Ponte Vecchio Tours and Activities

Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio


Florence’s oldest bridge, the iconic Ponte Vecchio has seen four centuries of art, jewellers and beautiful sunsets.

Goldsmiths and jewellers moved in to the shops along the ground floor of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio after a decree in 1593 ordered that all butchers be removed due to the unwholesome smell. Over four hundred years later, and they are still there, outnumbered only by the hordes of tourists who flock here every day to marvel at the medieval design and fascinating history of the famous old bridge.No trip to the city is complete without a stroll across Florence’s oldest bridge, which has connected the two banks of the Arno since 1345. The bustling masses of tourists during daylight hours attract street performers and artists hawking their wares, creating a unique carnivalesque atmosphere. A wander through the crowds will be rewarded, however, with exquisite views along the river from the central viewing balconies. When evening falls, the shutters come down, the crowds abate and the bridge becomes the perfect place for a romantic stroll. The sunset covers the city in a brilliant haze and as dusk descends, the banks light up, turning the river into a shimmering ribbon of gold, with the bridge offering superb views of the city nightscape.The Ponte Vecchio has won many admirers down through the centuries but perhaps the most infamous was Adolf Hitler, who, legend has it, ordered that the bridge be spared destruction at the hands of the retreating German army during World War II. And he was not the first powerful European figure to influence the bridge’s history the Grand Duke Cosimo of the ruling Medici family had the Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano) built here in 1565 so that he could enjoy the walk from his home in the Palazzo Pitti to work in the town hall (Palazzo Vecchio) in peace.Another local legend states that lovers who fasten a padlock to the bridge and throw the key into the water will be forever united. This has led to damage, with thousands of locks having to be removed regularly by city authorities and to a €50 fine for any hapless romantic caught tying something the bridge. Still, whether it’s for romance, history or stunning vistas, the yellow-stoned Ponte Vecchio continues to hold a special allure well worth the risk.

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Top Ponte Vecchio Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

4 out of 5
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70 72, Florence, FI
The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini
Bernini Palace

Bernini Palace

5 out of 5
Piazza San Firenze 29, Florence, FI
Bernini Palace
c-hotels Ambasciatori

c-hotels Ambasciatori

4 out of 5
Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI
c-hotels Ambasciatori
 Hotel Calimala Florence

Hotel Calimala Florence

4 out of 5
Via Lamberti 5, Florence, FI
Hotel Calimala Florence
Grand Hotel Cavour

Grand Hotel Cavour

4 out of 5
Via del Proconsolo 3, Florence, FI
Grand Hotel Cavour
Hotel Paris

Hotel Paris

3 out of 5
Via Banchi 2, Florence, FI
Hotel Paris
B&B Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

B&B Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

4 out of 5
Borgo S.Jacopo, 3/r, Florence, FI
B&B Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio
The Social Hub Florence Belfiore

The Social Hub Florence Belfiore

4 out of 5
Viale Belfiore, 55, Florence, FI
The Social Hub Florence Belfiore
Grand Hotel Baglioni

Grand Hotel Baglioni

4 out of 5
Piazza Unita Italiana 6, Florence, FI
Grand Hotel Baglioni
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.