
7 coffee-bookstores where to stop in the heart of Florence
Literary cafés and culinary bookshops full of charm to discover in Florence.
If you're looking for unique things to do in Florence, consider alternatives to non-stop days full of museums and monuments. Exploring the Renaissance city also means stopping, observing, taking time, and capturing the atmosphere. What better place than a literary café or a culinary bookstore? These are our favourites:
1. TODO MODO (Via dei Fossi 15r)
Todo Modo is an independent bookshop and wine shop located in the heart of the Santa Maria Novella neighbourhood in Florence. With over 20,000 titles available, it offers a large selection of books, including many in the original language. In addition to selling books, Todo Modo hosts a bistro called "Uqbar", inspired by a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, where visitors can enjoy prepared dishes with fresh ingredients and a selection of natural wines.
2. BRAC (Via dei Vagellai 18r)
The Brac Bookshop specialises in contemporary art near Piazza Santa Croce. In addition to its large selection of books, Brac offers a welcoming environment that combines a café and a vegetarian and vegan restaurant. The venue is known for its unique dishes and use of organic ingredients.
3. THE CONVENTINO (Via Giano della Bella 20)
The Conventino Caffè Letterario is a fascinating cultural space in the former Monastery of Santa Teresa in the Florentine Oltrarno district. This literary café offers a unique environment where you can browse books and newspapers, enjoy local culinary specialities, and participate in cultural events.
4. L’ORNITORINCO (Via di Camaldoli 10R)
The Libreria L'Ornitorinco is a welcoming bookshop in the heart of the Florentine Oltrarno. This space is designed for the curious and reading enthusiasts, offering a vast selection of books. In addition to its function as a bookshop, L'Ornitorinco serves as a café and bar, creating an ideal environment for sharing and cultural exchange.

5. LA CITÉ (Borgo San Frediano 20R)
La Cité Libreria Caffè is a lively literary café located in the heart of the San Frediano neighbourhood and offers a welcoming environment where you can read books, enjoy a coffee, a slice of cake or a glass of wine, listen to live music and participate in cultural events such as book presentations and theatrical performances.
6. LE MURATE (Piazza delle Murate)
Le Murate Caffè Letterario is a cultural centre within a former prison complex; this multifunctional space offers a unique environment for aperitifs and literary, musical and artistic events.
7. GIUNTI – ODEON (Piazza degli Strozzi)
Last but not least, the wonderful Giunti Odeon bookshop-cinema with a truly unique environment that only a cinema from the 1920s can provide.

Header photo credits:
https://www.ilconventinofirenze.it/la-caffetteria
Photo credits:
https://librerialornitorinco.it/
https://giuntiodeon.it/