Your ultimate guide to visiting Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens - Visitor information at a glance

Boboli Gardens
  • What are the Boboli Gardens' opening hours?
    Boboli Gardens is open from 8:15am to 6:30pm daily.
  • Where is the Boboli Gardens located?
    Boboli Gardens is located at Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy. Get Directions
  • How many entrances does the Boboli Gardens have?
    Boboli Gardens has four entrances - Pitti Palace, Belvedere Fort, Porta Romana and Via Romano.
  • How many visitors does the Boboli Gardens get per year?
    Boboli Gardens sees over 4,000,000 visitors yearly.
Find more about Boboli Gardens

What are the Boboli Gardens hours?

Boboli Gardens hours
  • Opening hours from Monday to Sunday: 8:15am
  • Closing hours: January, February, November, December: 4:30pm
    March and October (Standard time): 5:30pm
    March (Daylight savings time), April, May, September, October (Daylight savings time): 6:30pm
    June, July, August: 7:10pm
  • Last entry: One hour before the closing time
  • Closing days: First and last Monday of each month, December 25
Detailed Boboli Gardens hours

What is the best time to visit Boboli Gardens?

Spring rules with its blooming flowers, lush greenery and the cheerful weather. March to May, Boboli Gardens transforms into a Renaissance fairy tale! One of the must-experience things in the season is a walk under the purple wisteria archway in Bardini Gardens. However, it also tends to be more crowded. Off-season, particularly late fall and winter, offers a quieter visit with a serene atmosphere and crisp air, ideal for solitude seekers despite the lack of vibrant colors.

Weekdays at Boboli Gardens offer a quieter, less crowded experience, ideal for leisurely exploration. Weekends, especially during peak seasons, can be busier with longer queues. If you prefer a lively atmosphere with fellow nature and Renaissance enthusiasts, weekends are a great option.

Where is Boboli Gardens located?

Address: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Boboli Gardens lies in the Oltrarno district, south of the River Arno, behind the Pitti Palace.

Closest landmarks: Pitti Palace, 2 m away

Best ways to reach Boboli Gardens

How to get to Boboli Gardens?

By public transport

  • By bus: Buses C3, C4, D, 11, 12, and 13 stop near Boboli Gardens. Piazza San Felice is the nearest bus stop, while Borgo S. Jacopo, San Frediano Serragli, and Pescaia Di Santa Rosa are also in close vicinity.
  • By train: Take Line R to Santa Maria Novella Station, the closest train station, then walk for 18 minutes via de' Tornabuoni minutes to Boboli Gardens.
  • By tram: Use Line T1 to Unità, then walk 1.7 km. Alamanni (3 km) and Valfonda (1.8 km) are also close.

By car

Driving to Boboli Gardens is an option, albeit not ideal if you’re on a budget. You can rent a car and drive through scenic Florence and reach Boboli Gardens. The attraction is 6.2 km from the Florence city center.

Parking facilities:

  • Parking (12 mins walk)
  • Tiratoio Parking Garage San Frediano (13 mins walk)
  • Via Curtatone, 1-3 Parking (16 mins walk)

