The Best Cafés in Florence for Study Abroad Students and Young Travelers
Florence is one of those cities where slowing down feels natural. Between lively piazzas, morning markets, and local businesses, there’s no shortage of nice spots to chill with a cappuccino or light lunch.
Whether you’re a study abroad student looking for a cozy corner to get work done or a traveler looking to take a break from sightseeing, Florence’s cafes offer the perfect mix of charm and comfort.
After living here for two years, these are my favorite cafes in Florence. The ones I consistently return to for good coffee, friendly service, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile.
*indicates places best suited for work/studying
*1. Ditta Artigianale
Locations: Via dei Neri 32R, Via dello Sprone 5R, and Via Carducci 2R
Ditta Artigianale is Florence’s most famous coffee roaster and easily one of the best cafes in the city. With multiple locations, each has its own vibe:
-Via dei Neri: busy, social, and perfect for people-watching.
-Via dello Sprone: tucked away in the Oltrarno, ideal for slow mornings.
-Via Carducci: modern and spacious, great for brunch or afternoon study sessions.
They serve excellent espresso, drip, and a full food menu. I personally love their caesar salad (definitely not what I would call a caesar salad, but still so good) and their seasonal brunch toasts are a lot of my friends’ go-to. The vibe is more modern, making it a favorite among locals, travelers, and students alike.
Study/Work Friendly: I only recommend working at the Sant Ambrosio location, it’s much larger than the others. They sometimes restrict laptop use at busy times so I’d suggest going in the morning
*2. Rivarno Café
Location: Lungarno della Grazie 12R
Rivarno is a small spot right next to the river, perfect for a quiet coffee or breakfast away from the crowds. With friendly staff and a small outdoor seating area, it’s one of those places that just feels welcoming. Their cappuccinos are consistently great, and the food menu is perfect for a light lunch. If you’re looking for a cute space with a relaxed feel, this is the one.
Study/Work Friendly: They allow laptops/ work and have reliable wifi
3. Melaleuca Bakery + Bistrot
Location: Lungarno delle Grazie 18R
Melaleuca has become a Florence staple, an Australian-owned cafe right by the Arno with incredible pastries, brunch, and specialty coffee. It’s bright, lively, and perfect for a late breakfast or a mid-morning break.
Their cinnamon rolls are absolutely insane, I think about them at least once a day. The menu changes seasonally with fresh local ingredients. It’s a popular spot among study abroad students, especially on weekends, so plan to go early.
Study/Work Friendly: They do not allow laptops, they’re pretty strict about this so it’s not worth trying.
*4. La Ménagère
Location: Via de’ Ginori 8R
La Ménagère is one of Florence’s most beautiful cafes; part flower shop, part restaurant, part cafe. It’s the kind of place that feels like stepping into a pinterest board. You’ll find creative drinks, fancy pastries, and an aesthetic interior perfect for brunch or a slow afternoon espresso.
The space is large and beautifully decorated, making it great for catching up with friends or relaxing between museum visits.
Study/Work Friendly: They allow laptops during the day. At night it transitions into more of a cocktail bar, so it’s not ideal for getting work done.
*5. La Loggia degli Albizi
Location: Borgo degli Albizi 41R
A local favorite that often flies under the radar, La Loggia degli Albizi offers a more traditional feel and consistently good coffee. It’s a great place to escape the busier tourist areas and enjoy a quiet breakfast or a small lunch.
Their sandwiches and pastries are simple but delicious, and the staff are always welcoming.
Study/Work Friendly: They allow laptops, but seating is limited.
*6. Oblate Cafeteria (Caffetteria delle Oblate)
Location: Via dell’Oriuolo 26
Caffetteria delle Oblate is hidden on top of the Biblioteca delle Oblate, one of Florence’s most peaceful public spaces. The loggia overlooks the Duomo, making it one of the best hidden views in the city.
It’s casual, inexpensive, and perfect for students or anyone who wants to spend an afternoon reading or journaling.
Study/Work Friendly: Laptops are welcome, everyone is there to work.
7. Wild Buns
Location: Via di Camaldoli 1
Wild Buns is a Scandinavian bakery with a cozy, minimalist interior and some of the best pastries in Florence. Their cardamom buns and cinnamon rolls are perfectly soft and not overly sweet. They also have the only chicken caesar wrap I could find in the city, and it’s delicious.
It’s small but full of charm, great for a quick breakfast or mid-morning break.
Study/Work Friendly: Seating is very limited and the small tables are not suited for working on a laptop.
8. Ozio Bistrò
Location: Borgo Ognissanti 32/34R
Ozio Bistrò sits in the heart of the Oltrarno and offers a relaxed, creative vibe with a rotating seasonal menu. It’s known for its healthy lunch options and quality coffee, plus plenty of vegetarian-friendly meals.
Study/Work Friendly: This place has more of a restaurant set up, so it isn’t one I recommend for work or studying.
9. John Borno Café
Location: Via Giuseppe Verdi 73/75R
John Borno is great for when you want a more American feeling coffee. It has a modern design, great espresso, and a laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find locals grabbing coffee before work and travelers stopping in for a quick pastry.
Their menu features a ton of flavor options and syrups. They also have plenty of outdoor seating if you want to hang out for a while.
Study/Work Friendly: Seating is very limited inside, but the staff doesn’t mind if you spend a few hours at one of the outdoor tables (just make sure your hotspot is ready to go)
Note from the author: Has this post changed how you’re planning your day or given you inspiration for your next adventure? Please drop a comment below! Comments help to grow my blog and let me know what to write more of 🙂
Final Thoughts
Florence has no shortage of cafes, but these are the ones that I found myself always going back to. Whether you’re studying abroad for a semester, working remotely, or just exploring for a week, these spots are perfect for recharging between adventures.
Are you in Florence or visiting soon? Get Your Guide is my go-to website for finding tours and activities while traveling. Two of my absolute favorites are the Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Tour and the Pasta & Tiramisu cooking class (with unlimited wine of course). Check out all of their Florence experiences here!
