When you take a walk around Florence at sunset, you will see thousands of people lining the Arno River, taking in the view of the sun setting over the city. Unless it is raining, the skies are glowing in pinks and oranges, creating a scene that is hard to ignore.
Sunset over Ponte Vecchio, Florence.
Moving up the river, you’ll have several bridges that take you from the city center to the other side of the city, where the streets settles down. Many gather on the bridges over the Arno to sit and take in the scene, up on the ledges or just standing next to them. You’ll find couples, singles, children, families, and even the older crowd all gathered in the same 10-foot stretch to enjoy the view of Florence at dusk.
When you take a walk around Florence at sunset, you will run into dozens of street performers. Over bridges or on street corners, the streets of Florence almost always have a soundtrack in the evenings. Before the sun goes down, it is a lot of jazz and acoustic sounds, creating a romantic energy in the air, and allows tourists and locals alike to slow down and take in the present moment surrounding them. Whether it is on the streets, the bridges, or even the steps of Piazzale Michelangelo, many stop to enjoy their wonderful talents being showcased.
Dozens of street performers take their spots before sunset.
Once the sun goes down, the performers get a bit more robust. One of my favorites is Tuesday nights at Piazzale Michelangelo, there is a weekly contortionist show that usually involves more of the crowd. He definitely curates a lot of laughter, and it is hard to walk away without a smile on your face.
The jazz and acoustic sounds help you slow down and take in the present moment.
When you take a walk around Florence at sunset, you’ll see robust statues and street art lit up by the golden hue, and the later pink glow of the sky. People bustle by, and will not give these pieces a second look, while they continue to watch over the city streets.
One of the guardians of the Ponte Santa Trinita.
On Ponte Santa Trinita, there are two identical statues that frame the bridge as you walk across it from the city center side of Florence. As you continue walking, to the left there is a fountain and a well built into the wall with a man with a mustache as the spout. Further along to the left, there is a statue of a man gesturing down the street, and as you continue down the same street, you can see street art from an anonymous artist of famous paintings made to look like they are underwater.
A fountain in the Oltrarno quarter.
Statue of Saint John the Baptist.
These art forms feel almost like Florence’s easter eggs, because they aren’t necessarily named, and they are not the art forms that tourists are flocking to the city to see. But if you are walking around Florence at sunset, make sure you are paying enough attention to the little things on the walls around you.
Don't forget to look up!
When you take a walk around Florence at sunset, you’ll probably run into a lot of love. Be it between friends, partners, or families—dusk in Florence means showcasing the love you share for the people around you: those who want to watch the sunset with you or walk along the river with you. Walking around Florence at night tends to be a very romantic experience.
A young couple chats in front of the Church of San Frediano.
Whether it is just a weekend adventure or you end up choosing Florence as your home for your semester abroad, exploring the city and sitting in the scene in the evening is a magical experience you cannot pass up.