Raise a Glass and Enjoy the Views: 9 Best Rooftop Bars in Florence

by | May 4, 2023

When it comes to traveling in Italy, there’s no doubt that finding the perfect spot to grab a negroni and enjoy stunning views is an essential part of the experience. Luckily for travelers exploring Tuscany, rooftop bars in Florence has shortage of the perfect views.

While it may not have the imperial grandeur of Rome’s rooftops, the small-town charm of Positano’s rooftops, or the fashionable crowds crowding Milan’s peaks, Florence’s top rooftop bars bring a charm no other city can compete with. While Tuscany is full of hidden gems at every corner, Florence is where the essence of Italy’s rich culture and history is captured as the center of the Renaissance. From stunning architecture to delicious cuisine, there’s so much to take in.

And what better way to take it all in than by enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine at one of the city’s best rooftop bars? From intimate and cozy to luxurious and sophisticated, each rooftop bar offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding hills.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best rooftop bars in Florence. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a night out, these bars will have you feeling like you’re living the dolce vita. So, sit back, relax, and join me as we explore the best rooftop bars in Florence, Italy.

1. Loggia Roof Bar

Perched on the top floor of the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, the Loggia Roof Bar in Florence is a fantastic spot to appreciate the timeless beauty of Florence. The bar offers a serene and romantic ambiance where you can enjoy an aperitivo while admiring breathtaking views of the city and its hills. The Loggia is the first rooftop terrace of its kind in Florence, making it an iconic landmark in the Oltrarno area. The bar offers a variety of fantastic drinks, and their burrata is a must-try.

The service is impeccable, making for a memorable experience. While there, be sure to take in the views of Florence’s red roofs at sunset. Booking a reservation in advance is recommended.

Address: Piazza Santo Spirito

Instagram: @loggia_roofbar

2. La Terrazza Rooftop Bar

La Terrazza Rooftop Bar, situated on the top floor of the Hotel Continentale in Florence, provides an exclusive lounge experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s historic center. From the Cupola del Brunelleschi to the Campanile di Giotto and the iconic Ponte Vecchio, you can enjoy the beauty of Florence from a contemporary and elegant private space. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset toast or a vibrant cocktail party, this rooftop bar offers a perfect setting for every occasion.

The top-notch furnishings and excellent service add to the charm, making it a favorite among locals as well, not just travelers. Though the pretzels served as snacks could be better, the overall experience of sitting in a fantastic armchair and enjoying the view is unbeatable.

Address: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli

3. Empireo Rooftop at Plaza Hotel Lucchesi

Located at the Hotel Plaza Lucchesi, the Empireo Rooftop is one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. Since its opening in 2014, it has been a top choice for both tourists and locals for its breathtaking views of the Arno River and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. The Empireo is only open during the summer season and the swimming pool is for exclusive use by hotel guests. However, access to the bar is also allowed to outsiders by reservation from 7:30 pm onwards.

In addition to its stunning views, the Empireo also boasts an extensive cocktail menu that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of drinkers. Whether you prefer a classic martini or a creative concoction, the bartenders at the Empireo will happily whip up a drink that will tantalize your taste buds.

Address: Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia

Instagram: @empireo_florence

4. Antica Torre Tornabuoni

Perched atop a restored medieval tower, the Antica Torre Tornabuoni bar is a hidden gem in the heart of Florence’s historic center. Boasting panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower, the bar offers three unique terraces to choose from. The Terrace Duomo is a must-visit for those looking for an awe-inspiring view of Florence’s skyline, while the Arno Terrace offers a more intimate ambiance. The Panoramic Bar on the Roof Top provides a spectacular setting to watch the sunset over the city, surrounded by the battlements of the Tower, which have stood for over 800 years.

Inside, the bar exudes a cozy atmosphere with its beautiful decor and excellent wine selection. The wine list features a range of Tuscan and Italian wines, with a few champagne options as well. For those who prefer cocktails, the talented barman is more than happy to create unique cocktails using only the finest ingredients, such as the Elisir di Rose from the Officina Farmaceutica Profumo di Santa Maria Novella or the rosolio of the cloistered Benedictine nuns. If you’re interested in learning more about the art of mixology, the bar also offers an hour of lessons on preparing Negroni and other specialties, including the Sunset, a perfect aperitif to enjoy while being kissed by the sunset.

