It was nice to come across the bridge while on a tour since they explain so much to you. Seeing it today you would never know that once upon a time all the bridges in florence were destryoed , people were so devasted that they picked up the pieces from the water & rebuild !! beautiful bridge to see. read more

Ponte Vecchio - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

Ponte Vecchio is one of those places you just tick off and it's free, so why not? It's a bridge but why is this bridge so special? It's cute. It's full of jewelry shops. It's full of tourists, so hold onto your bags and keep valuables close! If you go to the bridge on the other side you'll get a better full side view of the bridge as well as if you're in Uffizi, you'll see a large group by a window as you'll get a great view from there as well. I found that seeing the bridge at night was magical. It's lit up but make sure you go before the stores close because it does go dark. But if it's dark enough, then you'll see the bridge with all the gold in the shop windows. This bridge was also recreated at Tokyo Disney Sea, well a smaller version of it. So it was nice to see the real thing close up. But like I said, it's a bridge. So it's more of a quick stop rather than spend a whole afternoon there. read more

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This was my second time in Florence and its always exciting walking the streets here. You never know what you will find. I did a vespa tour this time around. Wish I could find them on yelp because they did an awesome job. So far this trip to Europe I went to Madrid, London , Viareggio, Lucca and now on the island of SICILY. Wish I could review it all read more

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Walked across the bridge several times, crowded with tourists going back and forth. Looked at a few shops which all seemed to be jewelry stores. Besides the photo opt, BTW a better one is from the Uffizi Gallery I can't really recommend spending much time there. read more

Ponte Vecchio - View from the Uffizi Gallery - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

If your a history buff, this is a must see. If you love crowds this is a must see. If you love to shop for overpriced knockoffs this is a must see. If your tourist that does not know what else to do this is a place for you. Otherwise run the other way. There is so much more to do in Italy then to see peddlers harking there wears at you. This is a completely commercialized area that is now little more then a tourist trap. read more

Ponte Vecchio - Jewelry shops lining the bridge - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

Just like the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio (lit. "old bridge") is one of the major landmarks in Florence. Like the name suggests, this bridge is very old, being first built before 1000CE and its current form having existed since the twelfth century due to the recurring floods of the Arno River. It is the oldest bridge in Florence as it naturally spans the Arno at its narrowest point. Like Ponte Rialto in Venice, Ponte Vecchio retains the traditional look of old Italian bridges where shops line both sides of the main walkway. The initial shops that lined the bridge were those of butchers and other food sellers as the bridge was far enough from the city center and waste products can be disposed into the Arno River below. When the Medicis retook Venice for the second time Cosimo I (the first grand duke of Florence) wanted to establish a quick route from the government offices in Palazzo Vecchio to their new residence across the river in Palazzo Pitti, so he commissioned Vasari to create a corridor above the bridge that links the two palaces. Cosimo's son Francesco realized just how much stench the butcheries produced so when he became grand duke he forbade all the food producers and replaced it with metalworkers and jewelry producers, gentrifying it in the process. Nowadays souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants line along the bridge, with the most useful feature being a public water fountain. Interesting tidbits: the concept of bankruptcy was established here where sellers unable to pay their debts had their tables broken in half so they were unable to sell. Also during WWII Florence was badly ruined along both sides of the Arno save for this bridge. Personally I didn't care for this bridge as I preferred crossing the Ponte Alle Grazie in order to get to Oltarno as it's cleaner and less opportunities for pickpocketing. The only good thing about Ponte Vecchio is that the bridge is only open to pedestrian traffic. The views along the sides of the bridge are okay (I prefer looking at the Arno from inside the Uffizi) and as long as you're careful with your surroundings the pickpocketing situation is negligible. Compared to similar bridges of this type I prefer the look and feel of the Rialto to this bridge as that bridge adds to the beauty of Venice while this bridge is one of Florence's more uglier features. read more

Ponte Vecchio is another magical Italian bridge which provides a wonderful view up and down river over the Arno. My last visit was in May on a slightly rainy day and I can understand other reviewers regarding crowds and possible pick pockets, but it still remains a bridge to be walked upon and experienced for its' view and wonderful, if expensive, jewellery shops! Probably wisest not to look too closely at the shops, there is obviously a premium price to pay on buying anything on the bridge! Viewed from further afield it has an unique feel and look that make it so memorable even in a city like Florence with its' many wonders. read more

