Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, isn’t just a magnet for art lovers and travelers, it’s also a fantastic city for students. You’ll quickly notice that Florence has no shortage of cafés and study-friendly spots. The best part? Many of them combine excellent coffee with cozy, productive atmospheres. Here are the top 10 places where students can study well while drinking coffee in Florence.
1. Ditta Artigianale
One of Florence’s most famous coffee roasteries, Ditta Artigianale is beloved by locals, expats, and students alike. Known for its specialty coffee and trendy interiors, it offers long communal tables perfect for working on your laptop. Their Wi-Fi is reliable, and the atmosphere has just the right level of background buzz to keep you focused. Try their cappuccino or a pour-over to fuel a long study session.
2. La Ménagère
A café, concept store, and florist all rolled into one, La Ménagère is a dreamy spot to hit the books. Its eclectic yet elegant design makes it both inspiring and comfortable. Students often head here in the mornings to grab a coffee and get some serious work done before the lunchtime crowds arrive. The tables are spacious, the lighting is warm, and you’ll feel like you’re studying inside a lifestyle magazine spread.
3. Todo Modo
If you prefer studying in a quieter environment surrounded by books, Todo Modo is your place. It’s a bookstore café that blends culture and coffee seamlessly. You can sip an espresso while browsing their vast book collection or set up at one of their wooden tables to work. The ambiance is scholarly but relaxed, making it ideal for long reading or writing sessions.
4. Le Murate Caffè Letterario
Set inside a former prison complex that has been transformed into a cultural hub, Le Murate Caffè Letterario offers a unique place to study. With plenty of tables, good coffee, and occasional cultural events, it’s a place where students can both work and connect with Florence’s creative community. The outdoor courtyard is especially lovely in the spring and summer, perfect for a mix of studying and soaking in the Florentine atmosphere.
5. Volume
Located in Piazza Santo Spirito, Volume is a student favorite thanks to its artsy vibe and relaxed setting. This café feels more like a living room, with mismatched furniture and quirky decor. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a cappuccino, open your laptop, and feel right at home. While it can get lively in the evenings, mornings and early afternoons are generally peaceful enough for studying.
6. Shake Café
With several locations across Florence, Shake Café is perfect for students on the go. They serve great coffee, smoothies, and healthy snacks, making it easy to keep your energy up during a study marathon. Their central location near the Duomo also makes it convenient if you’re moving between classes or appointments. Wi-Fi is reliable, and you’ll often find other students working there too.
7. News Café
For students looking for a more traditional Italian café experience but still wanting space to study, News Café is a solid choice. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, it combines the feel of a classic Italian bar with the functionality of a study-friendly space. Order a macchiato and enjoy the quiet rhythm of Florentine café life while reviewing your notes.
8. La Cité
La Cité is a hybrid café, bar, and bookstore in the San Frediano neighborhood. It’s popular with students for its cultural events, concerts, and readings, but during the day, it’s an ideal spot for studying. The interior has a rustic charm with exposed brick and high ceilings, creating an inspiring atmosphere. Grab a coffee and settle in at one of their long tables for a productive afternoon.
9. Ben Caffè
Small but full of charm, Ben Caffè is a cozy café close to Santa Croce. The staff is friendly, the coffee is excellent, and the space feels intimate—perfect if you like smaller, quieter spots to work. Because it’s not as crowded as some of the bigger names, it’s a hidden gem for students looking for a peaceful study corner.
10. Arnold Coffee
For those who prefer an American-style coffee shop vibe, Arnold Coffee is Florence’s answer to Starbucks. It has large tables, lots of plugs for laptops, and a wide menu that includes large lattes and frappes. Students flock here when they need a place with a familiar setup for long study hours. It’s especially popular during exam season, as it stays open later than most Italian cafés.
Tips for Studying in Florence Cafés
- Go early. Many cafés get busy around lunchtime or in the evenings, so mornings are often the best time for focused studying.
- Bring headphones. Florence cafés can get noisy, especially in popular neighborhoods. A good playlist can help keep you in the zone.
- Explore different areas. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, study days in Santo Spirito will feel different from those in Santa Croce or near the Duomo.
Interested in learning Italian in Italy? Contact us!