The Real Florence: A Walking Photographer’s Guide (with 15 Hidden Photo Spots)

Everyone takes photos of the Duomo. And honestly—how could you not? It’s one of the most iconic facades in the world. But if you’re anything like me, you’re not here for the postcard shot. You’re chasing the other side of Florence. The quiet alley with perfect light. The meat shop that looks like a movie set. The cup of wine poured through a hole in a wall.

Florence was both our entry point and our exit for walking and photographing Tuscany. Audrey and I flew in, spent several days exploring this glorious Tuscan gem, and eventually kicked off our Via Francigena journey from here. By the time we flew out weeks later, we’d passed through Florence again—this time with dirty shoes, tired feet, and a camera roll full of real moments.

This post is for travelers who carry a camera—DSLR, mirrorless, or iPhone—and want more than the obvious. If you’re planning your first trip to Florence, or just passing through with a few hours to spare, these are the best places to take pictures in Florence that don’t involve elbowing through a tour group.

They’re the Florence hidden photo spots that made us stop, notice, and shoot—not just because they looked good, but because they felt like Florence.

So here it is: our walking photographer’s guide to the city—15 locations, two feet, one camera, no fluff. Let’s go.

Photo Spot #1 – Florence’s Wine Windows

There’s something magical about getting a glass of wine handed to you through a wall—and Florence is one of the only places on earth where that’s a normal Tuesday.

These little portals are called buchette del vino—“wine windows”—and they’ve been around since the 1600s. Back in the day, wealthy families would sell wine directly to locals through these holes in the wall to avoid taxes and, later, avoid the plague. (So yes, they were doing contactless delivery before it was cool.)

I found this one on Via delle Belle Donne, just wandering the neighborhood near Santa Maria Novella. A tiny arched door caught my eye, framed by warm stone and a paper menu taped to the wall. A few minutes later, a smiling tourist walked up, placed her order, and—without missing a beat—became part of the scene. The wine, the wall, the light, the grin… it was all there.

From a photography standpoint, these windows are gold:

• The setup is clean and symmetrical, great for framing.
• The textures are rich and old-world authentic.
• The human element adds warmth and story—even better when you don’t stage it.

Photo Tip: Go in the late afternoon for soft light and actual wine service. Earlier in the day it might be closed, and by evening, it’s usually crowded or in shadow.

Photo Spot #2 – Perseus & the Medusa Head

If you’re into drama, angles, and bronze muscles—this one’s for you.

Perseus with the Head of Medusa is one of Florence’s most intense statues, tucked under the arches of the Loggia dei Lanzi, right in Piazza della Signoria. Everyone’s racing to see David, but I found Perseus far more compelling. Fewer phones in the air, more to work with in the frame.

The statue shows Perseus holding Medusa’s severed head high, sword in the other hand, standing over her headless body. It’s gory, bold, theatrical—and unbelievably photogenic when the light hits just right.

The key here is to get in tight. Everyone shoots this thing wide, but the real drama is in the details: the expression on Perseus’ face, the veins in the sword arm, the snake hair curling off Medusa’s head.

• Shoot from below and slightly to the side to give the statue that larger-than-life power.
• Use a telephoto or crop to frame just the head and hand if you want a more minimalist composition.
• And don’t be afraid of shadow—it adds mood and texture, especially in late afternoon.

Photo Tip: Aim for golden hour (late day in spring/summer) when the light slices across the square and gives the statue real depth. Earlier in the day, the lighting’s flat and the crowds pile up.

Photo Spot #3 – Cold Wine in Plastic Cups

Florence has no shortage of polished wine bars with linen napkins and Chianti poured at €10 a glass. This is not that.

Vino Divino is the kind of place you stumble into half by accident and then immediately wonder how it still exists. A scuffed-up storefront, a green awning, and two chalkboards offering €1.50 cups of cold wine and €2.50 spritzes. The crowd? A glorious mess of languages and backpacks, gathered around a taped-up menu like it’s sacred text.

Someone leaned against a barrel. Someone else laughed mid-sip. The wine was passed out the door without ceremony. Nobody cared about tasting notes.

From a photography perspective, this spot is magic. It’s got:

• Texture – chalkboard signs, aging wood, the shop’s cluttered charm
• Color + chaos – it’s not clean, it’s not curated, and that’s the beauty

Photo Tip: Step back and let the scene happen. This is a moment shot, not a setup. Try burst mode if you want the gold.