Know before you go to Boboli Gardens

Online booking
  • Online booking: Buy your tickets online in advance. Boboli Gardens skip-the-line tickets are available online that allows you to select your preferred date and time, ensuring direct access upon arrival.
  • Combined tickets: Consider purchasing a combined ticket that includes entry to multiple attractions, such as Pitti Palace. This can grant you priority access to both, saving you time and money.
  • Guided tours: Explore guided tour options that come with skip-the-line privileges. Not only do you gain valuable insights from an expert guide, but you also avoid waiting in long lines.
  • Off-Peak hours: Plan your visit during non-peak hours, typically early mornings or late afternoons, when the crowds are thinner, making it easier to access the gardens swiftly.
Skip lines at Boboli Gardens
Pitti Palace entrance
  • Pitti Palace entrance: Direct access from Palazzo Pitti courtyard to Boboli Gardens. All ticket holders, including skip-the-line, guided tour, or audio-visual guide ticket holders, can enter here. Another accessible entrance is also available on the left side of the Pitti Palace courtyard.
  • Belvedere Fort: Reopened in July 2022, this entrance is situated on one of the hills within Boboli Gardens from the Belvedere Fort. It is open to all visitors, including those with reduced mobility.
  • Porta Romana: Located on the southern side of the gardens, this ancient gate from the 13th century provides a convenient and direct way to explore Boboli Gardens for all visitors.
  • Via Romano (Annalena Entrance): Positioned near the Boboli Gardens Amphitheatre, also known as the Annalena Entrance, this midway entrance between Romana and Pitti entrances is suitable for all tourists except those with reduced mobility.
Find the best Boboli Gardens entrances
Restroom
  • Restroom: You can find restrooms at the Annalena entrance, near the Amphitheatre, in the Porcelain Museum, and close to the Garden of the "Hair Washer" Statue.
  • Drinking fountain: Quench your thirst at the drinking fountains located near the Garden of Madama, Knight's Garden, Grotto of Adam and Eve, and Meadow of the Columns.
  • Bookshop: Browse through books and souvenirs at the bookshop situated in the courtyard of Pitti Palace.
  • Baby pit-stop: A dedicated room for breastfeeding, changing, and relaxation is available in the basement, near the Amphitheatre.
  • Cloakroom: There's a free cloakroom service located on the right side of the Ammannati Court.
Wheelchairs
  • Visitors with mobility impairments or specific health needs can enter the gardens through Door 1 under the colonnade, which has an elevator directly to the second floor.
  • Wheelchairs and walkers are available for free rental at the ticket office, subject to availability. The use of electric scooters is assessed case by case for safety, and visitors may be asked to switch to museum wheelchairs at no additional cost.
  • Guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs are welcome, provided they wear appropriate harnesses and leashes.
  • Accessible toilets are located within the gardens, with one near the Chestnut Meadow area and another at the Annalena entrance.
  • While prams and pushchairs are allowed in the gardens, they cannot be left in the cloakroom during the visit. However, baby carriers, especially small ones worn on the front, are permitted.
Prohibited actions eating, drinking
  • Store large items in the cloakroom and undergo metal detector inspections.
  • Group sizes are limited to 16 people; tour guides must use whisper systems. Appropriate attire is required.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; silence mobile phones.
  • Prohibited actions include eating, drinking, smoking, and flash photography.
  • Prohibited items include knives, firearms, drones, and pets (except service animals).
  • Submit LAG products for security checks; cooperate with security personnel.
  • Personal photography is allowed without flash or tripods; commercial use requires authorization. Marriage proposals are permitted but must not disturb other visitors or involve professional photographers.
  • Loudspeakers, microphones, and other amplification systems are prohibited.
  • Use Via Madonna della Pace for car entry with disabled parking permits.
  • Do not light fires or leave lit cigarettes; dispose of waste responsibly. Avoid standing under trees during high winds or storms.
  • Dogs must be leashed outside designated dog areas, and owners must clean up after them.
  • Dismount bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and similar means and walk them through the garden.
young children in a stroller
  • If traveling with young children in a stroller, be mindful of the hills, stairs, and pebbly trails. Stick to paved routes as not all paths are accessible. Consider bringing a lightweight stroller for convenience.
