Have you ever dreamed of international travel? My daughter does and after our recent mother-daughter trip, more travel adventures are being discussed. In our typical fashion, these discussions usually occur over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Many years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Europe a few times, predominantly Germany. Aside from the wonderful architecture, my favorite experience was the tradition of an afternoon cup of coffee accompanied by a delectable pastry. Local cafés are bustling around two or three o’clock in the afternoon. After sharing this experience with my daughter, we started doing a little research … research on Italy and coffee shops.
In search of coffee shops.
Nestled in the Tuscan region of Italy, Florence is a haven of fantastic food, exceptional wine and beautiful coffee. If you are planning a trip to Florence in the near future, you might be wondering which are the best places to enjoy some traditional Italian coffee. If so, then look no further! Here are six of the best places for a coffee-lover to relax in Florence.
1. La Ménagère
If you are looking for a coffee-shop that provides terrific coffee as well as an Instagrammable backdrop, then head on down to La Ménagère for a cup of locally sourced coffee. The inside of this café looks like an old brickwork warehouse which has been transformed into a chic garden terrace.
2. Caffe Gilli
Caffe Gilli was first established in 1733 and worked to provide the finest pastries, chocolates, cakes and coffee to the high society of Florence. The remnants of this luxury can still be seen in the decadent Belle Epoque interior and their open terrace, where you can sit back and enjoy watching the world go by while you sip on a cappuccino. Step back in time by visiting Caffe Gilli and order one of their many delicious handmade cakes to accompany your traditional Italian coffee.
3. Le Murate Caffè Letterario
The best time to visit Italy is definitely during the Spring and Autumn when the temperatures are still comfortable, but the crowds of tourists have gone home. If you are traveling during these times, you will definitely want to visit Le Murate Literary Café’s uncovered outdoor terrace and enjoy people watching as you indulge in a decadent mocha coffee. The building was originally a monastery and then a prison, but it’s now home to one of the coolest coffee shops in all of Florence.
4. Caffè Concerto Paszkowski
This café is so well-loved by Florentines and tourists alike that it was named a National Monument in 1991. Perhaps the real reason this was declared a national treasure has less to do with the delicious coffee and more to do with the history of the building as a concert hall attended by many great European intellectuals throughout history! In any case, The Caffè Concerto Paszkowski is a great place to sit down (or stand up, as the Italians do) for an espresso and an Italian pastry.
5. Ditta Artigianale
This coffee shop is so good that there are two of them in Florence! The Florentine Starbucks serves a modern coffee menu – which is something of a relief if you have ever tried ordering an americano or café au lait in Italy. Ditta Artigianale offers a comfortable and modern environment for customers, which makes it easy to sit for hours working, reading or just relaxing while enjoying a simple yet intense coffee experience.
6. Le Vespe Cafe
This coffee shop not only offers mind-blowingly good coffee, but it also serves one of the best brunches in Florence. So, if you are heading to Florence anytime soon, don’t miss out on their tantalizing menu and reserve a table at Le Vespe Café. This café is popular with tourists and locals, so if you don’t reserve a table you may end up being disappointed when you get there.
The cafés are worth the visit!
Hmm, I’m not sure there’s a European excursion in our future anytime soon, but those coffee shops sure are enticing. And of course, I do have a rather persuasive daughter who is teething at the bit to cross the pond.
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