Month: April 2024

Written by: Loris Inez Venegas

Florence is one of the most unique cities in the world. It entices travelers with its colorful Renaissance architecture, art and history. For your next visit to Florence, include stops at some of its unforgettable bookstores for a welcomed reprieve from sightseeing. You can sit and enjoy a glass of wine or coffee, have a meal, and rest for a moment with the company of a good book. Here are three bookstores that are hidden gems to discover. 

Todo Modo, located on Via dei Fossi, 15/R, near Santa Maria Novella, was conceived by two booksellers, a winemaker and two publishers. Their shared skills and talents created a unique, modern space filled with books, a cafe, wine bar and a publishing house. Todo Modo offers a thoughtful selection of books and magazines, including titles in foreign languages. The cafe serves lunch and dinner and provides a cozy area for studying and working on a laptop. You can also visit their sister bookstore, Todo Modo Dilà, a short walk across the Ponte alla Carraia. Located in the Oltrano neighborhood, at Via dei Serragli, 18 Rosso, this store features illustrated books for both children and adults. 

Libreria Brac is another independent bookstore tucked away on a quiet street on Via dei Vagellai, 18/R. This eclectic bookstore doubles as an art space and cafe, specializing in books related to contemporary arts. Brac offers many cozy nooks to read in and is also an event space, hosting weekly events and provocative discussions with writers. The menu features vegetarian and vegan cuisine and a curated wine selection. 

A personal favorite of mine is Giunti Odeon, a bookstore and restaurant housed in a working cinema over 100 years old. The Odeon is an integral part of Florence’s cinematic history, showcasing the first film with sound in Florence in 1934. A ceiling dome of colored glass highlights its elegant and impressive interior. The movies shown are first-run features, documentaries, and selected classics. My favorites are the children’s films shown during the day on Saturdays. During the week, you might find silent films showing while browsing their extensive collection of books. Grab a coffee and 

head upstairs to the balcony for the best view of the architectural features. You will find cinema seating and tables to visit with a friend or quietly work there. It truly is a distinctive experience. Florence, Italy, is well known for its outstanding Renaissance architecture, art, museums, and many Instagrammable locations and sights. To experience an authentic glimpse of Florentine culture, consider adding these bookstores to your travel plans along with must-see sights like the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio. Each unique location allows you to try local cuisine, observe the world pass by from a cozy spot and of course, read a good book.

Written by: Isla Herring

Since arriving in Florence to study abroad, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of food options there are in this city. Something I also made note of was the excessive amount of recommendations I have been given for restaurants and cafes. However, one particular food feature that I feel has not been given enough credit are the new restaurants of Florence that have yet to gain such a reputation as the classics. 

For a birthday dinner that I attended a few weeks ago, we went to a restaurant that a friend of mine discovered when exploring around Florence. The location is called “Ristorante Tre Pepi” or “Three Peppers Restaurant” and it is located on Via dell’Anguillara. When speaking with my friend and the staff, they explained that they had only opened up about a year ago. I was confused as to why the place was so empty because the food was amazing, and the service was lovely. Because of the amount of food locations in this city, it can be hard for restaurants to start up and gain popularity in the area. According to their website, “Behind each dish is the art of a talented chef, inspired by the Tuscan culinary richness. Our restaurant is a refuge of warmth and refinement. Rustic-chic decor and thoughtful service create a unique atmosphere.” This description is perfectly accurate of this restaurant, and one that deserves more credit in this food-filled city. 

 Another restaurant that has popped up recently right across from Piazza de’ Pitti, is called “Osteria della Galleria.” This spot is a small tavern that has amazing views of the palace itself, and offers authentic Tuscan flavors in a location that has just emerged earlier this year. They share many photos of their food on their social media that look divine, yet it is lacking followers and attention. This part of town has existed for many years, and it can be difficult getting customers to come to a new spot. There are always employees standing out front willing to answer any questions you may have and invite you into their cozy spot. For anyone who may be near Piazza de’ Pitti, or simply searching for a new place to dine, I recommend checking out this friendly restaurant. 

Italy’s first sake bar, “Kawaii” located on Borgo S. Frediano is a unique place that offers a multitude of Asian dishes. Specifically, the restaurant displays its Japanese roots, exposing Italy to different flavors of food and drinks. Kawaii is known for its sake and other traditional drinks, along with its poke bowls, spring rolls, and bao buns. This location has been open for just over five years here in Florence, introducing new types of food and beverages to the locals. 

