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There’s no better way to spend a sunny day in Florence than strolling through its cobbled streets, crossing historic bridges over the Arno, and savoring Italian gelato at every turn. Here, gelato is an art form, perfected over generations, making Florence’s gelato scene truly exceptional. But with so many gelaterias to choose from, knowing where to go can make all the difference.
Authentic Florentine gelato, when done right, is rich, creamy, and crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients. A useful tip: avoid shops with towering mounds of gelato—these artificial displays are often held up with stabilizers and colors designed to attract tourists. Instead, look for gelato in small, covered containers that help preserve freshness and flavor.
Florence has no shortage of gelaterias, from time-honored institutions to newer spots experimenting with bold flavors. Each shop has its own personality but shares a dedication to natural ingredients and exceptional taste. Here are five of the best gelaterias, so you can experience gelato as it’s meant to be enjoyed in Florence.
And Florence is a city made for walking, which is perfect for gelato lovers—you can easily try several gelaterias in one day as you wander. Start near the Duomo with Grom Gelato, then work your way toward the Arno, sampling Gelateria dei Neri and crossing the bridge to Santa Trinita. Don’t forget to stop at Venchi for a chocolate treat, and save Perche No! as a final stop for dessert. Each of these gelaterias offers something unique, and experiencing this variety will deepen your appreciation for this Italian delicacy.
Next time you’re exploring Florence, treat yourself to a scoop (or two) from one of these iconic spots. You might just discover your new favorite flavor, tucked away in a charming shop in the heart of Tuscany.
Gelateria dei Neri
If you’re looking for both tradition and creativity, Gelateria dei Neri offers the best of both worlds. This gelateria has been around for nearly 30 years and has a loyal following. Here, you’ll find classics like stracciatella and pistachio, but you’ll also encounter unique options like gorgonzola or white rice gelato. Don’t worry if the staff don’t speak much English—it’s a sign this place is for locals as well as visitors. Located just a short walk from Ponte Vecchio, Gelateria dei Neri is a must-visit for anyone exploring Florence’s historic center.
Location: Via dei Neri, 9/11
Grom Gelato
Grom Gelato, located near the Duomo, brings a taste of Torino to Florence. This well-loved brand started in Torino and quickly became one of Italy’s most famous gelaterias, now expanding to cities worldwide, including New York and Tokyo. Grom takes pride in using seasonal, natural ingredients, and you’ll never find artificial additives here.
Their pistachio gelato is made with Sicilian pistachios, and their lemon sorbet features lemons from Amalfi. Grom’s commitment to local ingredients and freshness has made it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Location: Corner of Via del Campanile and Via delle Oche
Gelateria Santa Trinita
For a true local experience, head across the Arno to Gelateria Santa Trinita. Located on the quieter, residential side of the river, this gelateria is just one bridge away from the bustling Ponte Vecchio. Santa Trinita is a favorite among locals, especially in summer when people cross the bridge just to cool down with one of their 40 flavors.
Santa Trinita offers flavors ranging from beloved classics like strawberry and chocolate to more adventurous options like black sesame. They also sell biscotti, artisanal chocolates, and Tuscan wines and balsamic vinegar, so you can bring a taste of Tuscany home.
Location: Piazza Frescobaldi 11/12R
Venchi Gelateria
If you’re in the mood for both gelato and chocolate, Venchi Gelateria in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo is the place to go. Venchi, originally founded in Torino in 1878, is renowned for its chocolates and gelato. With locations across the globe, Venchi has kept its reputation as a go-to spot for chocolate lovers.
Here, you can cool off with chocolate gelato or indulge in rich hot chocolate in cooler months. The shop’s unique flavors, like hazelnut and cocoa nibs, highlight Italy’s famous hazelnut and chocolate pairing. Located just steps from the famous Porcellino statue, Venchi is a convenient stop for anyone exploring Florence’s shopping district.
Location: Via Calimaruzza, 18/Piazza del Mercato Nuovo 6/7
Perche No!
Among Florence’s most beloved gelaterias, Perche No! has been serving up gelato since 1939. Located near Piazza della Repubblica, this small, easy-to-miss shop is known for its authentic Italian flavors and creative twists, such as lavender honey and sesame.
Perche No! also offers dairy-free options and granita in the summer, making it a great choice for those with dietary preferences. Made with quality Italian ingredients, their gelato is pure and flavorful, capturing the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Location: Via dei Tavolini, 19R
