Your Guide to the Best Florence Gardens and Parks

Ha Truong

By Ha Truong

August 28, 2024

Florence gardens range from the iconic Boboli Gardens with its sweeping views to the lesser-known Torrigiani Gardens, opening only on special occasions.

rose garden pink rosesThe stunning Rose Garden is just one of the many beautiful green spaces you can find in Florence gardens and parks

Join us as we wander through the most captivating green spaces this city has to offer!

The best Florence gardens and parks - Everything you need to know

Florence is home to some of the world's best parks and most beautiful gardens, many of which you can enter for free!

Take the opportunity during your visit to escape the busy city streets and enjoy some time in nature.


iris garden flowers close upSeeing the stunning blooms of the Iris Garden are one of my favorite springtime activities


While my favorite spot, the Iris Garden, is only open in the spring when the flowers are at their best, others are available to visit year round.

In this guide, we’ll be talking about these magnificent green spaces:


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Boboli Gardens

boboli gardens lawn areaThe Boboli Gardens are a popular spot for locals to hang out and relax


The Boboli Gardens are amongst Florence's grandest and most beautiful gardens.

Sitting right behind Pitti Palace, just a short walk from Ponte Vecchio, they boast panoramic views over the city.

Originating in the 16th century, the Boboli Gardens are a great example of the Italian garden style.


boboli gardens view of pitti palaceFrom the gardens you will get a great view of Pitti Palace and Florence beyond


As you explore, you'll stumble upon the renowned Buontalenti's Grotto, a Roman-style amphitheater, and many intricately sculpted fountains.

Among them, the impressive Fountain of Neptune will definitely grab your attention!

  • Opening Hours: 8:15 AM to 7:10 PM in the summer
  • Ticket Prices: Adults €10, free for children under 18 years
  • Notes: Closing time depends on the season – check the Boboli Gardens timetable

The Boboli Gardens are just a 15-minute walk from Florence’s city center, south of the River Arno.


Cascine Park

Cascine Park, or Parco delle Cascine, is Florence's largest green space.

It's found to the west of the city, on the north bank of the Arno River and with almost 20,000 tall trees, it's known as the green lung of Firenze.


cascine park treesI love walking through the trees in this park, they really make you feel like you're out in the countryside! Photo Credit: Paolo Costantini


What started as a hunting ground has blossomed into a vibrant public park.

Highlights include the splendid royal palace (Piazzale delle Cascine) and the enchanting old ice-house.


cascine park benchesThere are many benches scattered throughout the park so you'll be sure to find a quiet spot. Photo Credit: Paolo Costantini


Scattered throughout are many historical monuments and other activities waiting to be found, or you can simply relax on a bench and enjoy the environment!

  • Opening Times: Open 24 hours
  • Ticket Prices: No entrance fee
  • Notes: Great for picnics with plenty of grassy areas and fresh air

To get there, it's a 15-minute taxi from Florence city center. You can also take bus #17 from Colonna Liceo Castelnuovo.


Bardini Garden

bardini gardens wisteria avenueThe wisteria in the Bardini Gardens is always a popular attraction!


The Bardini Garden, or Giardino Bardini, is another of Florence's favorite gardens and one of my personal top spots.

Located at the Villa Bardini in the Oltrarno neighborhood, this famous garden offers stunning views over the city.


view from bardini gardensThe views of the city from the Bardini Gardens are spectacular!


Reopened in 2006 after restoration, the garden unfolds into three distinct sections, each from a different era.

The first section welcomes you with a magnificent Baroque staircase from the 17th century, which ascends the hillside past six mosaic fountains.

In another area of the park, there's a mesmerizing wisteria tunnel.

It comes alive when it blooms at the end of April.


bardini gardens wisteria duomo viewPictures really don't do the wisteria justice - you'll have to come and see it for yourself!


There's also an intriguing English-style area, adorned with elaborate statues and a meandering canal.

  • Opening Times: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Ticket Prices: Adults €10, no fee for under 18's
  • Notes: Closed on the first and last Monday of every month

You'll find the Bardini Garden just a 10-minute walk from the historic center of Florence.

It's south of the Arno River, close to the Stefano Bardini Museum and Piazzale Michelangelo.


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Florence Rose Garden

Florence Rose Garden, the Giardino delle Rose, boasts over 350 varieties of roses.

Situated on the slopes just beneath Piazzale Michelangelo, it offers spectacular views across Florence.


rose garden wide viewNot only are the roses and garden areas lovely to stroll around, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of Florence


Crafted by Giuseppe Poggi in 1865 as part of the construction of Piazzale Michelangelo, this magical garden is a blend of blooming roses, fragrant lemon trees, stunning flowers, and intricate sculptures.

Be sure not to miss the unique Japanese Shorai Oasis!

  • Opening Times: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Ticket Prices: Free to enter
  • Notes: Best time to visit is May to June when the roses are blooming


rose garden peach rosesThe garden is well maintained and the staff make sure the roses are beautiful when in bloom


To visit the Giardino delle Rose, it's a 20-minute walk from the center of Florence, on the south side of the Arno River.

You can also take a bus to Piazzale Michelangelo and then walk slightly downhill to the garden entrance.


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Iris Garden

The Iris Garden, or Giardino dell'Iris, is located on the east side of Piazzale Michelangelo.

