During our recent stay in Fiesole, Italy, Louie and I made several trips into the Tuscan capital, Florence. It’s easy to take a public bus or even a dog friendly Florence City Sightseeing bus tour from Piazza Mino in Fiesole.
Florence City Sightseeing Bus
Taking a tour on the Florence City Sightseeing bus is a great introduction to the city. Tickets from Fiesole start at €23.00 per person and are valid for 24 hours. You can hop on and off at any of their stops within that period. The City Sightseeing bus also offers recorded narration in several languages.
For safety reasons, dogs are only allowed on the lower (enclosed) level of the Florence City Sightseeing bus. Officially, they are also required to be muzzled or stay in a carrier. Louie obliged by putting on his special French Bulldog muzzle, but when the driver saw how ridiculous he looked, he let him ride without it.
The City Sightseeing bus makes a scenic loop around Florence but isn’t allowed to drive inside the historic heart of the city. They will provide you with a map that shows the best stops for whatever you want to hop off and see. Chances are your dog will want to stretch its legs anyhow.
Explore on Foot
Piazza Della Signoria 
The Duomo
While Florence’s famous museums and churches sadly aren’t dog friendly, there is plenty for you to do together. You can stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, size up a replica of Michaelangelo’s David in Piazza Della Signoria, or admire the stonework of the Duomo. Many stores in Florence also allow dogs so you can shop for designer goods on Via Tornabuoni or sample local delicacies at Mercato Centrale.
Visit Mercato Centrale
The Mercato Centrale was definitely Louie’s favorite spot in Florence! The original two-story food market dates back to 1874. The ground floor is home to butchers, fishmongers, and fresh produce merchants. It probably smells heavenly if you are a dog if you are a human, not so much.
I preferred the new upstairs food hall and was surprised to find that dogs are allowed. This part of the Florence Mercato Centrale is divided into twelve areas featuring the culinary specialties of Italy. You can watch artisans making bread, pasta, even cheese and then buy some for your self. There are also wine and coffee bars in case you are thirsty.
The lower level of Mercato Centrale is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 2 pm (closed on Sundays, holidays, and Summer Saturdays.) The upper level is open seven days a week from 10 am to midnight. There is seating for 300, so you can eat and drink until your dog drags you home.
Mangia!
If you prefer someplace a little quieter, you will have no trouble finding a dog friendly restaurant in Florence. I highly recommend Brac near the Uffizi Gallery. Despite the central location, the restaurant is hidden behind a shop selling art books. Once inside the intimate dining room, guests are treated to some of the best vegetarian food in Florence.
Louie and I also had a fabulous meal with friends at La Ménagère in the San Lorenzo district. La Ménagère contains a restaurant, bistro, florist and concept shop all in a hip rustic setting. The menu appropriately creative and offers something for everyone. Much like the city of Florence itself!
Very nice post. I loved all of your pictures and your useful information on dog friendly places in Italy. Louie is one lucky pup to be able to travel to so many cool places with you. If my pups and I ever travel that distance, we will definitely use your helpful guide. (from Dachshund Station)
I never would have thought that Florence was so dog friendly! Really interesting thank you.
I love hearing about the different cities that are dog friendly as it makes life so much easier. I went to Florence when I was a teenager and loved it
How cool that your dog went on this trip with you! I love how dog-friendly the city is 🙂
It’s awesome that there’s so many things you can do with your dog in Florence! Also, it’s nice that the bus driver allowed him to ride without his muzzle.
An absolutely lovely article – we’ve always known the dog-love in Italy is high and that’s what has us planning our next visit. Your pictures and help bring things to live for us and the info you provided will be very helpful to our plans! Your pup is so blessed to be able to travel to such lovely locations with you!
I will add this to my bucket list! Great pictures and always so nice to know the dog friendly places!