Florence's oldest cafe, established in 1733, set on the elegant Piazza della Repubblica. Its outdoor tables under the portico are the prime spot for a classic Florentine aperitivo of Campari Spritz or a Prosecco at a grand historic venue.
Caffe Gilli anchors the northwest corner of Piazza della Repubblica in central Florence, Tuscany, and has operated since 1733, making it one of the oldest cafés in the city, with ornate belle-époque interiors of frescoed ceilings, marble tables, and gilded mirrors. By day it draws tourists and Florence residents alike for coffee and pastries; by early evening it shifts into an elegant aperitivo spot where the tables under the portico fill with a well-dressed, mixed-age crowd, from local professionals to visitors seeking a classic Florentine ritual. There is no formal dress code, though the grand setting naturally leans smart-casual. Live piano or ambient background music is sometimes played inside, but the atmosphere is defined more by conversation and the piazza views than by music. The drinks focus is squarely aperitivo: Campari Spritz, Aperol Spritz, and Prosecco are the standards, typically served with a small selection of nibbles, priced around €6-12 (~$7-13). Weeknight evenings are calmer with easy portico seating; weekend evenings and the traditional aperitivo hour from 6-8PM bring the busiest stretch, when outdoor tables can fill quickly. There is no cover charge and no bottle service; reservations are not required for walk-in aperitivo but are helpful for larger groups wanting portico seating at peak hour.
| Price | €6-12 (~$7-13) per drink |
|---|---|
| Cover | None |
| Hours | Daily 7:30AM-midnight |
| Address | Piazza della Repubblica, 39r, 50123 Florence |
Good to know
- Signature
- Historic cafe and aperitivo
Weather through the year in Italy
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Location
Piazza della Repubblica, 39r, 50123 Florence
43.7714, 11.2538 View on map
Highlights
- Florence's oldest café, operating since 1733
- Historic portico seating directly on Piazza della Repubblica
- Classic Florentine aperitivo of Campari Spritz and Prosecco
- Ornate belle-époque interior with frescoed ceilings
Tips for visiting
- Aperitivo hour (roughly 6-8PM) is the busiest and most atmospheric time to visit
- Portico seating outside costs more than standing at the bar counter inside
- Reserve ahead for larger groups wanting a table during peak aperitivo hour
- Weeknights offer calmer, easier seating than weekends
Frequently asked questions
How old is Caffe Gilli?
The café dates to 1733, making it one of the oldest continuously operating cafés in Florence.
Is there a cover charge?
No, there is no cover charge, though table service on the portico carries a higher price than standing at the counter.
Do I need a reservation for aperitivo?
Walk-ins are generally fine, but larger groups wanting portico seating during peak hour benefit from arriving early or reserving ahead.