This Popular European City Is Banning Outdoor Dining

Overtourism is a very real issue, especially in Europe’s biggest tourist hot spots. The influx of visitors can put a strain on local infrastructure, and the heavy congestion is often a detriment to locals who just want to go about their lives. To help curb the issue, some cities have imposed restrictions such as tourist taxes or limits on rental properties. But one popular destination is taking these measures to a new level by banning outdoor dining in tourist-centric areas.

A Growing Issue in Florence

Only 380,000 residents call Florence, Italy, their full-time home — a tiny group compared with the 16 million-plus tourists who visit each year (more than 40,000 visitors each day).

One of the most popular areas of Florence is the UNESCO-protected city center, where the large crowds make it difficult to navigate the neighborhood’s narrow streets. Walkways are further limited due to the many tables, chairs, and semipermanent dining structures set up by eateries hoping to attract customers with alfresco dining options.

In an effort to address these concerns, Florentine officials plan to ban outdoor dining structures in the city center and regulate setups elsewhere. These measures are set to take effect in the early part of 2026, once the city council approves, and the changes will affect restaurants located along 50 streets in the main historic area, as well as at 73 additional locations around Florence.

Interestingly, the reaction to these new regulations has been almost universally negative — though not for the reasons you may expect. Some residents claim the ban doesn’t go far enough, saying stricter guidelines are essential to make streets more navigable. However, restaurateurs, as you might guess, are concerned about how this change will affect their bottom line, as fewer outdoor tables will mean fewer customers. But despite this pushback, the plan is still expected to take effect in early 2026.

Which Locations Are Affected?

The ban will cover popular sites (and the areas surrounding them) such as Piazzale degli Uffizi, a courtyard situated between two long galleries of the Uffizi Gallery art museum; the Palazzo Vecchio (town hall); and Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge that has many well-trafficked restaurants nearby.

There are another 73 streets subject to a partial ban. According to the Florence Daily News, outdoor dining setups will be permitted but highly regulated, in order to cut back on large, semipermanent, enclosed spaces. Many restaurants will be limited to only a few tables, chairs, and small umbrellas, while others will be granted some leniency to install partial enclosures with transparent side panels during the colder months.

As of the time of publication, there’s still work to be done to determine the exact specifications for the city’s four “noble squares” — Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Piazza Pitti, and the Piazza della Repubblica. The city hopes to limit outdoor dining in these squares to maintain the central open space. In the case of Piazza della Repubblica, for example, all dining installations will be forced to adhere to a strict symmetry. Further guidelines are set to be implemented within 30 days of city council approval.

Additional Restrictions

In addition to cutting back on congestion, a goal of these new measures is to protect the historic aesthetic of Florence. This means removing eyesores that would otherwise obstruct the artistic and architectural features of the city center.

All restaurants will be prohibited from using plastic materials, including any sheets or tarps that would have previously served as temporary roofing or protection against the wind. Additionally, all advertising, bright lights, or branded signage will be banned. Lastly, restaurants and cafes are being advised to decorate their outdoor spaces with seasonal plants and flowers that are locally grown and sustainable, as to make these exteriors more attractive using Italian foliage.