The Ultimate Travel Guide for Florence, Italy: My Study Abroad Edition
- Chelsey Jacobs
- Jun 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 21, 2024
Florence is a splash from the past, transporting you to the times of the Renaissance Era. A city dripping with awe-inspiring Renaissance history, and artifacts from the ground you walk on to the highest roof in the city. With a charming river that flows through the city, Florence offers iconic museums, coffee shops, culture, class, good wine, fresh pasta, gelato, and lovely locals who welcome you in. Even the cheapest wine is some of the best wine you will try!
Studying abroad here for six months with a niche focus on Art History Renaissance (CAPA) allowed me to see Florence in a different light: a light I now call home. Florence resides not only in my heart, but as well as my family's for a spot to cherish love, life, health, and good fortune.
This ultimate travel guide for Florence, Italy will have all my favorite spots while living here/studying abroad.
This post is in honor of my brother, Noah.
& spots when you get sick of Italian :)
Where to stay:
Due to the proximity of little Florence, there isn't necessarily a bad place to stay. My recommendation is that the closer to the Duomo, the better. The company, Apartments Florence, is a guaranteed safe option when it comes to renting short or long term in Florence.
Museums/Churches/Gardens:
Museums:
Palazzo Vecchio: In my top three favorite places visited in Florence. The type of museum where you walk in and cry at the the amazingness of human hands and creation.
Hike to the top of the Duomo: Low demand with killer views of the city! Do during sunset
Uffizi Gallery: A colossal yet enriching art gallery filled with Renaissance art top-to-bottom, floor-to-floor.
Palazzo Corisini: Another one of my top three favorite places visited in Florence, by appointment only.
Gallery of the Academy (The David): Home to the David statue! A must-see when in Florence!
Medici Chapels: Where the bodies of the Medici family are placed. Marble castle from top to bottom! Strikingly gorgeous.
Plaza Medici Riccardi: The house of the Medici Family, colossal and astonishing
Museo Salvatore Ferragamo: The musuem of the fahsion icon, Salvatore Ferragamo.
Officina Profumo Pharmaceutical di Santa Maria Novella: Insanely renowned in the city and recommended by locals, this "museum" perfume shop is like nothing you have seen before.
Churches:
Orsanmichele: Celebrated as one of the most unique churches in Florence!
Basilica de San Miniato al Monte (must check out the cemetery in the back): Standing on top of one of the few iconic viewpoints in Florence, this marks the oldest church constructed in 1018.
Get in contact with your rabbi for Chabad Florence details
Gardens:
Bobili Gardens: Gorgeous to room around on a sunny day!
Giardino delle Rose: An amazing place to hang out when the weather is nice!
Cafes:
Rivarno: Visiting here at least once a day due to the matcha, chocolate-shaped cookies, and staff, this is a beloved spot to write, do work, and be absorbed by the adorable green-themed cafe!
John Borno: My (Starbucks) home away from home. Iced lattes, Chai lattes, cappuccinos, small finger foods, an easy spot to unwind that's not overloaded with tourists
Luisaviaroma (upstairs cafe): On top of a high-luxury clothing store, this cafe has open air and plants for a refreshing feeling
Rifrullo: A spot a little outside the main city for times in need to slow down, catch your breath, and be alone
BABAE: A cute spot outside the main city!
La Ménagère: A more up-scale industrial vibe cafe filled with antiques, good coffee, and pops of color for inspiration!
Rivoire: Located in the heart of the city next to Plazza Vecchio, a must-see spot when wanting to absorb the culture, take a coffee, and people watch!
Ditta Artigianale: Coffee, pastries, and locals!
Restaurants:
La Giostra: Intimate, highly ranked, delicious, and charming with the owner who walks around the restaurant dripped out in jewelry. Try the pear ravioli! ($$$)
Il Giova: Ran by an older Italian couple with everything freshly prepped, the menu changes daily depending on what is at the Sant'Ambrogio market!
Trattoria 13 Gobi: A famous spot in Florence
Parione: The gnocchi with truffle blew my mind!
