Most mornings in Florence for locals start with a quick espresso at Cibrèo Café. No laptops or to-go cups just a few minutes at the counter, chatting with the barista or reading the paper before heading out. It’s fast, simple, and part of the routine.

After coffee, locals head to the Sant’Ambrogio Market to shop for the day. This market is where you really see local life. Unlike the more touristy spots, Sant’Ambrogio is full of people who come here every day. The stalls are packed with colorful fruit, fresh vegetables, bread, cheese, and cuts of meat. Vendors know their customers and often chat like old friends. Old ladies haggle over tomatoes, neighbors catch up on gossip, and the air is filled with the smell of fresh bread and the sounds of the city waking up.

It’s also the kind of place where little, funny moments happen. One morning, I saw a butcher toss a small piece of meat to a dog waiting nearby. The dog caught it perfectly in midair, and everyone watching laughed. Moments like that make the market feel alive. You don’t just see Florence in the monuments; you feel it in these small, everyday interactions.

After shopping, many locals head back to Cibrèo or another nearby café for a small snack or a glass of wine. I like to do the same. Sitting at the café, watching the yellow buildings glow in the morning sun, it feels slow and relaxed. The city seems quieter but still alive, filled with familiar faces, smells, and sounds.

Living in Florence has taught me to notice the small details — the way a vendor greets a customer, the way a dog waits patiently by the counter, the smell of fresh vegetables in the market, and the warmth of morning light on an old building. These are the things that make the city feel real, local, and alive.

A morning in Florence. A lovely one. ☀️