One of the best things about a vacation in Tuscany is indulging in her foodie delights but we also recommend leaning into the foodie customs of the region as well. From visiting the endless list of seasonal food festivals celebrating local specialities, to shopping the freshest produce and most notable regional products at bustling local markets, to visiting wineries and sampling their vintages, there are all sorts of foodie experiences to enjoy but you can also simply eat in the manner of Tuscans. This means eating when the locals eat, resting after your meal in the middle of the day, having multiple courses with your meals, consuming the right coffee at the right time of the day (cappuccinos are expressly only for breakfast in Italy, or certainly not after 11am), and more.
One of the local foodie customs that we vouch for the most as particularly delicious and indulgent for someone on vacation, is the idea of the aperitivo. This involves going out ahead of your dinner or evening on the town, visiting a bar or two, and ordering an appetite-stimulating drink to enjoy with some snacks. Or perhaps you never end up going for dinner at all – lots of Italians will enjoy an aperitivo or two (or more) while eating the snacks served with them (often for free) and either fill up on the snacks or head home for dinner afterwards. No matter what way you do it though, it’s a great way to spend an evening!
Best enjoyed slowly, savouring the good food, delicious drinks, and (ideally) excellent company, it is the perfect antidote to the busy routines of daily life. Plus, you’ll get to blend in with the crowds of locals who are doing the same – ideal for a little people-watching.
If you find a vacation rental in Florence and want to indulge in the aperitivo tradition between your day of sightseeing and dinner, then there are some truly incredible places to try the experience for yourself – and some of them even originated some of the aperitivo classics…
Giacosa 1815, not far from the Palazzo Strozzi, formerly known as Casoni, is one of the city’s grand historical caffès and is where the Negroni was invented in the 1920s. So, if you’re especially partial to a Negroni, trying it in its birthplace is a must while you’re in town!
If you want to continue the elegant and historical vibe, then we suggest heading to the Piazza della Repubblica, a charming and famously picturesque square in Florence with an old carousel at its centre, where you will find the renowned Caffè Gilli, Paszkowski, and Caffè Giubbe Rosse. You will pay extra for the privilege of spending time in these lovely hallowed halls (less so if you choose to stand at the bar, instead) but it is worth it to gather in spaces that housed noted writers and artists throughout history and to take in the surroundings.
For dreamy views over the skyline alongside your aperitivo, meanwhile, head to a hotel with a rooftop bar. Again, you’ll pay a little extra for the experience but it is worth it for at least one drink. The Excelsior, undeniably, has the best views to offer. Located in the Piazza Ognissanti, it is only about a ten-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio.
If you’re looking for areas with a lot of great options in close proximity to one another, San Frediano in the southwest portion of the Oltrarno neighbourhood is a dynamic and eclectic spot with loads of bars to choose from. Via di San Niccolò also has a bunch of bars to give you plenty of choice and for those looking to stay in a nice outdoor seating area, the bars around Piazza Santo Spirito are great.
So, find your holiday rental in Florence and come indulge in the city’s endless delights… including some excellent aperitivo options…