Written by Brianna Leslie, University of Connecticut | ISI Florence Spring 2025
On a typical Monday morning, I wake up around 8:00 am to make it to my 9:00 am oil painting class. I usually have breakfast and tea in my apartment, but some days, my roommates and I will stop by a cafe and grab a cappuccino on our walk to class. Walking to Palazzo Bargagli with my friends down Florence’s historic and beautiful streets is the best way to start my morning. I love walking past the church of Santa Maria Novella, Ponte Vecchio, and the Arno River every day!
At 9:00 am, I grab my smock and canvas and get down to work on my painting in the art studio. Oil painting is such a fun and enjoyable class, and I’m surprised by how much my painting skills have improved. My professor, Tiziano Lucchesi, has made it easy to learn, and the class is very beginner-friendly.
After oil painting, I have an hour and a half for lunch until my Italian class starts. I’ve devoted this chunk of time to trying out new lunch places, specifically sandwich shops. I’m on the hunt to find the best sandwiches in Florence, which is a difficult task because there are so many great options. So far, my top spots for an amazing panino are Schiacciateria De’ Neri, Pino’s Sandwiches, and I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti. Each place has deliciously fresh ingredients, and I’ve quickly become obsessed with their sandwiches.
After a life-altering sandwich, I have my final two classes of the day. At 1:30 pm, I have my Italian class, where we’re currently learning how to order in a café and restaurant in Italian. This has been extremely helpful and useful, considering how I spend my free time in Italy. It’s been so fun learning a new language, and Florence is the perfect place to do so. After Italian, I have Travel Writing at 3:00 pm. In this class, we’re learning about travel research and documentation, with a specific focus on our own experiences traveling abroad. This class has also been super enjoyable and provided me with an outlet to reflect on my time in and around Florence. My travel writing class is located at Palazzo Rucellai. This building is a work of art itself, with a unique history. The beautiful statues and painted ceilings are unlike any school building I’m used to in America.
After classes, I usually pop into a cafe to do some homework. Florence has an amazing coffee culture that makes me excited to get work done. Getting a pastry is a great pick-me-up to help me get through my assignments. Some of the best places to study in Florence are Base V Juicery, Giunti Odeon, and the Biblioteca delle Oblate. Base V Juicery is conveniently located near Palazzo Bargagli and has many healthy juices, salads, and wraps to choose from. Giunti Odeon is a must-visit old theater transformed into a bookstore and café. The vintage ambiance of this place is unmatched. If you want a breathtaking view while you study, go to the Biblioteca delle Oblate. There is a café with both indoor and outdoor seating that offers an amazing view of the Duomo.
Middle image source: https://www.giuntiodeon.com
After studying, I head back home around dinner time and catch up with my roommates. Depending on the day and how stocked our fridge is, we debate whether to cook at home or go out for dinner. The grocery stores in Florence are amazing and fresh, containing many Italian-made products. Meals from home that I’ve replicated in Italy taste even better here because of the quality ingredients. I recommend buying groceries from Mercato Centrale. The first floor includes the historic market of San Lorenzo, where you can find a variety of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.
When I don’t feel like cooking, it’s always fun to try out new restaurants in Florence. Some of my top restaurants have been La Spada, Aqua al 2, and Ciro & Sons.
After dinner, it’s time for something sweet. Since coming to Italy, trying different gelato places has been a delicious hobby of mine. When finding good, authentic gelato, it’s recommended to look for places that keep gelato in tins, not mounds. Another good sign is if they only sell gelato! Getting Nutella, caramel, or chocolate gelato anywhere around Florence is always a treat, but the best gelato spot so far has been Cantina del Gelato. Some other honorable mentions are La Sorbiettiera and Edoardo. Getting gelato with my roommates is by far the best way to end the night!
