It can be hard to find the perfect place to sit and drink your coffee with a view. Florence's best is usually tucked away and difficult to find for a reason. However, Finisterrae does an excellent job of catering to the multiple groups of tourists who arrive at the church of Santa Croce where Michelangelo and others are buried. Ask for an espresso or a foamy cappuccino and enjoy people-watching. You'll want to get there before too many people show up--it's one of the most frequented areas and tables are snatched up by lunch hour. Think about heading here before you go out sight-seeing.
Recommended for Cafés because: The view of the Santa Croce church facade is gorgeous here.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about stopping here for coffee earlier in the day since Santa Croce tends to be one of the busiest spots in the city.
No matter what your coffee taste is, you're sure to find something that you will love at Gran Caffe San Marco. It has more of a local flair than many of the other spots you will find within the city center, and not only are you allowed a delicious experience, but you can also get a break away from the crowds. The cafe not only has great coffee, but you can also order a plate of food for a good price and serve yourself. If you are looking for something a little sweeter, they also have some amazing gelato for sale, as well.
Recommended for Cafés because: With old-fashioned style and delicious coffee, it's hard to beat this local joint.
Alexa's expert tip: This is a little away from the city center--think about getting a cab or taking a bus.
When you need to get away from the touristy spots, Caffe Notte offers a safe haven with great drinks and a fun crowd. You can imagine it as a modern, artists' haven, and whether you want coffee or something a little stronger, sitting at a table here will guarantee that you won't hear any English. The staff might understand you, so offering up a little bit of your Italian and giving it a try can add to the experience. They also have some freshly-baked pastries that are a buttery and savory way to start your morning before you head to the other side of the river to see some sights.
Recommended for Cafés because: When you want a truly local experience, Caffe Notte is your best bet.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about stopping here in the evening--they sometimes have live music well into the late hours.
Enjoying a cafe is not only about enjoying the coffee, but it's also about enjoying the variety of items that go with it. At Robiglio, you can sample some delicious desserts while enjoying an espresso. Whatever type of sweet you are looking for, you're sure to find it here. Robiglio offers a fun environment that borders on both comforting and classy. You can also find all of your catering needs here for a good price without having to worry about the quality--if you are planning on having a wedding in Florence, this is one of the best places in the city to contact.
Recommended for Cafés because: You'll find wonderful service and delicious pastries at this spot.
Alexa's expert tip: If you are thinking about having a party, you'll want to book through here.
Caffe Donnini has been a staple of the Florence cafe scene since 1894. A quiet cafe in the mornings and afternoons, you can easily tuck yourself away with an espresso or cappuccino for a fair price and in a great location. There are several high-quality coffee places located in the Piazza della Repubblica, but Donnini has been around the longest and remains a favorite of celebrities and locals alike. As one of the gathering places of artists and writers since its opening, the coffee shop still attracts creative types taking advantage of the city and the art and history in that area. The interior harkens back to the golden age of European expats, and the pastries are to die for.
Recommended for Cafés because: The pastries here are hand-crafted and it's in a great location.
Alexa's expert tip: Try and get a seat in the back--you'll be surrounded by years of history.
Whether you have been out shopping all day or you are just walking the streets around the train station or Santa Maria Novella church, this can be the perfect place to stop and grab a quick cappuccino before heading out again. It also offers lunch, but the coffee is truly some of the best in Florence and when you are out and about, it can be the perfect place to grab something quickly--the staff is fast and friendly. Also, think about grabbing a brioche or two, they have some great options that will keep you coming back during your stay in Florence.
Recommended for Cafés because: Cafe Amerini is located in a great area and offers some great pastries.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about stopping here after you've toured the church of Santa Maria Novella.
One of the oldest cafes in Florence, Paszkowski has excellent coffee, service, and a love for making the customer feel at home. The interior is both elegant and refined--it has a beautiful set up and the servers certainly know what they are doing in order to create quality coffee that is hard to find anywhere else. It also has wonderful set of outdoor seating that you can enjoy throughout the year. Whether you plan on having a pastry or you just want to have an espresso to boost your energy, you can find it here along with a beautiful view.
Recommended for Cafés because: You will feel right at home at this cosy spot in Piazza della Repubblica.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about heading up above to the seating on the second floor.
When you are on the other side of the Arno and you want to feel as though you can sit down and have a cup of coffee with a younger crowd, this is the place to go. A frequent favorite of locals, you'll want to put on your best Italian and avoid ordering in English. In the evenings, they serve some great beer to take out on the steps of the Santo Spirito church. Even though it's a fun place to go at night, where the place really shines through is as a local coffee spot where you can sit and enjoy in an overstuffed chair.
Recommended for Cafés because: Volume has a great, relaxed feel and is in a good location in the Oltr'arno region.
Alexa's expert tip: See if you can get a table in the back since that's where the locals tend to congregate.
One of Florence's oldest and best spots to sit and enjoy a cup, Scudieri prides itself on providing high-quality coffee and delicious baked goods right in the city center. You won't find a spot close to the Duomo offering better coffee, and the baristas and fast and friendly despite the high-class interior. You'll love some of their delicious coffees and the old-fashioned presentation. Nothing picks you put after hours of sight seeing like an espresso, and Scudieri provides quality service and a special atmosphere to make you feel like you are in the finest of cafes in Florence and beyond.
Recommended for Cafés because: For an old-fashioned coffee-drinking experience, Scudieri is one of the best of the best.
Alexa's expert tip: Tips are not required, but a thank you will more than suffice!
It would be a shame not to sample some of Florence's best chocolate, and when you stop at Riviore, you are only getting artisan-made products. Between their scrumptious pastries filled with dark chocolate made in-house or their thick, pudding-like hot chocolate, this is a chocolate-lover's paradise. Whether you feel in the mood for a coffee in the beautiful and famous Piazza Signoria or you feel like grabbing a treat drenched in chocolate, this is your best bet. It's also in a great location close to all the famous sights, so after you are done with your treat you can head out on your way once again.
Recommended for Cafés because: Rivoire is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the city in the glorious Piazza Signoria.
Alexa's expert tip: Everything is good, but all the pastries with chocolate are made in-house.