Red Garter

After living in Florence for three months, it is easy to say that it is our favorite in Europe (we might be biased). Getting lost of the history, architecture, and culture that this city offers is something we could do forever. In this guide, we’ll be sharing our favorite spots, activities, and hidden gems throughout Florence, and we will do our best to keep this guide as concise and valuable as possible. Enjoy and happy travels!

Spending some time in beautiful Florence? This is a complete list that provides you with a handful of options: accommodation, tourist attractions, shops, bars and restaurants - you’ll need no other guide, I promise! So…have a bite and a drink alongside Arno river and take home the most impressive bespoke souvenirs. The city is walkable and it blends art and history and romantic vibes all together and pretty soon you’ll find yourself in love. 💓 Must do - trips to picturesque towns located nearby: • San Gimignano: 1h away • Siena: 1h10 away • Volterra: 1h20 away Highlights: ⚜️ Il Giglio - giglio bottonato, is mainly known from the crest of the city of Florence. In the Florentine fleurs-de-lis, the stamens are always posed between the petals. This is also the emblem of the city and you shall see it depicted all over. 🍨 Gelato “crema fiorentina” - is the specific flavor of Florence, made with a simple combination of egg yolks, milk, and sugar. It is often flavored with chestnut honey, while another common addition includes crumbled amaretti cookies or almond liqueur. It is a neutral ice cream flavor with delicate pale-yellow color. 🍧 Affogato - a delightful and simple Italian dessert or beverage that combines two beloved elements: espresso and gelato or ice cream. The word "affogato" in Italian means "drowned," and that perfectly describes the preparation of this delicious treat. The basic affogato recipe involves pouring a hot, freshly brewed espresso over a scoop of cold gelato or ice cream. The hot espresso contrasts with the cold and creamy gelato, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying flavour combination. 🥩 Bistecca alla fiorentina - Italian steak made of young steer (vitellone) or heifer (scottona) that, combined with the specific preparation, makes it one of the most popular dishes of Tuscan cuisine. 🍷 "Buchette del vino" - or wine windows, are a peculiar feature of Florence. They are foot-high, dome-shaped holes in the thick, stone palazzi of the Renaissance city that six centuries ago were used to sell wine in a fiasco (glass bottle) without having to open a shop and avoid paying taxes. These wine windows also posed a useful anti-contagion way to sell wine during the epidemic of 1630-1633. At that time, the bubonic plague hit Florence hard, killing 12% of the city's population.

A full survival guide from one study abroad student to another on how to navigate this city and make the most out of your time here, while keeping that college student budget in mind! "Ciao! My name is Haley and I'm studying abroad here in Florence. Throughout my time here, I have learned so much about navigating this beautiful city. I hope to share my experiences with you so that you can spend less time searching, and more time experiencing. I’m sure you’re already well aware of the Accademia’s David, Piazzale Michelangelo, and of course, the Duomo. But here are some staples in Florence that your Study Abroad program didn’t mention to you." Inside you will find: - 7 cafes for your morning coffee and/or free wifi, - 3 affordable lunch options + a guide to Florence's 13 best panini shops, - 2 spots for special occasions, - 3 essential bars, - 5 under-the-radar activities, including a day trip to the beach, - 9 shops to cover all the essentials: clothes, food and, obviously, vino 🍷 - and my own personal tips on safety, saving money and staying up do date with the best events! Purchase this guide today at a lower price, and get free updates for life. Not ready yet? Save it 📌now for future use or send it to someone who might be interested! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ By Haley Rucker with Martina Bartolozzi