If Florence is next on your hot list, we’ve got the perfect way to elevate it to “top three holidays ever” status. All you’ve got to do is look up, waaaay up, to experience the heights a trip here can reach.
We say this because many people make the mistake of losing themselves in the city’s labyrinth of laneways and cobbled streets, and never actually finding higher ground.
Sure, this place is gorgeous at eye level.
But relaxed, romantic, panoramic rooftops are the ultimate treat in Florence.
Sunsets over the Arno River, negroni in hand.
Candle-lit aperitivi on 200-year old balconies.
Garden-party vibes with the Duomo as your backdrop, and Tuscan hills as far as the eye can see.
That’s the stuff that really makes for remember-forever moments you won’t find back home.
So bookmark this post and share it with your girlfriends. Making plans for where to drink vino in Florence is important!
Now, onto the best rooftop drinking spots in Florence with views that are stupendo.
1. Grand Hotel Cavour Florence
If you want an uber-romantic, panoramic view of Florence, the elevator up to Divina Terrazza on the 6th floor of Hotel Cavour is your ride. There’s something incredibly refreshing (and humbling!) about being eye-level with the tops of the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, so close it feels like you could reach out and touch them. Clink Chiantis in the summer and cozy up with hot chocolate in the winter here, ‘cause it’s open year-round.
2. Hotel Continentale Florence
The rooftop La Terrazza bar at the Hotel Continentale is located on the top floor of the medieval Consorti tower overlooking none other than Ponte Vecchio. Comfy cushions make you feel like you’re hanging out with your Italian bestie in her living room (with a killer view). Sunset over the Arno River here with one of their signature cocktails in hand gets a hell-si from us.
3. Hotel Plaza Lucchesi Florence
The luxe Empireo Bar at the top of Hotel Plaza Lucchesi is the kind of place that looks like only VIPs are allowed, and by invitation only. In fact, their aperitivo is quite reasonably priced, considering the buffet spread they put on and the live music. And we haven’t even mentioned the view, which rolls all the way up to the olive-tree-dotted-hills of Tuscany. A truly sexy spot.
4. Hotel La Scaletta
This rooftop is tucked away into a cozy corner of Florence, and a great choice for a romantic evening with your sweetie. It’s quiet but breathtaking, with a view of cascading red terracotta roofs sloping across the city. Think white tablecloths, good food, and flickering candlelit vibes.
5. La Rinascente
If you’re a shopaholic like us, La Rinascente will ring a bell — this shopping hot spot also has a lovely rooftop café/bar, where you can cool off with a Prosecco after snagging a deal on a new pair of sunnies. The view: people-watching on Piazza della Repubblica, the Duomo and of course, the gorgeous green Tuscan hills. Pro tip: It fills up quick during the day if it’s sunny, so plan to catch sunset or sneak in before lunchtime picks up.
6. SE·STO On Arno
This is what you pack your fancy-pants outfit for. SE·STO on Arno is atop the five-star Westin Excelsior Hotel, and your pick for when you wanna channel Sofia Loren for the night with a well-made negroni or two. Their rooftop has a cozy glass-covered restaurant and terraces, one of which includes their bar. Snag aperitivi from 7PM-9PM every day here, or book ahead for a delish dinner served up by their Michelin-starred chef.
7. Grand Hotel Baglioni
B-Roof at Hotel Baglioni in the summer is essentially a gorgeous garden rooftop party, with the added bonus being a dramatic view of the Florence skyline. With pretty plants and comfy chairs galore, it’s perfect for giggling with your girlfriends in the afternoon, when you’re beat from sightseeing all morning.
8. Hotel Croce Di Malta
Another cozy, garden-y spot, very simple (little white tables and chairs that you’d find on your nonna’s lawn) because the backdrop has a-l-l the drama. 360-degree views of Florence, gardens and pools make it seem like a little sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. Grab a cocktail and whip out that selfie stick, because an impromptu photoshoot wouldn’t be the worst idea here 😉
9. Terrazza Rossini
Finally: one more relaxed romantic rooftop to put on your radar. Perched atop the charming Hotel Kraft, you can snuggle up on their lounge sofas with a view of the whole of Florence and the old town. Perf for sipping on one of their many signature cocktails in the sun.
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So, there you have it: 9 of the best bars in Florence with a killer view.
Send it to your travel bestie, and pencil that trip into your schedules already!
Want more insider intel on Florence?
Get your hands on Gigi Guides: City Guide to Florence where we dish on our hotel, food and neighborhood recs, plus things to do and sample itineraries our team has curated.
Join us!
We’ll show you some of our favorite spots on a full day or half day tour. Let our local guides take you to the must-sees and the off-the-beaten path gems we’ve scouted for you.
Here are a few blog posts you’ll love too:
- Restaurants in Florence: 20 Top Choices from Food Critics, Travelers and Locals
- Things to Do in Florence
- Eating in Florence: 4 Things You Should Know
- What to Do in Florence
Now, share with us — what else are you planning for your Florence trip, besides laughing over limoncello on rooftops? Dish on the deets in the comments, so we can help!