Expanding the price range of new cafes in Florence, “Caffe Cibreo” is one that opened here in 2017 and is known for its luxurious and high-quality coffee and pastries. People compliment this cafe for its small and cozy feel, while still remaining a divine experience. It does not feel as touristy as many of the well-known food or drink places in Florence. The cafe offers a more quiet and peaceful experience for elaborate coffee drinkers. This elegant shop is situated at Via Andrea del Verrocchio, near the entrance of the Sant’Ambrogio market. 

Lastly, gelato shops are a highly competitive genre of food here in Florence, and there are many new emerging dessert places that are worth a mention. The first is “Gelateria della Passera,” opened in 2021 on Via Toscanella, where they pride themselves on their fresh and seasonal ingredients to craft their unique gelato flavors. Another is “Gelateria La Carraia,” located at Piazza Nazario Sauro. Here, they offer a wide variety of flavor selections and focus on using high quality ingredients to cater to their customers. 

There are loads of new food locations in Florence with altering backgrounds, food profiles, price ranges, and atmospheres that are worthy of more attention. It is important to expand horizons, especially when studying abroad and make sure to not solely focus on the tourism spots when exploring a new city. The flavors of Florence are continuing to flourish and feed our people.

Written by Sophia Koch

There is just something about movie theater popcorn, an ice-cold coke, and relaxing in the cinema chairs, preparing to watch a movie on the big screen. There really aren’t many options in Florence to watch Original Language English movies unless you want to sit in the comfort of your own bed and rent a movie off of Amazon Prime or dig through the Netflix catalog. 

In Florence, opportunities to catch English-speaking movies on the cinema’s grand display are limited. However, there’s a spot that reignites the enchantment of cinema, evoking a cozy, home-like atmosphere—Giunti Odeon. Located next to Palazzo Strozzi, the theater was built in 1922 and has kept its original style since. Odeon offers films only in their original language, which are mostly English. Along with showing movies, the building also has a bistro to enjoy a cappuccino or a spritz. To top it all off, below the theater seats on the ground floor, guests can browse through a variety of bookshelves that were just added when the theater reopened in 2023.

Cinema La Compagnia is located at Via Cavour 50/r and offers a schedule that is extremely diverse with movies shown in their original languages from all over the world. They host many events in addition to movies and documentaries, such as international festivals and press screenings. There is always reduced entry for students, and normal tickets usually cost 6 euro. 

Another theater offering original language movies is Goldoni Cinema, located at Via de Serragli 109. Every Thursday, the theater shows a movie in its original language. Spazio Alfieri, located at Via dell’Ulivo 8 is where cinema lovers can find movies that are combined with drama, music, food, design and visual arts. Here, you can find original language showings, with a wide selection, such as Hollywood movies, art films, documentaries and others screening at the same time. If foreigners want to go to a place to enjoy a movie but also meet locals, Cinema il Portico is a great place to go because all movies are available in original and Italian versions. The theater is located at Via Capo di Mondo 66/68, and they also offer concerts and shows. 

While living in Florence, and if you miss the cinema magic that being in your home city brings, try one of these theaters during your time here. Whether you want to stroll through bookshelves, enjoy a drink at the bar, or meet locals and other cinema lovers, these theaters have what you are looking for.

Written by Mark Scott

Are you on the way home from a night on the town and looking for a late-night meal? Are you a broke college student, scraping money together to take that trip to Amsterdam? Have you been craving Chipotle since the day you left home? Well, worry no more my friend, I give to the doner kebab.

Though it may not be Chipotle, it’s the next best thing, Mediterranean Chipotle. What is a doner kebab? A doner kebab is a burrito-like dish, which is made up of shaved chicken, cabbage, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and french fries. It’s all topped off with a spicy kebab sauce and yogurt. I know the fact that yogurt is mixed in there sounds weird, but trust me they are incredible. All these ingredients are wrapped together inside a flatbread and tin foil, which is then thrown on the grill to be toasted.

Before studying abroad here in Florence, I had never seen or even heard of a doner kebab. Over the 2 months I have been in Florence, I have come to find there is a kebab shop just a stone’s throw from anywhere inside of the city center. The menus of these shops are all almost the same, which is generally the case for the price as well. So what’s the difference between them? What makes a good kebab a good kebab? 

