Ponte Vecchio

The basics

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. See it along with other Florentine highlights like the nearby Piazza della Signoria, Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli), Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi), and Michelangelo's David (housed in the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) a short walk away).

Things to know before you go

• The pedestrian-only Ponte Vecchio is closed to traffic, except for police cars and other service vehicles.

• The bridge leads to the Oltrarno neighborhood, a trendy part of Florence on the south 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 jewelry shops on the bridge are quite respectable—some have been there for a century—and are an excellent place to choose a special gift or souvenir.

How to get there

The Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno River just a block from the Uffizi Galleries, conveniently linking the historic center to the Oltrarno neighborhood. You can walk from the arch bridge to most Florence attractions within 15 minutes. To get there with public transport, take the bus to Borgo San Iacopo.

When to get there

The center of Florence can be uncomfortably crowded during the popular summer months, so 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 without the crowds.

The Vasari Corridor and the Ponte Vecchio

Located on opposite banks of the Arno River, the 16th-century Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano) is an elevated passageway running between Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace. 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.

Ways to explore

Strolling across the Ponte Vecchio is a rite of passage for both first-time and repeat visitors to Florence, but walking isn’t the only way to see the bridge. Get a unique perspective of the medieval landmark on Arno River tours, such as sunset boat cruises and kayaking excursions that allow you to pass under the bridge's historic arches.

As one of the most famous bridges in Italy, the Ponte Vecchio features on most sightseeing tours of Florence’s historic center, along with city highlights such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Galleries.

Accessibility

Though some stones may be uneven, the Ponte Vecchio has no stairs and is generally wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, coins for street performers

What to wear

Comfortable shoes—you’ll want to continue walking south past the bridge to explore Florence’s artisan-filled Oltrarno district on foot.

Not allowed

When shopping for jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio, expect a slight surcharge due to the historic location, but don’t get scammed—check the current market rate of gold before you make a purchase.

Amenities

There are plenty of dining and luggage storage options located on either side of the Ponte Vecchio.

Address

The Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno River just a block from the Uffizi Galleries, linking the historic center to the Oltrarno neighborhood. You can walk from the bridge to most Florence attractions within 15 minutes, or you can get there by car or public transportation.

Driving

Unless you have a special permit to drive in Florence’s historic center, your best bet is to take a taxi to the north or south end of the Ponte Vecchio, then walk across the pedestrian bridge.

Public transportation

The Borgo San Jacopo bus stop is located just east of the bridge on the southern bank of the Arno. Get there on the C3 bus from Santa Croce or the C4 bus from Santa Maria Novella station.

Best times to visit

The Ponte Vecchio is very crowded from 12pm until sunset. Head there after dinner or in the early morning for the calmest atmosphere.

Best days to visit

If the weather is clear, then there’s no bad day to see the Ponte Vecchio—just note that some of its jewelry shops are closed on Sundays.

Best months to visit

Strolling across the Ponte Vecchio to Florence’s outdoor attractions is most pleasant in the balmy months of April, May, September, or October.

Special events

On June 24, Florence hosts a fireworks display in honor of its patron saint, San Giovanni, and the Ponte Vecchio is one of the best places to watch it.