Written by Justus Miller, University of Virginia | ISI Florence Spring 2025
Free Museum Day
If you’re not aware, Italy provides free museum days, during which it’s free to visit some historical sites in Florence on the first Sunday of each month. While I would advise against trying to cram several museums into one day, set aside each free day to see a different museum in Florence, for the price of nothing.
Additionally, if you find it a bit cramped or not your style with everyone trying to get into the free museums, be aware that many museums offer special pricing and discounts on regular ticket prices for students. This is not true of all museums, but it can save you a few euros. My favorite spot, offering a great student discount, is the Boboli Gardens, where admission costs just two euros. It’s located behind the Pitti Palace, which also has a good student discount. It’s beautiful at all times of the year—best in March, as the sun comes out and the wisteria blooms, but still lovely even bundled up in January.
Giunti Odeon
Have you ever had a bookstore, a study spot, and a cinema all in one? I doubt it—but if you have, it’s in no way comparable to Giunti Odeon, or as I’ve nicknamed it, “Gideon.” There’s always a film playing—whether a documentary or a cartoon. The big screen is the perfect background noise while working on a paper or homework, or simply chatting with friends. It’s also great for a solo moment—watching something on a big screen for free, especially after weeks of only using your computer or phone.
My absolute favorite day to visit is Sunday, as it’s a family-friendly day and they play classic Disney movies in the theater starting after noon. It’s often movies I haven’t seen before—usually two or three, depending on other events happening—and they never repeat them the following weeks. They also often host Saturday marathons, dedicated to a specific actor, with other films and themes on different days and weeks. You can find out what’s playing by taking a quick walk to the city center or checking their website.
They also play current movies and films in the evening, for which you can buy a ticket for about twelve euros and enjoy your very own Florence movie night in a place unlike any other.
Piazzale Michelangelo
This is a spot you’ll never get tired of. Climb one too many sets of stairs to see the entire city below you. Lean on the walls or sit on the steps and enjoy the stunning views of Florence and the way the light hits the city. I love to go at sunset with some friends and chat for hours as the sun slowly sets. We typically arrive an hour before sunset, while the sky’s still blue, and stay until it’s completely dark.
In warmer weather, you’ll often find a band performing, singing popular tunes—from Taylor Swift to Shrek and many others. Dance with strangers and enjoy the moment.
You can also bring your food and drinks to enjoy while you sit. I typically grab a bottle of wine, sometimes from an enoteca (a wine shop) or a cheaper one from the grocery store, along with crackers, popcorn, cheese, or a snack for a little DIY aperitivo with the most beautiful view.
Window Shopping
Window shopping is one of my absolute favorite pastimes. You can wander the streets, admire the displays, and spend absolutely no money. It’s the act of simply looking—appreciating a fancy designer bag, a cool window setup, or noticing what’s changed. It’s especially fun throughout the semester, on your walk back from class, or just during a stroll.
Many designer windows are updated regularly, as well as the smaller shops, to reflect the changing seasons or new products. One of my favorite displays is from a children’s store near Rucellai, where I always notice when they swap out the jellycats in the window. I also love the Louis Vuitton windows—once with colorful, flower-like spinning logos, and another time featuring abstract faces. I enjoy the artsy ones too, with local artists’ work, porcelain products, and painted plates.
Sometimes I even go beyond window shopping and step inside to see the clothes or products. I note what I like or dislike, and if something really catches my eye, I hold off on buying it. If I still want it later, I know it’s a genuine desire and not just an impulse. It’s a great way to spend mindfully. It also gives me a chance to practice Italian by talking to the seller.
I do this often in clothing stores—trying things on to see if I really like how they fit or feel, rather than buying something just because it looked good on the model. It never hurts to check the sales section—you might find something cute, cool, and affordable that becomes a great staple in your closet.
Markets
Florence has so many markets that change from week to week, and sometimes even day to day. To me, it’s an even better version of window shopping—I can spend the day browsing clothes or jewelry like in American thrift stores, but somehow even better.
While I usually have a few euros to spend on something I “need,” it’s also just fun to look at. I appreciate the craftsmanship of baby toys, music boxes, wooden carvings, and handmade jewelry. There are also records to flip through—either searching for musicians I love or just an album I recognize. I also love examining photographs or posters—finding favorites without feeling the need to buy them, especially since they might get damaged on the trip home. Many markets also have beautiful flower and plant sections.
You can usually find a market in any open area of Florence. Some of my favorites include Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, which has a food section, and another area with jewelry, clothes, cameras, and knick-knacks. Just a few steps away is a garage-sale-style section with tables of assorted items and fun finds.
Sun Painting Scavenger Hunt
As I wander around the city, my eyes drift from the architecture and people to the graffiti on the walls. While graffiti isn’t always beautiful, I’ve found myself spotting a recurring theme—a version of a sun painting, with a bright sun and green grass in various styles.
These can be found in neighborhoods all over the city, on both sides of the bridges, and on busy and quiet streets alike. A fun activity during a walk—or throughout your entire time abroad—can be to note patterns, repetitions, or recurring graffiti. I’ve taken photos of over 10 different yellow-smiling suns across Florence, often without intentionally looking.
Neighborhood Exploration
Florence is not just a tiny city. The city center alone includes over eight different neighborhoods. Take the time to walk the streets of each one, note the differences, and try the food.
If you feel like you’ve seen all of the city center, take a walk beyond the city walls—there’s still so much more to discover. Consider buying a tram ticket for under two euros and heading to another area of Florence. Visit a park and experience more of what this city has to offer. Even with a few months spent here, you won’t have time to see everything.
Pay Attention to ISI Monthly Events
Last but not least, check your emails, the ISI news board, and flyers. ISI regularly posts monthly events—some paid and some free. Consider signing up and attending those that interest you. Events can include free art exhibits, special markets, sports and games with locals, hikes, walks through the city, and so much more!