Ponte Vecchio - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

A bridge Over Arno... Full of gold sellers and tourists read more

Ponte Vecchio - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

One of the things that you "must see" when you are in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio (translated as "old bridge") is the image that adorns many postcards and other souvenirs found around town. A bridge has been at this site for centuries. The current bridge that you see now has been here since 1345. The Vasari corridor, which can be seen above the shops on the west side of the bridge was built in 1565, commissioned by Grand Duke Cosmio I de Medici so that he and his family could pass privately between Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio. The many shops found on the bridge (hanging what seems precariously off of the sides) were originally butcher shops, but in 1593 they were kicked out and the jewelers came in, due to the fact that the Grand Duke didn't appreciate the odor of the butcher shops when he passed overhead. The bridge is open only to pedestrian traffic, so you don't have to worry about dodging cars or motorini. The jewelry shops give the bridge a warm golden glow when they are open (when they are closed, wooden doors cover the windows). I've seen street musicians playing on the bridge a few times, and there is a bust of Benvenuto Cellini in the opening on the western side of the bridge. On the eastern side, you may see several locks placed on the bridge, often with initials carved or written on them. Lovers will attach a lock to the bridge and throw the key into the Arno in order to ensure an eternal bond. However, I don't suggest trying this, due to the fact if you are caught, you'll be slapped with a fine (I believe around 50 euros or so). Definitely walk the bridge, bring your camera and snap some photos! read more

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Beautiful bridge fill with shops and restaurants. The best time of day to go here is in the morning (like we did). After 11:00 am it gets ridiculously crowded and it becomes really hard to walk through it. The souvenirs here are more expensive than other places so consider buying them at a further spot :) read more

The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) crossing the Arno River was first documented in 996 and rebuilt in 1345 after a flood destroyed it. It is the only bridge in Florence that Hitler did not destroy in WWII. In 1593, Ferdinand I decreed that only goldsmiths and jewelers could have shops on the bridge, a tradition that continues today with other vendor booths and souvenir shops affixed at each end. My friend and I purchased duty-free gold bracelets from one of the many shops. They all sell their goods at market value, so prices are as marked and they are set for all vendors. At night, people pack along the sides of the bridge and watch in awe as projectors light up the bridge with famous art mashed with classical music. We were surprised and delighted with this mini culture concert. A must-see in the very walkable city of Florence. read more

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Beware, this is a CROWDED place, but it is also so very beautiful. People are overcome with the beauty, and you will often see lovers giving unabashed PDA. Even when it's overcast, the colors of the river and the buildings shine through. The shopping to be had here is quite good, too. You'll find leather goods of a higher quality than anywhere else in the city. Accordingly, the prices will be higher, but you can still negotiate a great deal. If jewelry is your thing, you will find tons of it here. Enjoy this world famous site! read more

A must-see, must-take-a-picture-in-front-of type place. It is so beautifully painted over a beautiful river. When walking over the bridge there is music playing, shops, and a place to stop in the middle to look out over the river. One of the loveliest sights in Florence! read more

Ponte Vecchio - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

The Ponte Vecchio is a gorgeous spot to pause between cathedrals, palaces and museums to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. I'm sure you're already familiar with some of the history, the secret passageway above for the Medicis, the fact that there used to be nothing but butchers' shops on the bridge, etc ... All that history is nice, but really, it's just a beautiful spot for some photos ... and to buy some jewelry if you're so inclined. It's a shame there isn't a cafe or a small restaurant or a coffee shop or something other than jewelry shops to visit. Still, it's a romantic spot with some great views. Go there and check it off your list! read more

Ok we did it. Both at night when the shops were closed and during the day when you go through a gauntlet of merchants(hawkers).View the bridge at night from the other bridge just down the Arno. Magnificent structure. As for the hawkers, not for me. Not a chance we would shop here. read more

Location: I thought it would be obvious... on a bridge =) Ponte Vecchio is Firenze's most famous bridge, dating back to Medieval times when its original 'occupants' were butchers. The butchers have since been replaced by jewelers selling both gold and silver. In fact, if you stroll across the bridge, you will be hard-pressed to find a merchant that is NOT selling jewelry. An interesting tidbit of info for you history (and architecture) buffs - the Vasari corridor, which was built above the bridge, connects the Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti and is accessible via the Uffizi Gallery. However, you need to call or send a written request in order to book a time to visit the corridor. It's one of those very elusive things that you may or may not have the privilege of seeing. The bridge is pretty cool and definitely worth a visit. Take the time to check out the neighborhoods on the other side as well - there are less tourists so it's a little less hectic. You can also trek up to the Piazzale for a great view of Florence. read more

