Caffè Gilli, Florence Travel Guide

Free Guide: Florence's oldest café since 1733: Art Nouveau elegance, divine pastries, artisan chocolates, and timeless mixology in Piazza della Repubblica's heart.

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Caffè Gilli

A brief summary of Caffè Gilli

Florence's oldest café since 1733: Art Nouveau elegance, divine pastries, artisan chocolates, and timeless mixology in Piazza della Repubblica's heart.

Caffè Gilli, nestled in the heart of Florence on Piazza della Repubblica, is Florence's oldest café, founded in 1733. This historic gem blends Art Nouveau elegance with exquisite pastries, artisan chocolates, classic Italian coffee, and a refined bistrot menu. Step into a Belle Époque world of luxury, where tradition meets contemporary mixology in a timeless setting perfect for breakfast, aperitivo, or dinner.

0.5–3 hrsTime to spend
$$$Luxury
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Sheltered areas
4.0 Very good · 7,009 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon8 am–10 pm
  • Tue8 am–10 pm
  • Wed8 am–10 pm
  • Thu8 am–10 pm
  • Fri8 am–12 am
  • Sat8 am–12 am
  • Sun8 am–10 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
Via Roma, 1r, 50123 Firenze FI
Phone
Website

Getting there

Walking

From Florence Santa Maria Novella station, 10-15 min walk (800m) via Via Panzani; free, flat paths.

Public Transport

Bus C1/C2 from station to Piazza della Repubblica, 5 min, €1.50; frequent service.

Taxi

5 min ride from station or Duomo, €10-15; easy drop-off at piazza entrance.

Discover more about Caffè Gilli

Historical Legacy

Founded in 1733 by the Swiss Gilli family under Grand Duke Gian Gastone de’ Medici, Caffè Gilli began as a sweet shop on Via de’ Calzaiuoli, quickly captivating Florentine nobility with its confections. It relocated to Via degli Speziali in the late 19th century, then to its current iconic spot in Piazza della Repubblica around 1900, becoming a hub for literary cafés amid the city's vibrant café culture.

Art Nouveau Splendor

The interior evokes Belle Époque grandeur with ornate columns, intricate decor, and a famous arched glass entrance featuring the city's most renowned clock. To the right lies the bustling counter for quick coffees and pastries; to the left, an intimate tea room preserves century-old intimacy. Outdoor seating offers prime views of the bustling piazza.

Pastry and Chocolate Mastery

Renowned for alta pasticceria, Gilli crafts masterpieces from premium ingredients, blending Tuscan tradition with modern techniques. Indulge in flawless pastries, monorigine chocolates diffusing elegant aromas, and seasonal sweets that honor centuries of artisanal excellence. Each creation balances flavors, textures, and visual artistry.

Bistrot and Mixology

The bistrot elevates Italian classics with contemporary twists for lunch, dinner, or brunch, featuring vegetarian options and international influences. The cocktail bar, led by expert bartenders, revives authentic classics like Negroni with premium spirits and creative variations, in an atmosphere of refined sophistication.

Florence's Living Salon

As Florence's salotto, Gilli draws locals and visitors for its unchanging quality since 1733. Owned by the Valenza family since 1991, it remains a sensory journey through history, where the scent of fresh espresso mingles with chocolate and the piazza's energy.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · at 1am or at 2am or at 7am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 70% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 80% of the busiest month
  5. May: 90% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 90% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 80% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 70% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 90% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 100% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 70% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 80% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 40% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 2am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 7am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 8am: 70% of the busiest hour
  6. 9am: 80% of the busiest hour
  7. 10am: 90% of the busiest hour
  8. 11am: 100% of the busiest hour
  9. 12pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  10. 1pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  11. 2pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  12. 3pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  13. 4pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  14. 5pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  15. 6pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  16. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  17. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  18. 9pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  19. 10pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  20. 11pm: 60% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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