Visiting Piazzale Michelangelo with Kids – Tips from a Local Mom

You’ve likely seen photos of the Florence skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo. Are you wondering if it’s worth visiting with your kids?

I think it’s worth heading up to Piazzale Michelangelo with little ones. My kids (ages 2, 5, 8) all love it for different reasons – chasing birds, checking out the views, getting a snack, and visiting the nearby gardens.

It’s a lively place and makes for a fun family adventure in Florence.

Before you take off, read through this quick guide for visiting Piazzale Michelangelo with kids. I’ve used our family’s experiences to help make yours stress-free and memorable!

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Best Way to Get To Piazzale Michelangelo with Kids

Probably the thing that will make or break your Piazzale Michelangelo experience is how you decide to get there. You know your kids best. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Walking Up to Piazzale Michelangelo

If you’re walking up with kids who enjoy the challenge of a climb, you’ll want to do the classic climb up from Piazza Poggi to Piazzale Michelangelo (the purple route on the map above). There are steps, ramps, and a couple of street crossings. It’s a climb, but my 5-year-old and 8-year-old are fine on it because it only takes about 20 minutes, including a stop at Poggi’s Ramps to see if there are any ducklings in the pond.

There are also nice views on the way up so you can always take a break and look at the bellavista. And, you can always bribe your kids with a snack or drink up at the top!

Good To Know: You won’t want to bring a stroller on this walk because of the steps. If you have a stroller and time for a leisurely walk up, take the orange route on the map above.

Taking the Bus Up to Piazzale Michelangelo

You can take the regular city bus (#12 and #13, Autolinee Toscane) or the red double-decker City Sightseeing bus (if you’re using it during the day – don’t pay the €€€ just for the ride up to Piazzale Michelangelo).

Driving Up to Piazzale Michelangelo

If you’re coming to Piazzale Michelangelo by car (for example, you’re heading out to the Tuscan countryside in your rental car), there are a few parking spots in Piazzale Michelangelo, or you can try the street below nearby San Miniato al Monte (both marked on the map above).

Take a Taxi Up to Piazzale Michelangelo

Depending on where you depart from in the city, expect to pay between €10-20. You can either call a taxi (+39 055 4242 or +39 055 4390) or get a taxi from a designated taxi stand. When you want to leave Piazzale Michelangelo, you can get a taxi at the taxi stand on the southwestern corner of the Piazzale.

Remember, there aren’t car seats in taxis.

General Tips for Visiting Piazzale Michelangelo with Kids

View of Florence at sunset from Poggi's ramps. Colorful flowers in foreground and skyline with Duomo and buildings in background.

Be aware of cars on the main road that runs by the Piazzale (Viale Michelangiolo). Cars move quickly and dart around (especially locals that get annoyed with slowing cars and tourists crossing the street wherever they feel like it), so keep your kids close. There is no fence or barrier between the Piazzale and the road.
Be prepared for crowds if you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or fall. If your kids want a peek at the view at sunset, you may need to put them on your shoulders, or arrive early so you can get a spot. Alternatives to the crowded corner of Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset include the views from Poggi’s Ramps, the Loggia terrace, and the bar on the corner below the Piazzale (all on the map above). Good To Know: If you’re visiting Florence in the winter or for the holidays, you’ll see fewer crowds!
Look for fish or ducks in the ponds at Poggi’s Ramps and in front of the Loggia (the big building directly behind the Piazzale.
Allow plenty of time for the walk up. Make sure you don’t try to cram your visit to Piazzale Michelangelo into a 30-minute time period. Allow time for a leisurely walk up with plenty of breaks, time at the top to run around the Piazzale and say hello to David (the statue in the center). And, visit the real David in the Accademia later!
Visit in the morning for a quieter experience.
Avoid walking up during midday in the summer heat. If you must come up during the day, take a taxi or the bus, or walk up on Viale Michelangiolo (partly shaded).
Avoid walking up if it’s raining. The stone steps can be slippery. Instead, try one of our Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Florence with Kids.
Toilets are below the stairs on the western side of the piazza or on the road toward San Miniato al Monte. There’s a water fountain on the eastern side of the piazza near the entrance to the Iris Garden.

Places to Eat with Kids Near Piazzale Michelangelo

Terrace at La Loggia with views of Florence, Italy. — La Loggia terrace

If your little ones are hungry for more than snacks at the food carts in the Piazzale, a couple of good options include:

La Beppe Fioraia – Beautiful order garden area and place for kids to play. Order a tagliere with local cheeses, cured meats, and more nibbles for a kid-friendly snack or find something more filling. Just down the hill from the Piazzale.
Loggia di Piazzale Michelangelo – Just behind the piazza, so it’s easy! Order something simple and enjoy the view from the terrace. Best to reserve in the high-season.

Things to Do Nearby Piazzale Michelangelo with Kids

Skyline of Florence framed by metal sculpture in the Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose). Sunny day with puffy white clouds. — Outdoor art in the Rose Garden

Rose Garden (Giardino dell Rose) – Let your kids check out the roses (in the spring), find their favorite works of art, look at the fish in the fountain, or just relax on the lawn (bring a book, let baby nap). Read more about the Best Gardens in Florence.
Iris Garden (Giardino dell’Iris) – If you’re in Florence between late-April and late-May, take a peek at the wide variety of irises in the garden. Avoid if you have small children who can’t resist picking flowers – they’re all within arm’s reach. The small paths aren’t stroller friendly and it gets really packed with people. I visited once with a stroller but wouldn’t do it again.
San Miniato al Monte – Behind you, up the road a bit and then up some stairs, is San Miniato al Monte, which has more excellent views, an interesting basilica with frescoes and mosaics, and a shop run by the on-site monks. Kids who have read Pinocchio may be interested to know that author Carlo Collodi is buried in the cemetery.
Clet’s Studio – Older kids and teens who enjoy street art will want to keep their eyes open for artist Clet’s work throughout town. And, his studio is just down the hill from Piazzale Michelangelo in the San Niccolò neighborhood.

More Fun Climbs in Florence with Kids

Boy looking at the view of Florence from the top of the Duomo climb. His face is covered with a red graphic heart. — View from the top of the Duomo

Boy in grey sweatshirt looking at view of top of buildings in Florence, Italy. He's sitting on a blue chair at a white table. You can see part of the Duomo dome and Piazza della Repubblica. — View from the top of the Duomo

Did your kids love the climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo and the view once they arrived? If so, you may want to check out another view (or two!) while you’re in Florence.

Giotto’s Bell Tower – Climb up to the top of the bell tower next to the Duomo. This is our favorite family climb in Florence. Read more about Climbing Giotto’s Bell Tower.
The Duomo – Another nice climb with gorgeous views of the city center and the countryside. You also get to see the inside of the dome close-up.
Arnolfo Tower – Head to the top of the Palazzo Vecchio tower.
Rooftop Bars – You can take an elevator, but still get nice views and a snack at one of the many rooftop bars in Florence.

Check out more of the Best Views in Florence