After wandering around the city of Florence, among historic and artistic wonders of the world, why not end your day as a local would do, with an aperitivo? Elevate your experience in the lovely capital of the Tuscany region, by sipping a crispy Prosecco, an Aperol Spritz or a Negroni with a spectacular view from above.
Considered one of the world’s most romantic cities, Florence is indeed packed full of rooftops, serving views, luxury and romance all in one. The evening is particularly magical as the setting sun illuminates the monuments of the city.
From luxury hotels to historic buildings and art museums, Florence does indeed hide magnificent rooftop bars and restaurants with a view. Read on for a list of the highest-rated rooftop bars in Florence.
You should also read my post Where To Get The Best Views In Florence.
The Best Rooftop Bars In Florence
Sesto on Arno
This is one of my favorite rooftop bars in Florence. Perched on top of Westin Excelsior’s five-star luxury hotel, Sesto on Arno is perfect for a long, relaxing lunch, aperitivo or dinner date. Put on your best outfit (dress code is smart casual) and choose a bottle to share with friends or from exquisite, exclusive cocktails or wines.
If going on a busy Friday or weekend, I suggest reserving a table online. Prices are at a higher end – I paid €20 for a glass of champagne. Yet what place in Florence is decked with glass windows from floor to ceiling, serving gourmet starters such as crumbly Italian cheese from Siena? True, it is a bit touristy – but who cares if the views are stunning, and the drinks even better?
It is a sensational place in the quieter west of Florence and is reserved and intimate. Hosts are cheerful and experts at their craft. Sophisticated and special, Sesto on Arno oozes class and is a wonderful place to unwind after a packed day of guided tours. Take a moment to breathe the Arno in, to see brick-built bridges splitting the river in two, with Brunelleschi’s dome coloring the background and Ponte Vecchio Bridge right below. Be there in time for sunset!
Address: The Westin Excelsior, Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123
Opening Hours: The restaurant is open from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm and the bar from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Galleria degli Uffizi
The Café of the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most underrated rooftop bars in Florence, and it’s a pity! It is accessible from the museum’s upper floor. If you are tired from viewing wonderful art exhibits and need a refresher, head up there to the terraced hanging garden.
The terrace is spacious with plenty of tables shaded with sun umbrellas. The best view is that of the Palazzo Vecchio and its Arnolfo Tower in almost touching distance. Unfortunately the railing and the flower pots are placed in a way that you can’t really see the city below or the Duomo. The Medici would sit here and listen to music coming from the square below – the one we now know as Piazza della Signoria.
This is a café-bar that offers visitors a chance for a snack or drink. Enjoy a frothy cappuccino or an afternoon Spritz, with some fresh air and marvelous views. Once you are satiated, head back through the exit to resume exploring. Walk down the staircase into the magical atmosphere of Florence’s best-hidden secret: the Vasari Corridor.
Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 am – 6:30 pm. Closed on Mondays
For further information, you can read my post How To Get Tickets To The Uffizi Gallery.
View on Art
On the 6th floor of a historic building, belonging to the Hotel Medici in the epicenter of Florence, the swanky View on Art is waiting for you to give a uniquely immersive experience. As the name suggests, it offers an unforgettable view of art, as the balcony overlooks Brunelleschi’s distinctive dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower, two of the most iconic landmarks in Florence.
The restaurant bar offers a broad selection of wines and cocktails – you will find what we Italians enjoy the most for aperitivo food: the tagliere. This is a word that literally means cutting board, but in this case it is used to refer to a wooden board that is filled generously with salumi (that’s Italian for charcuterie), cheeses, olives, crispy breads and other Italian equivalent finger foods. If you fancy a dessert, try their classic, tasty tiramisu.
View on Art has a relaxed, calm atmosphere – though it can get incredibly busy and you may find it hard to get a spot. Every Tuesday they provide a live DJ playing house music to accompany your sipping of a cocktail, with a bird’s eye view of surrounding buildings. Guests can relax indoors or opt to sit on the exterior. Be advised that the exterior has no umbrellas so you won’t find much shade at peak hours.
