Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
4.5
About
Erected during Roman times, this is the most ancient and photographed bridge in Florence, which is characterized by three arches and two wide arcades on each side housing the famous and unusual "botteghe" or shops.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area

Neighborhood: Florence Historic Center

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  • Tualie
    Varese, Italy1,586 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A good example of how bridges looked in the Medieval period...
    Is Florence’s landmark. In the Medieval period, instead of those nowadays standing jewerly shops there were butcheries, fishmongers and greengrocers stands (since XIV century), easy for them to throw the waste into the river so can keep the city out of those market odors. The top floor that lines the bridge is part of the Vasari corridor, a pedestrian passageway built in 1565 to provide privacy for the Medicis to avoid commoners; then in 1593 they passed a law expelling them (because of the odors) and replacing those stands for goldsmiths. Since then, the bridge always housed jewelry shops. Check the only surviving tower corner (Mannelli) with the passageway swerved round it on brackets. Is highly touristy, very expensive jewelry/watch shops, when walking on it seems a normal street but this is a bridge with buildings on it. Beware where you step, watch out for scammers. Best pictures when taken from river banks.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 7, 2023
  • papillon2020
    Brisbane, Australia700 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique Bridge Filled with History
    A bustling bridge of gold shops and steeped in history. Too many tourists but that's normal whenever you visit a popular tourist spot. You'll spot one gold dealer after another as you walk across this Medieval stone closed bridge. If you walk to the middle you'll find a spot on both sides where you can look down the river for some great images.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 19, 2023
  • AngloItalian78
    Aylesbury, United Kingdom546 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the most famous bridges in the world but...
    ...notwithstanding the fact you need to come here if you ever visit Florence, it is just a bridge, it is overcrowded, it is full of people selling "tat", some of it cheap, some of it overpriced, no doubt plenty of pickpocketers and a few dodgy or weird people, all mixed in with a blend of every language and nationality you can imagine. I mean, this is the heart of Florence, one of the busiest crossings over the pretty River Arno...and in spite of the crazy number of people, please don't forget it does make for some beautiful photos, it is a wonderfully unique design with shops and homes built into a busy bridge over a city river...that in itself is a bonkers concept and I doubt you'd get much sleep if you work or live there, but it's certainly unique and as far as attractions in Florence go, it is a must-see! If you want quiet, perhaps try to find one of the less well known museums in Florence or a pretty cafe down a side street and enjoy an Aperol Spritz instead!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 11, 2024
  • Rob007Kent_UK
    Wye, United Kingdom3,734 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Famous bridge near Palazzo Pitti with stunning views of the Arno river
    A trip to Florence would not be complete without a visit to the world famous Ponte Vecchio which spans the river Arno. Above jewellery shops on the eastern side, the Corridoio Vasariano is a 16th-century passageway between the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti that runs around, rather than through, the medieval Torre dei Mannelli at the bridge's southern end. The bridge houses an interesting mix of shops selling jewellery, high end watches, artwork and the usual tourist fare. Plenty of photo/Insta opportunities abound here with the bridge looking equally impressive at night as well as first thing in the morning.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 28, 2024
  • CPaM68
    Texas780 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unusual and historic bridge that you should visit while you’re in Florence
    The Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”) is a medieval stone arched pedestrian bridge, built in 1345, that goes over the Arno River at its narrowest point in Florence. It is believed that the very first bridge near this point was first built in Roman times. It’s unusual in that it was built with small two-story shops on the outer edges of both sides of the bridge. I learned that at one time this was a common practice for bridges. Initially, they had blacksmiths and shops that sold meat and farm produce, but today it’s lined with jeweler and souvenir shops. It was very crowded on the day we were there, not only with tourists looking at the bridge and browsing in the shops, but with locals just crossing from one side of the river to the other. Find the plaque above the Rolex jewelry shop dedicated to the German officer who blew up every bridge crossing the Arno except the Ponte Vecchio as the German army was retreating from Florence during WWII. You also have a great view of the river both ways when you reach the middle of the bridge.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written February 8, 2024
  • Brad
    Hong Kong, China177,342 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the most easily recognisable bridges in the world
    Ponte Vecchio is one of the most easily recognisable bridges in the world. Crossing the Arno in the city centre of Florence, this arched stone bridge dates back to the Middle Ages but is famous these days because of the cluster of small buildings and shops, beautifully fitted atop Ponte Vecchio, creating a must charming scene for photographs when visiting the city. You can walk over Ponte Vecchio as well. Most of the shops these days are goldsmiths and jewellery dealers. There is a monument 16th-century Italian sculptor Benvenuto Cellini in the middle of the bridge as well. You can take nice pictures from this centre area of Ponte Vecchio which opens up to the Arno River on both sides. For good pictures of Ponte Vecchio, just walk the sides of the Arno or make way to Ponte Santa Trinta (northwest), Ponte alle Grazie (southeast) or all the way up to Pizzale Michelangelo where you can spot the bridge amongst other city landmarks from these elevated grounds on the Oltrarno side of the river.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 2, 2024
  • Xamot Tomax
    Fort Wayne, Indiana7,216 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bridge with so much history
    While casually strolling through the city, we came across this bridge. It’s over 30 meters in length and crosses the Arno River. This is a very picturesque area. A little history I learned about it was it was opened in 1345, while construction lasted from 1335 to 1345. I admit that this might not be on everyone’s list of things to see, but I’m glad I saw it while in Florence.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 10, 2024
  • Mandy F
    Sandhurst, United Kingdom319 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely place to wander
    A must see in Florence - this bridge has changed purpose over the years so has so much history. The shops are great to browse. It gets busy during the day so take care with bags and belongings. You can get the best pictures of the bridge from the next bridge along.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 2, 2024
  • Sam F
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best at night
    Obviously worth the visit! I crossed this bridge many times, and I must say I prefer the night. I was overwhelmed in the day, by the number of tourists, and won’t realistically wake up early to see it. Night is wonderful; you can really see and understand where you are, without other tourists overwhelming the experience. Don’t miss the statue of the Nazi commander, who decided it was too incredible to bomb in the war!
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written May 4, 2024
  • merseyblue-1
    Liverpool, United Kingdom1,168 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Some good photo opportunities...
    Very nice old bridge that's worth a visit. It gets a bit busy here but it's easy enough to amble across and appreciate the views, architecture and ambiance. Built during Roman times over the Arno River, this bridge was swept away and rebuilt several times. The current bridge has stood the test of time since 1345. There are a few little cafes around and some good photo opportunities.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Popular mentions