What it boils down to is how it is made, both before and during. Was the chicken shaved right off the rotisserie? Are the fries fresh out of the fryer? How long ago were the vegetables sliced? These are all important questions a kebab consumer must ponder before deciding on which shop to eat at.

Many kebab shops will slice the meat in advance and keep it heated in a pan. Others will fry multiple batches of fries way in advance out of convenience, or use vegetables that come pre sliced and in bags. If you see any of this behavior from a kebab shop, save your 5 euros and run. To make a good kebab, the best kebab you might say, ingredients must be fresh. The chicken must be freshly shaved, the vegetables crisp, and the fries just out of the fryer. This is what makes a good kebab, a good kebab. 

The other fun and interesting aspect of doner kebab shops is the relationship you build with the shop owner if you are a regular at the shop. These guys are busting their hump working 6, maybe even 7 days a week till 4 in the morning just to provide for their families. The overwhelming majority of them are very welcoming, and chatting with customers makes their work easier and more enjoyable. 

Whether you are studying here in Florence or even just visiting, make your way to a doner kebab shop, the right one, that is, you won’t regret it.

Written by: Sophia Koch

Finding affordable places to stay for my, oh so ever, broke student budget is one thing that I’ve learned since coming to Italy. I want a place that is in a good location like the city center or at least a five-minute walk to any sort of public transportation to get me to the city center, and I want a place that I can feel comfortable and safe in. Which my guess is, goes for the same as everyone else.

We all know that parents cannot wait to come visit their kids while abroad. It’s the perfect excuse to travel to Europe. I have family coming all next month and I have been getting a billion texts about what hotels they should stay at, which location is better, can the hotel keep their luggage on hold while traveling to a different city, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. 

Well, I have concluded that to make the students and their families lives easier, I might just list a couple of things to think about when booking places to stay in Florence and possible places you could stay. 

The really good thing I have found out about Florence is that everything is about a 5-to-20-minute walk to each other. But if you are coming to visit a student at Florence University of the Arts – The American University of Florence, staying near the Duomo or the Arno River near Ponte Vecchio always seems like a good option because they are not only great locations to stay for tourists, but is the exact location where the University is located throughout the city. . Most students also live about 10 minutes or less to the Duomo, with the others living closer to the river. 

Hotel Spadai 

Via de’ Martelli, 10, 50129 Firenze Fl

This hotel costs around 370 dollars per night for two people in a standard room. It is literally 100 meters from the Duomo and maybe a 15-minute walk to Ponte Vecchio, plus not even 10 minutes from all the good shopping. I went to look around the hotel and it was not even a minute walk from my apartment. I live around markets, great sandwich places, too close to some gelato places, and right next to a wine window.

There is no parking, if you are renting a car, but I suggest not trying to drive in this city unless you are familiar with it. There is safe access inside the hotel and it is located on a brightly lit street. Plus… there is a free mini bar that is replenished every day.

“First look for what is within their budget, and next what is important to them when it comes to a place to stay, such as location, breakfast, or security,” Lena Carolla, hospitality management major at FUA-AUF said. 

Tornabuoni Suites Collection

Via de’ Tornabuoni, 9, 501000 Firenze Fl

This is the ideal location for anyone who loves fashion or art. Right when you walk outside you see Gucci, Prada, Giorgio Armani andFendi. Within a one kilometer radius you can discover all the artistic cornerstones that have helped make Florence a world-famous city of art and culture. And in just five minutes you’ll be able to reach the Arno River. 

There are multiple types of rooms you can book: Family apartments, double rooms for two, and various other suites if you want to splurge a bit more or have more room. The standard room for two people is about 270 dollars per night.

One thing I have learned is to book early for the cheapest rates and look for special offers or discounts. It never hurts to knock a few dollars off the final price.  

Home & Villas by Marriot Bonvoy: Dimora degli Affreschi (House of Frescoes) Deluxe Apartments 

One other way to really get that feel for Florentine-style living is staying in an apartment or Airbnb type of place. Depending on how many people you are traveling with, Airbnbs can be cheaper, especially if you split the price. 

