District
San Niccolò
Florence neighbourhood guide
village feel under the hill, sunset viewpoints
A small strip of streets below the hill of San Miniato, under the medieval tower of Porta San Niccolò. It is the starting point for the climb to Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden and San Miniato al Monte, and has a handful of bars for afterwards.
Day trips from Florence
Siena · Pisa · Lucca · San Gimignano · Chianti
Most are about an hour away by train or bus.
Explore San Niccolò
Plan Here →
Bardini Garden
A terraced garden on the slope above the Oltrarno, smaller and much quieter than Boboli, with a wisteria pergola that flowers in spring and one of the best views of the city from its belvedere.
Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose)
A free public garden just below Piazzale Michelangelo, terraced with roses and with a view across the rooftops. Best in May and June when the roses are out; a useful quiet stop on the walk up to the piazzale.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The terrace above San Niccolò with the classic view of the city, the river and the dome. Free and open at all hours. Walk up from Porta San Niccolò in about 15 minutes, come for sunset, and expect company; for a calmer version of the same view, continue up to San Miniato al Monte.
San Miniato al Monte
A Romanesque church on the hill above Piazzale Michelangelo, with a green-and-white marble front, a raised choir and a mosaic apse. The view from the steps is as good as the piazzale's and much quieter. The monks still live here; check the official site for chant times and visiting hours.