Steaks, Sunsets and the Pre-Game Buzz: Matchday Guide to Florence

Florence, the home of Dante, Machiavelli, Botticelli and Leonardo Da Vinci. 

One of the most romanticised and visited cities in Europe, it welcomes around 11 million tourists every year, drawn by the Galleria degli Uffizi, Piazza del Duomo and Cappelle Medicee. 

Destination Calcio took in the sights as well as some action at Fiorentina’s Stadio Artemio Franchi. Here’s a few pointers before you go.

 Start the day with… coffee and a wander

Start your day right with a cappuccino at Pasticceria Nencioni on Via Pietrapiana in the heart of the city, and perhaps a little sweet treat while you’re there, before heading off to Mercato Centrale and wandering through the stalls selling cheese, pesto, salumi, gelato, meat, fish and, of course, more coffee if needed.

Go and see… Piazza Michelangelo

Throw a dart at a map of Florence and you’ll land on something breathtaking to visit.

But taking the hike up to Piazza Michelangelo and getting a general view of the city, especially at golden hour, delivers a sight to behold.

Sitting with a beer and watching the sun go down is a great way to spend an evening before heading back down to the city.

Grab a quick bite at… Budellino

Il Budellino on Via dei Neri is the perfect place to refuel. It’s on the same same street as Antico Vinaio, the social media darling of the moment, but isn’t as busy as Vinaio. And that’s a good thing.

Walk in and choose a sandwich made with fresh ingredients from their extensive menu, order a beer and enjoy it while people still queue outside Antico Vinaio.

Get the pre-match buzz… near the stadium

The Green Store Pub on via Viale Malta is great place to start. It’s no more than a 15-minute walk to the Franchi, has been around for 30 years and has a reputation for pouring the best Guinness this side of the Emerald Isle.

“They have a mix of beers on tap, usually around six at any given time, but I can’t recommend the Guinness highly enough – probably the best I’ve had in Italy and maybe outside of Ireland,” says Scott Balaam, an Englishman who has been living in Florence for six years. They also serve food so you won’t be stuck for a snack.

Leave time for one even closer to the stadium. If you want to be right in the thick of the action and surrounded by some of Fiorentina’s ultras, head for Bar Tabacchi Marisa on Via Viale Manfredo Fanti. It has been a meeting point for Viola fans for decades and is a stone’s throw away from the Franchi.

Celebrate at… Trattoria Dall‘Oste

It would be wrong to spend a day or two in Florence and not try the one food the city is famous for: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, otherwise known as a Florentine steak.

Trattoria Dall‘Oste on Via Borgo S. Lorenzo in the heart of the city is where we would recommend.

It’s less than a 10-minute walk from Chiesa Santa Maria Novella and has quite the reputation, meaning you will likely need to book, especially on the weekend. But it’s worth it. 

Prime cuts and valuable advice from your waiter on what wine goes with your meal can be expected. And the price isn’t exorbitant, with a meal for two coming to around €100, including starters, mains, drinks and desserts.