What’s not to love about a rooftop bar when temperatures spiral in Florence and we’re required to hunt down a whisper of wind and the most fabulous of drinks.
Perched on the top floor of the Ferragamo-owned Lungarno Collection’s Gallery Hotel Art in vicolo dell’Oro, 701 Rooftop Bar offers stellar views of the Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower and the Palazzo Vecchio. Expect sophisticated mixology, immaculate design and a style reminiscent of a gentleman’s club, while the cocktail list is a blend of classics and innovative creations.
Through October 31, Butterfly Contemporary Pizza by Manuel Maiorano brings a new gourmet pizza destination to The Butterfly Terrace atop Il Tornabuoni hotel, blending signature doughs, mixology and panoramic rooftop dining. Check out the steamed focaccia and the Close Your Eyes tasting menu.
Dazzlingly gorgeous and eye-wateringly expensive, Cosimo Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at The Excelsior Florence is the place to be seen and to see the city from on high. It’s designed to glow during the golden hour while savouring a Cosimo Spritz or Bloody Maria Luisa.
Zefiro Rooftop at W Florence begins as a golden-hour escape and unfolds into a vibrant night scene. Inspired by the west wind, it flows from aperitivo to after dark with curated cocktails, music and a dynamic crowd. Try the signature Zefiro citrus gimlet.
One of Florence’s first rooftop experiences is still going strong. Terrazza Rossini at Hotel Kraft provides specialty cocktails, a raised pool, restaurant and romantic city views.
Terrazza Rodo stands out for its super central location along via Calzaiuoli, contemporary elegance and floral border. Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered, plus there’s a generous spritz and aperitivo list.
View on Art at Hotel Medici conjures up a young chilled vibe with Duomo vistas.
Take the lift to the sixth floor for Divina Terrazza at Grand Hotel Cavour, which offers a refined ambience up close and personal with the Duomo.
The Social Hub Lavagnini remains popular for poolside aperitivos with a singular view of the Duomo, while its younger yet bigger sister The Social Hub Belfiore is the main draw with Florence’s largest panoramic rooftop garden to eat, drink and dance the sultry nights away.
Hip hotel The Hoxton is moving its popular natural wine bar to the rooftop for summer pop-up Enoteca Violetta Rooftop Club. Sip artisanal wines and contemporary labels from Valdobbiadene sparklers to Puglian rosés. The summer menu includes small plates along with a rotating selection of weekly off-menu specials. Completing the rooftop experience will be an entertainment program designed to encourage social interaction. Open Monday to Friday from 7 to 10pm.
Caviar House Maleki at Terrazza Paradiso brings an elevated summer experience to one of Florence’s most panoramic terraces, pairing Beluga caviar, Champagne and sunset views perched above piazzale Michelangelo at La Loggia.
Situated on the fifth floor of Grand Hotel Baglioni, near Santa Maria Novella train station, B-Roof has a series of terraces with spectacular vistas of the Duomo and the San Lorenzo market. Head for the hanging garden for evening drinks, cheese plates and pinsa.
Aria Rooftop is a charismatic terrace shaped like a hot air balloon on the very top of heritage hotel Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi. Soak in the sunsets, signature cocktails and culinary morsels by chef patronne Iside de Cesare.
The Loggia Roof Bar at Hotel Palazzo Guadagni is a haven of timeless Florentine elegance that serves fabulous drinks under a spacious wrap-around portico. Savour delicious bites (examples include caprese salad, truffled burrata and Mediterranean dips) alongside an alcohol-free No-Groni or its stronger counterpart.
Angel Roofbar & Dining has some of the trendiest terraces in historic Florence. Indulge in Med-inspired aperitivo bites while sipping on signature cocktails such as the Angel Mule (gin, local herbs, lime and ginger beer). Closed Tuesdays.
The Pool Bar at Grand Hotel Minerva is forever a favourite above piazza Santa Maria Novella. On balmy summer nights, the bar delights with cocktails served with just-fired pizzas and delicious snacks.
DiSopra at Hotel degli Orafi rocks a laidback atmosphere replete with Duomo views. Opt for the Aperivista for a drink of your choice and accompanying nibbles or the Aperiormanni and taste three wines from the namesake cantina.
The Panoramic Bar at Antica Torre Tornabuoni (via de’ Tornabuoni 1) is just that: 360 views of Florence’s most iconic landmarks, while sipping a glass of wine or well-crafted cocktail before or after dinner.
Segno has moved its fine dining experience next to the iconic rooftop pool at Empireo at Plaza Hotel Lucchesi this summer. Indulge in a pizza, cocktail or a full dinner with a side of Florence at sunset.