Buca Mario: A lovely spot for dinner and if you ask for an apron they will give you one for free! ($$$)
Acqua al 2: An adored spot! Try the pasta sampler plate!
Vini e Veechi Sapori: Everything at this restaurant is amazing. A small menu in a cozy hole-in-the-wall spot. Menu changes based on fresh produce and availability.
Osteria de’ Cicalini: The owner is a close friend of my family and knows how to treat you just right!
Osteria delle Tre Panche: Truffle here truffle there! An iconic restaurant where the truffle is the main ingredient.
If needing a switch-up from Italian food:
Royal India: Rich in flavor and decorated to feel like you are transported to India!
Sushi Nami: Cheap and has amazing all-you-can-eat deals!
Com Saigon: Thai-inspired and needed from time to time when pizza and pasta just get too much!
1950 American Diner: An American-themed diner with a menu that screams "This is America!"
Lunch/Sandwich shops:
Antico Vinano: The best sandwich shops in all of Italy. It doesn't get better than this.
Shake Cafe: When you need greens!
Rosalia: A salad bar shop with wraps, juices, salads, and sandwiches!
Antico Noe: Another sandwich shop that is more local and low-key.
Rooster Cafe: Hits the spot after a night out - fantastic pancakes!
Mercato Centrale: The biggest market in Florence! A one-stop shop for ALL types of food including niche products, treats, finger foods, and more!
Gelato:
Gelateria dei Neri: A local spot that always has a line! Truly the most amazing gelato I've ever had! Warning: they only let you sample 1-2 flavors!
Venchi: A chain all over the city, and the world, and never disappointed!
Gelateria Edoardo - Vegan gelato options!
Where to have a good drink:
Vista Panoramica di Firenze: Easily the best spot in the city to go for sunset with wine, friends, and a stellar view.
View on Art Rooftop: With a striking view of the Duomo, this is your spot to have a drink while the sun goes down! Pro tip: get there early as it fills up!
Bitter bar: a 1920's 1920s-inspired bar with reservation only!
Westin Rooftop: a gorgeous spot to gauge a panoramic view of the city in an upscale high-quality restaurant/bar!
Post up alongside the river with wine from a shop
Places to go out:
PRO-TIP: Your best bet is to get into contact with @dinn.se and get a table at the choice of club (& tell him Chelsey sent you!)
YAB: Basement nightclub.
Space Club: Best nightclub in the city center.
Lion’s Fountain: Irish-inspired pub where typically all the students from abroad go.
Babylon Club: Small, sweaty, yet so iconic for a night on the town!
Villa Victoria: Only good if the weather is nice featuring tables, hookahs, and solid outdoor vibes.
Giulio's Bistrot & Wine: Pro-tip: Become friends with the workers because it's a fantastic spot to hang out and drink with the locals while facing the Duomo!
Shopping:
Sabani: Not only is this an amazing spot for leather and one-of-a-kind jackets, but the owner Sabani himself takes care of students. His shop becomes a place to not only buy leather products, but have a coffee, drink wine, and chit-chat with him. He has college flags all over his store for students to sign!
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio: An amazing spot for cheap second-hand clothes, fruits, produce, and more! Went here religiously for clothes and food!
Leather Market: A market outside of Mercato Centrale filled with all the leather products you can imagine! Beware of the fake leather when seeking quality products! Visit Sabani for real and authentic leathered goods!
Giratempo Vintage: A hidden gem filled with iconic vintage designer clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, and more! On t he pricey side but always fun to check out fashion through the years!
Carhartt: Got such dope drip from this shop!
Brandy Melville: OBVIOUSLY!
Late night munch:
Pizza & Co.: The Absolute SPOT for late-night kebab! Went here almost every time I went out! Cheap and hits the spot.
Yoga:
Yoga Garage: A nourishing home away from home. Located in a renovated garage, the instructors, glass ceiling, and yoga practice are top-notch! Instructors speak English!
Xoxo,
Chelsey
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