The entire garden is devoted to irises, and it's only open for around a month from late April.


iris garden entranceThe Iris Garden is only open for a month but is absolutely worth timing your visit to see it!


Established in 1957 for a competition by the Italian Iris Society, the garden showcases one of the largest collections of irises in the world.

This is fitting considering the red iris features on Florence's emblem (not a lily as many think) and has a long history in the city.


iris gardens iris flowers in gardenThese beautiful flowers have a long connection with Florence


The irises are planted among ancient olive trees that originally dotted the hill, alongside paths that wind through the flowers. 

When the irises are in bloom they seem to cover the whole ground in a carpet of different colors, it's truly one of my favorite things to do in spring!

  • Opening Times: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Ticket Prices: No entry charge
  • Notes: Only open from 25 April to 20 May. 

To visit, it's a 25-minute walk from the city center to reach the main entrance or you can take a bus up the hill. 

Florence's Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens of Florence feature rare plants from across the globe.

It’s situated just behind the Piazza San Marco on the University of Florence grounds.

Initially founded in 1545 for medicinal plants, the gardens now include plants of all types, including carnivorous plants.

Today, visitors can enjoy wandering along the pathways, exploring the greenhouses, and relaxing by the fountains.

  • Opening Times: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer
  • Ticket Prices: Adults €6, free for children under 14 years
  • Notes: Closed on Mondays and shorter hours in winter

To get to the garden, it’s about a 15-min walk from the historical center of Florence.

Ready to plan your trip?

Horticulture Garden

Florence Horticulture Garden is a small botanical garden beloved by locals.

Nestled north of the center, it's also a hub for cultural events.

Dating back to the 1800's, this garden is home to Italy's largest antique greenhouse, as well as a striking dragon statue.

There's also a playground for the little ones.

Getting there is simple: hop on the C1 bus from Salvemini to Parterre or take a short taxi ride.

Other parks and gardens in Florence

Beyond the most famous parks in Florence, there are numerous lesser-known green spaces deserving attention.

Explore these local favorites during your trip:

Parco di Villa il Ventaglio

Parco di Villa Il Ventaglio is a picturesque terraced park perched on the hill of the Forbici, part of the grand Villa Il Ventaglio.

Originally serving as a rest stop for traveling pilgrims, it was transformed into a romantic park in the early 19th century.

Spanning two levels, it features a breathtaking Italian rose garden and a charming small lake dotted with islets.

  • Opening Times: 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM in summer
  • Ticket Prices: Free entry
  • Notes: Closes earlier in the winter, around 5:30 PM

To visit, it's a 15-minute taxi ride from Florence city center, or you can catch the #11 bus from Vecchietti to Marconi Carnesecchi.


Parco di Pratolino

Pratolino Park, part of Villa Demidoff, is one of the largest gardens in Florence.

Located about 20 km north of the city center, it's filled with natural caves, lakes, and massive sculptures.

Redeveloped in the 19th century into an English-style park, it's famously home to the Colossus of the Apennines, a remarkable statue symbolizing the Apennine Mountains.

  • Opening Times: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Ticket Prices: Free entrance as a public park
  • Notes: Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

The park can be reached by Bus #25 from Liberta' or Bus #307A from Lorenzo Il Magnifico 1.

Giardini dell’Anconella and Parco dell’Albereta

You’ll find the Albereta-Anconella Park to the east of Florence on the left side of the River Arno.

It's a sprawling riverside space with various sports facilities. 

The park is a hub of activity, with a football pitch, skating rink, basketball court, and a free-climbing wall.

There are also picnic tables, a children's playground, and two scenic ponds.

  • Opening Times: Open 24 hours
  • Ticket Prices: Free, with paid activities
  • Notes: Recommended for sports or picnics

Getting there is easy: a 15-minute taxi ride, or take Bus #23 from Corso Dei Tintori.

Check out our top tips for making the most of your time in Florence:

Stibbert Museum garden

The Stibbert Garden is a romantic English garden north of Florence.

The garden offers large green spaces adorned with monuments, fountains, and carvings alongside picnic tables for visitors.

It’s right behind the Stibbert Museum, which houses an incredible art collection.

  • Opening Times: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer
  • Prices: Free public park
  • Notes: Closed on Thursdays, and reduced hours in winter.

To the park, it’s a half-hour walk from the center, or a 10-minute taxi.

Torrigiani Gardens

The Torrigiani Gardens are nestled in the south of Florence.

This privately owned park is a really special space that only opens to visitors for private tours.


One of our favorite tour providers has a very special tour that gives you exclusive access to the Torrigiani Gardens, where you will meet one of the estate's owners and learn about the history of this special green space.

Combined with an in-depth tour of the Boboli Gardens, it's an essential addition to your Florence itinerary!


Originally established as a botanical garden, it was transformed in the 1800's into an English-style park.

Today, it boasts large green spaces, a collection of rare plants, an amphitheatre, and an assortment of sculptures and statues.

  • Opening Times: Only during private tours and special occasions
  • Ticket Prices: Depends on tour group or event
  • Notes: Guided tours are available so be sure to make reservations in advance

It’s situated close to the Boboli Gardens, south of the River Arno.

It’s just a 15-minute walk from Florence's central district.

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