I have this location listed on my Top Ten Favorites in Florence, but since the weather is getting so nice, I wanted to bring it to your attention again. On Piazza della Republicca, there is a department store called Rinascente. This store is an Italian chain found in most major Italian cities. At the Florence site, there is a lovely, not widely known about bar on top of the building that is a wonderful place for lunch or a drink with a beautiful view away from the crowds. It is small so go early (noon) for lunch or later in the afternoon (3-4) for a drink.

To get there, go inside the department store and take the elevator or escalators to the 4th floor. This is the house wares floor and you will see a sign for the café. Go up the small set of stairs into the bar area, and then up another flight to the roof top. Wonderful views of the beautiful terra cotta roofs, the Duomo and the piazza await!