Best Gelato in Florence

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Widely considered one of the best in the city for its silky textures. Their signature "Santa Trinita" flavor (mascarpone with hazelnut chocolate) is legendary. Their Black Sesame and Ricotta & Fig are also highly recommended. The view from the bridge with your gelato is one of the best in Florence. — Oltrarno

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Sunset; grab a cone and walk 10 steps to the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge.

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Bompiani is a high-quality neighborhood pasticceria that also makes exceptional gelato. It’s a favorite for locals in the southern part of the city and is known for its pure, traditional flavors and excellent pastries. — Outer

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Afternoon; a local neighborhood secret.

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Right next to Gilli, Paszkowski offers a similar grand café experience. Their gelato is classic and served with traditional Florentine flair. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a treat while soaking in the atmosphere of the city’s central square. — Center

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Evening; enjoy the live music on the piazza.

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A tiny, artisanal shop that focuses on extremely high-quality, often seasonal ingredients. The flavors are subtle and sophisticated—think Pear & Ricotta, Mojito, or Lavender. They use traditional carapine and are often cited by food critics as the most genuine artisanal gelato in the city. — Oltrarno

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Evening; the small piazza is one of the most atmospheric spots in the city.

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A relatively new addition that has quickly become a local favorite. They use high-quality milk from their own farm and focus on pure, intense flavors. Their "Sbrino" flavor is a top-secret cream creation that is highly addictive. — Oltrarno

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Evening; a favorite for locals in the Santo Spirito area.

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This shop is a local favorite for its incredibly wide variety of flavors. While they do the classics perfectly, they are famous for more creative options like Salted Caramel, Rice Pudding, and a particularly intense Pistachio. The "Moretto di via de Neri" (a chocolate and hazelnut creation) is a must-try. — Signoria

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Afternoon; it’s a perfect treat after visiting the Uffizi.

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This shop brings a tropical twist to the Florentine tradition. They are famous for their Acai bowls and tropical fruit gelatos (like Mango and Passion Fruit) alongside the Tuscan classics. — Oltrarno

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Afternoon; a great stop after crossing the Ponte Vecchio.

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The first organic gelateria in Florence. Everything here—from the eggs to the milk and fruit—is certified organic. They are famous for their warm, handmade cones which are baked right in front of you. The "Il Saggio" (cinnamon and apple) is a standout flavor. — Duomo

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Afternoon; you can smell the fresh-made cones from blocks away.

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Carabè specializes in Sicilian-style gelato and granita. If you’re looking for authentic Sicilian pistachio or a refreshing citrus granita, this is the place. It’s a great refreshing contrast to the heavier Florentine cream-based gelatos. — Accademia

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Afternoon; perfect for a refreshing break after seeing the David.

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Rivareno is known for its incredibly creamy, dense texture. They use a high percentage of cream and maintain their gelato at a slightly higher temperature to enhance the silkiness. Their "Contessa" (almond and amaretti) is a particular favorite. — Santa Croce

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Afternoon; centrally located in a beautiful historic street.

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Badiani is the birthplace of the "Buontalenti" flavor. While many shops now serve a version of this cream-based flavor, the Badiani family created the original for a 1960s competition. It is rich, dense, and the ultimate expression of Florentine gelato history. They now have smaller outlets in the center, but the Viale dei Mille shop is the historic heart. — Campo di Marte

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Afternoon; it’s a bit of a trek but the original "Buontalenti" is worth it.

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While Grom is a global chain, their quality control remains exceptionally high. They use only top-tier ingredients (like Piedmont hazelnuts and lemons from Amalfi) and maintain a very traditional texture. It’s a reliable, high-quality choice when you’re in the most touristy parts of the city. — Center

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Afternoon; reliable and centrally located.

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Gilli’s gelato is served with the same elegance as their pastries. While more expensive, the setting is grand and the quality is impeccable. It is the best place for a "formal" gelato experience in a historic setting. — Center

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Late afternoon; the most elegant setting in the city.

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Venchi is a luxury chocolate brand, and their gelato reflects that. They are most famous for their chocolate-wall and their rich, chocolate-heavy gelato flavors. While more expensive than local artisanal shops, it is a decadent experience for chocolate enthusiasts. — Center

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Afternoon; for the chocolate lovers.

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Named after the famous family, this shop prides itself on its noble and refined approach. The flavors are elegant and the presentation is impeccable. It is widely considered one of the top high-end gelaterias for locals who want to avoid the city center crowds. — Statuto

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Afternoon; an elegant and refined shop.

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Established in 1929, Vivoli is the oldest gelateria in Florence. They are famous for a strict "no cones" policy—only cups are served to ensure the focus remains entirely on the quality of the gelato. Their vanilla and crema are the stuff of legend, but they are most famous for their "Affogato"—gelato "drowned" in a perfect shot of espresso. — Santa Croce

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Morning or early afternoon; it’s a historic pilgrimage site.

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A modern, award-winning shop run by a young, passionate team. Their flavors are exceptionally clean and vibrant. Their Black Sesame and creative tea-based flavors have won multiple local awards. — San Lorenzo

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Lunch; a perfect refreshing stop in the market district.

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"Why not!" has been serving natural gelato since 1939. They were pioneers in using only natural ingredients without preservatives or artificial fats. Their honey and sesame flavor is a cult favorite, and they offer an excellent range of vegan sorbets. — Center

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Lunch; centrally located for a mid-day energy boost.

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Another Sicilian specialist, famous for serving their high-quality gelato inside a warm, soft brioche bun. It’s a rich and satisfying way to eat gelato that provides a different experience from the typical cone or cup. — Center

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Lunch; try the "gelato in brioche."

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Known for offering incredible value and some of the creamiest gelato in the city. The lines can be long, but they move very fast. Their "Delizia alla Carraia" (white chocolate and pistachio) is highly recommended. — Oltrarno

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Sunset; eat your gelato while watching the light change on the Arno.

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