Instagram Guide to Capturing Stunning Photos in Florence
Updated: Oct 2
Introduction
As one of Italy’s most photogenic cities overflowing with striking landscapes, Florence is called an ultimate muse for travel photographers. From postcard vistas of terracotta rooftops to hidden architectural gems, compelling subjects jump out on every corner. This makes deciding what details to capture with your phone camera feel rather overwhelming when attempting to portray the city’s essence in a social media post.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a guide to Florence’s top photography hot spots, which is guaranteed to have your Instagram profile erupting in praise over the elevated “wow factor.” Yes, say goodbye to mediocre travel shots plaguing your current feed. Because iconic panoramas, dramatic lighting, saturated colors, and artfully framed architectural visuals await around each turn.
Join us as we journey through journalist and tourist favorite photo locations plus a few offbeat spots offering unconventional, yet still quintessentially Florentine eye candy. Let’s dive into these creative capture ideas to upgrade your artistic perspectives, shall we? Just don’t forget to peek up from your phone screen to soak in the splendor in real-time as well.
Iconic Landmark Hot Spots
We start our photographic quest at key landmarks instantaneously synonymous with the Florence cityscape that demand lenses locking on their grandeur. Prepare for expansive scenic vistas, ancient stone bridges reflecting off glimmering waters and religious structures crested by terracotta tiled domes. Even seen a hundred times before on tourism brochures, this mighty quartet still paralyzes passersby in sublime awe with each new viewing.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Kickstart your sightseeing by ascending the steep stone stair pathway to reach this panoramic lookout point perched high over the Arno River. Picture unobstructed views of Florence’s entire skyline from the hillside balcony terrace including the iconic Duomo cathedral dome to the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge to the Palazzo Vecchio fortress and surrounding red rooftops. Golden hour sunsets prompt flawless image illuminations.
Standout Shots: Capture the perfect symmetry of epic city views framed by cypress spires with lens aimed through one of the overlook’s stone archways. And don’t forget posing travelers!
Ponte Vecchio
Constructed in 1345 to replace the Roman bridge that once stood, the last surviving Medieval bridge in Florence still brims with irresistible charm. That explains why photographing Ponte Vecchio’s three stone arches spanning across shimmering Arno River waters has composed postcards galore for decades. Thirty tiny jewelry shops attached side-by-side also add bursts of color against weathered amber hues too.
Standout Shots: Photograph the bridge head on surrounded by silver reflective water for iconic recognizability then explore side streets offering alternative angled views of its charming architecture.
Florence Duomo
The magical terracotta tiled dome crowning the Florence Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore makes ignoring this church impossible as an amateur or professional photographer. Get lost admiring the intricate details of its patterned exteriors, statuesque embellishments and the giant ruby red doors protecting entrance into the nave.
Standout Shots: Capture abstract tight shots of engraved marble reliefs, lavish stained glass windows or sculpted bell tower statues. And don’t miss the optical illusion angles attainable of those signature red doors opening into infinite darkness.
Loggia dei Lanzi
Tucked beside Florence’s administrative offices, this petite portico (architectural structure) frames some of the most revered Renaissance sculptures against stately Romanesque columns. Notable works include Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women golden ratio spiral statue, Benvenuto Cellini’s towering Perseus with the slain Medusa head in hand, and Agnolo Gaddi’s serpentine fountain filled with putti cherubs in marble form.
Standout Shots: Photograph statues from intriguing angles and distances – but watch for pigeons attempting to steal the spotlight!
Offbeat Photo Ops
Florence overflows with overlooked details and tucked away locales still capable of bringing photographic perspectives to elevated levels away from heavily treaded tourism trails. Seek out these alternative gems in between main attraction visits for adding delightful diversity.
Granted this thundering multi-tiered waterfall graces southern Umbria’s verdant countryside 90 minutes drive north from Florence. Yet photographers still consider Marmore Falls an absolute must-see thanks to its sublime vistas and rainbow producing mists. So do yourself a favor by taking a day trip from the major city circuit to these picturesque natural cascades pouring audaciously into the River Nera below.
Standout Shots: The viewing platform near the top provides exceptional elevated angles down to the waterfall base surrounded by jutting greenery. Don’t forget your neutral density filter to soften fluid waters into misty movement too.
Returning to Florence city proper, this ultra cozy hole-in-the-wall restaurant snuggled near the Medici Chapels seduces cameras with vibrant hanging flower boxes out front and romantic lighting glowing beneath arched ceilings inside. Handheld shots rule the day for encapsulating Osteria Cinghiale’s essence.
Standout Shots: Vivid crimson geranium trailing window boxes outside offer fantastic contrast against amber stone walls. While inside, capture brick barrel arches dramatically illuminated by dangling bare bulb filaments.
Discretely hugged along the north bank Arno River quay, La Menagere Restaurant spills Parisian Art Nouveau inspiration through every interior detail. Floral receptors cradle French café tables in teal and blush bursts while elaborate wallpapered halls feel extracted straight from frilly turn-of-the-century parlors. An petite terrace even provides front row seats to glistening river views.
