Rooftop bars in Florence, all have great views- but are they worth it? Some are and some are just for show…
Summer in Florence means a lot of things: busy streets, hot weather, aperitivo al fresco, brilliant sunshine and easy living. Millions of people visit Florence annually, and there’s a certain priceless leisure of sipping from a rooftop bar after surviving a day swimming through the crowds at museums and pounding the streets under unforgiving heat and humidity.
Not only can you escape some of the stifling summer heat to take in the breeze from the rooftops (or an indoor air-conditioned table), you can basque in the stunning views of the city skyline, marvel at Florence’s iconic architecture, colors and the gorgeous sunsets from above.
You'll find most terraces are at high-end, boutique or luxury hotels. Rooftop bars in Florence are usually open to the public, too. Make sure you book in advance as the best tables fill-up quick.
Here are some picks we did some serious research (many didn't make the cut) on where to have the best of both worlds: scenic location with a quality drink (and snacks) to match.
If you’re looking for unique experiences to do in Florence, our highly curated aperitivo tour in Florence has the option to stop at a rooftop bar for private bookings. Our small group tour stops at some pretty tasty bars, too.
Not in any particular order:
@Empireo Rooftop Bar at Hotel Lucchesi
1. Disopra at Hotel Orafi- Just off the chaotic Ponte Vecchio is a luxury hotel gem with a rooftop bar that almost feels like a speakeasy. The covered terrace has few tables but a larger indoor dining area toescape the heat while stillbeing able to enjoy the views. The bar manager makes their own orange & cacao liqueur to level up basic espresso martinis and also has an impressive collection of premium spirits for drink nerds. Simple antipasti bites like charcuterie and crostini plates. Address: Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, 38 WEBSITE
At Disopra- from a women’s day themed pop-up showcasing Cadello, an oak-barrel aged Italian liqueur steeped in Silk Road spices
2. B-Roof: Perched atop the historic Grand Hotel Baglioni, B-Roof is one of Florence's most respected rooftop destinations, showing off spectacular panoramas across terracotta rooftops to Brunelleschi's magnificent Duomo. Apart from being one of the city's most sophisticated rooftop dining spots, imaginative signature cocktails playing with nori sodas, rose water and saffron infused wine are served alongside live music at sunset. Address: Piazza dell'Unità Italiana, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy WEBSITE
View from inside B-Roof
3. (Temp closed, check back for updates) La Terrazza at Continentale- Currently closed for renovation and looking forward to seeing its new reiteration. This rooftop selection offers sweeping views of the Arno River, Brunelleschi's unforgettable Duomo, San Miniato al Monte, Palazzo Vecchio and Forte Belvedere. Drinks always a guarantee- stay tuned on their IG parent page via Portrait Firenze. Address: Hotel Continentale - Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 2r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy- Florence
4. 701 Rooftop at Gallery Art Hotel- 701 is apart of the Lungarno Collection luxury hotel group so style, service and leisure are points of focus. The quality at any of their branded bars & restaurants are reliably spot-on, especially their cocktail program. The dream bartending team puts together a delightful menu with intentional signature drinks involving niche & small batch classic spirits from caliber producers, homemade syrups like falernum, shaken twists like Sicilian blood orange bitter shakerato and a couple low-abv vermouth cocktail options. Sitting inside gives a glimpse into the skyline if too hot for the terrace seats. We have been working with the team here for over a decade on our Aperitivo tours and love everything they do.
Address: c/o Gallery Hotel Art, Vicolo dell'Oro, 5, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy WEBSITE & BOOKING
Courtesy The Hoxton/Grassi Partners
5. Enoteca Violetta - Hidden within Florence's elegant residential quarter, just moments from the city's iconic landmarks, The Hoxton Florence has unveiled the Enoteca Violetta Rooftop Club—a stylish new terrace set atop a seamless blend of a 16th-century Renaissance palazzo and a modernist building. Their Enoteca has moved to their rooftop space once reserved for private events and occasional yoga sessions. Making it Florence’s first rooftop bar enoteca (wine bar) with natural and artisanal wines. The Hoxton in Florence has made significant efforts in distinguishing itself as a bar for both locals and guests by also hosting occasional pop-ups and community events. Expect thoughtfully curated natural and artisanal wines from Tuscany and beyond, paired with Mediterranean small plates designed for sharing. Open on weekday evenings, the rooftop offers a relaxed setting for aperitivo, complemented by intimate wine events, occasional DJ sets, and a distinctly local yet chic atmosphere. Address: Via S. Gallo, 97, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy WEBSITE
6. Butterfly Terrace- An intimate rooftop escape off Florence's prestigious Via de' Tornabuoni (we nickname Florence’s 5th avenue). This small terrace overlooks the terracotta rooftops dotted around the historical center neighborhoods, with the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the rolling Tuscan hills on the horizon.
The concept here is exceptional pizzas by acclaimed pizzaiolo Manuel Maiorano alongside an imaginative cocktail program guided by the zodiac and a zero-waste philosophy repurposing surplus ingredients from their restaurant. Must-try signatures include Acquario—a twist on the Tom Collins featuring house-made fig soda and aromatic thyme. Perfect for a casual pizza aperitivo or dinner under the stars with refreshing, simple drinks after an afternoon of high fashion shopping. Address: Via de' Tornabuoni, 3, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy WEBSITE
7. Empireo- Located at Hotel Lucchesi, Empirio is probably what we'd consider a solid classic oldie but goodie for rooftop bars in Florence as it’s been a worthy rooftop rec since opening in 2014. They’ve recently revamped their culinary program to serve contemporary dishes from their hotel restaurant Segno. Thus making it less of an aperitivo rooftop but more of a romantic terrace spot for wine’ing and dine’ing with 360 views of the city. Note: reservations are a must. WEBSITE Address: Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, 38 Hours: 7pm-10pm
Have you been to any of these rooftop bars? Have any favorites of your own to share? Let us know!
Grazie mille for reading and supporting our Sommlady-powered small business! Follow Coral at Curious Appetite on IG for daily Italy inspiration.
