Best Baking and Cooking Classes in Florence (2024 Guide)

Last Updated on 22nd August 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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If you’re heading to Florence, then no doubt top of your list of things to try out is all of the mouthwatering food on offer. From delicious pizza and pasta dishes to melt in your mouth gelatos, one of the more unique activities you can undertake while in Firenze is to take part in a baking or cooking class. Here are the best baking and cooking classes in Florence, Italy.

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and is often nicknamed The Cradle of Renaissance thanks to its citizens great contributions towards the Renaissance era.

Some of the top things to do in Florence include admiring the Duomo (cathedral), marvelling at Renaissance architecture, and visiting one of the many museums which boast world-famous artwork.

Italian food is world-famous thanks to its simplicity and great taste. Florence is particular is reputed for its Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Florentine beefsteak. Tuscany is also one of the greatest wine regions in Europe.

Rich red Chianti wine is particularly famous, and the region of Chianti can even be visited as a day trip from Florence. Florence also boasts the ‘wine windows,’ a unique way that bar people in the city adopted during the 17th-century to keep the Plague at bay.

For more inspiration about the city of Firenze, check out our guides on how to spend one day in Florence, how to spend 3 days in Florence, and the best day trips from Florence. Looking to visit more of Tuscany? Here’s how to spend one perfect week in Tuscany.

Suggested baking and cooking classes in Florence

Though this is not an exhaustive list of cooking classes in Florence, these have been handpicked for their stellar reviews and unique offerings. If you’re visiting Florence during the high season, then I recommend booking activities at least a month in advance in order to ensure you get your desired date.

Gluten-free cooking class

Course time: approx 3 hours

Price: from €150

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In a country where carbs reign supreme, namely in the form of wheat-derived pastas and pizzas, those who want to sample gluten-free cuisine can take part in this gluten-free class. Highlights include using flour alternatives to make staples such as pizza, pasta, and gnocchi. Your homemade creations will be served alongside wine.

Handmade Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Dinner

Course time: approx 3 hours

Price: from €55

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Those who are looking to learn the secrets of traditional pasta making would do well to book this small group class. As well as learning how to make three different types of pasta and sauces, you’ll be shown how to select a wine pairing and a traditional Italian dessert. Depending on what time of the day you opt to take the class, the course will be followed by a lunch or dinner that feature the dishes you learned to cook.

5.5-Hour Italian Food Market & Cooking Experience

Course time: approx 5 hours

Price: from €99

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If you want to discover behind the scenes of Florentine cuisine, then consider booking this cooking class which includes a tour of the central market beforehand. On the tour, you’ll get the opportunity to meet local bakers, butchers, and greengrocers.

Using products you’ve got from the market, you’ll be taught how to make a traditional Tuscan meal, before enjoying it with a glass of Chianti. At the end of your class, you’ll receive a certificate from the Food & Wine Academy of Florence. Please note that this class is not suitable for vegans.

Pizza & Gelato Preparation Class in Florence

One of the greatest culinary delights to derive from Italy is its pizza, and so it should come as no surprise that one of the best cooking classes in Florence is to learn how to make this traditional Italian dish. As well as learning how to make pizza, you’ll be shown how to make home made gelato.

Course time: approx 3 hours

Price: from €69

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Gelato making class

Course time: approx 1 hour

Price: from €75

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If you have more of a sweet tooth, then this class is all about learning how to make gelato from scratch. Gelato is a frozen dessert that is alleged to have been invented in Florence during the 16th-century. This gelato class takes place at one of Italy’s oldest Gelato Academies. You’ll also learn how to scoop gelato like a professional.

Cooking with Kids 3-Hour Experience

Course time: approx 3 hours

Price: from €53

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If you’re on a family vacation, then this class is all about cooking with kids. Learn how to prepare pizza and traditional homemade Italian gelato. The pizza dough you make will also be used to make savoury croissants of assorted shapes that can be eaten as an apéro.

Vegan cooking experience

While lots of Italian cooking involves animal products such as cheese and milk, this vegan cooking class, which takes place in a location boasting beautiful views of Florence, will show you how to make many Italian favourites in a vegan way.

You’ll be taught how to make Italian-style vegan pasta and bake vegan Italian cookies. Included in the class, you’ll be able to try out a pasta making machine and sample organic vegan wine.

Course time: approx 2.5 hours

Price: from €189

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Pizza Cooking Class at San Gimignano Winery

Course time: approx 4 hours

Price: from €210

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Those who wish to escape the city for a few hours would do well to consider this Tuscan cooking class. As well as transport to and from Florence and the winery, this class includes a wine tasting and wine pairing class.

Prior to the class, there’s a short walking tour of the winery. The class itself includes a pizza preparation course, followed by the chance to sit down and enjoy your creation.