The Florence Rose Garden in full bloom, with its paths and a panoramic view of the Cathedral and Palazzo Vecchio.

IdeasPhoto © Nicola Neri

Pet-friendly Florence

Gardens, parks and scenic walks

Florence offers numerous green spaces and outdoor trails to enjoy with your four-legged friends. Historic gardens, urban parks, scenic areas and riverside walks let you discover a different side of the city - one that’s more laid-back and closer to nature.

Between the historic center and the hills surrounding Florence, you can alternate moments of relaxation in nature with itineraries that treat you to splendid views of the city. Many of these places are dog-friendly and offer a pleasant opportunity to spend time outdoors without straying too far from the heart of the city.

1.Parco delle Cascine

Sunset through the trees at Parco delle Cascine — Parco delle Cascine - Credit: Claudia D'Aliasi

With its wide, tree-lined avenues and large lawns, Parco delle Cascine (Cascine Park) is Florence’s main green oasis. Stretching along the banks of the Arno, it is one of the most popular spots for those who want to take a walk, enjoy outdoor activities or spend a few hours in nature with their dog. The numerous paths within the park allow visitors to explore it in every season, in a setting of historic trees and wide-open spaces.

How to reach

Piazzale delle Cascine, 50144 Firenze FI

Directions

2.The Rose Garden and Piazzale Michelangelo

View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo - Credit: Fabiana Matteini

At the foot of Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city. This green space boasts 400 varieties of roses and numerous areas where you can stop to admire the view. Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash to protect the flower beds. You can continue your visit by moving on to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s most famous panoramic viewpoint, where you can enjoy a unique view of the monuments in the historic center with your pet.

How to reach

Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2, 50125 Firenze FI

Directions

3.The Botanical Garden and the Orto del Parnaso

View of Florence’s historic center with the Cathedral Dome, seen from the panoramic terrace of the Orti del Parnaso garden above the Giardino dell'Orticoltura (Horticulture Garden) — The view from the Orti del Parnaso - Credit: Stefano Cannas

For those who prefer intimate, more peaceful green spaces, Florence offers some truly charming places like the “Giardino dei Semplici” Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in Italy, and the Orto del Parnaso (Garden of Parnassus), located on the slopes of the Montughi hill. The latter treats you to a splendid view of the city and is especially popular for its relaxed atmosphere and the distinctive snake-shaped fountain designed by architect Marco Dezzi Bardeschi.

How to reach

Via Trento, 11, 50139 Firenze FI

Directions

4.The city’s green spaces and dog parks

In addition to its large historic gardens, Florence has plenty of green spaces. Among these, there is the Villa di Rusciano Park, which offers a large fenced-in area for dogs, equipped with a drinking fountain and benches, and trails immersed in the greenery of the city’s foothills, while the Nicholas Green Gardens and the Caponnetto Gardens, located along the Lungarno del Tempio, feature dedicated dog areas and are ideal for play and socialization. These spaces allow you to experience the city in a more relaxed way, away from the traffic and the crowded tourist routes.

How to reach

Via di Ripoli, 70, 50126 Firenze FI

Directions

5.Strolling along the Arno

The banks of the Arno offer pleasant urban walking itineraries to explore with your dog. From the historic center to the city’s greenest areas, walks along the river combine views of monuments, historic bridges and tree-lined areas. A different way to discover Florence, following the course of the water that has shaped city life for centuries.

How to reach

Via Villamagna, 41, 50126 Firenze FI

Directions

6.The Medici Park of Pratolino

The Paggeria in the Medici Villa di Pratolino - Credit: Nicola Neri

Just a few kilometers from the center of Florence, the Medici Park of Pratolino, also known as Villa Demidoff, is one of the most spectacular green areas in Tuscany. A UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Medici Villas and Gardens complex, the park features large lawns, woods, small lakes and the famous Apennine Colossus by Giambologna. The wide-open spaces and trails surrounded by nature make it an ideal destination for a walk with your dog, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.