Sipping Coffee in Florence – Where History Lives in Every Cup
Maybe I shouldn’t have started my introduction to Florence with coffee – after all, there are so many other things in this city that are simply breathtaking – but I’m a coffee lover. For me, every sip is a new experience, a new memory. Let me show you Florence through its coffee-scented soul – because if Italians are passionate about one thing, it’s making coffee.
Whether it’s a frothy cappuccino in the morning or a quick espresso between two meetings – here in Italy, coffee is not just a drink; it’s a way of life. Coffee came to Venice from the Middle East and started its journey through Italy, eventually becoming part of everyday life across all social classes. Today, it’s a national drink, and in Florence, you can experience its deep-rooted traditions in every single café.
If you’re visiting Florence – whether as a tourist or stepping off the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship – don’t miss out on the city’s cafés! These places don’t just serve coffee; they serve a slice of history. Let me show you four of my favorites, in case you’re craving a steaming espresso while soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
Caffè Perseo
It boasts one of the most beautiful views in the world – for me, it’s one of Florence’s symbols. Opened in 1987 by Francesco Del Pasqua, today it’s run by Vanni Giampiero and his cousin. Sipping coffee while sitting on Piazza della Signoria: it’s something words simply can’t capture.
Rivoire
This place didn’t even start as a café – it was originally a “steamed chocolate factory” founded in 1872 by Enrico Rivoire, royal chocolatier from Turin. It has remained a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists ever since. This is where I first tasted real Savoy-style hot chocolate – and I can say, it was an experience.
Caffè Scudieri
Located in the city center right by the Duomo – this place has been serving Florentines since 1939. The elegance, the terrace with its view, the classic interior… and of course, the coffee – everything comes together here.
Caffè Gilli
Probably my favorite. Opened in 1733, it still preserves the Belle Époque style. Situated on Piazza della Repubblica, when I sit at the ornate counter, I can almost hear the whispers of early 20th-century artists and thinkers. The interiors, the bronze details from the Coppedè workshop, the neoclassical ambiance – it’s a true time machine.
But it’s not just the historic places that enchant me. Florence is full of cafés that preserve tradition with a modern twist – and if you want to enjoy real Italian coffee at home, learn how to use a moka pot! Let’s face it – Italians know how to make espresso better than anyone else. Ask any man, woman, or even child how to use a moka pot, and they’ll tell you about it with passion.
Personally, I have several Bialetti moka pots – I’m not joking, I buy a new one every season. It’s become a ritual for me. My morning moka is just as important a moment in the day as any espresso enjoyed in a local bar.
The moka pot – especially Bialetti – is the heart of every Italian home. It has three parts: the bottom chamber (often called the boiler), the filter (where freshly ground coffee goes), and the top part, where the brewed coffee rises. It’s easy to use, but to make truly great coffee, there are a few small secrets worth learning.
Here’s how I brew coffee with my moka, just like I learned from the Italians:
- I take apart the moka – it has three parts: the bottom chamber (the “boiler”), the filter, and the top.
- I pour water into the boiler – up to the valve.
- I add ground coffee to the filter – not too much, so it doesn’t burn.
- I screw it together and place it on the heat – on medium, until it starts bubbling.
One of my favorite spots in Florence is “L’antica bottega del pane Caffè,” hidden in the Le Cure neighborhood. It’s not in the city center, and that’s exactly what I love about it – quieter, slower paced, and as soon as I walk in, they already know what I’ll have. A fragrant caffè macchiato, topped with a touch of warm milk foam. Simone Nardi, the owner, has been serving the same coffee blend for years: the “Mexico” blend, roasted by Caffè di Bologna – a brand born in 1952 from the passion of local roasters. It’s not a loud, overly acidic coffee, but one with a pleasantly sweet, rich aroma – even the scent is soothing. No wonder people who try it once keep coming back.
Here, attention to detail is everything: after every cup, they do a quick rinse – it only takes a few seconds, but it’s just enough to ensure the flavor of the next shot is pure. This isn’t just a café – Simone’s little bistro is like a French-inspired island in the streets of Florence.
It’s a place where many of the customers have become friends, where they know your name, where you’re not a stranger. And honestly: the coffee is heavenly, but so are the pastries. The counter is always full of fresh baked goods – crispy ciabattas, buttery croissants, and soft, savory focaccia. In the mornings, I just pop in for a quick macchiato, and for a moment, time stands still.
I could go on for pages about all the cafés I visit weekly – each has its own story, a face, a mood, a moment I won’t forget. But if I shared them all, I’d probably never finish this blog post.
And after all, it’s not just autumn and winter. Though I must admit, even in the peak of summer, I drink macchiato just the same – I’ve grown attached to its scent, its taste, that single warm sip. Still, summer has its own coffee favorites that I absolutely love.
And voilá – a new addiction is born. But when guests come over in the summer heat, my classic go-to is the Caffè Shakerato. A good double espresso, ice, a shaker, a few swift shakes – and there it is in your glass: pure summer. Frothy, refreshing, chilled, and pulsing with caffeine in every sip. You simply can’t not love it.
Affogato, on the other hand, has become the summer craze in 2025 – the new obsession you can’t ignore. The new concept at Vivoli Gelateria, the Affogato Bar, is a stunning example of how to reinvent a classic: ice cream, hot espresso, now with liqueurs, cream – a true gourmet experience.
Rumor has it an Emilio Pucci fashion show set off the affogato fever – and honestly, everyone’s been talking about it ever since. One spoonful of gelato, one pour of coffee – and an entirely new world opens up.
In Florence, every sip of coffee tells a story. A piece of the past, a moment of joy – and every time I visit, I fall in love with this city all over again. If you ever find yourself in Florence, don’t just look at the art – taste it. Start with the coffee, because here, everything begins with it.