Everyone loves a good rooftop bar, especially when temperatures spiral and we hunt down the faintest of breezes and the most fabulous of drinks. Here’s our round-up in Florence.
Stylish

The Butterfly Terrace on the roof at Il Tornabuoni Hotel (via de’ Tornabuoni 3) is a fab place for sundowners. The experience is breathtaking for meetings, unwinding and sipping on signature cocktails and curated wines among the city’s ancient terraces. Jazz nights lighten the mood and private events are possible. Closed Mondays.
New for 2024 is 701 Rooftop Bar. Perched on the seventh and top floor of the Ferragamo-owned Lungarno Collection’s Gallery Hotel Art in vicolo dell’Oro, this addition to the city’s rooftop scene offers stellar views of the Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower and the Palazzo Vecchio. Expect sophisticated mixology, immaculate design by Michele Bönan and a style reminiscent of a gentleman’s club, while the cocktail list is a singular blend of classics and innovative creations. Also from Lungarno Collection, La Terrazza Bar at Hotel Continentale (lungarno degli Acciaiuoli 2R) remains an elegant locale with views right over the Ponte Vecchio. Open daily 4-10pm.

Hip

The Duomo leans into view at Terrazza Rodo (via Calzaiuoli 13). Able to seat 60, breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered, with an ample Aperol menu stirred by bartender Elia Pasqui, making it ideal for an aperitivo. The new Tuscan-style menu by chef Filippo Pasqui has a contemporary kick, featuring porcini mushrooms and truffles with pecorino cream, and a goat’s cheese tart with acacia honey and berries.
Angel Roofbar & Dining at Hotel Calimala (via Calimala 2) is perhaps the coolest, chicest terrace after terrace in the heart of historic Florence. Indulge in southern Med aperitivo bites like yummy hummus and pita bread while sipping on signature cocktails such as the Angel Mule (gin, local herbs, lime and ginger beer). Open Monday-Thursday 5pm-midnight and for Sunday brunch.


The Social Hub (via Lavagnini 72) remains popular with the Gen Z for fancy cocktails and craveable plates by the iconic pool.
Chilled

DiSopra at Hotel degli Orafi (lungarno degli Archibusieri 4) rocks a laidback atmosphere replete with Duomo views. Opt for the AperiView gourmet aperitivo for a drink of your choice and accompanying nibbles, or the AperiOrmanni and taste three Chianti Classico wines from the namesake cantina. Open daily from 12.30 to 11.30pm. Meanwhile, View on Art at Hotel Medici (via dei Medici 6) conjures up a young chilled vibe with Duomo vistas.
Classics

The Pool Bar at Grand Hotel Minerva is forever a favourite above piazza Santa Maria Novella. On balmy summer nights, the bar delights with sunset cocktails (try the Terrace Negroni) served with just-fired pizzas and delicious snacks. Open from 7.30pm to midnight.
Take the lift up to the sixth floor for Divina Terrazza at Grand Hotel Cavour (via del Proconsolo 3), which offers a chilled vibe up close and personal with the Duomo. Expect up-to-the-minute cocktails all year round thanks to vaporizers in the summer and heating lamps in the winter.

Be at one with the local ambience in piazza Santo Spirito. The Loggia Roof Bar at Hotel Palazzo Guadagni is a haven of timeless Florentine elegance that serves killer drinks under a spacious wrap-around portico. Savour small bites (examples include caprese salad, truffled burrata and beef carpaccio) alongside the drink of the summer: an Italian Paloma. Open daily 1-11pm.

We know it’s one of your favourites too. The Panoramic Bar at Antica Torre Tornabuoni (via de’ Tornabuoni 1) is just that: 360 views of Florence’s most iconic landmarks, while nursing a fine wine or well-crafted cocktail before or after dinner at the popular restaurant.

Expect contemporary chic with drinks around the iconic pool and riverside views at Empireo at Plaza Hotel Lucchesi (lungarno della Zecca Vecchia 38). Care has been taken to include local spirits as well as international liquors, as well as a focus on Italian reds, whites and bubbles. Poolside bites include cheeseboards and house-made breads. Open daily from 7.30pm.
One of Florence’s first rooftop experiences is still going strong. Terrazza Rossini at Hotel Kraft (via Solferino 2) provides specialty cocktails, a raised pool, a lovely restaurant and romantic city views.
