Panoramic Loft with a terrace view of the Duomo

Overview

Tucked away on the top floor of a historic building on Via del Corso, this apartment sits right between Florence Cathedral and Palazzo Vecchio in the heart of the city.

Its standout feature is the spacious rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral dome, the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch, evening aperitivo or simply soaking up the atmosphere of Florence from above the rooftops.

The Owners

Your host Patrizia moved to Florence to pursue her passion for painting and the arts. She later turned her focus to hospitality, welcoming guests to experience the same beauty and creativity that drew her here.

Her love for art and the city is reflected in the apartment itself, creating a warm, personal space that feels closely connected to Florence’s rich cultural spirit.

Why we love it

The location: Right in the historic heart of Florence, with the city’s museums, piazzas and restaurants all just a short walk away.

The character: Warm, charming interiors full of character that really capture the spirit of Florence - it genuinely feels like you’re living in the city rather than just visiting.

The terrace: A wide panoramic terrace overlooking the cathedral dome, a rare find in central Florence and the ideal spot for a morning coffee or glass of wine before heading out to dinner.

The Setting

The apartment sits on Via del Corso in the historic centre of Florence, one of the city’s oldest streets. Step outside and you’re right between two of Florence’s most famous landmarks: Florence Cathedral and Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria.

From here, the city is wonderfully walkable. Museums, galleries, historic piazzas and countless cafés and restaurants are all within a few minutes’ stroll. Despite being in the heart of it all, the top-floor setting and that terrace overlooking the cathedral dome, offers a peaceful perch above Florence’s bustling streets.

The details that matter

- Rooftop terrace
- Well equipped kitchenette
- Central city location, walkable to famous sights, cafes and restaurants
- Great night's sleep
- Staircase access

Food & Drink

The apartment has a small kitchen, perfect for preparing a simple breakfast or aperitivo before heading out. We loved starting the day with coffee on the terrace, looking out towards the dome of Florence Cathedral.

When it comes to eating out, you’re surrounded by countless trattorias, wine bars and gelaterias, ideal for everything from a quick pasta lunch to a proper Florentine steak or a late-night gelato.

We’ve shared some of our favourite nearby spots in the Our Notes section, and Patrizia is always happy to offer her own local recommendations too.

Our Notes (tips)

Make use of the roof terrace: We enjoyed our morning coffee on the terrace, as well as our pre-dinner glass of wine.

Eat slightly off the main streets: While there are some good spots nearby, the best restaurants are tucked away from the busiest tourist routes, so aim for those to avoid the crowds and overpriced menus.

Pick up the basics: It's worth stocking up on bottled water, milk, coffee and other essentials from the local corner shop at the start of our trip. You can't drink tap water in Florence.

Cross the river: Walk over the Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno side of the city - it’s a little quieter and full of great restaurants and bars. We loved sitting in Piazza Santo Spirito with a drink. Try PopCafé for cocktails in the sun or Loggia Roof Bar for a pre-dinner drink. Nearby, S.forno is an excellent bakery and Sbrino does brilliant gelato.

Florence's food market: Visit Mercato Centrale for an incredible mix of food stalls, from fresh pasta to the best gelato we’ve ever had.

Try the Florentine classic: You can’t visit Florence without trying a bistecca alla Fiorentina. We loved it at Antico Ristoro di Cambi, just make sure you’re hungry.

For a great sandwich: Panini Toscani serves brilliant Florentine sandwiches and lets you taste different meats and cheeses before building your own.

Find a wine window: Next door to BUBAE is Florence's only working wine window or Buchette del vine. They are 17th century small arched openings in the walls of noble palaces in florence, orginally created to sell wine directly to locals without taxes or direct contact. Be prepared to queue and remember to ring the bill to get served (I forgot).

Best view in the city: Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for incredible panoramic views. Afterwards, head to Piazzetta di San Miniato for food and drinks - Boccadarno was a real highlight for us.

More great dinner spots: Trattoria Boboli (full of locals) and Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco, famously a favourite of Stanley Tucci (we are his biggest fans).