Text & Photos: Monka Mo
The cathedral dome and bell tower I introduced last time involved a total of 1,800 steps up and down. After climbing them all in one go, my legs were really sore when I got back to the hostel. (See previous post: Beauty Over Life: Must-Visit Photo Spots in Florence + Summit Guide That Hong Kong Girls Can’t (But Must) Experience)
Today I’m introducing a lazy person’s choice. Not only can you enjoy a full panoramic view of Florence here, but there’s also direct transportation access—perfect for family travelers, lazy folks, and anyone whose legs aren’t quite up for strenuous hikes...
(Summit tips at the end of the article)
“Piazzale Michelangelo”!
【Panorama from right to left: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Bell Tower, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio】
This square is often the first stop for many tour groups visiting Florence, as this 180-degree panoramic view of the city is sure to leave travelers with an absolutely wonderful impression.
From here, you can clearly see the cathedral complex, the old church bell tower, the Ponte Vecchio, and a sea of red rooftops. In the first season of “Triumph in the Skies,” Belle and Sam hung out right here.
We asked a beautiful police officer nearby for directions. When we asked her in English how to get there, she didn’t seem to understand what we were saying. Later, we pointed out “Piazzale Michelangelo” on the map, and she suddenly realized: “Oh！P喇沙呢 Me Ke 烂G佬”Wow, why does it sound completely different from how we pronounce it? !”
To get up to the square, you can walk or take transport. Since walking to the bus stop is quite far, we ended up choosing to walk. Climbing up the hillside also meant scaling over a hundred steps—it’s truly a case of “you don’t know how fit you are until you walk” (my feet really suffered).
Florence Panoramic Mini Guide:
I’ve been to Piazzale Michelangelo twice before. Without proper preparation, I fell into some traps—this is a genuine personal experience, and I hope after reading this, you won’t make the same mistakes~
1. Best Time to View?
Daytime: Starting around 12 PM, tour buses will bring batches of tourists up. Try to come in the morning or after 3:30 PM to shoot the orange rooftops—less sun and fewer crowds.
Nighttime: In summer, sunset ranges from 8 PM to 9 PM (no joke, 9 PM at night!). In winter, it starts around 5:30 PM. If you want to catch the dusk clouds or do a sunset time-lapse, it’s recommended to arrive at least an hour early to secure a good spot.
＊About Sunset and Sunlight Times＊
Check the website Gaisma for forecasts up to half a year in advance—handy for those who like to plan ahead.
(http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/florence.html)
2. Best Spot for Photos?
Facing the cathedral, there’s a corner spot on the left side of the square that’s unobstructed and perfect for a full panoramic shot.
If you’re in a group, you can head down the slope where it’s less crowded, or even line up to take a big group photo with a banner.
3. How to Get There?
Option 1: Bus – Take bus No. 12 or 13. The stop is opposite the McDonald’s at Florence Railway Station. Regular ticket €1.5/€1.6, about a 30-minute ride.
Option 2: Our trusty two legs—start from the cathedral complex, cross the river, and follow the signs along the way. It’s roughly a 20–30 minute walk.
＊Tip＊
The stone steps are uneven and tricky to walk on, and they become extremely slippery when wet. Be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes.
If you’re watching the night view, the area around the stairs gets very dark after sunset, and the risk of tripping is high. It’s best to take the bus down or bring a flashlight.
4. What to prepare?
Daytime ―
1. Umbrella & Sunscreen: In the sun-drenched European summer, the daytime sun is intense. Last time I forgot my umbrella and got roasted the whole trip — all my selfies were taken with squinting eyes (-_-)
2. Sun protection products: Start applying them half an hour before getting off the bus — the sun at the top of the hill is really strong!
3. Wide-angle lens: The wider it is, the more rooftops you can fit in the shot~
Nighttime ―
1. Tripod: If you don’t bring a tripod but still want to shoot night scenes, then you’ll have to do what I did — pile everything out of your backpack to prop up the camera
2. Flashlight / Phone with flashlight function and sufficient battery: Following the above, both are to prevent “HiHi” moments~
3. A bunch of loose change: Some buses let you buy tickets on board, but they don’t give change.
More travel shares:
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