Photo Spot #4 – Side Street Duomo View

The Piazza del Duomo is absolute chaos. But duck down one of the narrow side streets—like Via dello Studio—and suddenly Florence quiets down. That’s when this view hits you.

You turn a corner, and boom: the back end of the cathedral rises up between yellow plaster walls, perfectly framed by two old buildings. No crowds. No tour groups. Just architecture doing its thing.

This spot works especially well:

• Early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and bounces off the ochre walls
• Facing northwest, so you get decent shadow play without blowing out your highlights
• Weekdays if you want fewer heads in the frame

Photo Tip: Shoot from a low angle to exaggerate the vertical lines and suck the viewer straight into the frame. Use portrait mode or a longer focal length to compress the alley and make the Duomo feel even more massive.

This shot is one of the few “quiet” Duomo angles left. Don’t rush it.

Photo Spot #5 – The Market Stall in Motion

The best scenes in Florence don’t come from a museum—they come from a paper bag full of tomatoes, a stall stacked with purple artichokes, and a man moving too fast to catch.

This was shot at Sant’Ambrogio Market, where the colors are louder than the vendors and the action never stops. I had about one second to frame this: baskets overflowing, handwritten signs tucked into crates, a guy with a beard and a brown bag rushing out like he forgot something on the stove. It’s chaos—and it’s gold.

Why this photo works:

• Color: Tomatoes, eggplants, spring onions. No filter needed.
• Motion: Slight blur gives life—like the scene kept going without you.
• Framing: The vertical stacks of produce naturally draw the eye in.

Photo Tip: Set your shutter speed at 1/125 to 1/250 if you’re shooting manual, or use burst mode on iPhone to catch mid-movement. The light under these awnings is usually warm, which helps with skin tones and texture.

And if you miss the shot? Buy some cherries. Then come back tomorrow.

Photo Spot #6 – Duomo + Stormy Skies

Not every shot needs blue skies.

Some of the best photo moments show up when the weather doesn’t “cooperate.” That was the case here—standing near the south side of the Duomo, sky turning steel gray, light soft and even. And somehow, the marble looked even more dramatic than it does under the Tuscan sun.

This angle lets you frame the Baptistery and cathedral together, giving that layered geometry Florence does so well. The lines are clean. The colors stay true. And the atmosphere? Pure texture.

Why it works:

• The cloud cover acts like a giant softbox, balancing the exposure
• Muted light makes the greens and pinks of the stone stand out
• The dome and rose window get extra depth from side-shadowing

Photo Tip: Slightly underexpose your shot to keep cloud detail, then lift shadows in post. Don’t wait for the sky to clear—lean into the mood. Overcast days are your friend.

Blue skies are great. But moody skies? They tell stories.

Photo Spot #7 – Neptune Fountain

Florence has no beaches, but that didn’t stop them from building a god of the sea right in the middle of the city.

The Fountain of Neptune stands guard in Piazza della Signoria, towering above a swarm of nymphs, horses, and river gods—all mid-splash. It’s dramatic. It’s chaotic. It’s a full Renaissance power move carved in marble.

From a photography angle, it’s all about timing and texture. The water arcs, the bronze glistens, and Neptune stares into the middle distance like he’s got better things to do. But this corner of the piazza gives you the best light, with the stone of Palazzo Vecchio adding contrast and grit.

Why it works:

• Great balance of light and shadow, especially in the afternoon
• The action of the water adds motion to an otherwise static square
• Tons of detail—muscles, beards, splashes, hooves—if you’re shooting tight

Photo Tip: Use a fast shutter speed (1/500 or higher) or iPhone burst mode to catch the water in mid-air. And if you’re editing later, boost contrast slightly to separate the marble from the stone wall behind it.

Locals nicknamed him “il Biancone” (The Big White One), and they weren’t saying it with affection. It’s grown into a Florence icon anyway—awkward proportions and all.

Photo Spot #8 – Replica David at Palazzo Vecchio

You can’t bring a camera into the Galleria dell’Accademia to photograph the real David. But you can walk right up to this full-size replica—no ticket, no line, and arguably better light.

This copy stands exactly where Michelangelo’s original once did, guarding the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio. Same pose, same scale, same anatomical overachievement. If you time it right, you’ll catch sidelight that carves shadows across every muscle and tendon.