Standout Shots: Frame sunset shots overlooking Ponte Vecchio bridge reflecting softly tinted hues glistening atop the river first. Then move inside to spotlight sensational decorative elements including inlaid wood floors and fabulously detailed chairs.
Residing adjacent the Santa Maria Novella basilica, an inconspicuous pharmacy first opened in 1612 still stands operating on the same premises blending botanical based perfumes, soaps and cosmetics from original 17th century medicinal recipes. Wander mesmerized snapping rows of ornate glass bottles lining shelves that hold dreamy scented secrets just waiting to be released.
Standout Shots: Compose vivid symmetry shooting down the main corridor blanketed end-to-end in rainbow bottled potions and lotions or capture close-ups of those antique container labels and calligraphy.
Architectural Details
Many photograph Florence superficially as a collective cityscape of terracotta rooftops punctuated by mighty monuments lording over. But don’t ignore the intricate details defining so much architectural brilliance hidden in plain architectural sight as well.
Often overshadowed by its terracotta domed superstar neighbor lies the Florence Duomo’s elaborately decorated exterior worthy of some photographic praise in itself. Flush along the Gothic Revival fronted west entrance see a vivid showcase of pink, white and green local marble panels depicting biblical scenes and the Final Judgement. Talk about palatial pretty from head to toe!
Standout Shots: Capture dimension and angles provided from the layered carvings and mosaic tile patterns adorning door frames, columnist niches and archivolts.
Treat yourself to an overnight stay at this opulent accommodation emphasizing decadent atmospherics through every turn – instantly seducing iPhone cameras and DSLRs alike. The grandiose great room greets with elaborately gilded coffered ceilings while individually themed suites honor famed former hotel guests names like Leonardo DaVinci and Cosimo de Medici integrating custom artistic details.
Standout Shots: The Leonardo DaVinci suite stars a dramatic crimson four poster bed paired with wall adorned reproductions of Mona Lisa and Vitruvian Man. While the room devoted to Catherine de Medici overflows with Roman antiquities against damask walls reflecting regality.
Buzzing square tucked just steps from one of Florence’s top museums actually offers visitors a far more mesmerizing sight to behold in itself. See locals mingling against the backdrop provided by 15th century Santo Spirito façade - a pillar supported Palazzo providing intriguing architectural framing regardless the focal point. Grab an outside table at any of the surrounding cafes for optimal people watching appeal too.
Standout Shots: Capture candid lifestyle shots of Florentines passionately conversing over cappuccinos kept in frame by incredible surrounding columned symmetry.
Must Visit Rooftop Bars
Last but certainly not level, raise perspective levels even higher by toasting sublime sunset panoramas overlooking Florence from dizzying rooftop watering hole vantage points. Sip your spritz while snapping the ultimate Instagrammable views!
Peer down at Florence’s sea of terracotta tiles right from your premium perch atop this ultra chic five star hotel bar directly beside the Cathedral itself. That means yes, the iconic Duomo’s circular dome looms dramatically behind the External Terrace & Bar while you swill cocktails and frame travel content gold.
Standout Shots: Clear skies obviously provide ultimate background appeal when capturing Santa Maria del Fiore’s intricate architectural details from straight above. But moody storm cloud rolling through can prompt equally brooding, romanticized vibes too.
Obicà Mozzarella Bar
Another exceptional elevated viewpoint spanning the Arno River unveils itself on the rooftop of Obicà’s flagship location devoted to Milan’s incredible mozzarella focused cuisine. In between forkfuls of creamy burrata with sweet balsamic, allow eyes to drink in uninterrupted 360 degree views of landmarks like Ponte Vecchio bridge to Palazzo Vecchio fortress to endless terracotta.
Standout Shots: Frame bridge architecture peeking through in symmetry or go big with wide angle capture power when aiming lens outward for full river bend vistas surrounded by skyline.
posture along the very heart of Florence by the Duomo here at Dome Bar. An interlude of tranquility unexpected mere steps from throngs of tourists below unfolds on this petite yet perfectly intimate terrace. Lounge on plush sofas beneath strands of twinkly white lights when aiming cameras outward to the streets where correlations between rustic neighborhood rooftops and religious architectural marvels develop intriguingly. Many Florence boutique hotels also have amazing shots.
Standout Shots: People watch the steady stream of tourists exiting the Duomo so recognizable in frame thanks to meticulously detailed ornate exterior visible above their heads. And don’t miss capturing cotton candy skies behind the dome at dusk either!
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide equips all levels of travel photographers with inside knowledge for capturing supreme shots reflecting Florence’s beauty, magic and essence through artistic eyes and lenses. Iconic landscapes, dramatic angles, textural patterns and golden light await around every corner for those keen to push artistic boundaries. Just remember that while seeking spectacular photographic compositions, remain present to soak up lovely sights in real time too. We know quite the oxymoron for Instagrammers. But finding that balance between digital documentation and simply stopping to smell and see the Tuscan roses will prove so rewarding. Remember capturing stunning photos in Florence is fun, so go enjoy your photography adventures!
