The Tuscan capital is most famous for its Renaissance art, architecture, museums, galleries, cathedrals and famous works like Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture.
But the cuisine is a highlight too, with specialties that include pappa al pomodoro, ribollita soup, coccoli street food, pici pasta and cantucci e vin santo (biscotti with sweet wine).
In this guide, I recommend the best Florence food tours where you can taste these Florentine specialties on a walking tour of the historic city.
Florence Food Tours
The most popular food tours in Florence take place in the historic centre. This is a great option if you’re staying nearby.
If you want to explore a little further out of the centre, I recommend a tour of the Oltrarno area. Specifically in the Santo Spirito district of Oltrarno.
Oltrarno is a vibrant area with many cafes, bars, chic restaurants, markets, boutique stores, palaces, and wonderful parks, including the famous Boboli Gardens.
Either way, both locations are ideal for food and wine tasting.
Top Pick
Florence Food Walking Tour- Duration: 3.5 hours.
- Tastings: Multiple tastings at 4 stops.
- Suitable for vegetarians: Yes, advise the host when booking.
- Recommended for vegans: Possibly, ask the host before booking.
- Allergy-friendly: Yes, advise the host when booking.
This popular Florence food tour explores the history of food in the city and where to find the best dishes today. The morning tour includes a trip to a local market. There are 4 stops on the tour with multiple tastings at each stop.
Features:
- 4 stops that include 2 different coffees and 2 wines or beer.
- Visit a historic delicatessen.
- A sampling platter at an Italian Enoteca.
- Gelato tasting at a famous Florence gelateria.
Pros: There is a great progression with this tour, starting with a coffee tasting, followed by various cheese, meat and other specialties, followed by gelato.
Cons: May be less enjoyable if you don’t drink coffee and alcohol, although substitutes are available.
Check AvailabilityLocation of this Florence Food Walking Tour
The above mentioned walking food tour in Florence is my top recommendation. However, if a different food tour is more to your liking, my second choice would be a good option.
Food Tour in Oltrarno
Florence Sunset Food Tour
Duration: 4 hours.
Finally, a food tour that takes place in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Florence, the Santo Spirito district in Oltrarno. This newer tour is run by well-known Eating Europe guides and includes an aperitivo, Negroni making, Tuscan specialties, wine tasting and biscotti.
Location of Santo Spirito in Oltrarno
Next Best
Florence: Evening Food Tour
Duration: 3 hours.
Another evening tour in the Oltrarno district, this one by Fat Tire Tours, who also run my top pick mentioned above. Described as a ‘beer and bites’ tour, this is a great way to experience Florence away from the touristy areas. Definitely one for the foodies.
Discover the authentic flavors and rich cultural heritage of Tuscany with my comprehensive guide to experiencing food and culture in this magnificent region, filled with insider tips and curated experiences that promise to leave you with lasting memories.”
What to Eat in Florence
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: a juicy, grilled T-bone steak.
- Ribollita: a hearty vegetable and bread soup.
- Pappardelle al ragù: wide pasta noodles with a meat sauce.
- Panino con la Porchetta: a sandwich filled with roasted pork. A common streat food in Florence.
- Gelato: Italian-style ice cream, a must-try in Florence or anywhere in Italy, of course.
- Schiacciata alla Fiorentina: a type of flatbread, often filled with olive oil and salt.
Feel Florence is the official tourism site of Florence where you can find more things to do, itineraries and events.
Responsible Travel Tips
Many of us are increasingly interested in how to travel more responsibly and sustainably. Here are some ideas on how we can do that when in Florence.
- Reduce food waste by ordering smaller portions or sharing dishes. This is a great way to try a wider variety of food without being wasteful.
- Support local farmers and producers by choosing dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
- Take public transportation or rent a bicycle to reduce carbon emissions. There’s plenty of safe cycling infrastructure in central Florence.
- Join a food tour with a local guide who can introduce you to the area’s traditional dishes and sustainable food practices.
- Seek out restaurants that prioritise locally sourced ingredients and minimise food waste.
- Visit local markets, shop for ingredients to make your own meals, and support local businesses.
If you have questions or want to leave a tour review, please do so in the comments.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to tours in Florence, Tuscany, Italy. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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