The best sunrise spots in Florence to start your day in

Florence doesn’t need an alarm clock — it’s been greeting the dawn for centuries, and nowhere else does sunrise feel quite so steeped in history and art. When the sun edges up over the city’s tiled roofs and golden domes, Florence wakes slowly and gracefully, offering one of Europe’s most romantic morning scenes.

From riverfront reflections to hikes with hilltop views fit for a Medici, these sunrise spots in Florence are perfect for early risers, shutterbugs, and anyone who wants to see the city in a whole new light.

1. Piazzale Michelangelo

Perched above the city, Piazzale Michelangelo is Florence’s classic sunrise spot. The wide terrace offers a sweeping view of the city skyline — from the red-tiled dome of the Duomo to the snaking Arno below. At dawn, the sky glows in peachy rose tones and statues of Michelangelo’s David replicas stand as silent witnesses. Locals and tourists gather here, coffee cups in hand, to watch the show. It’s a spot that’s both timeless and surprisingly serene before the city’s daily hustle begins.

Address

Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Florence

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

2. Ponte Vecchio

Long before the jewelry shops open, Ponte Vecchio has a hush that feels rare in this bustling city. The medieval bridge glows softly at sunrise, with the river reflecting the colors of the sky like a Botticelli painting.

Early risers get to see the bridge in all its quiet glory — no crowds, no traffic, just the rhythmic lapping of the Arno and the city slowly stretching awake. If you’re into photography or just want a peaceful moment, this Florence sunrise spot is a must.

Address

Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Florence, Italy

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. San Miniato al Monte

Climb up to San Miniato al Monte for one of Florence’s best sunrise spots, minus the crowds. The basilica itself is a gem — 11th-century mosaics, ancient stonework, and cypress trees lining the path. At dawn, the hill is quiet and contemplative, offering a front-row seat to the city below as it stretches awake.

There’s no need to rush: just sit on the steps, sip your coffee, and watch the morning light drape the Duomo and rooftops in warm gold. It’s the kind of sunrise that’s simple, beautiful, and all yours to enjoy.

Address

Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Florence, Italy

Opening hours

Daily 7:00 AM–1:00 PM, 3:30 PM–7:00 PM

4. Boboli Gardens

If you’d rather watch the sunrise surrounded by lush greenspace, Boboli Gardens are the spot. While Florence’s streets wake up slowly, the gardens are already alive with birdsong and shifting shadows that Caravaggio would be proud of. Although the gardens open at 8:15, you won’t catch the full sunrise — but you will step into a landscape already bathed in warm, gentle light.

The Renaissance layout — statues, fountains, manicured hedges — gives it a dreamlike morning atmosphere. Climb up to the Porcelain Museum terrace for a sunlit view framed by the city and rolling Tuscan hills.

Address

Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence, Italy

Opening hours

Typically 8:15 AM–6:30 PM

5. Arno River banks at Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli

Florence’s riverside gem, Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, is a sunrise spot that doesn’t need the drama of hills or towers. Instead, it’s all about the soft light catching on Renaissance facades and the Arno’s calm ripples — right in the historic center.

This elegant stretch runs from Ponte Vecchio to Piazza della Signoria, linking Florence’s greatest hits in a quiet early morning scene. You’ll spot rowers gliding along the water, cafés prepping for the day, and maybe even the Duomo peeking between rooftops. No sweat or stairs — just a bench, a coffee from a nearby bar, and Florence unfolding in all its morning glory.

Address

Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 50123 Florence, Italy

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Fiesole Hilltop

A short bus ride from Florence, the hilltop town of Fiesole is an unbeatable sunrise spot for those wanting a Tuscan panorama. Here, the air is fresh, and the early sun spills over olive groves and Etruscan ruins.

You’ll see the vermillion roofs, gilded spires and dramatic domes of Florence unfurl below — red-tiled roofs, the Duomo’s dome, and a patchwork of vineyards fading into the haze. It’s a scene that’s been inspiring artists for centuries and still stops locals in their tracks. Grab a pastry from the town’s cafes and watch the city glow in the morning light.

Address

Piazza Mino, 50014 Fiesole, Italy

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

7. Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose)

Perched just below the famous Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden is a sunrise spot that’s both charming and refreshingly low-key. It’s a secret garden vibe: winding paths, terracotta pots, and more than 350 varieties of roses that start catching the morning light in a dazzling array of pinks, reds, and creamy whites.

As Florence stirs awake below, the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio pop into view, framed by climbing roses and the odd wayward cat on patrol. It’s small and intimate, perfect for those who prefer a quieter start to the day. Even better? Entry is free, making it one of Florence’s best sunrise spots, and one of its best parks. Pack a pastry, snag a bench, and let the city’s soft glow work its magic.

Address

Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2, 50125 Florence

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. Basilica of Santa Croce

For a city-center sunrise with a distinctly Florentine backdrop, head to Santa Croce. The basilica’s massive marble facade — all white and green geometric patterns — glows softly as the first light hits it, casting long shadows across the piazza. It’s one of Florence’s must-see churches.

Unlike the bustling scenes later in the day, the square is refreshingly empty in the early hours, giving you a peaceful moment to soak it all in. You’ll spot locals carrying baskets to the market, cyclists gliding by, and the gentle sounds of the city just waking up. It’s central, atmospheric, and utterly Florence — a perfect way to start the day.

Address

Piazza di Santa Croce, 50122 Florence, Italy

Opening hours

Open 24 hours