Florence is one of the best food cities in the world, and you don’t have to choose between enjoying it and training well. Traditional Tuscan cooking is built on simple, seasonal ingredients – beans, vegetables, olive oil, bread and grains – that make a great base for an active lifestyle.
Before your workout
Eat something light and easy to digest one to three hours before training, with some carbohydrates for energy.
- Quick options: a piece of fruit with a few nuts, toast with honey, or yogurt with granola.
- Local favourites: a small piece of schiacciata, or bread with a drizzle of olive oil, works well before a late-morning session.
- Coffee: an espresso before training is a very Italian pre-workout. Just go easy if you train in the evening and want to sleep well.
After your workout
Aim for a meal with protein and carbohydrates to help your muscles recover. Some Tuscan classics are naturally great for this:
- Ribollita: a hearty soup of bread, beans and vegetables – ideal on cooler autumn days.
- Pappa al pomodoro: a simple, comforting tomato and bread soup.
- Fagioli all’uccelletto: white beans cooked with tomato and sage, a great source of plant protein.
- Pasta: yes, pasta! Pair it with vegetables and legumes, as in pasta e ceci, and you have a balanced post-workout meal.
Many traditional versions of these dishes are vegetarian, but recipes vary, so ask if you’re unsure how a dish is prepared.
Shop at the markets
Florence’s food markets, such as the Mercato Centrale and the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, are perfect for stocking up on seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheese and legumes. Buying local and in season is often fresher and cheaper, and it’s one of the best ways to feel like a Florentine.
Don’t forget water
Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially on warm days and long walks through the city. Carry a refillable bottle and top it up at the public drinking fountains.
Refuel on the rooftop
Short on time? Our rooftop café serves vegetarian fuel between workouts and city adventures: Rooftop Oats with berries and seeds (€7), a Power Bowl with quinoa, chickpeas and lemon tahini (€12), Garden Pasta with seasonal vegetables (€11) or a Protein Shake with espresso and banana (€7). Buon appetito!