate moment captured against Florence's historic cityscape at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Joyful moment shared at sunset overlooking Florence's iconic skyline.

3. Boboli Gardens: Nature's Artistry Behind Palazzo Pitti


Boboli Gardens is found directly behind Palazzo Pitti. You can find spectacular panoramic views of the city but you're also immersed in beautifully manicured gardens! The garden is green and elegant all year round.


I adore this spot for its harmonious blend of nature and the man-made ambiance, showcased through ancient statues and meticulously crafted paths and archways. Strolling through the garden imparts a sense of luxury, and the captured photos truly mirror that indulgent ambiance.

Couple walking together in a scenic garden path surrounded by wildflowers and greenery at sunset.
Black and white photo near classical statue in Italian garden setting.
Playful interaction between couple on tree-lined garden path.
Romantic moment overlooking Florence with the Duomo cathedral in background.
Two people sitting near large sculptural head in garden setting.
Couple dancing on a scenic terrace overlooking the city of Florence during golden hour.

4. Piazza Santo Spirito: Authentic Florentine Charm


Piazza Santo Spirito, located in Oltrarno (the “other side of the Arno,” ), is one of the more picturesque areas of Florence. The location is great for capturing something a little more Florentine and a little less "classic" Florence that you would find in a guide book. The square is full of trees, benches and has a beautiful octagonal shaped fountain in the middle.


This is one of my favorite places to sit down at a cafe to sip some wine or have a sandwich while sitting on the steps in front of the church. It also makes a great location for a more relaxed photoshoot.


If you stroll past the church and away from the square, between Via Maggio and Piazza Pitti, you'll find yourself wandering down cozy little medieval streets that are a maze of artisans' workshops.

Romantic black and white portrait of couple by rustic wooden door.
Stylish couple posing against stone wall with vintage wooden door in Italian setting.
Vintage black and white photo of couple sharing intimate moment at outdoor cafe.
Romantic moment between couple by parked motorcycles on narrow Italian street.

.5 Ponte Santa Trinita / Ponte alla Carraia: Bridges with a view


Ponte Santa Trinita is the first bridge past the famous Ponte Vecchio and Ponte alla Carraia is the second. I'm in love with these bridges for their beautiful street lamps and of course the spectacular view of Ponte Vecchio and the picturesque buildings lining the Arno river.


The location is also close to Piazzale degli Uffizi and Piazza della Signoria, both incredible locations that compliment any Florence photo session. Just the walk along the Arno river passing Ponte Vecchio is breathtaking.

Couple sitting on stone wall overlooking Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence at sunset.
A romantic couple embraces on a bridge in Florence with historic architecture in the background.
Romantic couple sitting on stone wall with Florence's Ponte Vecchio bridge in background.
A romantic sunset moment by the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, Italy.
Happy couple sharing intimate moment against yellow building in Florence.
Two friends walk along the Arno River in Florence with colorful Italian buildings behind them.

6. Piazzale degli Uffizi: Where Art, Culture, and Light Converge

 

Making our way past Ponte Vecchio we come to Piazzale degli Uffizi. It sits between the famous Uffizi Museum in a long corridor leading to Piazza della Signoria. You only need to step foot in this square to understand why it's on this list. The tall columns of the Uffizi stretch out before you, leading your eye to the brilliant light coming from the open space of the Arno river. The light shines in through the archway and illuminates the square in a spectacular way.


Most days you will find artists lining the square painting portraits and landscapes right before your eyes. This combination of beautiful architecture, culture and light make for incredible photos.

Two people pose playfully in front of the ornate Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
A couple shares a tender moment beneath a classical statue in an Italian courtyard.
A sunny afternoon portrait by the Arno River with Florence's iconic architecture in the background.
Couple enjoying the view from Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence with historic buildings in background.
A romantic moment in the rain at the Uffizi Gallery courtyard in Florence.
Dancing in the rain outside the Uffizi Gallery with Ponte Vecchio visible in the background.
A couple shares a tender moment along the Arno River with Florence's architecture in view.
A couple poses in a classic Italian archway corridor with repeating arches creating depth.

7. Piazza della Signoria: A Medieval Feast for the Eyes


Piazza della Signoria is really a feast for the eyes. There is Palazzo Vecchio or the "old palace", the larger than life fountain of Neptune and the open air museum, Loggia dei Lanzi. When you are walking through this square it really feels like you've stepped back in time. If you are trying to capture the feeling of Florence's medieval past in your photos, this is the right place to be.


As horse-drawn carriages gracefully pass by, your gaze is captivated by a replica of the iconic statue of David. Navigating a photoshoot in this square can be a bit challenging if you don't time it right. Situated in the heart of the historical center, it's one of the most trafficked spots by tourists and locals alike. The magic happens in the early morning when the square is tranquil, making it the ideal time for capturing remarkable photographs. From my experience, the early morning wake-up call is always rewarded with stunning images.

A couple shares a romantic moment in front of a majestic stone lion statue outside a historic Italian building.
A couple sits by an elaborate fountain with bronze statues in a historic Italian plaza.
A couple stands in a shadowy archway with ornate wooden doors in an Italian city.
A couple strolls through a historic Italian plaza with classical architecture in the background.
A couple rests on stone steps beside decorative statues and architectural details in Florence.
A couple enjoys coffee at a vintage cafe decorated with classical paintings and pink velvet seating.
A couple poses beneath an ornate stone lion sculpture on historic steps in Italy.
A couple dines in an elegant historic cafe with gilded decor and classical paintings.

8. Piazza della Repubblica: Fairytale Charm

 

Piazza della Repubblica sits midway between Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo. The square has a beautiful carousel that brings life and energy to the city. A carousel perfect for using as a photoshoot prop for kids and adults alike. The decorations and the artwork look like they've come straight out of a fairytale.


Leading out to Via Degli Strozzi, there is a spectacular archway that makes for the perfect backdrop for beautiful well composed travel photos.

A classic vintage carousel with ornate details stands in a European city square.
A couple embraces in black and white near decorative carousel details.
A person in a brown leather jacket walks through an ornate arched corridor with glowing lights.
A couple walks outside a traditional Italian gelateria with potted flowers by the entrance.

9. Piazza del Duomo: Home of the famous Florence Cathedral


Piazza del Duomo is the square that surrounds the famous Florence Cathedral, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, or il Duomo as locals call it. The church is made using beautiful pastel colored marble. The soft green, pink and white decorated walls make for fantastic compositions.


The wonderful thing about taking photos in this location is that as you walk around the church, the light that filters in through the buildings around the square is constantly changing depending on where you are.

A group sits on stone steps in front of carved wooden doors at an Italian cathedral.
A group poses in casual attire in front of the Florence Cathedral in Italy.
A person in a brown top and white dress sits on stone steps near a wooden door.
People holding hands walk together in front of the Florence Cathedral at sunset.
A couple poses in front of the ornate facade of Florence's Duomo cathedral in Italy.
A couple holds hands while walking past ornate golden doors of a historic Italian building.

10. Piazza di Santa Croce: Medieval Vibes and Artistic Elegance


Piazza di Santa Croce is another square that makes you feel as if you've stepped into the medieval past of the city. The buildings that surround the square are all different and decorated with artistic precision.


The steps leading up to the church make a great place to sit down and rest to enjoy a well deserved gelato on a hot day or, of course, pose for a great travel photo.

Family exploring historic cathedral steps and facade in Florence, Italy.
Three people chat while standing next to a stone lion statue in an Italian plaza.
Tour group walking past a historic stone lion statue in an Italian city street.
Three people strolling through a narrow sunlit alley in Florence's historic district.

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