Florence – the cradle of the Renaissance, is no exception to the Italian coffee culture. Just as it embraces the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci, it clings to its traditional coffee culture. So, needless to say, if you wish to taste culture in every sip, a visit to some of the best coffee shops and cafés in Florence is a must-thing-to-do.

In fact, the cafés in Florence are not any mere coffee shops. They tie the city together. They are where you can sneak in a little me-moment, get candid with a local, or even encounter fellow travellers. And, of course, grab a bite! 

Therefore, to add an extra layer of charm to your solo trip to Florence, I have made a list of Florence’s ten best café/coffee shops that are unmissable treats. Read on to let me take you through them.

1. Caffé Gilli – The Oldest Café in Florence

Currently located in Piazza della Repubblica, Caffé Gilli is over 270 years old. A Swiss family started this historical café as a pastry shop. It is here where the intellectuals gathered. Even Hollywood celebrities graced this café with their presence.

Today, it is one of the most popular cafés in Florence, Italy. You can easily spot the café as a Swiss clock marks the entrance. As you enter, the retro ambience will capture your attention. To date, the wooden table and Murano chandeliers give the café a timeless effect. 

If you decide to visit Caffé Gilli, I highly recommend (especially if you are a chocoholic person) to try the chocolates from the Tuscany collection. Also, treat yourself to Tuscan delights, espresso, and doughnuts. 

Timing: 8:00 am – 12:00 am

Address: Via Roma, 1r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

2. Ditta Artigianale Neri– The Place to Sip the Best Coffee in Florence

If you are a caffeine lover, this coffee shop in Florence will blow your mind. Ditta Artigianale Neri stands out to tourists and locals for its exceptional introduction to specialty coffee to Florentines.

It opened its first outlet in 2013 at a stone’s throw distance from the Duomo of Florence. And within a year, they inaugurated another outlet on the bank of River Arno. Imagine how good the coffee must be. It is so good to get you high on caffeine!

Besides serving the best espresso and freshly roasted single-origin beans, the café also serves many items. I loved devouring the yoghurt with homemade granola and scrambled eggs for breakfast paired with Ditta’s cappuccino. 

This café is also popular in Florence for its brunch. Try the salads and their homemade dessert. There’s no doubt that Ditta Artigianale Neri is a factory of good food and great coffee! Oh, and make sure to buy some coffee beans on your way out to brew later!

Timing: 7:30 am – 7 pm 

Address: Via dei Neri, 30/32 R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy (the first outlet)

3. Le Murate Caffé Letterario – A Hidden Café in Florence

This café was a surprise when I explored the non-touristy places in Florence. A bit far from the city centre, but it is one of the coolest cafés in Florence. Set in the courtyard of a former convent cum prison, free events on most nights, cheap coffee, and filled by locals, can it get any cooler than this?

You can hang out at Caffe Letterario any time of the day. However, evenings here followed by the live events (first, to avoid disappointments, check the schedule of live events on their websites)are a perfect way to end your day in Florence. No matter when you pay a visit, make sure you have time in hand. While there, take a tour of the art gallery as well.

Timing: 10:30 am – 1 am

Address: Piazza delle Murate, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

4. Oblate Library Café in Florence for the “View Seekers” 

Imagine sipping coffee with an exclusive view of Florence’s cityscape as you flick through some quick reads. Does that sound too good to be true? Then, you have to visit Oblate Library Café! This place will turn your dream setting into a reality. The view of the Brunelleschi dome from here is surreal (especially during sunset!). Don’t forget to click some aesthetic shots for your Instagram.

Apart from that, the coffee and food at this café is quite reasonable. They serve sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. If you want to escape the chaos of the city centre without going far, head to this café. It is right on the corner. However, it might be difficult to spot this café if it is your first time in Florence. Just ask some locals or talk with your hostel staff, and they will give you the proper direction.

Timing: 9 am – 10:30 pm (closed on Sunday)

Address: Via dell’ Oriuolo, 26, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

5. Melaleuca – The American-Australian Specialty Café in Florence

Another popular café in Florence is Melaleuca. It is in Santa Croce on the side of the Arno River. The couple who runs this café is so humble that it reflects in the aura of the place. Right from staff to decors, everything is on point.

Now, let’s talk about coffee. Be it filtered coffee, espresso, decaf, cold brew, or specialty coffees, they have it all covered. And if you are not in the mood for typical Italian food, go for their cinnamon buns. It is my go-to choice. It’s gooey, creamy, sweet, and a bit savoury! You will not be disappointed even if you do not have a sweet tooth! 

