Last updated on June 22nd, 2024
You’re in Florence and you’ve just walked past the entrance to Starbucks. A frappuccino calls to you from inside the shop. But, with all of the excellent Italian coffee shops in Florence, should you really be spending your time at Starbucks?
In short, if you are looking for an authentic Italian coffee in Florence, skip Starbucks and read Best Coffee In Florence – A Florentine Local’s Guide To The Best Cafés In Florence. But, if you have ample time and need a bit of comfort coffee, Starbucks has it.
I have been living in Florence, Italy for close to 15 years and only recently have I noticed a boom in Starbucks. I often spot Starbucks cups when I’m out and about in the city.
If you are planning a trip to Florence, Italy and wondering whether or not Starbucks is worth your time, read on. I will cover:
- What Florentines think of Starbucks
- Where to find Starbucks in Florence
- US Starbucks vs Italian Starbucks
- Cup sizes & coffee drinks
- Food at Starbucks in Florence
- Italian Starbucks prices
- Other items for purchase at Starbucks in Florence
Read More: Check out What Do Italians Think of Starbucks + All You Need To Know Before Visiting Starbucks in Italy.
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What Florentines Think Of Starbucks
Starbucks has been in Italy for quite some time now but Florentines have been quite resistant to an opening which is why it wasn’t until recently that the city finally opened three Starbucks in the historic district.
Most Italians don’t care for Starbucks and find it to be bad coffee. They much prefer their traditional quick espresso standing at the bar . That being said, some Italians, especially the younger generations like the brand and are interested in trying the infamous frappuccino.
Expect to find primarily tourists in Starbucks in Florence but don’t be surprised if you do spot an Italian or two (especially interested in the merchandise!).
So the big question is: Should you really stop in at Starbucks?
Depends on you! If you are looking for an authentic Italian coffee experience, skip Starbucks in Florence. If, on the other hand, you have never been or are looking for a sip of comfort, pop it.
Make a decision based on time as well. Is there a long line? I suggest you don’t wait 25 minutes for a frappuccino that you can get anywhere in the world. Hit the Italian bar next door and be out of there in 2 minutes and for a fraction of the price!
Do you have time to kill at the train station before boarding? If there is seating available, it’s not a bad spot to sit down and wait.
Where To Find Starbucks In Florence
Florence has three Starbucks locations in downtown Florence: two at the Santa Maria Novella train station and one right next to the Duomo.
| Address of Starbucks in Florence, Italy | Location | Seating Area | Hours |
| Piazza della Stazione, 41 | Santa Maria Train Station | Yes | Daily 7:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, 50123 Firenze | Underground shopping center at the Santa Maria Train Station | No | Daily 7:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Via de’ Cerretani, 48 R | Close to Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo in the historic district | Yes | Daily 7:00 am – 9:00 pm |
Starbucks at Piazza della Stazione, 41, 50123 Firenze
Located just off of platform 1 on the right hand side of the train station. Expect to find indoor seating and plenty of merchandise but it’s usually very busy.
Starbucks in the Galleria Commerciale
Located in the underground shopping area of the Santa Maria Novella Train Station at Piazza dell’Unità Italiana. Typically less busy but with no indoor seating. Coffee to go only.
Starbucks Downtown
Not far from the Duomo in Via de’ Cerretani, 48 R, this is a large Starbucks storefront with plenty of indoor seating in the historic district of Florence.
Good To Know: Starbucks also has a 4th cafe in the Gigli Mall in Via San Quirico, 164 in Campo Bisenzio, about a 30 minute drive from the city center of downtown Florence.
