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A photo I took from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy during my semester abroad in the fall of 2016.
My experience in Florence
I spent a semester studying abroad a Firenze (in Florence) my junior year of college. I spent 3+ months in a homestay, and loved the opportunity to practice my Italian.
Lay of the land
I like to think of Firenze’s city center as shaped like a triangle, framed by two larger roadways to the east and west (that intersect north of the city) and the river Arno to the south. Most of the major attractions are within this triangle or directly across the river. The city itself is very walkable, and in fact the busses don’t really run in the city center because the streets are so narrow. However, the busses can save you time for certain trips (especially to the train station or Piazzale Michelangelo). Use Google Maps for transit directions, and buy a bus ticket at a Tabacchi (look for the T sign outside). Validate the ticket once you get on the bus - it's good for 90 minutes.
Within each section below, my recommendations are listed in order of priority (i.e. the items at the top are must-dos, so work your way down the list as time allows).
Activities
Visit the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) - one of the most famous art museums in the world, particularly renowned for its collection of Renaissance art. Highlights include Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Giotto’s Madonna and Child. An absolute must-visit, even for those who aren't art aficionados. Make sure to check out the terrace at the café for an amazing view (that's where the picture at the top of this page was taken!). Make sure you buy tickets ahead of time to skip the line.
Shop the San Lorenzo leather market - for very reasonably-priced, high-quality leather goods. Be sure to bargain with the vendors and look for the "vera pelle" ("real leather") stamp on anything you buy.
Visit the Gucci Museum - I didn't visit myself, because at the time, I was a broke college student who didn't want to torture myself with all the luxuries I couldn't have! But my mom did visit while she was in Florence, and based on her glowing review, I'll definitely be going the next time I'm in town.
Explore Oltrarno - the neighborhood on the other side of the Arno river. It's really cute and a bit alternative compared to the rest of the city (read: Brooklyn). Cross the Ponte Santa Trinita and keep walking!
See an ACF Fiorentina Game - the stadium is located a bit outside of the city center, but what's better than sports abroad?! If you're in town during the season, definitely check out a game, and hit up Kitsch for aperitivo beforehand (see food & drink section).
Visit the Pitti Palace (Il Palazzo Pitti) - a beautiful palace and royal Renaissance residence, with extensive gardens and galleries. Located across the Arno, nearby the Ponte Vecchio.
See the David at the Academia Gallery - I actually recommend skipping this, and would suggest you only go if you REALLY want to see the real David statue... This is because there is an exact replica right outside the Palazzo Vecchio (see sightseeing section) and the rest of the Gallery isn't that exciting.
Sightseeing
The Duomo & Baptistery - the Duomo is the Cathedral. It’s not called that because it has a dome on top (that’s called the Cuppola, and it’s a really big deal) but because “domus” in Latin = house, and it’s the house of God. This is the quintessential monument in Florence, and the outside is absolutely breathtaking. The smaller green and white octagonal building located across from the doors is the Baptistery. In the Tuscan tradition, this building is separate from the church because people who weren’t yet baptized couldn’t actually go into the church.
You buy one ticket in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Museum, located behind the Cathedral on the main piazza) that gives you access to the Museum, Church, Excavations below the church, Bell Tower, Dome, and Baptistery. The ticket allows one scan into each and is valid for a 48 hour period.
The inside of the Cathedral is really boring and plain compared to the outside. The Baptistery is beautiful inside.
Climb the dome (la cuppola) and the bell tower (il campanile) for great views!!! But they’re both really tough, so get ready to sweat and make sure you’re wearing comfy clothes.
Il Piazzale Michelangelo (visit at sunset) - take the #12 or #13 bus to the top for an incredible view over the city. Bring a bottle of wine!
If you go just past Piazzale Michelangelo, there is a beautiful Romanesque church, called San Miniato al Monte, which has one of the original Romanesque facades.
Il Ponte Vecchio - the only bridge in the city that pre-dates WW2 (the Germans destroyed all the other ones when the allies were advancing). Famous for its jewelry shops, so you could spend lots of time window shopping!
Il Palazzo Vecchio/La Piazza della Signoria - the political heart of the city. The Palazzo is the town hall, and boasts the tallest tower in the city. You may want to climb the tower for views of the Duomo! This is located right outside the Uffizi, so it won't require an additional trip. There is also an exact replica statue of David right outside the Palazzo, so you can skip the trip to the Academia.
La Piazza della Reppublica - a big, open piazza with a carousel in the center of the city.
Santa Croce - the largest Franciscan church in the world, surrounded by a large, beautiful piazza. You probably don’t need to pay to go inside, but definitely check it out from the outside and explore the area around it. Santa Croce is also the neighborhood where most of the nightlife is, and where you'll find the more “American” places to eat.
Santa Maria Novella - another gorgeous cathedral, located near the train station (which is epononymous).
Eat & Drink
Note: aperitivo is the Italian version of happy hour, except it's WAY better than the American version. For the price of a drink, you also get appetizers as a sort of "warm up" to dinner. Look out for aperitivos around town, as they are a very economical (and delicious) way to experience the local culture. More info here.
Osteria Santo Spirito - a must-go if you are across the Arno. Famous for their Truffle Gnocchi (it’s so rich, I’d recommend splitting it!)
All’Antico Vinaio - the BEST sandwiches in Firenze. There are 2 locations right across from each other, both serving the same food. The lines may be long but it moves quickly. Do not skip this place!
La Carraia - BEST GELATO! Just across the Arno River.
The Central Market (il Mercato Centrale) - downstairs is a farmers’ market, but upstairs is a food court style eatery with tons of different options. A great spot for lunch, since you can try many options.
The Box - unique, tiny (hence the name) bar near Santa Croce. Great place for drinks before/after dinner.
La Giostra - this upscale restaurant is famous for the pear and gorgonzola ravioli. It didn’t blow me away, but everyone else loves it so I felt the need to include it here.
Kitsch - excellent aperitivo spot. A bit outside the central part of the city, but worth it, especially if your accommodations are nearby. It's also on the way to the soccer stadium, so definitely eat here on your way to the game.
L’Antico Noè - another good/famous sandwich shop in the Santa Croce area, similar to All'Antico Vinaio.
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