Hidden Gems of Florence Every Study Abroad Student Should Know
Last year, I spent three and a half months studying abroad in Florence. After wandering through main sites, like the Duomo, Accademia, and Uffizi, I ventured to find other attractions off the beaten path. From places to study to quiet corners, here are a few hidden gems I found while exploring Florence. There are plenty of places to discover, from Florence museums to cozy cafes and lesser-known restaurants. The websites Atlas Obscura and TimeOut are great resources for finding more unique and less touristy spots within hundreds of cities.
Hidden Museums and Churches of Florence
Sacred Doors Cemetery
This secluded cemetery is part of the Basilica di San Miniato, perched above Florence. It’s quite a hike to get up to the top, but it's completely worth it for the panoramic views of the city and the beautiful architecture within the cemetery. This is a perfect destination if you’re looking for an escape from the bustling city center.
Medici Chapel
This beautiful domed chapel was created as a resting place for members of the Medici family. The attention to detail and intricacy of the architecture is truly breathtaking. Don’t forget to look at Michelangelo’s hidden drawings in the New Sacristy.
Ferragamo Museum
Learn about the life of Salvatore Ferragamo in this quaint museum hidden underneath the Ferragamo store on Via de Tornabuoni. Inside, you’ll find ever-changing exhibits with hundreds of shoes on display, including photos of their celebrity consumers, from Marilyn Monroe to Sophia Loren.
Villa Bardini
Comparable to the more well-known Boboli Gardens, this open-air “museum” is filled with ornate statues and beautiful gardens with colorful flora. Head inside to see what exhibit they have on show or admire the view of Florence from the winding pathways outside.
Shopping Secrets in Florence
Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
The Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, founded in 1221. Besides being renowned for its luxury skincare, perfumes, and herbal remedies, this perfumery takes you on an immersive journey of rooms filled with projected flowers while their signature scents are pumped through the air. While the prices of their perfumes can be steep, it’s still worth a trip if you’re studying abroad in Florence.
Santo Spirito Market
This Sunday market is a hit for study-abroad students, with low prices, handmade jewelry, vintage clothes, and unique antiques. Some weeks are more food-based, with fresh fruit and baked goods. TIP: Bring cash, as many vendors don’t take cards!
Study Spots for Students
Oblate Library
If you’re a study abroad student searching for some peace, the Oblate Library is a perfect study spot. Here, you will get a great view of the Duomo without the crowds. Take a detour and stop at this library, which local students often use to study. With their free wifi, I could do some homework before class. The outdoor terrace has a cafe and a spectacular vantage point of the famous dome.
Ditta Artigianale
This cafe is perfect for students who want a comfortable, vibey place to do work. They offer iced coffee (a rare find in Italy) and many tasty pastries. With several locations throughout the city, you’ll be able to find one close to wherever you live or go to school!
La Cité
On the quieter side of the river, this cafe is a cozy place to grab a cappuccino or catch up on schoolwork. Filled with mismatched furniture, games, and a selection of novels, it is a perfect pit stop for a morning pick-me-up.
Culinary Delights in Florence
Borgo Antico
Located inside the famous Piazza Santo Spirito, this restaurant’s menu is filled with mouth-watering options, like penne pesto and spicy spaghetti. With excellent prices and ideal outdoor seating, Borgo Antico is a perfect setting for a late-night dinner.
Trattoria Sabatino
Further outside of the city center, this restaurant doesn’t see many tourists but offers a delicious five-course meal fit for kings at student-friendly prices. Make sure to arrive right when they open to guarantee a table. There’s usually a line out the door!
I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to study abroad at a university in Florence. Knowing my time was limited, I sought out many hidden gems that made the city even more beautiful and my time there more memorable. From peaceful study spots and distinctive museums to lively markets and local restaurants, exploring these lesser-known treasures gave me a deeper connection to the city. By venturing off the tourist path in Florence or any other city, you’ll uncover a more authentic side that will make your visit even more unforgettable.
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