When we chose to study abroad, we weren’t just looking for a beautiful location. We wanted great food, easy travel, cultural richness, and an unforgettable social scene. Florence gave us all of that and more. Here’s why it ended up being the perfect place to call home for a semester.
1. The Food: Fresh and Local
Italian food is popular around the world, especially in the U.S., but once you eat in Florence, you realize just how different the real thing is. Everything is fresher. Most foods are labeled with exactly where they were produced, and traditional recipes are respected instead of reinvented. Even ingredients that get a bad rap back home, like carbs, feel completely different here. Pasta and bread don’t leave you feeling heavy. The freshness and quality of ingredients make all the difference. If you are planning on cooking majority of your meals at home, eat like a local and head to Mercato Centrale or the Sant’Ambrogio Market. These markets are home to so many local vendors that sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Food isn’t something to avoid in Florence, it’s something to look forward to. Some of our favorite restaurant recommendations include GustaPizza, Osteria Belle Donne, Osteria Pastella, and Panini Toscani! Whatever you are in the mood for, Florence is for sure going to have it!
2. Simplicity of Traveling
Florence’s location makes it one of the best hubs for travel. High-speed trains can get you to Rome, Venice, or Milan in about two hours. Pisa is just an hour away. If you’re trying to find a cheap flight, it’s super easy to hop on a train and fly out of bigger airports like Rome or Milan, especially with budget airlines like Ryanair. Transportation platforms like Omio supply a hassle-free travel journey, as you simply just type where you are leaving from and where you are headed and it plans the journey for you, plus it has a student discount! Even if you stay in Italy, there’s so much to see. Cities built on water, beach towns, mountain villages, vineyards, and even skyline views that rival New York. You can visit the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, the Tuscan countryside, or the Dolomites without ever crossing a border. Plus, Italy is central within Europe, so you are so close to France, Switzerland, and Austria! Some of our weekend trips include the: South of France (Nice, Antibes, and Monaco); Budapest, Hungary; Lake Como, Italy; Interlaken, Switzerland; London, England; and Marrakech, Morocco.
3. The Shopping Scene is Next Level
Florence is packed with open-air markets, local artisans, and vintage gems. You’ll find everything from handmade leather bags to vintage watches and designer clothes at bargain prices. The San Lorenzo leather market is a must-visit, and places like Sant’Ambrogio or the vintage stalls at Santo Spirito on Sundays offer more local and authentic shopping experiences. You’re not just buying souvenirs. You’re discovering pieces of the city’s culture and craft. Some of our leather shop recommendations are Massimo Leather (if you are looking for a new leather jacket) and the famous Adam’s Leather Factory where you have a huge selection of purses, wallets and other leather goods available for embossing, which make the perfect personalized souvenir. Also check out the numerous designer and luxury brands, most of which are based in Italy!
4. Nightlife: Florence is Built for Students
Florence is one of the biggest study abroad cities in the world, and it shows. There are club nights almost every day of the week that cater specifically to students. YAB on Mondays, Babylon on Tuesdays, and Space on Wednesdays are basically study abroad traditions. Bars like Reverse and Lion’s Fountain have drink deals, punch cards, and other fun promos for students, and don’t forget to sign your college’s shirt at Lion’s Fountain to leave your mark in Florence! Kikuya has a sticker game where you win shooters if your glass has a hidden sticker underneath your glass. Red Garter and Fitzpatrick’s are go-to spots for karaoke, dive bar energy, and a guaranteed fun night.
5. History and Art Around Every Corner
Florence doesn’t need a museum pass to impress you. The whole city is a museum. Florence is home to: the Uffizi Gallery which houses renaissance art from Michelangelo and da Vinci; the Academia Gallery where you can view Michelangelo’s famous work, the David; and the Pitti Palace where you can view a gorgeous palace with breathtaking gardens. The Duomo is jaw-dropping and you can even make the trek to the top for a panoramic view of the city. If you are staying in Florence for an extended period of time and obtain a student visa, the museums in Florence offer a discounted or even free tickets to enter! There is also free admission to all museums and gardens on the first Sunday of every month. There’s also the Gucci Museum for fashion lovers, and dozens of smaller galleries and artisan shops that show off the city’s creative roots. Florence was the heart of the Renaissance, and once you’re there, you get why.
Studying abroad in Florence isn’t just about taking classes in a different country. It’s about living in a place that’s vibrant, historic, flavorful, and unforgettable. Whether you came for the food, the weekend travel, the nightlife, or the art, this city gives you all of it, plus a few surprises you’ll never forget. Apply Today!
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Instagram Post: Why Study Abroad in Florence: A Digital Postcard
By: McKenzie Jones and Jeremy Price