Florence: Street Food Walking Tour & Central Market Tastings

Summary

Florence flavors with market tastings pasta schiacciata & gelato

You’ll wander Florence’s markets and side streets with a local guide, tasting schiacciata sandwiches, fresh pasta at a trattoria, cantucci cookies dipped in wine, and real gelato. Hear stories behind each bite and meet shopkeepers along the way—leaving you full but still wanting more of Florence’s flavors.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my morning in Florence pressed up against a stall of wild mushrooms, but that’s where our guide, Alessia, led us first. The Central Market was already humming — older men arguing softly over tomatoes, a woman handing out slices of pecorino on wax paper. I tried to keep up as Alessia pointed out truffle jars and let us taste olive oil so grassy it almost tingled. There was this warm bread smell everywhere, mixed with something sharper — maybe the cured meats? I still can’t quite place it.

We wandered through little streets after that, stopping at a tiny bakery for schiacciata stuffed with salty prosciutto. The guy behind the counter grinned when I tried to order in Italian — “Schiacciata con finocchiona?” — and handed me one bigger than my hand. Crunchy outside, chewy inside, just like Alessia promised. She told us how this bread is basically Florence’s pride, and honestly, after that first bite I got why. We walked past the Duomo and Giotto’s bell tower while she explained bits of history I’d never heard (apparently there’s a rivalry between bakers on opposite sides of the river?).

Somewhere near Piazza della Signoria we ducked into a trattoria for fresh pasta — tagliatelle with ragù that left my fingers sticky from mopping up sauce with bread. There was a moment when everyone went quiet except for forks scraping plates; even Alessia just smiled and let us eat. For dessert we tried cantucci dipped in sweet wine (I probably dunked mine too long) and then gelato from a shop she swore was the real deal. Pistachio for me; it melted faster than I could eat it.

I liked how we met shop owners who actually seemed to know Alessia — lots of quick hellos, some teasing about her favorite cheese. It felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who really lives here. By the end my feet were tired but honestly, I barely noticed until we stopped walking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence street food and city walking tour

• Stroll historical streets and piazzas
• Visit local fresh fruit and vegetable market
• Sample olive oil and truffles at market
• Learn about Florence history and culture
• See Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza Signoria
• Savor pasta at traditional Tuscan trattoria
• Try Schiacciata, typical Florentine bread
• Discover Cantucci almond cookies
• Enjoy best gelato in town
• Meet small shop proprietors
• Walk off calories visiting multiple places

Top questions

How long does the Florence street food tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is the Central Market visit included in every tour?

The Central Market visit is only available during morning tours.

What foods will I try on this Florence street food tour?

You’ll sample schiacciata sandwiches, fresh pasta at a trattoria, olive oil, truffles, cantucci cookies with wine, and gelato.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

This tour does not accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diets.

Is there wine included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a sip of wine during your tastings.

Are children allowed on this food walking tour?

Yes; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is hotel pickup included?

No; you meet your guide at the starting point in Florence.

Do you walk much during the tour?

You’ll walk between several stops over 2.5 hours through central Florence.

Will I learn about Florence’s history too?

Yes; your local guide shares stories about art, culture and city highlights as you walk.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of traditional dishes like schiacciata sandwiches and fresh pasta at local spots around Florence’s historic center—with stops for olive oil sampling at the Central Market (on morning tours), sips of wine alongside cantucci cookies, plus real gelato before you finish wandering back through lively piazzas.