Planning your dream photoshoot in Florence but feeling a bit lost? No worries! Check out this 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 Instagram photo or are looking for the best Florentine backdrop for your family photos, this list is for you.
Top 10 Photoshoot Locations in Florence:
- San Miniato al Monte
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Boboli Gardens
- Piazza Santo Spirito
- Ponte Santa Trinita | Ponte alla Carraia
- Piazzale Degli Uffizi
- Piazza della Signoria
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Piazza del Duomo
- 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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
Interested in a destination photoshoot in Florence, Italy? View my portfolio to see some more of my work and contact me to learn about my sessions.
