Arno River

The basics

As Florence’s bisecting waterway and one of its main attractions, the Arno River is seen on most walking tours, which also typically include the Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori), Piazza della Signoria, the Basilica of Santa (Basilica di Santa Croce), and Ponte Vecchio.

While most Arno River tours take place on foot, some travelers may prefer golf cart, Vespa, and vintage car tours that drive along the banks of the river and provide a quicker way to see all that Florence has to offer. That said, you can’t get closer to the Arno than you can through water-based activities, from paddleboarding to barchetto tours, which provide views of Florence from a perspective that many visitors often miss.

Things to know before you go

• A visit to the banks of the Arno is a must for first-time visitors to Florence, especially photographers of all skill levels.

• The Arno River splits Florence into its northern half, where you’ll find the Duomo, and the Oltrarno, a district known for its artisan shops and local restaurants.

• Bundle up if walking along the river from November–February, when windy conditions may cause temperature drops.

• Don’t forget comfortable shoes, as the best way to explore Florence is on foot.

• The Arno River floods from time to time, such as the 1966 disaster that killed dozens and destroyed countless works of art. Visitors to Florence can still see plaques throughout the city marking the water level from November 4, 1966.

How to get there

The Arno runs through two of Italy’s top destinations—Florence and Pisa—both of which are easily accessible using public transit. The centrally located Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station in Florence and Centrale station in Pisa are the terminuses for most direct buses and trains. If traveling by car to Florence, take Autoroute E35 to Highway SS67; to Pisa, take Autoroute E80 or Superstrada Firenze-Pisa-Livorno.

When to get there

The Ponte Vecchio, one of the river’s main attractions in Florence, can get congested on weekday and weekend afternoons. For a quieter visit, go in the morning just as the vendors begin to set up shop. Annual highlights in the city of Pisa include Luminara di Santa Ranieri in June, when thousands of twinkling lights float down the river to celebrate the patron saint of Pisa, as well as the Pisa Regatta, where participants race against the Arno’s current.

Where to find the best views of the Arno

While there are no bad vistas of the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita bridges are two of the most popular viewpoints. For panoramic views of Florence and the river, climb to the top of Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. Outdoor food halls and dance venues operate along the river in the summer months, while the Uffizi Galleries offer glimpses of the river through gallery windows above.

Ways to explore

As Florence’s bisecting waterway and one of its main attractions, the Arno River is included on most walking tours, which also typically include the Florence Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. For a faster way to see these Renaissance gems, join a golf cart or e-bike tour that rides along the banks of the river. Or, see the city from a perspective that most visitors miss by booking water-based Arno River tours, from kayaking excursions to sunset cruises.

Accessibility

Some Florence tours are wheelchair accessible—contact the provider in advance to confirm. If you’d like to explore the Arno on your own, Lungarno Torrigiani has a wide, smooth sidewalk along the river with a great view of the Ponte Vecchio.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes—the banks of the Arno are best explored on foot.

Not allowed

Rules vary for Arno River tours, but most don’t allow pets, smoking, or alcohol.

Address

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the best places to admire the Arno River from central Florence. It’s walkable from most attractions—with the Uffizi Galleries and Piazza della Signoria just steps away—and reachable by car and public transportation.

Driving

Instead of self-navigating through central Florence’s pedestrian-only zones and limited parking spaces, it’s best to call a taxi to drop you off along the Arno River.

Public transportation

While several buses pass by the Arno, the C4 bus is especially convenient for tourists, as it goes from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station and stops at many points along the river.

Best times to visit

Sunset is especially beautiful along the Arno River, and you can get the best views from the Ponte Vecchio or Ponte Santa Trinita bridges.

Best days to visit

The Arno slices through the center of Florence, and it draws crowds every day of the week. You can enjoy the scenery any day you go.

Best months to visit

Visit in May or September for the best weather. Florence’s rainiest season is from October–December, and there’s little cover along the river.

Special events

Florence celebrates patron saint San Giovanni annually on June 24. The Arno riverbanks are a prime place to watch the fireworks set off from Piazzale Michelangelo.