4.5
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Sonja M
Hove, UK725 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
Once you can get passed all the selfie stick tourist , you begin to see the beauty and majesty of this bridge. Take time to enjoy the atmosphere the hustle and bustle of the shops , although sadly nearly all are catering to the tourist mass market. There are some stunning view to be had from the centre where you watching the Arno following below as it had done for years.
There are far less crowded areas of Florence with far more original charm but it is one of those must see places.
Written April 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rome
Philadelphia, PA92 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
As an iconic structure and as a social gathering venue, while in Florence, it is a must see.

The views are great and the atmosphere is special, especially at Christmas time. After the copious number of jewelry stores close for the night, the street musicians come out and the party begins.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leslie
5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Ponte Vecchio is the iconic bridge over the Arno River. It is very picturesque. And if you are shopping for gold, the entire bridge is lined with jewelry stores. There are also restaurants but they tend to be pricey. The bridge links the old city with some famous sites on the other side (such as the Pitti Palace of the Medici’s) and picturesque neighborhoods. There are also artisans living and working on the opposite side and you can find shops with pottery, leather, handmade paper and other nice gifts. It is worth a visit.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Timzorrr
Edmonds, WA1,598 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Ponte Vecchio is a bridge with many jewelry shops on it. Originally, it was a bridge that had many butchers on it. Their continual dumping of the left over animal scraps into the river led to them being removed and replaced by high end jewelry shops.
It gets very busy but early in the morning it is a magical place to stroll and take pictures.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Manos M
Glyka Nera, Greece89 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
I visited this very old bridge two days before Christmas and it was magnificent. Along the bridge there are a lot of shops shelling gold mostly. The view of Arno river and all the houses along look very romantic. Than evening was an event where a giant projector was placing pictures of the moon on the bridge.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jmichel01
Myrtle Beach, SC422 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
When you look at all the buildings, etc more then 600 years old it makes you realize that we aren't that much smarter than people back then, just have more tools to use. This bridge to still be standing over 600 years when many of our own bridges fail after 30 years is a great example of the engineering done back then. It's a work of engineering, a work of art, and a site not to miss, plus surrounded by other things to see and do.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

swetamodi
Mumbai, India221 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
The bridge is beautiful - has an Old World Charm to it with wooden shops lining both sides on the bridge, mainly jewellery shops.
It really takes you back in time.

Views on both sides are nice too
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GAN L
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia10,656 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Is a medieval stone closed-spandel segmental arch bridge over the Arno river in Florence. There are many shops built along and nowadays the tenants are jewelers,art dealers and souvenir sellers. In 1900, to honor and mark the fourth century of the birth of the great Florentine sculptor and master goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, the leading goldsmiths of the bridge decided to create a bronze bust of Cellini to stand atop a fountain in the middle of the Eastern side of the bridge, where it stands to this day.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EllisShuman
Jerusalem, Israel64 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
Of course we had to walk across Ponte Vecchio on our visit to Florence, but the bridge was very crowded. The stores on either side offered over-priced jewelry, and there was no real place to stop and get good photos of the river.

What I did the next morning was to get up at sunrise and gaze at the bridge from the Uffizi Galleries. That view, with the early sun lighting up the bridge, was incredible, and this made for the best photos.
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael and V
New York City, NY15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
The historical bridge is lined with jewelry shops on both sides with a fantastic view of the Arno River when you reach the middle of the bridge where a bust of 'CELLINI's statue is located. Turn around to the other side for a view of the Arno River & Uffizi Gallery. Look above the Rolex jewelry shop and find a white marble plaque dedication to German Army Officer Gerard Wolf who blew up every bridge crossing the Arno River but spared the Ponte Vecchio Bride as the Allies advanced from Normandy to to liberate Florence.
Written February 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Ponte Vecchio - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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