  • Bring snacks for energy boosts during exploration.
  • Plan to spend a few hours in the gardens after your Palazzo Pitti visit. Check beforehand as to what particular galleries might interest kids inside the palace-cum-museum. 
  • Enter at Porta Romana, walk up the Viottolone, and exit via the Palazzo Pitti entrance for a scenic route.
  • Keep an eye out for kids’ favorite stops, including seeing parakeets, climbing on marble discs, and exploring sculptures and fountains.
  • Don't forget to look out for the statue of the little person riding the tortoise near the Pitti Palace entrance.
Plan a picnic with a view
  • Download a map for efficient navigation as not all points of interest are marked on standard mapping apps due to the gardens' vast size.
  • Enter from the Porta Romana side and exit by Palazzo Pitti for a quieter start and a scenic climb up the tree-lined Violottone. Enjoy a panoramic view of Florence from the grassy area before exploring the busier parts of the garden. Don't forget to visit the Bardini Gardens or head down the hill to the Pitti Palace and the center of Florence.
  • Plan a picnic with a view! Head to the designated picnic area on the eastern side between the Madama Grotto and the Fountain of Ganymede. Alternatively, explore a new picnic spot near the Buontalenti Grotto.
  • Bring your own snacks or picnic supplies as food options inside the gardens are limited. Avoid sugary drinks and wine, but soft juice boxes for kids are usually allowed.
  • If you're a teen group, watch the film "Inferno," which features scenes shot in the Boboli Gardens. Have fun recreating some shots and making your own audition photobook!
Pitti Leather Shop
  • The Pitti Leather Shop - The Pitti Leather Shop, 70m away, opens at 10 AM and closes at 7 PM Monday to Saturday. You can buy leather bags, belts, etc.
  • Shopping Club Barter & Shop - Shopping Club Barter & Shop, 1.1 km away, is a clothing store, where you can buy suits, pants, shirts, etc.
  • Tabaccheria Guicciardini - Tabaccheria Guicciardini, 250 m away, is a tobacco shop that also sells wine and beverages.
  • Feed Back Store - Feed Back Store, 1.1 km away, is a skateboard shop open from 11 AM - 1 PM and 3:30 - 7:45 PM Monday to Saturday.
Italian Ravioli Marinara Sauce pasta
  • Trattoria Ponte Vecchio - Enjoy stuffed pasta and Tuscan wines at this restaurant open from 11 AM to 11 PM daily.
  • Winter Garden Restaurant - Winter Garden Restaurant specializes in delish Tuscan cuisine paired with local wines.
  • Ristorante La Spada - Bite into grilled and roasted meats at the Ristorante La Spada.
  • Ristorante Storico Sabatini - Ristorante Storico Sabatini is a Tuscan restaurant offering signature pasta recipes, Florentine steak, etc.
Stay
  • Budget - L'Antica Porta Boutique B&B (140 m), Il Terrazzino su Boboli (160 m), Home in Florence B & B (450 m)
  • Mid-range - Il Pitti Soggiorno (30 m), B&B Beatrice Di Beatrice Burzagli (150 m), De'Bardi (550 m)
  • Luxury - Casa Botticelli in San Felice (130 m), Ad Astra (600 m), Ottantotto Firenze (500 m)
Ponte Vecchio
  • Pitti Palace -An opulent renaissance palace, 1 min walk from Boboli Gardens, holds historical significance and timeless art.
  • Piazzale Michelangelo - Piazzale Michelangelo, 1.3 km away, offers breathtaking views of the city.
  • Marsilis Tower - Marsilis Tower, 300 m away, is a historic medieval tower offering panoramic views of Florence's skyline.
  • Basilica di San Miniato -A magnificent Romanesque church, 1.5 km away, with a stunning marble façade, intricate mosaics, and a beautiful hilltop.
  • Ponte Vecchio - This attraction, located 350 m away, is an iconic medieval bridge over the Arno River.
  • Piazza della Republica - 850 m from Boboli Gardens is a vibrant square with historical cafes and a lively atmosphere.
  • Bargello National Museum - The museum, 1 km away, houses a remarkable collection of Renaissance sculptures, decorative arts, and works by renowned artists.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Boboli Gardens

Yes, visiting Boboli Gardens is definitely worth it! The gardens boast stunning sculptures, intricate fountains, diverse flora, and lush greenery spread across 111 acres of land. Backed by its rich history and Renaissance-styled green architecture, it's a worthy UNESCO heritage site. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Boboli Gardens has something to offer. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, a lovely picnic, or simply a Florentine cultural experience. Its vicinity to Florence's city center and Palazzo Pitti, another legendary Florence landmark, adds to the convenience of visiting these gardens.

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