Why it works:

• Beautiful natural light, especially mid-morning
• Strong textures in the stone of both David and the palace wall
• You can shoot low and wide to exaggerate the height

Photo Tip: Get down low and frame the statue against the sky or stonework to clean up the background. On iPhone, Portrait Mode works surprisingly well here to fake depth of field.

The original David stood here from 1504 to 1873 until it was moved indoors to protect it. The replica was installed in 1910 and hasn’t budged since. He’s been staring down threats—real and symbolic—for over a century.

Photo Spot #9 – Rudi’s Bistro (Lunch Spot)

Some restaurants look like nothing from the street—and that’s how you know they’re going to be great.

Rudi’s Bistro isn’t fancy, but it nails that sweet spot between locals and clued-in travelers. No QR codes, no laminated tourist menu, just simple Tuscan comfort food done right. Think handmade pici pasta, peppery olive oil, and tiramisu that somehow tastes like it was made five minutes ago.

You walk in, get a smile, sit down, and next thing you know a carafe of house red is already half gone and you’re pointing your camera at your plate like a food blogger from 2008.

The wild boar ragu was out of control good. Deep, rich, slow-cooked magic.

Why it works for photos:

• Warm interior light bouncing off plates and wood walls
• Real scenes—no staged plating or food fuss
• That moment when food + story + people all line up

Photo Tip: Shoot overhead or 45° with a shallow depth of field. Don’t forget to include the wine glass—this place has a vibe.

Photo Spot #10 – Hanging Meats & Tuscan Shadows Deli

We were just cutting through side streets when I looked into a doorway and saw it: cured meats hanging from the ceiling, salami tied up overhead, and two guys behind the counter joking around like they’d been doing this forever.

No sign. No branding. Just the smell of cured pork, the buzz of a meat slicer, and a shaft of sunlight falling across the glass case like it was staged—but it wasn’t.

I wasn’t even planning to take a photo. But the way the light hit the counter, the clutter behind the register, and the guys moving around like they were in sync—it just worked. It was the kind of shot that only happens when you’re paying attention.

Why it works:

• Depth and character: Shelves, meats, bottles, and people in one layered frame
• Warm lighting that makes everything feel textured and real
• Candid energy—you’re not capturing a place, you’re catching a moment

We didn’t even ask for anything. One guy cut off a slice of pecorino, the other poured a splash of something herbal into a plastic cup. Two euros, no frills. Florence at its most unfiltered.

Photo Tip: Lean into the chaos. Let the frame breathe with real-life details—clutter, smiles, meat hooks and all.

Photo Spot #11 – Duomo Facade Close-Up

Everyone shoots the Duomo from the front. But walk a few steps off-angle, and the details start to pop—carved saints, marble inlays, and the kind of symmetry that would make a Renaissance architect cry.

I stood across from the Baptistery, zoomed in slightly, and let the frame fill with geometry. Columns lined up, colors layered perfectly, and for once, no tourists blocking the shot.

Why it works:

• Symmetry and texture: Florence’s facade design is no joke—green, white, and pink marble, all cut like it was done yesterday
• Mid-zoom range (35–70mm) helps compress the elements and flatten distracting depth
• Or just walk in closer. Sometimes your feet are the best lens

Photo Tip: Cloudy skies = even light. You’ll catch all that ornate detail without harsh shadows.

This was one of those photos I thought would be boring… until I looked at it later and realized it was a damn postcard. Proof that sometimes the close-up tells the better story.

Photo Spot #12 – The Lucky Snout (Il Porcellino)

Yep, it’s a tourist thing. But it’s also a great photo—if you catch it right.

Il Porcellino (a bronze boar statue with a surprisingly polished nose) sits just outside the leather market stalls. The legend? Rub his snout and you’ll return to Florence. Toss a coin into the grate and your luck doubles.

Most people snap and leave. But if you wait, you’ll see the rhythm: tourists crouching, smiling, rubbing the nose like it’s sacred. That shine isn’t Photoshop—it’s thousands of hands, polishing it daily.

Why it works:

• The bronze gleam + movement = storytelling gold
• Go early or late to avoid the worst of the crowd
• Wide aperture to separate subject from the chaos behind

Pro Tip: Frame someone mid-rub and wait for their expression. A candid shot here tells way more than just a close-up of the statue.

