Experience in Firenze, Italy by Seyram

What is it like to live in Firenze? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Firstly, its referred to as the sunny side of Italy, and my four month summer holiday was the proof i needed. Other than that if you are one for adventure and art Firenze is the best place to start. Walking through the streets feels like a time machine (not to be dramatic) in the sense that the roads are made out of marble and the buildings are still standing tall from the sixties. I recommend living here because its a small city and I mostly love the beautiful sunrise from the river.

What is the student lifestyle like in Firenze?

I am currently doing my Bachelors in Interior Design, and I can say this location is favorable due to the fact that there are plenty art stores and the atmosphere and vibe compliments my studies. I could sum up and say student life is pretty decent, plus when school pressure presses on there are always nice clubs to visit/open mic nights just to relax the brain and reset.

How much does it cost to live in Firenze?

I can roughly say it's not the cheapest place to live in, given that it is a tourist city and known for the historical buildings. Having said that, roughly I require 400 Euros for food and 400 for rent (but people who share a room pay 250).

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

It's Italy so pasta & meatballs, pizza, cheese and gelato are the main things everyone talks about. ButI personally enjoy salami, fish fillet and lots of green vegetables. There is a good variety of food to choose from; the supermarkets like CONAD has good prices, fresh fruits from Marcato Centrale, restaurants just for good treat. Grom restaurant is one of my favorite gelato places ( Via del Campanile) and Paszkowski (Piazza della Repubblica, 35) is an exquisite place to dine.

What places would you recommend visiting in Firenze?

There are countless places to visit and i could name the main ones. The Loggia della Signoria holds some important statues including a copy of Michelangelo's statue, named David. The piazza has been Florence's political center since the middle ages and Florence's town hall, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, sits on the piazza. The palazzo contains elaborately decorated public rooms and private apartments that can be visited. Around the piazza are cafes and restaurants.

Is it good to eat out in Firenze? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

They have good places, like: In Oibò, the Lunch is cheap and cheerful (basic pasta and salad dishes) and the buffet is really good. Il Vinaino is just near the main train station. The quality of the wine has definitely improved When you feel in the mood for a kebab there is one at almost every junction.

Is the nightlife good in Firenze? Where is good to go?

Again, lots of variety:

• Pink Street Club: Piazza Brunelleschi 51r (in the historical center – near the Duomo). Check out their facebook fan page here. This is also a restaurant and cocktail lounge. I’ve never been there so if you have, let me know how it was!
• Crisco Club: Via Sant’Egidio, 43/r, Firenze. Gay club in the center with humorous tag-line “worst gay club in Florence”. Only open for men.
• La Rotonda: Via Il Prato, 10/16R – 50124 FIRENZE La Rotonda. This is actually a restaurant but turns into a live music/bar/club on certain nights. I find it worth mentioning since in Thursday nights they have cuban music and for those who love to samba or salsa, here is your place. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights all have DJ’s and music. Sunday is Brazilian night.
• Doris Club: (inside historical center) Via De’Pandolfini 36r, Firenze. Small club located in the center featuring two dance floors and a variety of music (think European techno). They also have 80′s nights on Saturdays. Age range: younger, Italian + students. Women do not pay until 1 am.
• Blue Velvet: This club used to be one old transylvania dance club and is located on a side street off Via dei Neri on Via Castello D'Altafronte, 14r, Closed until Friday but It's open all weekend. 11:30 pm – 4:00 am. 10 euros for guys (drink included) and free for women before 1am.
• Pace Electronic: Space Club. A huge club with a long history. T-man’s dad used to frequent this place back in the day. It's not far from the train station and usually they play a mix of house and popular tunes (and hip hop).
• YAB club: via Sassetti, 5 / R Firenze, YAB. Open every night all less Sunday and Tuesday. Located very close to the famous Odeon Cinema and Piazza della Repubblica.
• Full Up club: Via della Vigna Vecchia 25r, 50122 – Firenze. Full Up Club. Open at Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Located in the historical center, It's a small club but It's actually pretty good.

What advice would you give future students heading to Firenze?

I would say that it has ups and downs but at the end of the day, every place is like that. I have been here for seven months. If you are like me you are the type of person who is up for exploring and enjoying life you will definitely feel at home.

Ciao for now...