While I normally say to stay away from the places right near the main tourist attraction, this caffè is an exception. The Caffè Scudieri Firenze is an upscale but typical place for a morning coffee. As with all Italian caffès, you can stand at the bar or take a table. The coffee is quick and delicious as are the pastries. The view is pretty astonishing too — you’ll enjoy your caffeine while staring at the magnificent Duomo in the piazza just outside the bar.
One Great Day in
The Duomo, Florence
BREAKFAST
Pro Tip: I’m sure you’ve read this but… caffé americano is an espresso with hot water (making it the amount of a typical cup of coffee in America), a caffé normale is an espresso. If you need double the caffeine, ask for a doppio espresso. A cappucino is equal parts expresso, hot milk and foam. If you need milk in your coffee ask for caffé latte because if you just say “latte”, that’s just a glass of milk. And I’m sure you’ve heard this but, don’t order a cappuccino after noonish. Italians don’t drink coffee with milk except in the morning. Here’s a helpful guide from Food and Wine Magazine but you can just go with my go-to morning order, un espresso lungo (which is an espresso with a splash of hot water).
DINNER
My most shared recommendation for Florence is this small, unassuming osteria. It’s Osteria Belle Donne. We stumbled on it by accident because they have a functioning, and famous, wine window. After a lovely Spritz, we decided to go inside to see if we might get a table for dinner. It was one of the best meals I had in Italy. It’s a quick walk from the Duomo and could not be a better meal. My favorite, which I had more than a couple times while in Florence, is the Cinghiale Stew over Polenta. Superb!
TREAT
This is a hard one because there are two spots, that again go against my “don’t eat near a tourist spot” advice, but both are too good to not recommend.
Gelateria Edoardo – this gelateria is exceptional. The gelato is delicious and they don’t have the big messy mounds of it on display. You can mix and match and they have some unique and interesting flavors.
Don Nino — this is spot is well established in Italy (you’ll find them in other cities), but their cannoli are the best. Hand-filled, on the spot, then rolled in your choice of chocolate or pistachio is my favorite. They have mini ones too, if you’ve just had a gelato.
AGENDA FOR THE DAY
The entire complex that is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore including Brunelleschi’s dome, the museum of the Duomo, the Bapistry, and the piazza itself is without a doubt, a work of art. There is so much to see here, and maybe a day isn’t enough! You can buy your tickets to the portions you’d like to see at two places on the square. Tickets can be used over a couple of days and be sure to pay attention to the day of the week you’ll be visiting. The church is closed to tourists on Sundays. You do need to plan ahead if you want to climb to the top of the Cupola or the Campanile as both require advanced ticketing and can be sold out. The Museum has a lot to offer as well, plus a rooftop view of the Dome that’s well worth the price of admission.