Photo Spot #13 – Baptistery Top Angle

This one’s not about hidden alleys or candid locals. It’s about clean lines, quiet symmetry, and stepping back just far enough to block out the chaos. You’ve got tourists swarming all around, but look up—and the Baptistery suddenly feels still.

That’s the shot: top-down framing, moody sky, and the kind of architecture that practically begs you to shoot it straight. No gimmicks. No people. Just geometry, stripes, and history stacked in marble.

Tip: Cloud cover actually helps here. It flattens out glare, keeps the focus on the design, and makes the gold pop on the lantern.

Photo Spot #14 – The Carriage Ride & Gentleman Driver

Sure, it’s touristy. Sure, it’s probably overpriced. And sure—this is still absolutely worth photographing. Not for the carriage ride itself (though it’s a fine way to avoid Florence’s cobblestone foot pain), but for the strange, perfect blend of theater and tradition it brings to the street.

What you’re looking for is the driver. Usually a man in his sixties, crisp vest, maybe a pocket watch, sitting tall with the reins like he owns the piazza. His horse, stone calm. Locals walk by without a glance, but travelers? We pause. Because it feels like a movie scene just waiting to unfold.

The light here can be magic in late afternoon—bouncing off the buildings, catching the glint of the brass fittings, the horse’s coat, or the driver’s profile as he turns to talk with someone in the back. Even better when the carriage pulls past a storefront or disappears under the arches of the piazza.

Pro tip: You don’t need to pay for the ride. Post up at the far edge of Piazza della Repubblica and wait for them to loop back around. Use burst mode if you’re shooting on iPhone—timing is everything.

Photo Spot #15 – The Three Bells Trap

I wasn’t planning to stop. But there was a crowd, some nervous laughter, and a guy crouched on the ground flipping stainless steel cups over a black mat like he was hosting a game show for five people at a time.

The ball was under the middle one. No question. Everyone saw it. The player guessed right, the crowd clapped, and someone in the back said, “He’s letting people win.” The guy winked. Moved faster. Another win. Someone else stepped in with cash ready.

It all looked casual enough—like a street game on a lazy afternoon. I hesitated. Audrey gave me the “really?” face.

Then the tempo changed. One guy won, two others lost, then another guy “won” and walked off without even reacting. Something felt off. Like a setup. The kind you only catch if you’re watching the whole scene, not just the cups.

And that’s when I saw it: the same faces shifting positions. Applauding, losing, whispering. A full cast playing their part. It wasn’t just a scam—it was theater.

We didn’t play. But I took a photo of the sign warning tourists not to fall for it. Felt like a better souvenir.

Tip: If you want to capture street scams for what they are—stories in motion—shoot from a distance, wait for the hand-off, and don’t be the one holding the wallet.

Bonus: Florence’s Coolest (and Spendiest) Ride

So, full disclosure: I didn’t take the ride. But I saw this thing zip by and immediately started Googling it like a lunatic. Picture a tiny vintage Fiat 500—fully electric, open-air, tricked out in turquoise—and driven by someone who looks like they stepped out of a Gucci shoot. That’s this tour.

It’s run by Platinum Tours, and while the price tag will make your debit card sweat, it’s kind of the ultimate “treat yo’self” way to cruise Florence in style. You get a private guide, a head-turning ride, and the kind of Instagram moment that tourists on foot will straight-up envy. Florence’s backstreets, viewpoints, bridges—all without the sweat or the crowds.

There are different tour options, from a breezy 1-hour loop around the city to a longer experience that includes wine, snacks, and photo stops. And yeah, it’s expensive. But if you’ve got something to celebrate—or you just want to feel like a 1960s movie star for an hour—it’s hard to beat.

Book it here and prepare to be stared at in the best possible way.

Florence Photography Tips (Wrap-Up)

A few quick tips before you head out with your camera (or phone) in hand:

• Go early or go late. The golden hour is your best friend—and also your best shot at avoiding the cruise ship crowds.
• Work with the weather. Moody skies? Wet cobblestones? Use it. Some of the most atmospheric photos come from less-than-perfect days.
• Know your settings. I leaned on my iPhone’s Portrait mode + Exposure lock combo more than once, and it saved the shot every time. (Pro tip: set your focus, dial in the light, and shoot fast.)

Share Your Florence Shots

Got a favorite photo from Florence? Tag me on Instagram @GStravelPhoto—I’d love to see what you found through your lens. Especially if it involves spritz in plastic cups or a statue with a weird expression.