For all the couples of lovers who have visited it once, Florence is the romantic city par excellence. Whether you are engaged, married or just in love, this is the place to visit with the one you love. Among the couples who crowd it every year, many of them decide to get married and arrange the marriage in the city of the Renaissance. Why not thinking then about a Wedding Proposal in Florence?

Planning a marriage proposal in a place other than your own might be tough. It takes just a few hitches to mess everything up. I cannot even imagine how challenging might be arranging everything from abroad, especially because she has to remain in the dark about all the plans.

Following my tips and my maps, you will save time on the computer, and you can enjoy this unique moment in depth. Whether you have a high or low budget, it’s up to you to choose the best place where you can kneel down from the list below. So, what are the most beautiful places where you can make a real marriage proposal?

Piazzale Michelangelo

The best place on where making the proposal is  Piazzale Michelangelo, which is located on the top of the hill overlooking Florence. The area is on two levels, connected by a staircase. From here, you can enjoy the most enchanting sunset of Tuscany, with the sun disappearing behind the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.

The balustrades are the most beautiful spot for a wedding proposal, as you see the sun sinks into the ground. For those who prefer a warmer (and cooler) situation, you could kneel in front of her (and 50 other people!) while street musicians play on the staircase. Italians will be your greatest assistants when it comes to matters of love! 🙂

If you’re looking for a more conventional proposal, you should consider these two:  The Vip ‘s Bar, a cafè right on the terrace; or the Ristorante  La Loggia. It’s better to book a table on the patio above, and if you’re lucky, there will be just the two of you.

Sometimes Piazzale Michelangelo is very crowded, and your plans have to be changed. No Panic! Just go then to the near  Basilica di San Miniato a Monte, less than a 5- minute walk from the Piazzale. There is a staircase similar to the previous one, but far fewer people. Please be informed that gates close around 7-8 pm. Since this is a sacred place, I do recommend proper behaviour and clothes.

You can get to Piazzale Michelangelo easily by bus from the city centre and the train station of Florence, or by taxi.

For sleeping nearby: Villa Cora and Villa La Vedetta

The carousel in Piazza Della Repubblica

The carousel is located in the heart of Florence, in Piazza Della Repubblica, between the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. You can get there walking. The carousel is open from early afternoon until 10 pm, but  I recommend you to go there after dawn. Tickets cost 1.50 €. Buy five tickets at least, because the ride takes a little and the proposal might take longer than expected.

If you’re hungry after that, you might celebrate in the most prestigious open-air cafes in the city or at the legendary restaurant Le Giubbe Rosse, on the other side of the square.

To sleep nearby: Hotel Torre Guelfa.

Ponte Vecchio

In the popular imagination,  Ponte Vecchio is the most charming spot for proposals. It’s always very crowded, and I don’t recommend to propose your girlfriend on the bridge. Follow the flow of the river and go to  Ponte Santa Trinita, that is the next one. From there you will enjoy the best view of Ponte Vecchio. During daytime, it is pretty crowded as well. Go there right after sunset!

Looking down at the river from the bannister, you can’t help but notice some platforms below, in correspondence to the pillars of the bridge, big enough for two seated people. You can spend a few hours there, relaxing and enjoying the bridge, before kneeling down. She cannot say no!

On the terraces of the nicest hotels in the centre

If you are looking for a superior proposal, with a few people around and the unique settings, book a table at Sesto on Arno in Piazza Ognissanti. It’s one of the few places where you can enjoy the view of almost all the bridges of the city.

The venue is chic, and the staff is professional and discreet. You can sit outside on the terrace or, if it is cold, you can spend some time inside, enjoying the fabulous view from large windows. The cocktails are super!

For a proposal outdoor, you should also consider the terrace of the Grand Hotel Baglioni. This hotel has a multi-level outdoor terrace within a few minutes walking from the central railway station. On each level, there is a table or two, so privacy is guaranteed.

The Grand Hotel Baglioni also provide a fantastic restaurant, outdoors in summer and indoors in winter. Book a room, and you will not be disappointed: 5-star luxury and all the comforts you need.

Walking in front of Palazzo Vecchio

If the idea of proposing makes you nervous, why don’t you get rid of stress with a nice night walk? Then follow the map below!

Florence is very romantic by night, enhanced by the light of the original street lamps and the wooden doorways on the sides of rambling roads. As soon as you get Piazza Della Signoria – you can’t miss it – pull out the ring!

The tour is impressive. Along the way, buy her a rose from the vendors, make her take a ride on the carousel, take her in your arms if her feet hurt and give her a candlelit dinner in the restaurants overlooking the Ponte Vecchio. Take it easy; haste is a bad counsellor.

By the Best Gardens in Florence

If you wish the beauty of a garden for the proposal instead, Florence provides some very interesting solutions.
The Boboli Gardens is undoubtedly the most famous. It’s an extensive historical garden, where you can’t help but find lots of sweet spots for the proposal. Remember that professional photographs can’t be taken here. Therefore, if you have hired a photographer to portray the moment, this is not the place for you!

The Bardini Gardens is another beautiful monumental garden with a view of Florence. It has two entrances; the most convenient one is in Via Costa San Giorgio 22 – take a taxi to get there! Once inside, the path is all downhill, and the exit is not far from Ponte Vecchio. Unlike Boboli, the Giardino Bardini is not very popular, and you will find many intimate and quiet spots to kneel down.

The worth visiting places are the terrace with a view, where you can sit down for a drink later; the wisteria tunnel, which in April and May turns purple; the several alcoves with old flags here and there. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to make a wedding proposal in Florence?

The best months are May and June because it is not too hot. In August there are few people around because the Florentines run to holiday resorts. If you are going to make the proposal in the evening, any time from May to September is perfect.

Is Florence safe at night?

Yes, it is. Just avoid the darkest streets, and you will always be safe. If you’re staying outside the city centre, take a taxi: the phone numbers of companies are +390554390 or +390554242

Are there professionals on wedding proposal in Florence? Who can help me?

There aren’t people specialised in wedding proposal in Florence. A standard wedding planner who knows the area is more than enough for the purpose. Send me an email, and I will recommend one that suits you.

Can I buy the engagement ring in Italy?

I recommend you to purchase the ring at your local jewellery dealer. If you want something unique, you should purchase the ring at the shops of the master goldsmiths on Ponte Vecchio. They are unique pieces famous all over the world, definitely a ring out of the ordinary.