When I studied in Florence, taking a walk to watch the sunset over the Arno River was one of my favorite evening activities. Winding my way through the cobblestone streets after my classes finished for the day,
I’d stroll along the riverfront, watching ambitious individuals rowing and sculling on the water, suit-clad businessmen flying homeward on the bikes, coattails flying in the wind, and tourists and locals alike flocking to the riverbanks to catch the last glimpses of sunlight.
Finally, I would stop and hunker down to watch the sun slip beyond the horizon and witness the golden light fade to a watercolor of purple, pink, and orange, a blissful end to any evening. After doing this nearly every day for four months, I quickly identified a handful of locations well-suited for sundown spectating.
Pescaia di Santa Rosa
This sunset location tops my list not only for the view but also because it is located next to my favorite gelateria, La Carraia. (More on gelato in Florence here!) Grab a cup or cone of delicious frozen Italian goodness and head down to the riverside embankment. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can pop over the brick wall facing the Seminario di Firenze and walk down the convenient little mound of riverfront perfectly raised to street level.
Or, if scaling brick walls isn’t your thing, continue down the street, and just before you reach Tabernacolo di Santa Rosa, there is a paved walkway that leads down to the dam. This is the perfect spot when the river is low, but if there is too much water the embankment is completely submerged, leaving no seating for sunset viewing.
Pescaia di San Niccolò
A quick stroll down from the Ponte San Niccolò, Pescaia di San Niccolò offers spectacular views of the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio. This lush, grassy stretch of riverfront is the perfect spot to spread a picnic blanket with friends and enjoy a sundowner (I’m partial to a glass of Moscato d’Asti).
In the summer, this verdant riverside oasis converts into an outdoor bar-restaurant, Habana 500, serving Cuban cuisine and cocktails and provides beach chairs for its patrons to lounge on while taking in the view of the river.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is infamous for its panoramic views of Florence, and at sunset, tourists and college students flock to its expansive steps to take in the Duomo and sea of terracotta. Take a seat and uncork a bottle of Chianti to enjoy while you watch the sun disappear or take in one of the highly variable performances that occur at the base of the staircase, from a busking street artist to a massive, drunken conga line, you never know what kind of entertainment you’re in for. And if BYOB sounds like too much work, the lower observation deck is converted into a cocktail bar for the summer months.
Rooftop Bars
If you’re looking for a more stylish locale for taking in the sunset, Florence has numerous rooftop bars sprinkled around the historic center. Enjoy contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at Angel Rooftop Bar and Dining while gazing out at Palazzo Vecchio or admire the Duomo over an Aperol Spritz at the View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar located atop Hotel Medici. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, check out SE•STO on top of the Westin Excelsior Hotel for splendid views of the Arno River paired with high-class fare and cocktails.