When summer heat shimmers over the terracotta roofs, there’s no better way to escape the crowds and catch a breeze than by heading skyward. Rooftop bars and restaurants offer a fresh vantage point over Florence‘s skyline, where Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s bell tower feel close enough to touch, spritz in hand. Here are a few rooftops worth climbing this season.
New for 2025
The Social Hub Florence Belfiore opened its sprawling rooftop pool and bar at the end of May. Affording unrivalled city views, the new 7,000 square metre hanging garden is said to be larger than piazza della Repubblica and is living up to its promise to become “the dream backdrop for a sky-high party or glitzy function”. Expect live music, street food and DJs throughout the summer as you climb up to the roof using the high-speed lifts or the ultra-modern external staircase.
Recently revamped, Narciso Rooftop Pool & Bar at NH Firenze near (but not too close) to the Cascine park has stirring Duomo vistas and is a chill spot for a signature cocktail and light bites right beside the four-star hotel’s panoramic pool.
The Panoramic Bar up on the timeless terrace of the 13th-century tower house hotel Antica Torre Tornabuoni has a new look for 2025. The bar’s been restyled in ceramics, as too has the floor that now vaunts stylish cement tiles, while burgundy is the colour chosen for the tables and accents. Tuscan gin, bitters and vermouth all take centre stage on the drinks list as you look out over the cityscape. Booking recommended.
Laidback terraces
Hidden above the bustling shopping streets, La Terrazza crowns the top floor of the Rinascente department store in piazza della Repubblica. This intimate rooftop café offers a front-row seat to the Duomo rising above Florence’s rooftops. The perfect pit stop after a day of retail therapy to sip on an iced coffee or a classic Negroni as the sun dips behind the skyline.
Beloved by students and locals, Caffè delle Oblate is tucked within the Oblate Library complex. The atmosphere is casual, friendly and surprisingly peaceful given its central location. Settle in with a cappuccino or a chilled spritz, and enjoy one of the best close-up views of the Duomo. The café regularly hosts live music and cultural events.
Just a few steps from piazza Santissima Annunziata, Caffè del Verone is perched atop the Innocenti Museum. This airy terrace overlooks Florentine rooftops with sweeping views from San Lorenzo to Fiesole. Its relaxed vibe and spacious layout make it an ideal spot for a leisurely breakfast or a refreshing afternoon break. Pair your coffee or prosecco with a slice of cake and soak up the unique perspective on the Renaissance city.
Stylish 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.
TSH Lavagnini
Meanwhile, over at the established The Social Hub Lavagnini, bar manager Matteo Sanago has just revealed a new cocktail list for summer delights, accompanied by Tuscan bites and a DJ set every Thursday.
The Butterfly Terrace on the roof at Il Tornabuoni Hotel is a fab place for sundowners. Unwind while sipping on signature cocktails and curated wines among the city’s ancient terraces. Music nights lighten the mood and private events are possible. Closed Mondays.
701 Rooftop Bar is 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.
Nothing’s changed physically at Grand Hotel Baglioni, but the B-Roof is holding a classy events series. In addition to the iconic 360-degree terraces, Shades of Summer narrates the essence of summer through a unique combination of haute cuisine, signature cocktails and live music.
The Duomo leans into view at Terrazza Rodo in super central via Calzaiuoli. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered here, with an ample Aperol menu, making it ideal for an aperitivo.
Angel Roofbar & Dining at Hotel Calimala offers some of 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-Sunday 5pm-midnight, and for lunch from Wednesday-Sunday from 12 noon to 3pm.
DiSopra at Hotel degli Orafi 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 12am to midnight, with a break between 3 and 5pm. Meanwhile, View on Art at Hotel Medici conjures up a young chilled vibe with Duomo vistas.
Take the lift up to the sixth floor for Divina Terrazza at Grand Hotel Cavour, 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 pork loin carpaccio) alongside signature cocktails. Open daily 12 noon-11pm.
Expect contemporary chic with drinks around the iconic pool and riverside views at Empireo at Plaza Hotel Lucchesi. Care has been taken to include local spirits as well as international liquor, 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, near the American Consulate, provides specialty cocktails, a raised pool, a lovely restaurant and romantic city views.
