Description: Probably the most popular lookout in Florence is the famed Piazzale Michelangelo. Although not ranked in the top 4 positions for "Best Views in Florence" in my opinion...it still is quite spectacular.
Sitting just above the neighborhood of San Niccolo and next to the lovely Iris Garden, this piazza is pretty much just a glorified parking lot. Although the view is marvelous, I think it's a little lower on my list, only because of the lack of atmosphere in the area surrounding you while taking in that marvelous view. Walk through the big lot of parked cars and tour buses, past the large (copy) statue of David, and between the many stalls of street vendors selling "Ciao Bella" t-shirts and leaning tower of Pisa mugs...and then you'll arrive at the expansive waist-high stone wall where you can turn and see the countryside.
There are a few lookout lenses you can use for a couple coins, and there are always plenty of people there taking the same photo of themselves on the wall with Florence behind them, that an impromtu photographer is not but a few feet away.
Although it does get quite crowded and the somewhat cheesy tourist scene in the parking lot can be distracting, it is possible to find a quiet spot to take in the glorious view. If you walk down the staircase to the level below, there's a lovely cafe with outdoor tables and even an extensive plaque with a map of the view so you can identify the major landmarks of the cityscape below.
Easy to reach by bus bus #12 or #13 from the center, it can also be reached by foot, climbing up from Piazza Poggi, through the large "porto" and up a zig-zag pathway that is a fun jaunt up or down. Admission is free, and it's worth a trip up at night too...less crowds and an unmatched view of the city lights.
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