US Starbucks Vs Italian Starbucks
| US Starbucks | Starbucks In Florence |
| Visually the same as Italian Starbucks | Visually the same as American Starbucks |
| More expensive | Less expensive |
| Coffee for here or to go | Coffee for here or to go (if you order it for here, your coffee will still be served in paper cups). |
| 6 cup sizes: demi, short, tall, grande, Venti, Trenta | 4 cup sizes: short, tall, grande, venti |
| Wider selection of domestic coffee beverages | Italian speciality drinks such as Oleato plus classic coffee beverages |
| Larger seasonal menu change (Holiday specials, summer teas, etc.) | Smaller seasonal menu (Christmas drinks or more iced options in the summer) |
| Order, wait for drink, DIY tailor coffee as you like | Order, wait for drink, MAYBE have possibility to tailor coffee as you like depending on location |
| Bottled beverages and prepackaged snacks for purchase | Bottled beverages and prepackaged snacks for purchase |
| Yogurts, fruit and healthy salad options for sale | Yogurts, fruit and healthy salad options for sale |
| American breakfast combos (coffee, egg sandwich, juice at one set price) | Italian breakfast combos (coffee, orange juice and Italian breakfast pastry at one set price) |
| Cookies, cake and desserts for sale | Cookies, cake and desserts for sale (some the same as USA and some different) |
| Hot and cold menu with sandwiches | Smaller menu for hot and cold sandwiches |
| Merchandise for sale | Merchandise for sale |
From a visual point of view a Starbucks in Florence and a Starbucks in Seattle look exactly the same and expect to order just as you would back home.
Stand in line and choose what food or snacks from the display case and order at the register.
Wait for your name to be called and then finish your drink as you wish with sugar at the self service bar to the side. Depending on the Starbucks, you may need to ask the barista for a bit of milk in your coffee.
Travelers with Allergies: Starbucks in Florence does offer dairy-free milk alternatives for their coffee. Depending on the location, this may mean soy or oat milk. They also have vegan and multigrain pastries.
Cup Sizes And Coffee Drinks At Starbucks In Italy
At Starbucks in Florence (and throughout Starbucks in Italy) you will find four cup sizes:
- Short (x-small)
- Tall (small)
- Grande (medium)
- Venti (large)
In addition, espresso drinks can be ordered as singles or doubles.
You will not find the extra large, equivalent to the Trenta at Starbucks in Florence.
Expect to find a similar menu to an American Starbucks but with an Italian twist. Here are just some examples from their menu but if you do visit the Starbucks store, you will be asked to scan a QR code for their full menu including current specials.
Expect to find the same drinks you are used to ordering at an American Starbucks such as:
- Caffè Latte
- American Coffee (Americano)
- Caramel Macchiato
- Mocha
- Chai Tea (Latte)
- Hot Chocolate
- Frappuccino (various flavors)
- Hot and Cold Tea
In addition, look for Italian specialties such as:
- Espresso
- Espresso macchiato
- Marocchino (espresso with a bit of steamed milk and chocolate)
- Cappuccino
- Orzo (barley coffee alternative)
- Oleato (coffee beverages emulsified with extra virgin olive oil)
Good To Know: Many of their beverages are available both hot and cold. Look for a small snowflake and hot coffee cup symbol indicating the double possibility for hot and cold options.
Food At Starbucks in Florence, Italy
Food at Starbucks in Italy is remarkably the same as what you are used to seeing at a Starbucks in the USA. The cakes, cookies and prepared sweet treats are literally identical to what you will find at any other Starbucks across the globe.
Common global Starbucks food items for sale in Florence:
- Donuts
- Muffins
- Brownies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Banana Loaf Bread
In addition to these items you can buy these Italian specialties:
- Brioche (Italian breakfast pastry) with various fillings such as pastry cream, jam, hazelnut chocolate, pistachio.
- Schiacciata sandwich
- Focaccia sandwich
- Hot grilled sandwich (similar to an American panini)
- Tramezzini
Starbucks Snacks To-Go: At the register, don’t miss their pre-packaged snack counter with nut packages, bars, small chocolates and pre-packaged cookies.
Italian Starbucks Prices
Generally speaking, Italian Starbucks’ prices are less expensive than what you are used to in the USA.
For example, an espresso costs €1.50 and a Grande cappuccino €3.30 (tax included). In America, a Grande cappuccino is upward of $5.00 + tax.
Other drinks such as the famous frappuccino will cost more or less the same price in both America and in Florence.
Food prices are generally the same as American Starbucks prices. Compared to Italian prices, they are slightly higher. For example, a breakfast pastry will cost €2.00 at Starbucks in Florence but around €1.00-1:30 at a regular bar in Florence.
Other Starbucks Items For Sale In Italy
Because merchandise is a huge point of sales for Starbucks in Florence for both tourists and Italians, expect to find plenty of it.
The merchandise will rotate in accordance with the season but expect to always find mugs, coffee to-go mugs, shirts, ready to use Starbucks capsules and whole bean coffee for sale.
You can even pick up a Starbucks Florentine mug as a souvenir or gift stamped with a panoramic picture of the city.
