Florence, magnificent capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region located on the banks of the Arno River in a picturesque hilly area in the foothills of the Apennine mountain range, one of the most charming and attractive cities of the world, recognized as the cradle of the Renaissance and home of some of the most celebrated masterpieces of art and architecture will ban outdoor dining, tables, and in many cases, terraces structures across 50 streets in its UNESCO - protected historical centre, including areas near the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazzale degli Uffizi square.
The move, aimed at reducing congestion, visual clutter and “obstacle course” streets caused by overtourism, will also enforce stricter regulations on over 70 additional locations, a measure marking one of the city’s most significant efforts yet to rein in the impact of mass tourism and with the aim to restore public space to residents.
Under new regulations approved by the Municipality of Florence in coordination with Italy’s cultural heritage authorities at the end of the last year, outdoor dining structures will be banned on around 50 streets within its historical core, recognized in 1982 as the “ cradle of Renaissance and a UNESCO – World Heritage Site.
This unparalleled open - air museum, enclosed within the 13th century walls and the Oltrarno area, is a 505 - hectares area houses 600 years of artistic, cultural, and architectural masterpieces, including the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral also known as the “Duomo”, a superb terracotta - tiled dome developed by Brunelleschi, the bell tower by Giotto,, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Pitti, predominantly featuring the legacy of the emblematic Medici family.
The affected area are mainly narrow, high - traffic streets where tables, chairs, umbrellas and barriers have increasingly clogger pedestrian routes and obscured views of historic buildings.
In addition to the outright ban, stricter limitations will apply to more than 70 other locations, where restaurants may still be allowed outdoor seating but with tighter controls on size, layout and the use of coverings or fixed structures.
The goal, city officials say, is not to eliminate outdoor dining entirely but to restore balance in areas that have become overwhelmed.
The measures are scheduled to take effect in early 2026, although the city has not yet announced a precise start date. A transition period has been built in to allow businesses time to adapt. Existing permits for outdoor dining structures must be reviewed or renewed under the new rules by mid - March 2026, effectively setting a practical deadline for compliance.
Florence's City Hall says the decision responds to long - standing complaints from residents who argue that some streets have turned into “open air corridors” making daily life difficult and eroding the character of the Florentine historic centre.
Officials also point the need of safeguard Florence’s architectural heritage and ensure unobstructed views of iconic landmarks.
The ban will not apply uniform across Florence. Wider streets and larger piazzas, as well as areas outside the historic core, are expected to retain some form of outdoor dining, albeit under more carefully defined rules. Major squares such as Piazza della Signoria and Santa Maria Novella are subject to tailored regulations rather than a total prohibition.
Reactions has been mixed, heritage advocates and residents groups have welcomed the move, as overdue, while many restaurant owners warn it could hurt revenues, particularly during peak tourism seasons when outdoor tables are most profitable.
It is indeed estimated that Florence has at least 1.300 restaurants within its boundaries while Greater Florence, which includeas surrounding cities, would have around 2.405 restaurant businesses as of late 2025.
Key Details of the Restrictions:
• Targeted Areas: Primarily the historical UNESCO – protected city centre.
• Impacted Locations: The ban affects 50 streets, with specific mentions of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazzale degli Uffizi square, and area near the Uffizi Gallery.
• Broader Regulations: In addition to the ban, 73 other locations will face strixter rules regarding outdoor seating, including restrictions on umbrellas.
• Purpose: The restrictions are designed to address the “obstacle courses” created by crowded sidewalks, reducing clutter, and protecting the aesthetic and historical integrity of the city.
• Timeline: The new rules are scheduled to take effect, at the beginning of 2026.
Mixed Reception:
• Support: Many locals support the move, citing improved mobility in narrow streets.
• Opposition: Local restaurant owners have expressed concern, calling the “impossible costs,” and strict rules a threat to their survival.
From January to october 2025, the city accommodated over 4 million arrivals and 9.7 million overnight stays by October, and Florence’s decision is another clear example of a broader trend among Europe’s most visited cities, which are increasingly tightening regulations to manage overtourism.
Link
https://www.travelmole.com/news/florence-ban-outdoor-dining-centre/
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