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, we 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 but if you want to explore a little further out, we recommend a tour of the Oltrarno area. More specifically, the Santo Spirito district of Oltrarno, a vibrant area with many cafes, bars, chic restaurants, markets, boutique stores, palaces and wonderful parks that include the famous Boboli Gardens.
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 AvailabilityFlorence 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 the well-respected Eating Europe guides and includes an aperitivo, Negroni making, Tuscan specialties, wine tasting and biscotti.
Florence: Evening Food Tour
Duration: 3 hours.
Another evening tour in the Oltrarno district, this one by Fat Tire Tours who also run our top pick mentioned above. Described as a ‘beer and bites’ tour, this is a great way to experience Florence away from the touristy areas.
This article is part of our series on what to eat in Tuscany.
Map of Santo Spirito in Florence
Feel Florence is the official tourism site of Florence where you can find more things to do, itineraries and events.
If you have any questions or would like to leave a review or share your experience, please do so in the comments.
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Recommendations are independently chosen by our travel editors. This post contains affiliate links to tours in Florence, Italy. This means we get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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