Both of these two places offered specticular view of Florence, if you are press for time, which one will you choose?

Fiesole. It's easier to get away from the tour buses.

HI G,

Piazzale M is just a great big parking lot.

Fiesole is a very pleasant town.

Go in the late afternoon, and watch the sun set over the city from the terrace of the Bar Blue

They are different views. Piazza Michelangelo, being in Florence, will give you a much closer view of the city and more detailed pictures. Fiesole will give you a panoramic view of the city and hills but not much detail. Also, it can be very hazy, especially in summer, further cutting down on the sharpness of your photos.

If you go to Fiesole, I'd recommend allowing enough time to visit the archeology musuem and museum grounds, which are lovely and include the well preserved ruins of a roman theater. I'm not sure but I think the museum complex closes at 5pm.

When we were there last April, the view of Florence was indeed hazy (it had been a hot, dry spring) but enjoyable all the same. Fiesole is just a nice excursion in-and-of itself.

I would stroll up to P. Michelangelo through one of the ancient city gates and one of the pathways.

If I had more time I would dedicate it to really exploring Fiesole, the museum, the roman road, etc. and then have lunch up there.

Yes, if I were pressed for time, I would head up to Piazzale Michelangelo. There are busses, and a walk is possible, as well as cheap and easy taxis.

I do think that Fiesole is well worth a visit, but not just to look at Florence. There are actually things do see and do there.

Although, if you can include San Miniato al Monte in your visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, it will make the trip uphill much more worth your while.

Hello Tuscanlifeedit,

If it is higher than PM, then is the area around San Miniato al Monte has a even better view of Florence? Or is it a church I should not miss?

If your purpose is taking photos, Fiesole is great early in the morning or at sunset, but during the day you'll be facing the sun, and it's quite far above the city.
Piazzale Michelangelo is situated South of the city, thus the light is better, and it's closer to the city center. You'll have to push your way through the crowds, but as soon as you arrive at the front, the city is at your feet.
The climb up to San Miniato is always worth it IMHO, both for the church and for the view.

> The climb up to San Miniato is always worth it IMHO, both for the church and for the view. <

YES!!!

I agree with those who say you should go up to San Miniato al Monte--a beautiful church plus a great view of the city w/o the tourist buses
http://www.san-miniato-al-monte.com/

And San Miniato is just up the hill right behind the Piazzale Michelangelo, so easy to get to. We took a bus from the train station to the P. Michelangelo (a bit slow and roundabout in its route) and walked back down into the Centro Storico.

Thanks folks,
It really helps when we are press for time but in this case PM is the way we should go.

try to find a good walking tour map and go through the porta san niccolo, one of the ancient gates.

So many people ignore this area but to me it is wonderful, not as crowded and historical.

Here is one walking tour:

http://tinyurl.com/yrh8fn

GoPlanB

I wouldn't swear as to which is higher, but if I had to chose a spot between Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte, I would choose San Miniato without hesitation.

And if you want to do some walking, take the taxi up there and walk down. The walk up can take a long time.

I was in Fiesole recently and i didn't get to the viewpoint i guess which i assume was up a somewhat steep path i saw so mobility may be a factor

i would have gone up the path but it started raining so i hopped the bus back to Florence. (as always buy your bus ticket before getting on the bus!)