November 19, 2025, 12:01 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
In Florence, the days of enjoying pasta and pizza under the Tuscan sun might soon be over: The city plans to implement a sweeping ban on outdoor dining in parts of the historic old town starting in 2026. This will affect not only locals but also countless tourists who visit the city each year to dine and stroll.
Following complaints from residents about overcrowded alleys and blocked squares, the city administration is taking action. According to a report by “Florence Daily News,” restaurants and bars in about 50 streets will no longer be allowed to serve guests outdoors. In an additional 73 streets, the regulations will be significantly tightened.
New Rules for Florence’s Old Town
The famous old town of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage site–and now the city wants to better protect it with new rules. Many of the outdoor terraces in the historic center were established during the COVID-19 pandemic when restaurateurs utilized more outdoor space. However, they have since become too cramped to handle the massive influx of tables, chairs, and tourists. Menus or advertising boards are also to be avoided now.
“The streets resemble an obstacle course,” quotes the Dutch newspaper “De Telegraaf” from city residents. Particularly affected are well-known tourist spots like the Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Via Roma, and Borgo Santa Croce. New regulations are also set to apply at Piazza della Signoria and around the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. According to the Florence Tourism Office, the measures aim to protect the squares and streets and make the city more livable.
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Restaurateurs Concerned
The ban leaves many restaurant and bar owners in disbelief. The outdoor terraces are vital for their survival, especially during the summer months. A restaurant owner at Piazza della Signoria laments to “De Telegraaf”: “We have sixty outdoor seats that are essential for our business.”
Other hosts also express their discontent: Some have already closed their establishments due to high costs and strict regulations. One restaurateur complains: “The city seems to value aesthetics more than the survival of the entrepreneurs who shape city life.”
Not the First Ban in Florence
Florence is now known for its restrictive rules. As early as 2021, the city prohibited tourists from picnicking near landmarks such as the cathedral or the Ponte Vecchio. Loud music, self-check-in systems, key boxes, and driving golf carts in the old town were also banned.
With the new dining ban, Florence is taking another step toward regulation. However, many locals fear that this will lead to the loss of the city’s typical street flair. For visitors, this means that those who want to dine in the old town will likely have to retreat indoors more often.