Fiesole is the quintessential Tuscan village. Perched in the hills, Fiesole commands breathtaking views of the city of Florence. In dog friendly Fiesole you and your pup will be welcomed like a local. Louie and I only planned to spend a few nights but kept postponing our departure. Here are some of the things I enjoyed most about our stay:
Residence Fiesole – Dog Friendly Apartments
I found the steep and winding drive through Tuscany stressful; however, once at Residence Fiesole, I was able to park and not worry about my car again. The owner greeted Louie and me, then showed us to our dog friendly apartment. I’d reserved a modern studio with all the comforts of home. There was a well-stocked kitchen, a washing machine, and a sofa bed for additional guests.
Dog friendly Residence Fiesole charges an additional fee of 10 euro per night for pets. The residence has several grassy lawns enclosed within its walls. Located in the historic center of Fiesole, you’ll find walking paths of various lengths right at your doorstep. Be sure to ask for a map when you check in, as it’s easy to get lost.
Bistrot CAFFÉ al N.5
Louie and I ducked into Bistrot CAFFÉ al N.5 during an unexpected rainstorm in Fiesole. When I enquired if they were dog friendly they gleefully responded that “yes, the dog can come in, but you will have to stay outside.” With a reception like that, I knew I’d found a treasure! The staff all came over to greet Louie and even took some photos of him sitting at the table.
The menu at Bistrot CAFFÉ al N.5 features traditional Tuscan dishes using local ingredients. All the pasta is made fresh, in-house. I chose the fried artichokes and a beef fillet with truffles. After all that food I had no room left for dessert, but the chocolate pie looked delicious. I recommend Bistrot CAFFÉ al N.5 for dog friendly dining in Fiesole, but suspect humans without dogs will enjoy it as well.
Fiesole Archeological Museum
In the center of Fiesole, lies a well-preserved Etruscan archeological site. The outdoor sections of the dog friendly Fiesole Archeological Museum are a fascinating place to explore with your pup. Louie loved sniffing around the Roman theater and baths. The site also contains the ruins of an ancient temple and necropolis. Admission to the archeological area is 7 euro but leashed dogs are free.
Dog Friendly People
One of the reasons I enjoyed Fiesole so much was the people. For example: after my lunch at Bistrot CAFFÉ al N.5, I briefly left Louie at Residence Fiesole so I could buy some groceries. On the way back I bumped into our waitress who seemed concerned and asked: “but where is Louie”?
There was another shop owner who had admired Louie as he passed by one day. On our final evening, we had just walked by the shop when she came out and called to us. She wanted Louie to come back in for a treat. She didn’t care that I hadn’t bought anything in her shop, she just wanted to say hi to my dog.
Access to Florence
From Fiesole, it is easy to take a bus into the historical center of Florence. The dog friendly ATAF bus 7 runs from Piazza Mino da Fiesole to Stazione Nazionale Florence. There are departures about every half hour, and the cost is only 1.50 euro each way. It is also possible to take a hop on/hop off City Sightseeing bus from Fiesole to Florence.
It’s amazing to know how pupper friendly this place is 🙂
Italy is the most dog friendly place we’ve visited
Lovely images of a beautiful place to visit! Thank you for swinging by the ‘Ranch’ and for the follow. We ❤️ visitors.
I LOVE Italy – the food, the people, the history, etc The fact that there are dog friendly places just makes it better. That sounds like such a fun time for both you and Louie – he is so cute no wonder everyone wanted to say hi.
I love Italy especially Florence and so happy to hear that they are so dog friendly. I think it makes us pet parents lives so much easier plus those that do it also benefit. Happy travels Louie.
It warms my heart to hear how friendly everyone was to you and Louie! People really have a way of shaping a place and your experience, no matter where you are. I myself have always wanted to go to Italy. The landscapes in some of your photos make it hard to wait much longer! So pretty! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I am still amazed at how dog-friendly many EU countries can be! Your photos (and Louie!) are gorgeous. Safe travels, you two!
Sound wonderful. I’ve never been out of the US. Hardly out of my part of the country. It’s definitelty got a long way to go to match Italy’s pet friendliness.
Oh my gosh, I am so jelly! It’s amazing to know how dog friendly this location is – we are hoping to make it next year with our dogs. The landscape and beauty are amazing in your photos!
This looks like it was quite the adventure! It’s awesome that your waitress and other local business people were so in love with Louie. Those personal touches are what really makes your visit special. I love your photos! Looking forward to your post about Florence.
What a lucky dog! Louie is more cultured and well traveled than I, most definitely. Looks like a fab trip!
If I got a great welcome like your apartment I would be happy to pay extra. I can’t understand why anyone would whine about paying when you get a warm welcome and can totally relax!
I am so jealous of your trip!
I haven’t been to Italy, but I was amazed at how dog-friendly Germany was compared to the States. I wish we could become more dog-friendly. Chicago used to allow dogs at outdoor restaurants, but now I hear that they have to get a permit to allow dogs in outdoor cafes!
What a beautiful place to visit. I wasn’t in Italy per se but traveled through back and forth from Spain. Lovely country.
This is one location I’d love to visit! I’ve never been outside of the USA.
It looks like a beautiful place! I’m glad that Louie was treated with the admiration and kindness he deserves.