EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: FLORENCE

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN FLORENCE

It's not autumn in Florence if you don't snack on schiacciata all'uva (Italian sweet bread with smashed grapes) during the city's annual grape harvest season. While the Tuscan schiacciata grape tends to be most suitable for winemaking, this small, firm berry pairs perfectly with dough and olive oil. Florentine bakers prepare schiacciata all'uva by baking bread with olive oil, sugar, and the schiacciata black wine grapes. The result? A delicious oven-baked loaf with a crunchy crust and soft, doughy interior (similar to Focaccia) with tangy smashed grapes that create a jam-like sweetness. Live like a local and enjoy this typical mid-morning snack with a dusting of sugar on top! 

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Florence

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Florence:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a large and thick-cut T-bone steak from a local Tuscan cow, which is traditionally cooked over charcoal and served very rare. This dish is a great example of how Florentine cuisine focuses on simple, high-quality, and flavorful ingredients!
• Ribollita & Pappa al Pomodoro: These are two classic, hearty Tuscan soups that make the perfect comfort food. Ribollita is a thick vegetable and bread soup, while Pappa al Pomodoro is a rich tomato and bread soup. Whichever you prefer, both are perfect options for when you’re looking for a cozier homestyle meal.
• Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Try a taste of the Tuscan countryside! Pappardelle al Cinghiale is a rich pasta dish made with thick, wide noodles and a savory wild boar ragù. It's a delicious dish you'll find all over Florence, so you definitely will not want to pass on trying it! 

BEST DRINK IN FLORENCE

As the gateway to Tuscany's celebrated wine country, one might assume Florence's most popular drink is wine. However, this Renaissance city's classic beverage is actually the Negroni, a classic Italian cocktail. Invented in Florence in 1919, the Negroni has gone on to become one of the most famous apéritifs in Italy – and around the world! To prepare this Italian favorite, bitters, red vermouth, and gin are blended together, resulting in a dark orange and fragrant beverage served on ice with a bitter yet fruity taste. Delizioso!

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Florence

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Florence:

• Negroni: Did you know this world-famous cocktail was invented in Florence? A Negroni is a classic and sophisticated aperitif made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
• Amaro Santoni: In Italy, having an Amaro at the end of your meal is very common. Amaro Santoni is a local brand of this bittersweet liqueur that is famous for its complex and aromatic herbal flavor. It's a great digestif that shows off the local tradition of creating unique spirits!
• Cappuccino: Though you may be familiar with cappuccinos, nothing beats those made in Florence. If you have never had one, a cappuccino is a delicious coffee with frothed milk. However, you’ll want to keep some rules in mind, like the fact that locals only drink it for breakfast and not past 11 a.m! 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN FLORENCE

Whether you're a superfan of Renaissance art or you're new to art appreciation, a visit to Florence would be incomplete without stopping by The Uffizi at least once. Considered the most famous gallery in Florence and one of the oldest museums in all of Europe, The Uffizi is home to numerous unique masterpieces. Think fantastic works like The Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Our advice is to arrive at The Uffizi early to get ahead of the line and spend a whole day exploring the gallery's outstanding collections of sculptures and paintings. Trust us on this; the architecture of the building is worth the trip alone. You can thank Italian painter Giorgio Vasari for designing it!

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Florence

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Florence:

• Duomo (Florence Cathedral): The Duomo is one of the most famous monuments of Florence. Its magnificent, red-tiled dome is an architectural masterpiece that is an iconic site in the city's skyline. You can even climb to the top for a breathtaking view of Florence!
• Accademia Gallery: If you only see one museum in Florence, it has to be the Accademia. This famous gallery is home to iconic art pieces, including the original statue of Michelangelo's David, the original painting Madonna and Child, and more! Seeing masterpieces like these in person makes for an unforgettable experience.
• Ponte Vecchio: This iconic medieval stone bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Florence. It’s unique because it is lined with shops, most of which are jewelers. Feel free to explore this incredible bridge for the views and experience alone, or pick up some unique gifts to take home! 

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