Sweet potato fries, homemade bread, eggs, and avocado toast—all taste out of this world. So, stop by Melaleuca for a full-filling breakfast or brunch. They even have free WI-FI and welcome your furry friend.

Timing: 8 am – 4 pm

Address: Lungarno delle Grazie, 18, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

6. Coffee Mantra – A Tiny Coffee Shop in Florence

You must have heard good things come in small packages, right? The coffee Mantra fits the description completely. The vibe, the baristas, and the menu leave no stone unturned to win your heart. This tiny, intimate café in Sant Ambrogio brings in new flavours of coffee every week. And if you love gearbox coffee, you will surely revisit this café.

And the best part is that it is not pricey. Every item on their list is affordable. You can sit inside and get all cosy, or if you enjoy watching people, sit outside. Their latte with oat milk, croissants, and pastries is a solid combination.

Timing: 8 am – 6 pm (closed on Sunday)

Address: Borgo La Croce 71r, Via della Mattonaia, 24r, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy

7. Rivoire – A Café for Chocolate Lovers in Florence

Looking for something beyond coffee? Like great chocolates? I know a café that will satiate your chocolate cravings for sure. Rivoire is known for its fancy chocolates and the view of Palazzo Vecchio. 

At first, people usually look inside by peeping through the windows. And that one peep is enough to lure you in. The unique interior setting oozes luxury. It is so aesthetically pleasing that I can go on and on about it!

Besides tasting pastries and chocolates, do have a cup of coffee. It is at par too. In addition, the cocktails and Italian food are also delicious. They practise what they preach – “to make you smile at every taste.”

Although this café leans towards the pricier end, it is worth it. However, if you’re under a tight budget, I would say it’s better to skip it (sadly).

Timing: 8:00 am – 11:30 pm

Address: P.za della Signoria, 5/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

8. La Cite – Libreria Caffé for All the Creative Minds

Libreria Caffé is a mixture of café and bookshop. It is everything a bookworm would want. You can surf through their extensive collection of books. Pick one, take a corner, and just escape into another world over a cup of coffee or two or many!

This café in Florence also hosts reading sessions, writing workshops, and live music. Here, you can completely unfold your creative side. Apart from that, if you are a digital nomad, this café also provides an ideal ambience for work. A special shout out to their friendly staff. They make the experience even better!

For breakfast, they mainly serve cakes, pastries, coffee (order their special cappuccino), and beverages. You can even indulge in some pasta for lunch.

Timing: 10:00 am – 12:00 am & Saturday – 5:00 pm – 1:00 am (closed on Sunday)

Address: Borgo S. Frediano, 20/R, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy

9. Caffé Piansa – A Rare Café for Specialty Coffee

Another famous café in Florence is Caffe Piansa. They are known for their dedication to mixing coffee beans. Their coffee beans are used by many cafés in Florence. 

A stopover at this café will give you a closer glimpse into their methods of functioning. And the coffee stories from the owners make it 100% better.

Timing: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm & Sunday – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; 2:30 – 5:00 pm

Address: Via Gran Bretagna, 32, 50126 Firenze FI, Italy

10. Caffé Scudieri – A Nostalgic Café in Florence

As you hop from one attraction to another in Florence’s city centre, quickly take a break and sip some coffee at Caffe Scudieri. Whether you want a morning cappuccino or afternoon tea, you’ll never run out of options here.

Even amidst several cafés in the city centre, Caffe Scudieri knows how to stand out. Guess what for? Fresh homemade pastries and the obvious – coffee. In summer, you should try their shakerato (a fusion of espresso in a martini style). Their pistachio-filled croissants, Tuscan rice pudding, and continental breakfast are also a must-try! To date, the taste of this goodness lingers in my mouth.

Timing: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm 

Address: Piazza di San Giovanni, 19R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

What’s Your Pick?

Whether in Florence for the first time or the nth time, cafés will be an integral part of your solo travel in the city. You can pick any of these ten cafés in Florence. Or, you never know, you might stumble upon some other better cafés while walking around the city. Florence never fails to surprise anyone!

Whatever you do, share your experience in the comments. I look forward to it. And if you have already been to any of the cafés from my list, let me know how you liked it. If you need help planning your solo travel to Florence, check out my blog on the ultimate solo travel guide to Florence.

Until next time, happy travelling!