Fabulous Firenze

Just recently, I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. To put it lightly, it was the absolute best time of my life. Before I left I was so lost on what to expect and I was heavily researching on Pinterest to figure out the best restaurants and things to do, so I wanted to share everything I found out with other people that are going to Florence soon. So, these are the absolute necessities whether you’re studying abroad soon, or just going to hang out with the Italians. 

Huge warning though, Italy doesn’t have diet coke

-Go to the leather market AND BARGAIN. Piazza del Mercato Nuovo and the San Lorenzo market are the standouts.

-Go to michelangelo steps at sunset, take a couple drinks and make a picnic

-See the sites, you have to. There's the David, Uffizi Gallery, and Pitti Palace.

This is the view from the Uffizi- impeccable.

-The gucci garden is also pretty cool!

FOOD

Gustapizza and gustapanino

Pino’s Sandwiches are good and Pino is the nicest guy ever. Of course you have to go to al antico, but Gustapanino tops them all. 

Pizza Napoli 1955 is awesome, and owned by Gustapizza. It was right next to out house, so we went a lot! 

Le vespe is an American brunch and I have never had a better one, even in America. Here is the King in all its pride and glory:

Melaleuca has insanely good cinnamon rolls.

I interned at a bakery called Mama’s Bakery and they make fresh bagels everyday. My roommates begged for me to bring them back everytime I went. Do NOT sleep on Mama’s French toast, and say hi to Niccolo and Carlotta for me.

If you are looking for a more American style coffee, Shake Cafe was my go-to for an iced vanilla latte.

Osteria della tre panche had the greatest chicken?? Too good

Trattoria Zaza is really well known, and has really, really good carbonara.

The best gelato is by far Sbrino- their Speculoos and Caramello are insane together.

Vivoli is also so good, their affogatos are worth the line.

You have to try lampredotto. I never did but really wish I had!!

On the other hand Florentine steak scares me and I will never try willingly, sorry Florentines!

GOING OUT

I'm not the biggest “going out person” but Space was so fun. It's a nightclub with a $10 cover. 

Some other honorable mentions are the:

Jazz Club- live music after 11:30

Naima- super super cheap drinks

The Box- cheap drinks, tiny bar

Babae- the yummiest cocktails/ they change their menu every so often. Here were our drinks!

Lion’s Fountain: an Irish pub for study abroad students, you have to take your university’s shot!!

Red garter- super study abroad, but fun karaoke 

Kikuya- simple bar

XO- another club, kinda small but worth trying.

RANDOM (but much needed) 

-If you're getting your nails done, go to GOGO nails. They are the best and the cheapest!! In Florence. We had to walk 20 minutes to get there but the nails were so worth it.

-travel to different cities and countries, it's the absolute perfect time to do it. My favorites were Amsterdam and Munich.