Address: Via Dei Medici, 6, 50123
Opening Hours: 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm daily
You should also read my posts How To Visit Giotto’s Bell Tower and A Guide To Visiting Florence Duomo.
La Terrazza
La Terrazza isn’t just one of the best rooftop bars in Florence. In fact, it is deemed one of the best rooftop bars in the world. This renowned open-air drinking hole is situated on the top floor of the Consorti Tower at Hotel Continentale. Attracting international crowds, the rooftop terrace provides an unobstructed view of the Arno and the enthusiastic figures of tourists crossing the Ponte Vecchio.
Following a recent re-design by Florentine contemporary architect Michele Bönan, the vibe channels 1950s glamour with an effortless style. A unique mesh of medieval and modern, it is replete with contemporary furnishings, wooden floors, a cozy fireplace, and heated benches to keep the cool crowd warm during the colder winter months.
The most popular cocktails include the Negroni and the new interpretation of the Vesper Martini. Reinvent yourself as James Bond (or a bond girl) by drinking the cocktail ordered by the suave spy in Casino Royale. It is made with three measures of Gordon’s, one measure of vodka and half a measure of Kina Lillet). Of course, kindly ask for it shaken, not stirred…
Address: Hotel Continentale, Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 2r, 50123
Opening Hours: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily
Croce di Malta Hotel
If you want a quieter place in Florence, head to the Croce di Malta Hotel’s rooftop terrace. It is simple but cozy, a quiet oasis in the center of the city. It has a classic Italian home feel, rather than a modern rooftop lounge. Decorated with elegant white, round tables and chairs, the furniture and atmosphere feel reminiscent of your Nonna’s back garden.
Affordable and offering cool views over Florence’s Duomo Religious Complex, it is a perfect location for sunset as golden pink hues set over the city’s skyline.
Access to the terrace is of course dependent on weather conditions. Do check the website before going and keep in mind that the actual bar closes early. Of course, if you are staying at Croce di Malta Hotel like we did, you can actually access the terrace for a view whenever you want – it’s impressive at night!
Address: Hotel Croce di Malta, Via Della Scala, 7, 50123
Opening Hours: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm daily
Head over to my post The Best Things To Do In Florence At Night.
Angels Rooftop
Opening in late 2019, the Angels Rooftop boasts unprecedented 360-degree views. The rooftop is actually massive. You’ll find a restaurant, a couple of bars (one indoor and one outdoor), a small plunge pool and even a nice garden. The mastermind behind this is Alex Meitilis, the same who launched other well known restaurant in places such as London.
It all looks very Italian: terraces, bricks and terracotta shingles wherever you look. Located in the shadow of the Uffizi, enjoy the direct view of Arnolfo Tower. The restaurant is a melting pot spot of Southern-Mediterranean-inspired cuisines providing picture-worthy plates, best enjoyed with masterfully prepared cocktails.
If you are searching for a place redolent with youthful energy, on the terrace, you can listen to live music every Friday and Saturday. A jazzed-up art-deco scene is just what you need to end a night in Italy.
Address: Via Calimala, 2, 50123
Opening Hours: 6:00 pm to 12:00 am daily (Sunday: opened also for brunch from 12:30 pm to 3.30 pm)
Further Readings
If you are traveling to Florence, these other posts will be useful:
- The Best Things To Do In Florence
- The Perfect 3 Days In Florence Itinerary
- How To Get Boboli Gardens Tickets
- How To Get Tickets To Pitti Palace
- How To Get Galleria Dell’Accademia Tickets
- How To Get Palazzo Vecchio Tickets
- How To Make The Most Of One Day In Florence
- How To Make The Most Of Florence At Night
- 13 Best Day Trips From Florence
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