Yes, undoubtedly one of the most popular sites in all of Florence, but worth the visit. Visiting at night, with the lights on the Elbe River and surrounding buildings, is a must. Catch the city at dusk, when the receding light is magical. There are a few excellent restaurants nearby, too. One in particular is the Osteria Santo Spirito, Not overly expensive, and good quality. Also quite lively, as many locals go there, too. read more

Tromped around Ponte Vecchio as part of a 1-person stay 4-days stay in Florence. I visited during late-April/early-May so the weather was perfect and tourist season had begun to hit full gear. As an historical site, the 900-year old bridge dissects Florence along the Arno. Those with an interest in history will note that the bridge is adorned with shops and entertainment of all kinds, a practice pulled from its medieval roots and continued today in a contemporary form. If you're staying on the North side of the Arno and plan on visiting Pitti Palace, Piazza Michaelangelo or San Miniato al Monte, I recommend strolling through the bridge area with a coffee, snapping a few scenic photos, and popping into some of the shops along the way. There's something for everyone, as the store range from street vendors selling shirts and fridge magnets, to stores presenting Rolexes and other fashion goods. A must see if you're in Firenze! read more

Beautiful from a distance, however walking the bridge itself is something I could easily have done without. If someone had told me how overrun and touristy it was....I probably wouldn't have listened. And no matter how much I urge you to just relish it from afar, I know you'll do the same. Because it's something you have to see for yourself. But there really is no reason whatsoever to amble across this famous tourist trap. It's hot, filled to the brim with tourist and if your not buying jewelry there is NOTHING to see. read more

Beautiful to walk alongside, but be sure to take a picture across the river.

It's a very cool bridge with gorgeous views, and lined with jewelry shops. The jewelry stores are actually really neat to see because they're packed with so much gold that everything appears golden, like King Midas wandered through touching things with reckless abandon. It was empty in the morning before the jewelry stores opened, and you could look through little slats in the wood security things that cover the windows and still see all the splendor without the crowds. Walking back across in the middle of the day was very crowded tough to wade through, so I recommend going in the morning, either before the jewelry stores open or right after, to avoid the mob of tourists (like ourselves). read more

Ponte Vecchio - Ponte Vecchio bling! - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

Sure, Ponte Vecchio is beautiful as it spans across the river and it's a free (sort of) attraction. The view from a far is simply stunning. The closer you get, the greater the tourist hoard is and the more difficult to enjoy it becomes. What's disappointing is once on the bridge, it's a long flea market of poor quality jewelry at super high prices and rife with pick pockets hence the sort of comment above. Love it or not, take it for what it is and try to enjoy. read more

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The Ponte Vecchio is THE must of Firenze. Everybody has seen it once in a picture or a painting representing Firenze. I have nothing to say but it is quite impressive with these old houses hanging on the side of the bridge. It is even complicate to imagine there are not going to fall in the Arno. The bridge is nowadayw dedicated to jewelery shops and that's the less interesting part of it. The jewels are very classical. But the view on the river and the city while crossing the bridge is worth the crowd and the not-so-interesting-shops. read more

Viewing il Ponte Vecchio from afar, or crossing it by foot, is a special way to experience this quaint city. Florence is unlike any other city I have visited in Italy, and il Ponte Vecchio (The Old Bridge) is not to be missed. There is great shopping to be had all around this bridge, including numerous jewelers that line the area around the bridge. Be sure to take some pictures with the bridge as your backdrop. Take in the beautiful views and try to think how amazing it would be if you actually got to live in one of those homes that overlook the river. read more

Ponte Vecchio - Beautiful view of IL Ponte Vecchio - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

Great from afar, blegh up close. You want the bridge IN the picture, so take them from a neighboring bridge! The Ponte Vecchio, while architecturally amazing, is ridiculously crowded with tourists and filled with overpriced jewelry stores. My family came in August and it was physically impossible to walk through the bridge without suffering from a few bruises from the pushing and shoving. read more

Ponte Vecchio was a disappointment to me. It's such a hot tourist spot but other than going and saying you've been there, it was especially pretty/had a great view. I'd still recommend visiting, just because it is a place of historical significance, but don't get your hopes up or expect there to be much to do or see. read more

So many fun things a to do on the bridge. Really a great piece of history. I recommend getting ready gelato and sitting on the bridge that tools to the Pointe Vecchio. Time slows down and it's great. read more

