Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence: How to Get There and What to See

Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence is one of the most important observation points in the city, capable of providing a panoramic view over the entire area and the Arno.

How to get to Piazzale Michelangelo?

The square, named after Buonarroti, is in the San Miniato – Pian dei Giullari district. It is about 2 km from the historical centre and can be reached either on foot or by public transport.

Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, how to get there by taking a short walk: starting from the Piazza della Signoria we walk along Via Vacchereccia, Via della Ninna, Piazza del Grano, Via dei Neri, Via dei Benci, Ponte alle Grazie, Piazza de’ Mozzi, Via di S. Niccolò, Via S. Miniato, Via dei Bastioni, Viale Giuseppe Poggi.

Piazzale Michelangelo, how to get there by public transport: various travel solutions allow you to move easily around the city and reach our destination.

We can do this by taking bus lines 12, 13, 370A, C4, 23, 23B.

There is also plenty of convenience and easy access for those travelling by car or motorbike.

Piazzale Michelangelo allows parking in several areas.

We have the opportunity to leave our vehicle in the parking area of the piazzale, paying the municipal hourly ticket, or choose the parking area available near the nearby Iris Garden, on Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 80.

Piazzale Michelangelo: must-visit points and attractions

The Piazzale di Michelangelo was designed in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi. The work is part of the so-called ‘Restoration’, a series of redevelopment works of the left bank of the Arno designed to give prestige to the city, which at the time was the capital of Italy.

Located in one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo rises 104 metres above sea level and features several unmissable works.

The David in Piazzale Michelangelo is certainly the most important work and a true symbol of the place.

It is a bronze copy of the work currently housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

Next to it we also find the copies, also in bronze, of the four allegories of the Medici Chapels of San Lorenzo.

David and the original allegories are all in white marble.

The copy of the David occupies a unique and privileged place, allowing it to soar over the city.

The works we admire on the square were transported here on 25 June 1873 using as many as nine pairs of oxen.

A couple of years later, in 1875, the work was completed and the Piazzale Michelangelo became accessible to the public.

Piazzale Michelangelo: restaurants and venues not to be missed

One of the unmissable locations is the loggia that dominates the terrace. It was designed by Giuseppe Poggi and is in neoclassical style.

The building was intended to become a museum dedicated to the works of Michelangelo. However it was immediately transformed into a café and today is a renowned restaurant, La Loggia.

A true icon of the city and a reference point for those who want to eat at Piazzale Michelangelo, it boasts frescoed rooms and enjoys a unique view.

It has been a meeting place for artists, men of letters and intellectuals from the very beginning.

Next to the Loggia are other important restaurants in Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence:

Chalet Il Boschetto: active since 1952, it is perfect for those who want to have a lunch or dinner or take a break. It offers a wide choice of sandwiches, pizzas, piadinas first courses and milkshakes;
Terrazze Michelangelo: the restaurant is one of the local historic venues, with a terrace with a breathtaking view over the city. It offers classic dishes from the Florentine and Tuscan dishes and pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. Also known as ‘Ex Bologna’, an authentic reference point for young people during the 1980s and 1990s, it has been active for over 100 years and is also perfect for organising events and corporate dinners;
Pablito Panorama Bar: the small kiosk is open daily from early morning. It is a perfect refreshment spot for those who want to consume authentic city specialities taking advantage of the outdoor tables;
Hostaria del Bricco: informal but with rooms that have been carefully designed down to the smallest detail, it boasts exposed stone walls and wooden beams. The menu offers the great classics of Florentine tradition, all strictly home-made;
Vip’s Bar: this elegant coffee bar is located on the panoramic terrace and offers an exclusive view of the city. Ideal for aperitifs and cocktails, it is also open for lunch with high-quality dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu also includes sandwiches, pizzas and flatbreads;
Flo Lounge Bar: a modern venue with outdoor areas, where you can combine the pleasure of a good cocktail with a buffet meal. Particularly renowned for its parties with DJ sets;
Calistro: elegant bistro where you can enjoy authentic Florentine street food, from lampredotto sausages, salami, ham and cheese;
Saporium Firenze: an unmissable stop for lovers of haute cuisine, boasting a Michelin Star and always offering innovative dishes. Michelin star and offers dishes that are always innovative and surprising, paying homage to tradition by revisiting it in a modern key. The ingredients come directly from the Saporium’s organic farm.