Located on the ancient Via dei Benci in the district of Santa Croce, near the Arno River, and behind the Horne Museum, Marriott offers a range of 19th-Century 5 story apartments.  Each apartment sleeps 4 people, has 2 bedrooms and costs around 320 euro a night. If you are looking to fit more people, the company offers nine other apartments that larger parties could separate into. 

Near the apartments you can find shopping, markets and a multitude of cafes and bars through the ancient streets. If you cross the river, the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and the famous Piazzale Michelangelo are just a quick walk away. 

A FUA-AUF student’s  family recently stayed at this apartment and loved how it was run through Marriott, but still was a different experience outside a regular hotel stay.. 

When trying to decide whether to stay at an Airbnb or hotel, you can always ask and think about security in and out of the buildings for safety, amenities, money differences, what will fit your stay more appropriately for what you want to do while in the city.  Florence is a lively city filled with art, culture, great food, and even your own students, so make sure to consider a location close to them as well.

Written by: Alice Hamilton

Studying abroad comes with a variety of new experiences and realizations. Everything is so different when living in another country with a very different culture. During your time abroad, you begin to immerse yourself in the culture of Florence and realize how different it is than in the United States. One difference I had to navigate was the healthcare system here in Florence compared to the United States. 

Just two months after arriving in Florence, I underwent a very unique experience and I feel that my story could be of use to others in the future. Due to an infected gallbladder stone, I went through an emergency gallbladder removal procedure. Even after several doctor’s appointments, ER visits, X-rays, CT Scans, and blood work done in the states, I was given no answers as to why I was experiencing sporadic abdominal and back pain. I was sent abroad with a lot of unknowns and a fear that this pain would recur while abroad. 

During my first two weeks in Florence, I underwent a painful flare-up with severe pain, vomiting, and two days of bed rest. I was in need of a doctor but wasn’t quite sure how to get access to one. With the help of the FUA Emergency Hotline, they provided a 24-hour doctor to check up on me in my apartment. This visit resulted in me receiving painkillers, a few prescriptions, and an ultrasound appointment, as well as a doctor’s note for class. 

My next task was to navigate how the pharmacies work in Italy. My doctor prescribed me medications through a documented and stamped piece of paper. You can visit any pharmacy in the city and they fill your prescription, so I found a  local pharmacy, I handed the paper to the pharmacist and they provided me with my prescriptions and a document to send to my insurance. It was as simple as that! 

In regards to my ultrasound, I booked my appointment via phone call and was able to come in within the next few days. Before my visit, I contacted my insurance company and discussed my future visit and where the facility was. I provided the documents my doctor prescribed me and that was all I needed. With the help of the staff there, they helped me locate registration and the waiting room. This singular appointment found the answer I had waited months for, a gallbladder stone. This stone meant that I needed to get the organ removed through a procedure. Even though I was very nervous about getting a medical procedure done in a different country, everything worked out very smoothly. 

I was in contact with the 24-hour doctor as well as FUA’s staff throughout the entire experience. My doctor even helped me get in contact with a private surgeon to plan my surgery date. Unfortunately, my gallbladder had other plans. After a very painful episode, I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance to Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, which is Florence’s public hospital. Interestingly enough, the cost is widely different in both countries. For serious medical conditions, ambulances in Florence are free of cost. However, in my hometown of Chicago, the cost starts at around $900. 

After being in the hospital for a few hours, I was told that my gallbladder was inflamed and I would need to wait 10-15 days for my surgery. However, my condition did not improve because my liver enzymes were low, which resulted in emergency surgery. My mother luckily booked her flight when she found out I was in the hospital and arrived right before I was prepped for surgery. 

During the surgery, the surgeons discovered my gallbladder was infected, which allowed for a drainage tube. Because of this, I was in the hospital for another three days. During my hospital experience and after I was discharged, I was able to understand how both healthcare systems are set up. Italy believes healthcare should be available to everyone as a basic right. They have a system where both the government and private companies help pay for healthcare. Taxes mainly fund it, but people also pay for some services themselves or through private insurance. On the other hand, the United States mostly has a private healthcare system. It includes public and private insurance providers, employer-sponsored coverage, and government-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid. 

Through the healthcare system here in Italy, getting this procedure was incredibly affordable and convenient. I am extremely grateful for the amazing doctors and nurses who successfully performed the operation. Through the help of FUA and its amazing staff, I was successfully able to navigate the Italian healthcare system, as well as leave a piece of myself in Florence!