Digital nomad guide to Florence: work in style among art and coffee
Florence is an appealing base for remote workers looking to spend their free time exploring world-class art. The historic centre is easily walkable, letting you move between cafes, coworking spaces and cultural landmarks without travelling long distances. In this guide, we have selected our favourite places to work during the day and unwind afterwards, along with practical tips for a reliable internet connection right from the start.
Morning: specialty coffee and bookshops in the Oltrarno
To start the day, head to Ditta Artigianale in Via dello Sprone, in the Oltrarno neighbourhood. Founded by Francesco Sanapo, this cafe is known for its specialty coffee and light-filled, contemporary interiors. It is an ideal spot for breakfast and, venue policy permitting, setting up your laptop for a couple of hours. If you prefer quieter surroundings, we recommend Todo Modo, an independent bookshop in Via dei Fossi, near Santa Maria Novella. Inside, you will also find Uqbar, a bistro and wine bar, alongside Zafer 3, an area dedicated to reading and study. It is a lovely place to take a break among the shelves and check for an available work desk.
Midday: a dedicated coworking desk
When your schedule is packed with meetings and screen time, a dedicated desk is often far more comfortable than a cafe table. The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini, in Viale Spartaco Lavagnini, pairs a nineteenth-century building with modern spaces for working and socialising. The coworking hub offers day passes, making it ideal for stays of a few weeks. The property also features a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool overlooking the Florentine skyline. Please note that rooftop access follows specific rules and is not included with the standard coworking pass.
Digital essentials: instant internet on arrival
When working remotely, a reliable internet connection is vital, especially for video calls or working away from your accommodation. Travellers arriving from abroad should also check their carrier’s roaming fees to prevent unexpected charges. To stay connected the moment you land in Florence, we recommend purchasing an eSIM prior to departure. This digital SIM installs directly onto any compatible smartphone. Once in Italy, you can connect to the local mobile network and use your handset as a laptop hotspot, depending on your plan. Before choosing, check how many gigabytes are included, the bundle validity and any available codice sconto eSIM. With a dual-SIM smartphone, you can also keep your standard number for calls and texts, subject to your provider’s rates.
Afternoon: a break among the masterpieces of the Uffizi
In the afternoon, set aside a few hours to explore the Gallerie degli Uffizi, home to world-renowned works by Botticelli, Leonardo and Raffaello. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am to 6.30pm, with last entry at 5.30pm. During your visit, take a break at the second-floor cafe, which features a terrace overlooking the city. For longer stays in Florence, consider the annual Passepartout card, a season ticket allowing repeat entry to the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti and the Giardino di Boboli without buying individual tickets each time.
Evening: rooftop aperitivo and new connections
After clocking off, enjoy an aperitivo on one of the city’s scenic terraces, perhaps with fellow professionals met along the way. Our first recommendation is Loggia Roof Bar, on the top floor of Palazzo Guadagni in Piazza Santo Spirito. From its loggia, you can watch the sunset over the Oltrarno rooftops and surrounding hills with a cocktail in hand. Another excellent option is La Divina Terrazza at Grand Hotel Cavour in Via del Proconsolo, looking out towards Brunelleschi’s dome and Palazzo Vecchio. Tables are limited, so booking ahead is strongly advised.
Florence after hours
Florence makes balancing work and leisure remarkably easy. Thanks to its compact historic centre, moving on foot between cafes, coworking spaces and monuments is effortless, giving you time to explore between deadlines. By sorting your mobile data in advance and selecting the right workspace for your needs, you can manage your work effortlessly and spend the rest of your time enjoying the best of the city.
