WORDS & PICTURES: Christa Boffa
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For book lovers, few rooms come closer to the perfect view than the ones they people-watch through in cafes. There’s something particularly reassuring in knowing that the feeling of being nestled indoors, leafing through a book, is one that doesn’t risk being lost in translation — whether you’re in a brasserie, a teahouse, or a literary café. And bibliophiles, Florence is no exception.
Once the heart of the Renaissance and home to immortal writers and artists, this Italian city is dotted with unique and charming spots any book lover will adore — whether that’s bookshops, cafés, or a mix of both. Here are just some of the places that make for a perfect bookish afternoon. Make sure not to miss any of these spots in our book lover’s guide to Florence.
RED LA FELTRINELLI
Books and cafés are the original power couple, and RED La Feltrinelli is a true testament to this. Combining the pleasures of a bistrot with those of a bookshop, this place is a must for our book lover’s guide to Florence — whether you’re browsing their extensive range of books (which cover three whole floors!), sipping a hot brew, or watching life go by at their outdoor tables, overlooking one of the city’s most beautiful squares. This bookshop is one like no other.
BRAC
Just around the corner from the Uffizi Galleries is Brac: a charming spot serving vegetarian and vegan dishes, surrounded by books about all forms of art, including, but not limited to: architecture and design, photography, cinema, theatre, and dance. This is a great spot to immerse yourself in a chilled and relaxing atmosphere while trying local and seasonal specialities. They also host some interesting art events, so make sure you keep up-to-date with their schedule on their website!
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IL CONVENTINO
Perhaps one of the locals’ best-kept secrets. Part of a bigger project – the Associazione Città Sostenibile – and housed in the Former Monastery of St. Theresa, Il Conventino Letterario is located just outside the city’s hustle and bustle, giving it a uniquely peaceful ambience. From breakfast to dinner, newspapers to books, this place will satisfy your every bookish need, thanks to its on-site bar and restaurant, newsstand, and bookshop. Their courtyard is home to several events all year round, as are their dedicated meeting spaces — which are regularly advertised on their social media platforms, particularly their Instagram page.
TODO MODO
Just a stone’s throw away from Piazza Santa Maria Novella is Todo Modo: a bookshop and wine bar. Not only can you browse their wide range of curated book titles, but if you walk a little bit further inside, you’ll be able to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine or two. The best part is that you’ll be quite literally surrounded by books, as their wine bar is right in the middle of their bookshelves and book collection. It’s what bookish dreams are ultimately made of.
LA CITÉ
Cosy café La Cité, situated in Florence’s most eclectic district, San Frediano, is the perfect spot to catch up on your TBR list, surrounded by shelves full of books, immersed in a beautiful atmosphere. And while you can bring your own book to read, if you fancy one of the many books displayed, the good news is that they are all on sale and available for purchase.
BOOK LOVERS’ BONUS!
Even though Florence is geographically smaller than most Italian cities, it’s still full of spots bookworms will love and adore. Spread throughout its neighbourhoods, in its city centre, or even its residential areas, you’ll find several spots that will be worth a visit. If you’re walking off your lunch during a passeggiata in the San Lorenzo area, the Libreria Ginori is an ideal spot to nab a secondhand classic, which you can enjoy in one of the quaint cafes in the area such as Bar Coccole Cioccolato or Simbiosi.
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Closer to the Duomo, you’ll find the Anglo-American Bookshop Paperback Exchange for new and used books, as well as IBS + Libraccio, where you’ll be able to find the latest releases or land a good bargain – or both. This central area is full of outdoor as well as indoor places in which you can sit down and just take it all in. Closer to the Sant’Ambrogio district (more precisely in Piazza dei Ciompi), you’ll spot a stall selling a vast range of secondhand books for really affordable prices. Walking away from the city centre until you reach the Caffe Dolce Amaro means you’ll be able to enjoy an afternoon away from the crowds, surrounded by locals, good coffee, and treats.
Finally, if you’re looking for something that’s further off the beaten track, walking away from the Centro Storico, along the Arno River, and towards the Gavinana district, will guide you to La Piccola Farmacia Letteraria. This is the shop to visit for any book lover in Florence; their unique setup and book collection means you’ll most definitely find the read that’ll make your trip unforgettable. On your way to the bookstore, the Bottega di Pasticceria Caffe is the ideal setting to devour your new book (and maybe one of their delicious desserts as well).
Florence is jam-packed with similar places, ready to be explored and enjoyed by book-lovers — so if you’re searching for something that goes beyond the typical attractions and spots, look a little closer, and deeper, and you’ll find hidden gems even in the most popular or overlooked spots around town. Here, you’ll be able to find your own room with a view. In the company of a good read, the city of the Renaissance will become the perfect background to read and write in. Share this book lover’s guide to Florence with the bibliophiles in your life.
