If you’re a fan of rooftop bars, Florence, Italy has plenty! These elevated watering holes offer an excellent way to see the city from a new perspective and escape the crowds. The best rooftop bars in Florence that I personally have visited and recommend are:
Divina Terrazza Rooftop Bar at Grand Hotel Cavour in Florence
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Centrally located, Grand Hotel Cavour’s rooftop bar “Divina Terrazza” offers 360-degree views of the city center. Access to the rooftop is free if you’re a guest at the hotel, or €20 if you’re not. But the good news is—your first drink and some light snacks (think crisps and nuts) are included in the cover charge.
Definitely make a reservation in advance, as Florence rooftop bars are very popular. I would recommend booking for 8:45 p.m. or later in summer (after the worst heat and sun has passed) or honestly anytime in winter. The terrace will be heated and enclosed with cooler temperatures. Additionally, make sure you arrive on time for your reservation—they will give your table away!
Loggia Roof Bar at Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
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Loggia Roof Bar is located south of the Arno and in the ever-popular Santo Spirito square. This romantic terrace has excellent tables for two positioned inside a historic covered portico with terracotta floors. The unique position south of the river allows diners to experience idyllic views both of the city and of the rolling hills. Each time I’ve visited, the Palazzo Guadagni hotel staff have been warm and friendly—an attitude reflected in the slower pace of the Oltrarno (south of the Arno) neighborhood.
I recommend trying the Hugo spritz for a refreshing minty tipple. Loggia is definitely one of the best rooftop bars in Florence, so booking well in advance is recommended.
SE·STO on Arno – Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
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This Florence rooftop bar is the perfect spot for any special occasion. Located atop the elegant Westin Excelsior hotel, SE·STO offers an elevated aperitivo from 6 to 9 p.m. that includes one specialty drink and a selection of six finger foods for €38.
When we dined here, the majority of the “finger foods” were sashimi-grade fish and other high-end cuts of meat, making the price more understandable. With views of the Arno, this rooftop bar in Florence is definitely a spot to bookmark!
Fishing the Roof at Palazzo Gaddi
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This collaboration between popular Italian restaurant Fishing Lab and NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi is a match made in heaven. Between the breathtaking, frontal view of the Duomo and the delicious light bites crafted up by expert chefs, time spent at Fishing the Roof (formerly known as “Feel the Sky”) makes for a superb evening.
This roof bar makes a great first impression for those who just arrived in Florence, or the perfect place to reflect at the conclusion of a memorable trip in the world’s best city.
Tosca & Nino – Rinascente Florence Rooftop
This luxury cafe located atop famous Italian department store Rinascente offers unparalleled views of Piazza della Republica, the Duomo and the rolling hills on the outskirts of the city. Open from morning til around midnight, Tosca & Nino is quite popular, so expect to wait a bit for a table.
Personally, I love how the terrace overlooks such a busy piazza filled with bustling tourists. It’s an excellent perch for people watching!
Honorable Mentions: Florence Rooftop Bars
Caffetteria Bartolini
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Caffetteria Bartolini is a small cafe with a rather large rooftop patio located inside the Uffizi Gallery and positioned just above Piazza della Signoria, with an excellent view of the city and Palazzo Vecchio in particular. I would recommend stopping in here for a glass of wine and perhaps a light snack during a long afternoon spent touring the galleries. Caffetteria Bartolini also sells panini and desserts, but please don’t have high expectations when it comes to food or service at a museum cafe. Just remember: you’re there mainly for the views.
Angel Rooftop Bar Florence
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Located in the central district, Angel Roofbar & Dining at Hotel Calimala is a unique rooftop restaurant Florence offers diners looking for an elevated culinary experience. Angel Bar has four terraces with incredible views of Palazzo Vecchio and the surrounding area.
Be sure to come hungry. The kitchen serves up mouthwatering light bites for aperitivo, as well as more substantial full plates like the Truffle Hunter Burger (€22) and amatriciana spaghetti (€26). Delish!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a rooftop bar, Florence can’t be beat! The city is just as stunning from above as it is from below on the cobblestone streets. These are some of the best rooftop bars Florence has to offer. Cheers to seeing things from a new perspective!
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Ready to get out of the city? Why not plan a countryside escape to picturesque Castellina in Chianti?