by Camryn Samuel
Florence has become a top destination for international students studying abroad. With its rich culture, the city offers many opportunities for students to explore and immerse themselves in local life. As a study-abroad student, here are my tips and recommendations for living in Florence.
Florence is different from the U.S. in various aspects of daily life, such as grocery shopping. In the city, stores are smaller and offer less variety, but food prices are lower, and the options are often higher quality. When going to a grocery store, it’s helpful to bring a shopping list with food items translated into Italian so you can easily find what you need.
The city is very walkable, but there are transportation options if needed. Buses run through the city center and to the outskirts of Florence. Bus tickets can be purchased contactlessly on the bus, online, or at tobacco shops, known as tabacchi. You can find bus schedules on the Autolinee Toscane official website. Trains to towns throughout Italy are also available for weekend travel, with most departures from the Santa Maria Novella station. Book tickets ahead of time online and arrive early to grab food from the station’s many cafes.
Most places throughout the city accept card payments, but it’s safer to pay in cash when dealing with street vendors. To get euros, use a secure ATM. Some machines are scams and may not return your card. Safe ATMs are typically attached to banks rather than standalone machines on street corners. Also, be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing cash.
Nightlife is very popular, with many spots offering deals for study abroad students. Because students typically travel on weekends, clubs and bars are often more lively during the week. Be prepared for crowds, and go out with friends, as students can be targets for pickpockets.
Tuscany is known for its high-quality ingredients—what better way to experience them than by participating in a cooking class? Learn how to prepare a classic Italian meal with expert chefs, and bond with friends while sharing a home-cooked dinner. With Italy renowned for its cuisine, a cooking class is a great way to explore the culture firsthand.
Like every city in Italy, Florence has many specialty dishes, such as Florentine steak and gelato. These meals date back centuries, originating in the city during the Renaissance. Restaurants and gelato shops have been perfecting their recipes for generations. Find a historic trattoria for a Florentine steak—these are the restaurants that serve traditional, local meals. For gelato, look for a gelateria that stores the dessert in covered steel tins. These tins help maintain their airy texture and delicious taste.
With so many food options, keep in mind Italy’s dining culture. Dinner begins between 8 and 9 p.m. and typically involves multiple courses that can last for several hours. It’s meant to be a time of relaxation and socializing at the end of the day, so be prepared to sit with friends and enjoy the food.
Not only is Florence known for its beauty, but the surrounding Tuscan countryside also offers stunning views and exceptional wine. The Chianti region produces one of Italy’s most famous wines, enjoyed around the world. To discover Italy’s wine culture, join a Chianti tour to explore the region and sample wines directly from prestigious wineries. This experience highlights the care and craftsmanship poured into every glass and helps you appreciate the qualities of a great wine.
When participating in a wine tasting, don’t drink the entire glass at once. Italians believe wine is meant to be savored with food and enjoyed as a way to relax, rather than as a means of intoxication. When served, sip the wine and pair it with cheese or crackers to better appreciate its flavor. Use this approach when enjoying a glass with dinner as well.
Many global fashion brands are headquartered in Florence. To explore the shopping scene, consider joining a fashion tour. Visit the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and the Gucci Museum to learn about the history of these iconic brands. You can also explore Florence’s historic perfume shops, such as the Officina Profumeria-Farmaceutica.
Florence is also known for its leather products. High-quality materials from the surrounding countryside are brought to artisan workshops, where craftsmen create beautiful items by hand. Shop at artisan leather stores for products crafted by experts, or walk through the San Lorenzo neighborhood, where leather shops and vendors line the streets. However, be cautious of salespeople. A product can be labeled “made in Italy” if only some of the material is from the country, so it may not be as high-quality as claimed. Research what to buy and where beforehand.
Florence’s museum scene offers the perfect opportunity to discover Renaissance art. The Uffizi Gallery is home to many masterpieces, including Caravaggio’s Medusa, Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi, and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera.
The Accademia Gallery also houses many important works. Its most famous piece, however, is Michelangelo’s David, a 17-foot statue and one of the great marvels of the Renaissance. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, exploring Florence’s art is essential during a study abroad semester.
For the best museum experience, book skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour. The art in these museums offers not only beauty but also rich historical context, so learning from a guide provides a deeper understanding of the Renaissance. Accord Italy Smart Tours and Experiences offers tours with expert guides and an audio guide app available in over 15 languages.
