Gardens in Florence: Boboli, Bardini, the Rose Garden and More (2026)

The gardens in Florence give you shade, views and a break from the museum lines. Most of them sit on the south bank of the Arno River, in the hills of the Oltrarno. This guide covers five of them: what each one is like, how the tickets work and when to go.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Gardens in Florence at a glance

The Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens are the grandest of the gardens in Florence. The Medici laid them out behind Palazzo Pitti in the 16th century. Today, they climb the hill with avenues of cypress, terraces, fountains and statues. Look for the Grotta del Buontalenti near the entrance, the amphitheater behind the palace and the Neptune fountain. Then walk up to the Kaffeehaus terrace for the view.

According to the official Uffizi Galleries site (checked September 2026), Boboli opens daily at 8:15 am. However, it closes on the first and last Monday of each month and on December 25. Closing times change through the year. For example, the garden closes at 6:30 pm in September and at 4:30 pm from November to February. Also, last entry is one hour before closing.

You can buy a Boboli-only ticket or a combined ticket with Palazzo Pitti. In addition, the same site lists a Boboli and Bardini ticket. From March 3, 2026, you can buy it only at the ticket offices on the day of your visit. Allow two hours, and wear good shoes, because the paths are steep and partly gravel.

The Bardini Garden

The Bardini Garden is smaller and steeper than Boboli, but many visitors prefer its views. It rises from Via de’ Bardi toward the old city walls. At its heart, a Baroque staircase runs up the slope. Then, in spring, a long tunnel of wisteria blooms along the top terrace.

In fact, the garden has three parts: the Baroque stairway, an English-style wood and farmland near the walls. Also, the villa at the top hosts exhibitions and a café. However, opening hours vary by season, so check them on the garden’s own site before you go. If you plan to see Boboli too, the combined ticket saves you a second line.

The Rose Garden, a free garden in Florence

The Giardino delle Rose lies on the slope just below Piazzale Michelangelo. In fact, it is a terraced garden of roses with a wide view of the city. According to Feel Florence, the official tourism site of the Florence metropolitan area (checked September 2026), entry is free. However, hours change with the season.

First, look for the sculptures by the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. For example, there is a giant suitcase and a cat among the roses. In addition, a small Japanese garden, a gift from Florence’s sister city Kyoto, sits in one corner. The roses peak in May. However, the view makes it worth a stop in any season, especially on the way up at sunset.

The Iris Garden, open only in spring

The iris is the symbol of Florence. Next to Piazzale Michelangelo, the Giardino dell’Iris grows many varieties and also hosts an international iris competition. However, it opens only during the bloom. According to the news agency ANSA (checked September 2026), it opened from April 25 to May 20 in 2026. Entry was free, with a voluntary donation. So if you visit in fall, skip it and plan it for your next spring trip.

The Botanical Garden (Giardino dei Semplici)

North of the center, near San Marco, the Giardino dei Semplici is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. Cosimo I de’ Medici founded it in 1545 to grow medicinal plants. Today, the University of Florence runs it as part of its natural history museum.

According to the University of Florence museum site (checked September 2026), it opens Tuesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays. From September 1 to October 26, hours are 10 am to 6 pm. As a result, it is a quiet choice after the Accademia, a short walk away.

How to plan a garden day in Florence

To combine the gardens, start at Boboli when it opens. Then walk across to the Bardini Garden, and finally climb to the Rose Garden and Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. In spring, add the Iris Garden on the way. For the rest of the city, see our guide to things to do in Florence. Alternatively, follow our Florence in one day itinerary.

If you want the museums too, our guide to Uffizi tickets explains the combined passes. Similarly, for gardens beyond the city, see our round-up of historic Italian gardens. Finally, our Florence travel guide covers the rest of your stay.

More of Florence. Gardens give Florence room to breathe. These guides fill the rest of your days.

• Accademia Gallery: see the David, with hours and booking tips.
• Florence Duomo tickets: which pass to buy and how dome slots work.
• food tours in Florence: markets, the Oltrarno and Chianti.
• 3 days in Florence: a day-by-day plan with one day trip.
• Villa d’Este or Hadrian’s Villa: Italy’s most famous Renaissance gardens, near Rome.

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Gardens in Florence: frequently asked questions

Is there a combined ticket for the Boboli and Bardini gardens?

Yes. According to the Uffizi Galleries site, you buy it only at the ticket offices on the day of your visit. This rule applies from March 3, 2026.

Which gardens in Florence are free?

The Rose Garden below Piazzale Michelangelo is free. The Iris Garden is also free during its short spring opening, with a voluntary donation.

When are the Boboli Gardens closed?

On the first and last Monday of each month and on December 25. Closing times change with the season, and last entry is one hour before closing.

When does the Iris Garden open?

Only during the iris bloom in spring. In 2026, it opened from April 25 to May 20.

What is the best time of year to see the gardens in Florence?

Spring, for wisteria, roses and irises. Fall is also pleasant, with mild weather and fewer visitors, but the garden closing times get earlier.