Address: Via dei Tornabuoni

Instagram: @tornabuoni_anticatorre

5. B-Roof at Hotel Baglioni

The B-Roof is a stunning panoramic restaurant situated on the fifth floor of the Grand Hotel Baglioni in the heart of Florence, just a two-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella station. With its outdoor terraces and panoramic windows, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city’s most famous monuments, from the Medici Chapels to the dome of the cathedral and the tower of Palazzo Vecchio. The restaurant serves traditional cuisine with a modern twist, using only high-quality products from the Tuscan region. Its elegant and refined ambience makes it an ideal choice for lunches, dinners, aperitifs, and special events like weddings, receptions, business lunches, and graduation parties.

Address: Piazza dell’Unità Italiana

Instagram: @b_roof

6. Terrazza Rossini at Hotel Kraft

Terrazza Rossini is a spacious and lovely rooftop bar and restaurant perched on top of the historic Hotel Kraft in a quiet residential area of Florence, close to the River Arno. Offering stunning views of the city’s historic center and the surrounding hills, it is the perfect place to unwind and take in the beauty of Florence. The menu features fresh and well-made Italian dishes with some international touches, along with a nice cocktail bar serving apertivo, specialty cocktails, and a large selection of martini cocktails. The rooftop terrace is set over two different areas, with a large terrace for dining and lounge sofas, and a smaller raised terrace with a lovely rooftop pool and sun loungers for hotel guests. Open throughout the day, Terrazza Rossini is the perfect Florence rooftop for both relaxing afternoon cocktails and romantic dinners.

Address: Via Solferino

Instagram: @hotelkraft

7. Angel Rooftop at Hotel Calimala

If you’re looking for an experience that’s as breathtaking as it is delicious, you simply must check out Angel Rooftop at Hotel Calimala in Florence. Trust me, I had the pleasure of visiting and it was an unforgettable evening. Not only were the drinks fantastic and the food delicious – seriously, the best seafood in Florence – but the atmosphere was something truly special. The rooftop terrace offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, making for a truly enchanting backdrop to your meal. And the intimate and cozy atmosphere of Angel only adds to the magic. I highly recommend trying the caprese.

Address: Via Calimala

Instagram: @angel_roofbar

8. Hotel Croce di Malta

At Hotel Croce di Malta, I had an atmospheric evening enjoying the stunning Duomo views while sipping on a glass of delicious wine. The classic Italian cocktails were also a must-try, especially the spritz and Aperol. The bartenders were friendly and created cocktails tailored to my mood, perfectly complementing the authentic Italian cuisine served in the lively lounge bar and dining hall. The live evening entertainment added an extra touch of magic to the already wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend visiting this gem during your stay in Italy.

Address: Via della Scala

Instagram: @crocedimaltaflorence

9. View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar

Located on the top floor of the Hotel Torre Guelfa, View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar boasts an unparalleled view of the city’s iconic Duomo. The rooftop’s interior design is simple yet elegant, with a minimalist approach that allows the view to take center stage. The ambiance is relaxed, perfect for enjoying a drink or two with friends while taking in the stunning scenery. On the menu, guests can find a variety of cocktails and an extensive wine selection, featuring both local and international options. Additionally, the establishment offers a limited selection of food items, such as sandwiches and bar snacks, and hosts events twice a week, including live music and an aperitivo.

Address: Via dei Medici

Instagram: @viewonart

Bottom Line

In summary, if you’re planning a trip to Florence and want to experience the city’s beauty from a different perspective, be sure to check out these 9 rooftop bars. This Italian city is full of beautiful rooftops, each offering a unique atmosphere, from the intimate and cozy to lux and sophisticated, and all provide breathtaking views of the city and surrounding hills. So whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after a day of sightseeing or a spot to celebrate a special occasion, mark these rooftop bars for your trip to Florence.

Frances Benaglia - Florence
Frances Benaglia

Frances Benaglia is an Italian-American native of Milan, Italy. After earning her degree from Bocconi University during which she did an ERASMUS exchange in Stockholm, she embarked on a journey of discovery and took a gap year to travel to over 20 countries. She's now a management consultant and is known for her meticulous planning research skills, making the most of her time off by finding the perfect places to unwind and relax.

Frances Benaglia is an Italian-American native of Milan, Italy. After earning her degree from Bocconi University during which she did an ERASMUS exchange in Stockholm, she embarked on a journey of discovery and took a gap year to travel to over 20 countries. She's now a management consultant and is known for her meticulous planning research skills, making the most of her time off by finding the perfect places to unwind and relax.
All posts by Frances Benaglia

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