Florence has become very well-known for panini, different kinds of sandwiches stuffed with all things delicious. 

Many visitors tend to flock in mass to the same Insta-famous shop, which is ok, but not worth wasting precious hours standing in line, when you could very easily just walk up to an even better establishment.

This is my ultimate list as a Tuscan native, with detailed descriptions and videos about what makes each panini shop unique 💎

Don't forget to download Thatch app to access full features and to save ☑️ this map for future use!

Italian Language 101: one panino, two panini.

Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

Best panini in Florence (free map)     

From visiting the beautiful city of Florence multiple times and doing extensive research I have compiled together an extensive list of the best places to eat and drink in Florence.

I have included over 10 great spots to eat, including the best places for gelato, and 6 places to enjoy a drink for the evening.

Italy

Tuscany, Italy

Florence, SC, USA

Your guide to where to eat, drink and sleep in Florence

Florence Italy

Your comprehensive 10-day Italian escape including:
- Full itinerary in and out of Milan including Venice, Florence and Cinque Terre 🇮🇹
- 10+ hotels  🏨
- 30+ restaurants 🍝
- Recommended day trips to Tuscany and Lake Como 🍷
- Advice on exploring Italy via train 🚞

Cinque Terre, SP, Italy

Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Lake Como, Italy

Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Summer Northern Italy Getaway

I want to help you discover the lesser known places in Florence. You already know the David, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. But do you know the best place to get a craft beer? Eat the best Chinese food? Join a summer beach party? I’m here to help you live like a local!

I spent two years living in the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence, Italy. Spending so much time in this city allowed me to remove myself from the regular touristy spots that so many people get caught up going to when they have just a few days here. 

Unfortunately, Florence really does suffer from over-tourism, particularly in the summer months. This can make it difficult to feel like you're truly a part of the life of the city. Fortunately, however, there are a ton of great places around the city, less known to tourists, where you can get to know another part of the city.

In this guide, I will introduce you to those spots: the lesser-known, more local hot spots to have coffee, eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, date night, live music, and drink the night away.

This guide is perfect for people who want to go to hip and cool places that are off the beaten path, which can be hard to find in Florence. Maybe you're going to be in Florence for just a few days and want to be in the know right away, or maybe you're a student coming to spend a semester in Florence. This guide will help you get a head start on all the best places that your friends probably haven't told you about.

I've also provided information about transportation around the city, from walking to biking to the tramvia, etc.

What this guide does NOT include: All of the historical sites, art museums, and famous statues. Every blog post includes these types of things in Florence. I want to provide you with another side of Florence.


Lesser Known Florence

If you're searching for the best panino or a snack to have mid-day to keep fueling your travels around Florence, then check out this guide for the best panini or places to enjoy some nice, small bites. There are hundreds of places to eat a great snack or a fantastic panino in Florence, and you should never have to wait in line for hours at a specific Tik-Tok famous place.. Save this guide instead!

Panini & Small Bites in Florence

Florence, Italie

The Best Restaurants & Hidden Bars in Florence, Italy

Florence

I spent hours upon hours researching for the best restaurants to eat at, so you don't have to! Save yourself the hours of scrolling and searching with my detailed guide! In the summer (July 2023) I visited Italy for a month with my intentions set with eating all the foods I have ever dreamed about in Italy. From hand rolled fresh pesto gnocchi to saffron risotto with lamb and gelato you'll think about for days. Actually, all these foods I am convinced you will think about for the rest of your life!
I looked for the hidden local treasures and of course the costly fancy eats while visiting these two cities. When purchasing this guide I will give you exact locations, costs, reservations, recommendations, distances from main attractions, and honest reviews of places I had tried and did not care for! Alot of TikTok's and reels on social media make many of the well know restaurants and quick eats in Italy seem that they are worth every penny ... some are not, and I learned the hard way! Let me help you save money and budget your way through Italy while still eating like royalty along the way!
(13 spots in Rome, 10 spots in Florence)
I will add 7 bonus spots in other cities throughout Italy as well because they were just that good and I can't hide that from people! :)))

A foodies guide to Rome and Florence

Home of the Renaissance! 
Florence is a travelers dream. Filled with museums, amazing food, and so much to explore! 

In this guide I share the best hotels, best restaurants & cafes, the classic museums and hidden gems to explore! 




The Perfect 4 days in Florence 

SandwiChic

Opened in an old sewing shop (they still have the original furniture!), Sandwichic sources high quality ingredients, produces (and sells) its own sauces, and offers delicious, local, artisanal beverages.

One of the reasons why I love this place is that, in addition to regular schiacciata, and 5 grains schiacciata, they also use traditional unsalted Tuscan bread!

Some favorite panini:
- gorgonzola blue cheese, onion spread, mushrooms and pancetta [similar to bacon];
- taleggio cheese, truffle spread, mortadella with pistachios and sun-dried tomatoes;
- taleggio cheese, eggplant spread, capocollo and fresh lettuce;
- spicy salame, stracchino cheese, bell pepper spread and sun-dried tomatoes.

Antico Vinaio has become super famous in Florence and there is always a really long line. But honestly, it's way overhyped. It's not the best. But SandwiChic IS the best. It's pretty popular with American students during the academic year as there are many American art institutes in the area. But most tourists don't know about it. 

It's just a small little place with a couple of tables so it can get crowded in there depending on the time you go. 

You can choose which spreads, meats, cheeses, etc that you want to have on your schiacciata (thick square breaded sandwich).

Florence is known for its sandwiches - also a great budget option!

Florentine style sandwiches served here! 

SandwiChic

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