The Insider's Guide to Florence
Summary: Living it Up in Florence: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.
Welcome to Florence! If you're planning to move to Florence, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Florence has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Florence.
Florence is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. There are many sites of interest to explore, from the iconic Duomo to the Uffizi Gallery. The Ponte Vecchio is a must-see, with its stunning views of the Arno River and its many shops and restaurants. The Boboli Gardens are a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the city. The Palazzo Pitti is a grand palace with a museum and gardens, and the Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo's famous statue of David.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Florence is vibrant and diverse. There are many traditional Italian restaurants, such as Trattoria da Giorgio, which serves classic Tuscan dishes. For a more modern take on Italian cuisine, try La Bottega del Buon Caffè. For a unique experience, head to the rooftop restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel, where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the city. For a night out, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. The popular Jazz Club is a great spot for live music, while the trendy La Terrazza is a great place to dance the night away.
Florence is also a great place for recreational activities. The city is home to many parks and gardens, such as the Cascine Park and the Giardino dell'Iris. The Arno River is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, and the nearby hills are great for hiking and biking. The city also has several sports facilities, such as the Stadio Artemio Franchi and the Firenze Fiera Stadium. For a more relaxed activity, the city has many spas and wellness centers, such as the Grand Hotel Villa Cora and the Grand Hotel Baglioni.
Connect
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Insider Tips from Expats in Florence: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"Expats in Florence often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, cooking classes, and wine tasting events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining a gym or sports team, or volunteering with a local organization. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Florence," said one expat living in Florence.
Connect
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Living in Florence as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The city is full of culture, art, and history, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants to work from, as well as a vibrant nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities. The cost of living in Florence is relatively low compared to other European cities, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. Additionally, the city is well-connected to other parts of Italy and Europe, making it easy to explore the region," commented an expat living in Florence.
Connect
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Retire in Florence Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Florence
- Pros & Cons of Living in Florence
- Tips for Expats Driving in Florence
- Cost of Living in Florence
- Health Care in Florence
- The Insider's Guide to Florence
- 5 Tips for Living in Florence, Italy
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Italy
- Best Places to Live in Italy
- Real Estate in Italy
- 5 Movies to Get You Excited About Living in Italy
- What It's Like Living in Florence
- Pros and Cons of Living in Italy 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Italy
- More Advice about Retiring in Italy