The time has come where some peoples study abroad experiences are coming to an end, some are beginning, and others are continuing. Last year I studied abroad in Florence, Italy and it was the BEST time of my life. From the good eats to the new cultural adventures each day, I made some of my best memories there. Reminiscing back on my time, I’m reminded of the ironic stress and anxiety that overwhelmed me during my last week there. The Italian way of life is to slow down and stop rushing, however, I am who I am and wanted to make sure that I didn’t miss out on anything while the Palazzo Vecchio was basically my front yard. So in order to help current and future study abroad students in Florence, as well as travelers exploring Florence, I’ve put together a list of MUST DO THINGS in Florence, Italy so you don’t return home with regrets or “I wishes.”
Things To Do:
Climb the Duomo
For students, this is the perfect thing to do during your last week because you will be familiar with Florence and know where everything is. Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time. I highly recommend climbing it during sunrise or sunset as the views will be even more spectacular.
Attend mass at the Duomo.
This still remains on my bucket list :/
Grab a bottle of wine and watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Rent a "YesToGo" cart and drive around the city for a couple of hours.
This was one of my absolute favorite things to do. I would go back and do it again if I could.
Visit Gucci Garden.
A heaven on Earth for lovers of fashion, luxury, and creativity/design.
Visit Pitti Palace and wander around Boboli Gardens (located behind Pitti Palace).
Wander through Gardino Delle Rosa.
Take a carriage ride through Florence.
I regret procrastinating and never getting around to doing this :(
Visit the Uffizi Gallery.
See the Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia.
Ride the carousel in Piazza Republica.
Wish I had done this.
Visit and get something custom made from the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School).
I've been told that this is the best place to get leather goods and I regret putting this off until I no longer had time to visit this place.
Take a cooking class.
This is something I wish I had done. Don't be like me and keep wishing while you have the opportunity to do it.
Walk on the Ponte Vecchio.
FIND THE SECRET BAKERY AND REPORT BACK TO ME.
Almost every night I went out searching for this secret bakery. Despite some of my friends successes, I unfortunately failed at finding this place. I've been told that you will find it by scent starting around 1am when it opens. People have also said that it is near Santa Croce.
Buy street art and leather.
It's easy to take for granted the beautiful street art and crafts that flood the streets of Florence. This is you're reminder that you will not walk past these masterpieces when you return home. Take the time and spend a few euros on souvenirs like Florence's famous leather goods and street arts and crafts. I meant to do this, but kept putting it off until I finally forgot about it and now I need to go back ASAP.
Buy food from Mercato Centrale.
Taste the Tuscan wines and go on a wine tour.
See sculptures at the Bargello Museum.
See Michelangelo and Galileo's tombs at the Santa Croce Church.
Visit Santa Maria Novella.
Experience the night life that turns into early mornings in Florence.
Do some research prior to going out because certain bars/clubs will be more of the "scene to be at" on specific days. The night life typically starts late (around 11pm-ish)
Experience Aperitivo.
Aperitivo is like the American happy hour. However, instead of getting wasted around 4pm-7pm, aperitivo is an Italian ritual occurring around 7pm-9pm that includes pre-dinner drinks and light snacks.
I hope this blog post provided you with ideas of things to add and check off your bucket list. I also hope you are able to return home with no regrets and tons of memories. So sip cappuccinos, walk after meals, attend aperitivo, drink wine, laugh tons, live in the moment, and embrace the Italian culture and lifestyle while I continue to live vicariously through everyone living and traveling abroad in Firenze right now. Ciao!
XOXO,