The buildings, museums and churches that fill Florence showcase how this city loves to display art and splendor. The Renaissance period can be seen throughout the city. Well known as the capital of the arts, it’s home to stunning galleries that display the works of many Italian artists. Both Dante and Michelangelo were born here. It’s a good idea to grab a map of the city when you get here and plan out what you all want to see. A few places that should be marked as ‘must sees’ are the Bargello Museum, Santa Croce, Duomo, Pitti Palace, Piazza San Lorenzo, and Piazza della Signoria. Each one is fascinating to explore and filled with a rich history.

The Bargello Museum hosts an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures. Some of its works include Michelangelo’s drunken Bacchus and Donatello’s David. The building itself tells an interesting story as it used to be a prison in the medieval times where many were tortured. The façade of Santa Croce is a fantastic display of marble. But as the old saying goes, its what’s inside that counts. Famous Florentines that are buried here include Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Galileo and Bardi. Although damaged in the flood of 1966, the Santa Croce museum features a partially restored crucifix designed by the Italian artist Cimabue.

Most tourists spend some time at the Piazza della Signoria. The streets are lined with replicas of well-known buildings and sculptures. One of the most impressive is the Fountain of Neptune, created out of black marble. There are fantastic restaurants and café’s for you to enjoy here. Because so many tourists come though, you may pay more for an espresso here than elsewhere in the city.

After all that sightseeing you’ll need to get refueled before you continue. Your visit to Florence will only be enhanced when you enjoy its culinary delights. Whether it’s a simple homemade bowl of soup or a gourmet meal, you’ll love the fresh ingredients as well as the fine wines that accompany almost every meal. Although the ingredients are often simple, the chef’s creations will make you want to come back for seconds… or thirds.

Enjoy its fascinating sites, beautiful architecture and amazing foods. Explore its rich history and learn about its culture. Your visit to Florence will soon create many memories as you to experience the many wonders this city can provide.

Versace is one of the most famous names in the world of fashion and with good reason. This store showcases true Italian style, with quality workmanship combined with modern, innovative flair. From lady-like beaded dresses to the most over-the-top club clothes, just browsing this store is always interesting. A frequent stop for celebrities and the rich and famous.

These are the most Italian of designs, with clean lines, classic pieces, and fine fabrics. An Italian without an Armani ensemble is like an American tourists without Reeboks and a fanny-pack – you just don’t see it. The Florentine elite comes here for well-tailored suits and a few hip club pieces. For a special occasion, the dresses here are some of the most elegant you’ll find anywhere.

Via Della Vigna Nouva 23/25, Florence, Italy

If you try on dresses in this store, you’ll feel like an Oscar nominee traipsing down the red carpet. The most elegant soirées call for the most beautiful evening gowns, which are Dolce & Gabbana’s specialty. Clean-lined cuts and flattering colors put the spotlight on the woman wearing the gown. The store is also a classic design, with neutral walls and perfect lighting for finding the perfect dress. Worth the investment, since these pieces look fresh and never go out of style. Some casual pieces are available, as well.

Leather Goods

Florence shops and markets offer a great selection of leather products, such as handmade hand bags, jackets, wallets, briefcases and shoes. Some of the leather goods are produced in local Florentine shops.The widest range of leather products can be found in the area around Santa Croce and San Lorenzo. Leather enthusiasts can even visit a leather school and learn more about the art of working with leather. The Leather School of Santa Croce is located near Santa Croce - one of the entrances is through the church. Visitors can tour several showrooms, observe work in progress, and do some shopping. For more information, visit www.leatherschool.it.

Antiques

Most antique shops are located in the area around Santo Spirito. You can find anything from wooden tables, chairs, vases, chandeliers and frames. Many antique and other small shops in Florence are closed during the month of August.

Jewelery

If you are looking for something unique, take a look in the shops on Ponte Vecchio.

Sales in Florence

If you can, plan a real shopping spree when the sale is on. Sales usually take place in January, and during the month of July.

Home cooked Tuscan typical dishes that you can enjoy in the heart of Florence historical center, a few steps from the Santa Maria Novella central rail station and Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo).

The real Florentine beefsteak, fresh fish dishes, all kind of ‘pasta’, great choices of typical gourmet specialties directly from the art of Tuscan cooking served together with the famous wines of our cellar. Banquet room and special menus for groups, ask our staff for more information!

The restaurant La Pentola dell’Oro is definitely one of the best places for students (and for tourists) in the whole city center! The atmosphere is very nice and Simone, the restaurant manager-chef-sommelier-waiter, will welcome you very friendly and always with a smile or with a joke…

The food is very good and typical and the prices are really astonishing for Florence… With only 13-20€ you’ll have a complete and eccellent dinner in a warm atmosphere in the heart of the city..

The first bottle of wine “della casa” is offered by Simone, the owner, for all the studentsVille readers! This is now also the official restaurant of the studentsVille staff…so, guys and girls, see you there!!… and…buon appetito…!;)

The restaurant is placed in an old open gallery of the 16th century, where there was a small market. It was born after the 1920 and at the time was called ‘Old Tavern‘. In the last years it expanded a lot with the typical Florentine cuisine, based on country traditions.

Here you can find ‘the original Florentine beefsteak‘, the restaurant pride. Other local foods are available too, such as the ‘Florentine tripe‘, the fried and other dishes. It is also a grocery shop where typical products can be bought. Possibility of on-line reservation.