Discover the BEST gelato in Florence, Italy! Whether you just finished gazing upon Michelangelo's David or climbing to the top of the Duomo, I have a spot nearby for you.

If there's a city to forget counting calories or how many gelato stops you make in a day, this is it. My advice is to enjoy this treat at least twice a day, as few places in the world offer gelato as creamy and flavorful as this.

Plus, chances are you'll be burning extra calories walking all over the city. Did you know that gelato has less calories and sugar than American ice cream? With high-quality, natural ingredients, there isn't as much need for heaps of sugar.

If you're serious about your desserts like me, you must have a game plan for which Florence gelato shops to visit. There's practically a gelato shop on every corner, so your options can quickly become overwhelming. 

And trust me, you don't want to waste your time, money, or calories on mediocre tourist traps. There really is a considerable difference in flavor and texture.

If your mouth isn’t already watering like mine, continue reading to discover where to find the best gelato in Florence, Italy!

This map shows where to find the best gelato in Florence, Italy. Click the icon on the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map (which will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the "You" on the very bottom, scroll to the bottom and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.

• blue: top 5 gelato shops in Florence
• purple: honorable mentions

1. La Strega Nocciola

The best gelato in Florence for overall creaminess, texture, and flavor

I happened upon La Strega Nocciola about five years ago. It quickly became my favorite and continues to be my top pick after multiple revisits over the years.

When I saw La Strega Nocciola was just around the corner from the Duomo, I was skeptical. Usually, restaurants and shops found next to major tourist attractions are low quality and overpriced. Thankfully, La Strega Nocciola is the exception to the rule. 

This small Florence gelato shop may not offer 30-plus flavors piled high like many other places, but the 14 flavors offered are of the highest quality.

I have never had a creamier gelato in my life! The flavors are simple. Usually combining one or two flavor profiles. No chocolate, caramel, praline, truffle surprise will be found here.

The gelato is kept inside lidded metal canisters…a sure sign that the gelato is made fresh every day.

Be sure to try the Buontalenti. A specialty flavor of Florence made with Mascarpone cream.

This Florence gelato shop has grown since I first discovered it. There are now three locations in Florence and one in Rome. Only two of the Florence locations will be walking distance from the city center.

My favorite location, and the original, is by the Duomo. The second location is across the river by the Ponte Vecchio.  

2. Gelateria La Carraia

The best priced gelato in Florence

La Carraia is located across the bridge from where my apartment was when I studied abroad in Florence.

Back then it wasn’t the tourist attraction that it is now. There was rarely a line and the one scoop cone was a single euro…hence why I visited often because it was one of the few treats I could afford. 

In the following years, La Carraia's popularity exploded. There is rarely a time when the line isn’t out the door. Don’t worry, it moves fast. Fortunately, its rise to fame hasn't diminished the quality.

While the €1 cone is long gone, Gelateria la Carraia is still one of the few places in the city center that offer cones for under €3.

You'll find typical gelato flavors like hazelnut and stracciatella alongside some famous combinations like white chocolate and pistachio, my favorite.

The original location is just across the river by the Carraia bridge. The second location is by Piazza di Santa Croce.

This is hands down the best gelato in Florence for the price.

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3. Sbrino - gelatificio contadino

The best gelato in Florence for dark chocolate lovers

Sbrino is another Florence gelato shop located across the river. Their dark chocolate flavor is one of the darkest and richest in the city. This flavor alone earns Sbrino a spot on the TOP 5 list. 

Thankfully the other flavors are equally as good. Try mixing the dark chocolate with pistachio…a heavenly combination. 

Don’t worry if there's a line as it’s 100% worth the short wait. 

Like La Strega Nocciola, Sbrino has grown since I first discovered it, now boasting three locations in the city center. 

Sbrino's original location is the most convenient. Stop by after visiting the Pitti Palace or wandering the Santo Spirito neighborhood. 

4. Gelateria dei Neri

The best gelato in Florence for Nutella lovers and the infamous Dubai Chocolate flavor

Gelateria dei Neri offers a unique idea that is so simple yet genius...a heavenly gelato tray filled with Nutella just waiting to be added on top of your creamy treat. It's why they earn a spot on the list of the best gelato in Florence. 

I know I’m not alone in my obsession with Nutella. The option to add a dollop to your flavor of choice is almost too good to be true. They now include a pistachio paste/cream that's similar in texture to Nutella.

Gelateria dei Neri is also a good choice if you like a lot of options as there are over 30 flavors. Typically, when a shop has this many choices, it’s not fresh. Luckily, that's not the case here.

The gelato is as creamy as ever and there's also a fair amount of sorbetto options for those that are lactose intolerant. 

A new and insanely addictive flavor is the Dubai Chocolate: a chocolate-based gelato with swirls of salty, sweet, and crunchy pistachio cream.

5. Rivareno Gelato

The best ice cream in Florence for sorbet and unique flavors

Rivareno Gelato is a great spot if you're looking for more than just gelato or have diet restrictions/preferences (lactose intolerant, vegan, etc.).

The sorbet is outstanding. You would never know the dark chocolate sorbet didn't have milk or cream in it. The kiwi and pistachio sorbet are also incredible.

The regular gelato doesn't disappoint either. The dark chocolate is intense, creamy, and not overly sweet.

Cremino Rivareno is the top-selling flavor; a heavenly combination of cream, white chocolate, and hazelnut butter topped with ribbons of chocolate-hazelnut.

Another interesting flavor is Alice, an interesting mix of mascarpone and Marsala Vergine Soleras wine that's drizzled with a warm chocolate-hazelnut sauce.

My personal favorite is the Contessa made with almond cream, crushed amaretti, and caramelized almonds.

They also make a beautiful affogato (espresso over gelato).

Honorable mention for the best ice cream in Florence - Gelateria Della Passera

Gelateria della Passera is relatively new to the scene and insanely popular. I don't include this in the top 5 because the texture isn't creamy and soft like traditional gelato.

Not only is the texture closer to ice cream (they use an actual ice cream scoop), but I've also found flavor add-ons to be a bit chunkier (i.e. pieces of fruits and nuts). Again, more like what you would find in ice cream than gelato. 

If you're looking for a spot that's a bit closer to ice cream, you'll love Gelateria della Passera.

In Summary

I return to Florence every one or two years, and these are the spots I make sure to visit every single time. They really do serve the best gelato in Florence, Italy. The quality is outstanding and never disappoints. 

So if you're looking for the best flavors, creamiest texture, and a location within the city center, put these gelato shops at the top of your list. 

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Best Gelato in Florence, Italy | Top 5 Picks in the City Center

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