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Your ultimate guide to visiting Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens Plan Your Visit

Boboli Gardens - Visitor information at a glance

Boboli Gardens

What are the Boboli Gardens hours?

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?

How to get to Boboli Gardens?

bus

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.
car

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)



Book Boboli Gardens tickets

Pitti Palace & Palatine Gallery, Boboli & Bardini Gardens Skip-the-Line Tickets
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€30.83
Florence 5-Day Pass: Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens Tickets
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€43.75
Pitti Palace, Palatine Gallery & Boboli Gardens Guided Tour
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3 hr.
Guided tour
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Medici's Mile Guided Walking Tour with Boboli Gardens Tickets
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2 hr.
Guided tour
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Combo (Save 9%): Florence Cathedral + Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens Tickets
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€43.54

Know before you go to Boboli Gardens

Skip-the-line
Entrances
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Visiting with family
Tips
Shop
Dine
Stay
Nearby
Online booking
Pitti Palace entrance
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

Are Boboli Gardens worth visiting?

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.

How much time does it take to visit the Boboli Gardens?

The time it takes to visit Boboli Gardens can vary depending on your pace and interests. On average, visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the gardens alone. However, if you also plan to visit the Palazzo Pitti and its major galleries, such as the Palatine Gallery and Porcelain Museums, you may need an additional 2 to 3 hours. Overall, it's recommended to dedicate at least half a day to fully experience both the gardens and the palace.

Can I enter at any time during operating hours?

Yes, you can enter any time during the operating hours. But do mind that the last admission is one hour prior to closing.

Can I enter Boboli Gardens once I exit?

Even though Boboli Gardens is open to visitors, generally, re-entry is not allowed on the same ticket.

How much does it cost to visit Boboli Gardens?

The ticket price varies based on type of ticket and it's inclusions like additional attractions and guided tours. You can get a Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace ticket starting from €30.

What is the best way to get to Boboli Gardens?

The best way to get to Boboli Gardens depends on your preferences and circumstances. If you're on a budget, taking a bus or tram is a cost-effective option. For a quicker journey, especially from Florence city center, consider using a car or train. If you prefer sightseeing along the way, walking offers a more immersive experience, passing by top attractions. Choose the option that suits your needs and enjoy your visit to Boboli Gardens!

How can I reach Boboli Gardens from Florence city center?

Boboli Gardens are actually pretty close to Florence city center, just a 15-minute walk away. It's near Piazza del Duomo, which is a major tourist hub. Cycling is even faster, taking only 6 minutes. Florence is a well-connected city with a network of buses, trams, and trains, so you can easily ride to reach the gardens from anywhere in Florence.

How many entrances are there at Boboli Gardens?

Boboli Gardens have four entrances:
Pitti Palace entrance: Main entrance; directly accessible from Palazzo Pitti courtyard. Entry for all ticket holders. Another dedicated accessible entrance on the left side of Pitti Palace courtyard.
Belvedere Fort entrance: Reopened in July 2022, it is on one of the hills within the Boboli Gardens from the Belvedere Fort. Open to all visitors, including those with reduced mobility.
Porta Romana entrance: Located on the southern side of the gardens, Porta Romana is an ancient gate built in the 13th century. A convenient and direct way for everyone.
Via Romano (Annalena Entrance): Situated near the Boboli Gardens Amphitheatre, also known as the Annalena Entrance, this entrance is halfway between Romana and Pitti entrances. It is suitable for all tourists except those with reduced mobility.

What are some accessibility features in place at Boboli Gardens?

Boboli Gardens prioritizes accessibility for all visitors. All entrances are equipped to accommodate mobility impairments or special health needs, with Door 1 offering elevator access to the second floor. Free wheelchair and walker rentals are available at the ticket office, and electric scooter usage is evaluated for safety. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome, and accessible toilets are conveniently located within the gardens. While prams and pushchairs are allowed, they cannot be stored in the cloakroom, but baby carriers are permitted for added convenience.

Is photography allowed inside Boboli Gardens?

Yes, photography is permitted inside Boboli Gardens for personal use. However, commercial photography or the use of tripods and professional equipment may require prior authorization. Additionally, flash photography is prohibited to preserve the artworks and maintain the atmosphere for all visitors.

Is there a cloakroom at Boboli Gardens?

Yes, there is a cloakroom available at Boboli Gardens where visitors can store their belongings.

Can I bring food and drinks to Boboli Gardens?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to Boboli Gardens. It's a great idea to pack a picnic and enjoy it amidst the beauty of the gardens. However, please note that sugary drinks and wine are not permitted. It's advisable to bring water or other non-alcoholic beverages, and remember to dispose of any waste responsibly in the designated bins provided throughout the gardens.

Is there any cafe inside Boboli Gardens?

No, there isn't a cafe inside Boboli Gardens.