The Best Cafes in Florence for Study Abroad Students: Places to Study in Florence
Florence is a city where slowing down feels natural. Especially if you’re studying abroad and looking for comfortable places to spend a few hours between classes or exploring. After living in Florence for two years, I’ve narrowed down the best cafes in Florence for study abroad students. Including laptop-friendly spots and relaxed cafes that don’t mind if you stay awhile. Between lively piazzas, morning markets, and local businesses, there’s no shortage of spots to chill with a cappuccino or light lunch.
Whether you’re a study abroad student searching for reliable places to study in Florence or a traveler taking a break from sightseeing, the city has plenty of great cafe options… If you know where to go.
This list focuses on the best cafes in Florence for study abroad students, with notes on which are good for studying, which are better for social breaks, and which to skip if you need to get work done.
Many of these cafes are also great for grabbing a quick bite, especially if you’re trying to squeeze lunch in between classes or sightseeing. I’ve shared more of my favorite quick eats in my guide to the Best Quick Lunch Spots in Florence Italy.
*indicates places best suited for work/studying
The Best Cafes in Florence for Study Abroad Students (with locations)
*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: Near Palazzo Vecchio, busy, and perfect for people-watching. They also have a walk-up window for coffee on the go (a rarity in Florence).
-Via dello Sprone: tucked away in Oltrarno, ideal for slow mornings. For study abroad students, this is a place that’s used to people staying for longer study sessions.
-Via Carducci: In Sant’Ambrogio, modern and spacious, great for brunch or afternoon study sessions. This location has a slightly larger food menu and is great for aperitivo.
They serve excellent espresso, drip, and a full food menu. I love their Caesar salad (definitely not a traditional Caesar salad, but so so good.) 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. If you’re studying abroad and planning to work from cafes often, having the right bag and tech makes a huge difference, which I cover in my Study Abroad Packing Essentials Guide.
Study/Work Friendly: I recommend working at the Via dello Sprone location (Oltrarno), it’s much larger than the others. You can also work at the Via Carducci Location (Sant’Ambrogio.) They sometimes restrict laptop use at busy times to certain area, so I’d suggest going in the morning.
*2. Rivarno Café
Location: Lungarno della Grazie 12R
Rivarno is a small spot 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 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. When I was a student I went here almost every day. It’s also much cheaper than many of the others on this list.
Study/Work Friendly: They allow laptops/ work and have reliable wifi. I’ve sat there for 6+ hours straight with no issues.
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. They don’t take reservations, 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. With elaborate decor and a french vibe it’s like stepping into a Pinterest board. You’ll find creative drinks, fancy pastries, and an aesthetic interior perfect for brunch or an afternoon espresso.
The space is large and beautifully decorated, making it great for catching up with friends or relaxing between museum visits. Fair warning, it’s pricey. I’d usually just get one cappuccino or a cocktail and enjoy the vibe.
Study/Work Friendly: They allow laptops during the day and have lot’s of quiet seating. 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. You can also get an iced coffee here without breaking the bank.
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. It’s easily one of the best places to study in Florence with a calm environment where everyone is working. 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. Sometimes they even offer rooftop yoga and aperitivo events, so be sure to check their schedule.
Study/Work Friendly: Laptops are welcome, everyone is there to work.
7. Wild Buns Scandinavian Bakery
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.
Update! They just opened a new location on Via Giusti. It’s much larger than the original and focuses more on brunch. I haven’t had the chance to check it out, but I’ve heard from friends that the menu is delicious and they allow laptops.
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 hot-spot 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 site and let me know what to write more of 🙂
Final Thoughts
Florence has no shortage of cafes, but these are the best cafes in Florence for study abroad students. This is based on comfort, atmosphere, and where you can actually get work done. Whether you’re studying abroad for a semester, working remotely, or just exploring for a week, these spots top tier.
Are you in Florence or visiting soon? GetYourGuide is my go-to website for finding tours and activities while traveling. Two of my 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!
