Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in Italy and a popular, crowded sight in Florence. A visit to the bridge is often included in city sightseeing tours and small-group walking tours through the historic center of Tuscany's capital city, along with other Florentine highlights like the nearby Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Uffizi Gallery, and Michelangelo's David (housed in the Accademia Gallery a short walk away).

• The Ponte Vecchio is closed to traffic but is patrolled by police cars and other service vehicles.

• The bridge leads to the Oltrarno neighborhood, a trendy part of Florence on the opposite side of the river filled with excellent restaurants and cafés.

• There are no stairs on either side of the bridge, so it is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• The gold and silversmith shops on Ponte Vecchio are quite respectable—some have been there for a century—and are an excellent place to choose a special gift or souvenir.

The Ponte Vecchio crosses the River Arno just a block from the Uffizi Gallery, linking the historic center to the Oltrarno neighborhood.

The center of Florence can be uncomfortably crowded during the popular summer months, and it can be a challenge to navigate the crowds on the bridge. Take an early morning or late evening stroll if visiting between April and October to savor the sunrise or sunset over the RIver Arno without the crowds.

Located on the opposite banks of the Arno River, the 16th-century Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano) is an elevated passageway running between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. Commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de' Medici in 1565 and designed by Giorgio Vasari, the walkway was once a secret route used by the Medici family to travel unnoticed through the city. Today, the corridor is used as an art gallery, and visitors can admire views over the Arno River from large windows added to the section of the corridor running over the Ponte Vecchio.

Yes, you can walk over the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. This historic bridge stretches over the Arno River, connecting two halves of the city. It is free to cross, open 24 hours per day, and offers excellent views up and down the river, especially at the golden hour of sunset.

Ponte Vecchio is famous for being one of the most romantic destinations in Florence. This historic bridge offers beautiful views of the Arno River below and both halves of the city of Florence. Ponte Vecchio is also famous for its beauty, as seen from afar and reflected in the river water below.

Yes, Ponte Vecchio in Florence is free to visit. This historic bridge is free and open to the public, with no lines or admission structure. Ponte Vecchio, stretching over the River Arno and connecting the two halves of Florence, is a pedestrianized bridge thousands of people use daily.

Yes, it is worth going to Ponte Vecchio in Florence. This historic bridge offers a beautiful vantage point to admire views of the River Arno and the city of Florence. Many visitors also seek views of Ponte Vecchio from afar and the chance to see the bridge reflected in the river water below.

Yes, Ponte Vecchio in Florence is safe at night. This historic bridge is a popular tourist destination and is commonly very busy. Take standard precautions against pickpockets by not displaying electronics, jewelry, or wallets for easy theft, and enjoy the views from Ponte Vecchio at night.

The morning hours of sunrise are one of the most beautiful times of day at Ponte Vecchio in Florence. This time of day also coincides with the most peaceful atmosphere at this bridge. Many travelers also love the views at sunset at Ponte Vecchio, and the bridge is lovely after dark.