Best Gelato in Florence

infoflorencetours
Jul 1
3 min read

If you are visiting Florence, one thing is certain: you cannot leave without tasting the best gelato in Florence. After exploring the city on a Florence free walking tour, there’s nothing better than rewarding yourself with a delicious, creamy, artisanal gelato.

However, be careful — not all gelato is created equal. Florence’s city center is full of colorful displays, but some are tourist traps, filled with artificial flavors and colorings. That’s exactly why we’ve created this guide to the best gelato in Florence, featuring five authentic gelato shops known for their high-quality ingredients, traditional methods, and passion for real Italian gelato.

1. Gelateria dei Neri

📍 Location: Via dei Neri, 20r
⭐ Why visit: A true favorite among both locals and tourists. Expect rich, creamy flavors like pine nut cream, ricotta with figs, or dairy-free dark chocolate.
💡 Tip: Perfect after visiting Santa Croce.
📸 Instagram: @gelateriadeinerifirenze

2. La Carraia

📍 Location: Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25r (plus other branches)
⭐ Why visit: One of the best value-for-money spots for gelato in the city. Known for its large portions, creamy textures, and classic flavors. Try the cheesecake or dark chocolate — both are legendary.
💡 Tip: Located near the Arno River, ideal for a sunset gelato by the water.
📸 Instagram: @gelaterialacarraia

3. My Sugar

📍 Location: Via de' Ginori, 49r
⭐ Why visit: A small, family-run gelato shop that has won multiple awards. They focus on innovative yet authentic flavors, including ginger and lemon or pure pistachio made without refined sugars.
💡 Tip: Conveniently located near the San Lorenzo Market, perfect for a snack between shopping.

📸 Instagram: @mysugarfirenze

4. Perché No!...

📍 Location: Via dei Tavolini, 19r
⭐ Why visit: Serving gelato since 1939, this iconic shop is famous for its unique flavors like honey cream, organic coffee, and Bronte pistachio.
💡 Tip: Just steps away from Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo — an ideal stop after sightseeing.

5. Vivoli

📍 Location: Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r
⭐ Why visit: One of Florence’s oldest gelaterias, dating back to 1929. Here, gelato is less about showy displays and more about substance. Their creamy flavors are the highlight, especially the custards.
💡 Tip: Pair your gelato with one of their homemade cookies for a truly traditional treat.
📸 Instagram: @vivoligelato

How to Recognize Real Gelato in Florence

Before heading out to explore the best gelato in Florence, here are some quick tips to avoid tourist traps:

The colors are natural — pistachio should never be neon green.
The gelato is often stored in covered steel containers (carapine) rather than piled high in mounds.
Flavors are seasonal, and ingredients are fresh and clearly listed.

Where to Go Next After Gelato?

Once you’ve enjoyed your scoop (or two) of the best gelato in Florence, why not continue your adventure? Join a free walking tour of Florence to discover more hidden gems, historical stories, and local secrets.

Or, take a stroll towards a stunning rooftop bar for an aperitivo — check out Florence’s best rooftop bars for the perfect end to your day.

Final Thoughts

No trip to Florence is complete without indulging in the best gelato in Florence. Whether you prefer classic flavors like pistachio and chocolate or want to try something creative like ricotta with fig or ginger lemon, this guide ensures you’ll avoid the tourist traps and enjoy the real deal.

Pair your gelato with a free walking tour, soak in the Renaissance atmosphere, and treat yourself to the sweetest experience Florence has to offer.