Some cities are beautiful. Others are delicious. And then there’s Florence, which is absolutely both. On a recent trip, we stayed right in the heart of the city in a charming Airbnb, surrounded by cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, and espresso bars on nearly every corner. It was the kind of trip where you wake up to the sound of church bells and go to bed wondering how it’s possible to eat that much pasta and still want more.
Spoiler: It is possible.
💲 Price
Florence can definitely be done on a budget if you’re strategic, especially when it comes to food. Morning espresso and a pastry? Around 2–3 euros. A street panino with fresh prosciutto and mozzarella? Maybe 6–8 euros. And even some of the best pasta plates at casual trattorias are under 15 euros.
Of course, guided experiences (like food tours and cooking classes) come with a higher price tag, but they’re well worth the splurge if you’re in it for the culture and the culinary deep dive.
✨ Ambience
Florence is a city soaked in history. From our Airbnb nestled steps away from the Duomo, we could walk everywhere, whether we were admiring Michelangelo’s David or wandering through medieval alleyways in search of the next bite. The streets buzz with energy but also feel relaxed and thoughtful — like everyone there knows they’re surrounded by greatness and are just trying to enjoy it slowly.
And then there are the wine windows, tiny doors carved into old buildings where people used to (and still can!) order glasses of wine. Originally created during the Black Plague to avoid human contact, they now make for one of the coolest historical sips you’ll ever have.
🍽️ Food
Florence is a food lover’s dream in every sense. Here were some of the highlights:
- Espresso Drinks – Italians only drink their coffee hot, so no iced lattes here. But when the espresso is this good, you won’t miss the ice. Every cup was bold, smooth, and always served with care.
- Fresh Meats & Cheeses – We lost track of how much buffalo mozzarella we ate… and we have zero regrets. Every salumi plate felt like a work of edible art.
- Pasta (lightly sauced and deeply flavorful) – Florentine pasta leans minimal: not drowned in sauce but instead balanced with quality ingredients. One of the most surprising standouts was a simple spaghetti that was somehow more satisfying than anything we’ve had stateside.
- Gelato – Creamy, rich, and everywhere. Our food tour led us to a gelateria that felt like magic, no artificial colors, just fresh, seasonal flavor. One bite and you get it.
- Food Tour Finds – We sampled local specialties and learned the stories behind them. From truffle spreads to aged balsamic vinegar, every bite came with a bit of history.
- Cooking Class Experience – Easily one of the trip’s highlights. We joined another couple for a private cooking class where we made bruschetta, pasta, and tiramisu all from scratch. The ingredients were fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple (like eggs that didn’t need to be refrigerated!). It was hands-on, full of laughter, and incredibly rewarding to enjoy the meal we created ourselves.
🍷 Drink
Wine in Florence isn’t just a drink; it’s a lifestyle. Whether it was a crisp local white paired with lunch, a deep Chianti with dinner, or a casual glass through a historic wine window, every pour had a sense of place. We didn’t need to know the names of the wines to know they were good; we just trusted the process (and it never let us down).
And of course, Aperol Spritzes are everywhere, and for good reason. This iconic Italian cocktail (Aperol, prosecco, soda) is light, citrusy, and perfect for sipping in a sunny piazza. Whether enjoyed as an aperitivo before dinner or with a midday snack, it’s basically Florence in a glass.
🌟 Overall Experience
Florence is packed with everything: art, history, beauty, and food that somehow manages to be both simple and spectacular. Whether you’re eating gelato on a centuries-old bridge or sipping espresso outside a cathedral, the city has a way of making even the everyday feel special.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Would I order more buffalo mozzarella and espresso? Without hesitation.
Is Florence a foodie’s paradise? 100%.
It’s even better than you imagine.