Livorno City Guide

Seafood is everywhere. The local fish stew 'Cacciucco' is popular. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing, but ask in older places. Most spots close by 10-11 PM; late night food is mainly pizza and kebab.

Bars and pubs in Venezia Nuova and by the sea are the main hangouts. Mostly relaxed with an aperitivo culture.

Grab your coffee at the bar—most folks drink espresso fast and go. A few specialty shops are popping up, and many locals order 'Ponce alla Livornese.'

Tipping isn’t required. Many restaurants include a cover or service charge. Rounding up or a small tip for great service is appreciated.

SIM cards are sold in phone shops downtown. TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad all have stores. Bring your passport or ID for registration. eSIM is possible with some providers.

The city is generally tidy, but some areas are cleaner than others. Waste removal works, but it’s not spotless everywhere.

24/7 services are limited. Some pharmacies may open overnight, but most stores and clinics close by evening.

Coop, Conad, and Esselunga are the main supermarkets. Local markets like Mercato Centrale are great for fresh food. International items exist, but selection is smaller than in bigger cities.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for markets or small shops.

ATMs are easy to find around banks and busy areas. Some fees may apply, so check with your bank.

Livorno has local Italian schools. For international schools, Pisa or Florence are the nearest options. English-speaking staff is rare in local schools. Admissions and waitlists vary.

There’s no big digital nomad crowd in Livorno. You can network in expat groups or through coworking spaces, but meetups are rare.

Villa Fabbricotti and Parco Pertini are city parks good for walks and sports. The seafront is a favorite spot too.

Popular running routes include the waterfront and parks. Safety and air are generally good.

Several gyms and fitness clubs are in town. Many offer day passes or short-term options.

Tennis courts are at local clubs. Booking ahead is best. Gear rental is sometimes available.

Padel courts are showing up at more sports clubs.

Yoga studios and wellness centers can be found. Drop-ins possible, but English-speaking teachers are not guaranteed.

You’ll find Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, and some boxing gyms. BJJ and Muay Thai may be available. English fluency among instructors is rare.

Ski resorts like Abetone are 1.5-2 hours away. Not close, but doable for a weekend trip.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are common. Rentals and classes are easy to find in marinas and beach clubs.

Surf spots are mostly south of the city, with decent waves in autumn and spring. Best for beginners or intermediate surfers.

Diving is good south of Livorno, especially in Calafuria. Rental shops and dive centers are available.

Public and private hospitals are available. Public care is decent, but private clinics are quicker. English may be spoken in bigger hospitals or private clinics, but not always. Pharmacies marked by a green cross handle most common needs, but check their hours.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Public parks and playgrounds are common. Baby supplies are easy to find. The aquarium and canal boat tours are fun for families.

LGBTQ+ people are generally safe and accepted. Laws protect against discrimination, but bigger events happen in cities like Florence.

Pets are welcome in most parks and some accommodations. Vets and pet stores are easy to find. Double-check with places before bringing your pet inside.