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If you go to Florence, I suppose you have to cross the Ponte Vecchio or it won't feel complete. But don't get your hopes up, especially if you're looking for jewelry. Go north or south a bridge and it becomes beautiful to look at. When you're actually on it, watch your wallet. (From someone who lived in Florence for a year and visits frequently.) I'm giving it 5 stars for its beauty from a distance. And some nice, teen, memories. read more

This is a must visit if you are in Florence, but is hugely disappointing. There are bollards blocking both ends, causing endless bottlenecks and pushing and shoving - resulting, of course, in many wallets and purses going missing as Andrew S says. The rows of jwellery shops are wonderful to look at and almost impossible to photograph (due to the crowds), but not for actually going into! I have never seen anything worth the prices. The views from near to the bridge are really special, but spoiled for me as every photo I ever took showed the river looking like old pea soup! read more

Nothing but jewelry shops on the bridge. Expensive ass jewelry too. My friend liked this victorian style necklace but it was freaking expensive. When I got back to America, I found a similar necklace inside a forever 21 for about $2 read more

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Walking through this historic architecture feels like being in a quaint town, you almost forget that you are on a bridge. The bridge is filled with vendors selling touristy stuff, but it is fascinating to stroll through looking at the crafts, art, and cute stores all around. The bridge can get overcrowded fast. read more

A symbol of Florence and of the Renaissance, Ponte Vecchio is a special place, there is nothing much to say about it. Need to be there and see it for yourself. It's taken by assault by throngs of tourists so expect it to be crowded. The only bridge that the Nazis did not blow up during the war, thanks to the German general who studied history of art and decided not to destroy it. Beware of the overpriced jewellers and other sellers, you can find much cheaper items nearby, but if you do not resist the urge to buy you certainly get a lot of choice there! Must see once in a lifetime. read more

I have an original painting of this hanging in my home. I purchased it from an artist here on the street. It is something to see. I could not find that artist this time. The artist was B. CERUTTI FELUGO. I may have bought another painting of something from him. read more

The Ponte Vecchio is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges I've ever seen. When I was there it wasn't particularly crowded, there were no big crowds, no pushing and shoving. I never felt threatened by pickpockets. It was a bit smaller than I imagined. I wouldn't say it's disappointing though. It's one of a kind. There's really nothing comparable. However, unless you're really into jewelry shopping, there's not much to do except admire the views. read more

You must have seen it, but unfortunately it is known by all tourists and so you will just pushed over and you can barely see anything in the rest. But it is still worth to visit! read more

Ponte Vecchio - Local Flavor Near Me - Florence, FI

A fantastic old architecture! It's a very original bridge! The onlyone in the world! You must walk on it and visit its famous jewelery! It's a romantic place.. especially at sunset! read more

Fantastic old bridge. I can simply imagine the Medici's crossing the bridge in the 1600's. Though it's crowded and there are exclusively very expensive jewelery stores that line the bridge, it's a wonderful place to imagine history while seeing the river Arno flow across magical Venice. The view from the Golden View restaurant was also fantastic. read more

This bridge is a baller in Firenze! All the tourists want to see it, walk across it's old cement, take a bazzilion pictures with it, make out on it, everything you can think of! Ok ok, I am a tourist and I did all of those above mentioned things. Sure, it might seem like just a cool old bridge, but it was amazing to be standing on a bridge with such a rich history. One of the things I thought was pretty interesting was how the Medici's used the bridge to travel between the Uffizi and the Palazzo Pitti. They used that walkway on top to escape the crowds and the round windows are known as the "eyes of Florence" where they could spy on their subjects. It was said that even Hilter used that secret passage way to make plans! Ahhh, history! read more

Yah...the colour of the Arno River beneath the bridge is pretty icky, but damn, Ponte Vecchio (the "old bridge") itself is mighty spectacular! Is this the only bridge in the world where there are still shops on the bridge itself? It very well may be. Ponte Vecchio gets quite crowded at peak hours with tourists snapping photos on it, but if you do want to take a photo of it...I suggest you go up to Pizzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Park) and take a panoramic shot of the bridge...it's much more beautiful...especially at sunrise. :-) I should add, there isn't a better place for making out at dusk anywhere else in Firenze. Soo utterly romantic. ;) read more

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most photographed spots in Florence. It is particularly beautiful in the early morning light or all lit up at night. There are shops that you can visit during the day, but the real reason to visit is to see the architecture. The history of the bridge is incredible. Take a stroll down the river and take in the beauty of the Ponte Vecchio! read more