After the Uffizi and All the Gelato, Visit These Gardens in Florence, Italy

Florence’s parks and gardens, mapped

Giardino di Boboli

Originally designed for the dynastic Medici family nearly 500 years ago, the 11-acre Boboli Gardens has been a public park since 1766. Located behind Pitti Palace, the gardens are also considered one of Florence’s finest open-air museums owing to the many artworks and sculptures found there that were created by famous artists. There are several noteworthy features of the Boboli Gardens, including a large pond with its very own island, an adorned grotto, and a large amphitheater. From the gardens, you can also see spectacular views of the rooftops of Florence and the rolling hills that surround them.

Parco delle Cascine

Florence’s largest public park, the Cascine sits on the right bank of the Arno River and spans nearly 300 acres. The park was originally used as a hunting reserve for the Medicis. It remains a popular place for outdoor activities, including jogging, cycling, swimming, soccer, and tennis, thanks to the open expanses and various sports facilities. The park also houses various landmarks, including one of the oldest rowing clubs in Italy and an avant-garde theater called Teatro del Sale. Events are hosted in the Cascine year-round, such as concerts, food festivals, and open-air markets. Bring a picnic or stop at one of the park’s cafes before you go.

Giardino dell’Orticoltura

Giardino dell’Orticultura is a botanical garden located in the heart of Florence. It was founded in 1859 by the Tuscan Horticultural Society with the aim of experimenting with new plants and agricultural techniques. The gardens cover approximately five acres and feature a wide range of flora, including roses, magnolias, and camellias, as well as exotic plants in the greenhouse. In the summertime, the garden hosts concerts, movie screenings, theater performances, and other events are hosted in the garden. Come wintertime, it transforms into a magical Christmas market. There’s also a cafe and restaurant on site, as well as a playground and picnic area.

Giardino delle Rose

This beautiful rose garden sits below the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence’s Oltrarno district. The garden features more than 350 varieties of roses, including hybrid tea roses, climbing roses, and ancient roses. In 2011, a collection of 12 sculptures by Jean-Michel Folon were also donated to the garden. In addition to strolling the garden’s winding paths and bathing in the scent of the roses, visitors can take advantage of its elevated position to see beautiful sunsets. The Giardino delle Rose is open year-round and free to visit.

Giardino del Museo Stibbert

Giardino del Museo Stibbert is a free public garden situated behind the Stibbert Museum. Originally owned by Frederick Stibbert, a wealthy art collector, the garden was transformed into a public park in the early 20th century. The garden’s design is a blend of Italian and English styles, featuring terraced lawns, fountains, and a pond. One of the most impressive features of the Giardino del Museo Stibbert is the collection of statues and sculptures on display throughout the gardens, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David. The garden’s amphitheater also serves as an event venue for concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.

Giardino di Villa Strozzi

Originally created in the 16th century by a member of the noble Florentine Strozzi family as a place of enjoyment just outside of Florence’s city walls, Giardino di Villa Strozzi (aka Il Boschetto) is located on the property of the historic Villa Strozzi. The park has well-maintained lawns and blooming flowers, decorative elements such as sculpture and fountains, and recreational facilities such as a playground, sporting areas, and a space for dogs. There’s also a greenhouse on site that’s a popular event space in the summer.

Giardino Bardini

Perched atop a hill in Florence’s Oltrarno district, Giardino Bardini is an Italian Renaissance garden that houses a variety of themed gardens, including an Italian garden, an English garden, and a water garden. Numerous fountains and sculptures decorate the green space, and you’ll also find several historic buildings on site. When you’re not strolling the garden’s paths, taking in the fragrant flowers, and admiring the views of Florence, take some time to explore Villa Bardini with its lovely art collection and temporary exhibitions.

Giardini dell’Anconella

Florence’s second-largest green space sits on the left bank of the Arno, covering nearly 100 acres between the joint Giardini dell’Anconella and Parco dell’Albereta, which span from Ponte di Varlungo to Ponte Giovanni da Verrazzano. The open space provides a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle and a place to hike, cycle, picnic, and play sports such as tennis and soccer. As attractions are concerned, the standout feature is Brunelleschi’s Dome, a replica of the famous dome that adorns the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The park is also home to several other historic structures, including a restored farmhouse and a 19th-century water tower. Keep an eye out for cultural events being hosted in the park throughout the year, too.

Where to stay near the must-see parks and gardens in Florence

Florence is a relatively small city, meaning most of its popular hotels are well-located near its attractions, including its most popular parks and gardens. Florence Airbnbs are always an option, but if you choose to go the hotel route, these are a few of the hotels in Florence that put you in close proximity to the city’s best parks and gardens.

We hope you love these hotels near Florence’s parks and gardens! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Palazzo Montebello Firenze

Located near the entrance to Parco delle Cascine, just across the Arno from Villa Strozzi and its garden, Palazzo Montebello is a luxurious boutique hotel located in an elegant villa that’s positioned near landmarks such as the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and Duomo. For an outdoor experience right at the hotel, take advantage of the upscale restaurant’s courtyard dining, as well as a cocktail bar with garden seating.

Where: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 14, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Price per night: From $225

Book Now

Hotel Horto Convento Firenze

Hotel Horto Convento is located in a former monastery in Florence’s trendy Oltrarno district, a short walk from Pitti Palace and its famous Giardino di Boboli. In addition to the sleek, sophisticated rooms, highlights of the property include a furnished terrace that’s perfect for a quiet moment and a charming dining room that overlooks an enclosed garden.

Where: Viale Ludovico Ariosto, Via dell’Orto, 13, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Price per night: From $210

Book Now

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Florence’s Four Seasons is located on the edge of a small, charming garden that’s not on this list: Giardino della Gherardesca. The garden may not qualify as a must-see in itself, but having immediate access to a quiet outdoor space will certainly enhance your stay at the Four Seasons, which is already one of the most luxurious hotels in the whole city.

Where: Borgo Pinti, 99, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Price per night: From $1,320

Book Now