Enjoy the finest coffee in Florence, and some beautiful views along with it.
Coffee culture is very much a part of Tuscan daily life. Sipping a cappuccino in one of the Florentine squares or looking for that perfect caffellatte can be a holiday highlight in itself. You just need to know where to look.
Bear in mind that in most of the city centre’s bars and cafes you pay higher prices if you sit down, and normal prices if you drink at the bar. That said, sipping a coffee or a glass of prosecco in some of these spectacular locations might be worth the price.
Best coffee in Florence – Historical Cafes in gorgeous locations:
Piazza della Repubblica is the ‘salotto’ of Florence, and three of its bars have been here for a very long time, loved by both locals and tourists.
Le Giubbe Rosse – meaning “red uniforms”, this once was Florence’s literary cafe’, where artists and writers used to meet. (update: at the time of writing, january 2024, this café is closed for renovation).
Paskowski – treat yourself to an afternoon drink in this chic and friendly bar, with plenty of seating outside and in. It’s been serving coffee since 1846, and used to host concerts. Practically a Florentine monument.
Gilli – Liberty, style and old charm. Today better known for its look than for what it offers. Worthwhile having a coffee at the bar just to marvel at the decor.
Piazza Signoria is another perfect spot to enjoy a coffee with a view.
Caffé Rivoire – Right in front of Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza Signoria, Apart from the spectacular location, it has always been famous for serving the best hot chocolate in town. Good coffee and pastries too.
More coffee goodness in Florence:
Robiglio, via de’ Servi 112/red – in a quiet street a few steps from Piazza SS. Annunziata and the Accademia Gallery, this is a perfect spot for a coffee break after using all your energies admiring the David. Excellent coffee and pastries, they’ve got a few tables outside.
Coronas Café, on the corner of Via del Corso and Via Calzaioli, it’s bang in the middle of it all. This bar is as busy as it gets, but well worth a visit.
Rinascente La Terrazza, right on the 5th floor of the Rinascente department store in Piazza della Repubblica – this is the real coffee with a remarkable view. Admire the red rooftops and the Duomo while nursing a cappuccino. It can get quite busy in high season.
Cucciolo, via del Corso 25/red – small place with good coffee and delicious ‘bomboloni and ciambelle’ The bomboloni have fillings including jam, cream and chocolate. The ciambelle have no fillings. They’re similar to doughnuts but better. Cheap and cheerful.
Caffé Neri, via Guicciardini, 3 – a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio, they serve the best coffee in Florence and deliciously scrumptious pastries too, all in a friendly atmosphere. Try the cannoli or the biscuits. No seating area.
Ditta Artigianale, via de’ Neri 33 – Nestled in a charming narrow street near Piazza Signoria, this is a newly open coffee shop and informal restaurant with a cool vintage feel. There’s a young crowd, music in the background, and plenty of choice for coffees and small bites. Soya milk can be had here.
PRICES: Bear in mind that most of the city centre bars aren’t cheap, but if you don’t sit down you can keep the coffee within a budget (€1.10 – €1.20 for a coffee – €1.20 – €1.30 for a cappuccino) – if you decide to sit down prepare to pay double or even triple, depending on the location and type of establishment.
Now that you know where to find the best coffee in Florence, do you need any help ordering your coffee?
