The past month and a half has consisted of moments of excitement, amazement, nervousness, and adventure. Make it a routine to try new things, go new places, and meet new people. Seek things that you are interested in and curious about. Allow yourself to wander into unfamiliar parts of town, where you might just find your next favorite spot.

Here are just a few of my favorite spots around Tuscany so far…

Courtyard at Le Murate

Le Murate is a piece of architectural history. For a while, this place acted as a monastery. Later it became a jail. In Vasco Pratolini’s neorealistic novel Metello, the building was featured during a time in the young boy’s life post World War Two. After serving as a jail, the large structure was renovated into a caffe, restaurant, apartments, offices, and an entertainment venue. This is a nice place to study, listen to music, enjoy a nice appertivo, a glass of wine with friends, or a midday panino.

La Menagere, a French establishment, is a wonderful place to drink a cappuccino while you study, enjoy a dinner or lunch with friends, or to sip cocktails while listening to live jazz music. The atmosphere is one of my favorites in town because of the beautiful architecture, fresh flowers in every room, and the diversity among the guests. It is hard to miss its wide open doors while walking to class. Next time don’t just walk by it, hop in to see what all the fuss is about!

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi is a must see for any art lover. Sure you’ve seen pictures on pictures of these pieces of work, but to see the brilliance in person is something magical! Artists like Botticelli, Leonardo, Fra Fillipo Lippi, and of course Michelangelo (just to name a few) are featured. I suggest that the best way to attempt the Uffizi is to go as solo as possible. It is easier to maneuver around tour groups, and you wont worry about getting separated from your friends when you get lost in a painting. Also, try to do some research on pieces you are interested in before hand, because you get a very different sense of the paintings when you know about their backgrounds.

Courtyard within S. Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce is a piece of art, inside and out. I have walked by it every day and enjoyed its glorious exterior, but when my family came to visit, I finally got a chance to explore the interior. Inside, I viewed the tombs of Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo, and many more. The extravagant way their tombs are sculpted shows the honor given to their lives and the impact they had on Italy and the world. Alongside the church there is a convent with beautiful living spaces and common areas. I advise anyone who has an opportunity, to go tour this beautiful structure.

Café de Pinti is my every morning spot. Any close-by café that you frequent will start to remember you and your order and begin to treat you like family. The barista at Café de Pinti helps me practice my Italian skills and even checked up on me daily when I was feeling sick.

Miso di Riso colorful interior

Miso di Riso is a local, completely organic bistro. Their menu is filled with fresh innovative meals including vegan and vegetarian options. If you’ve had enough espresso for the moment but still need something to wake you up, Miso di Riso has an extensive tea menu. With the artsy garden vibe going on inside of the restaurant and in their exterior courtyard, you are guaranteed to be in a mellow mood when you leave. It is the perfectly quiet and peaceful environment to sit and study for your midterms.

A rainbow stretching across Florence

This past week I explored what is beyond the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo. Once you pass the hustle and bustle of the touristy, yet beautiful piazza, you will find some extraordinary views of Tuscany. There are bits of nature that you might not realize are just up over the hill. If you need to get some exercise or clear your mind, I recommend taking a run or a bike ride through some unfamiliar streets across the Arno.

Welcome to Bolgheri

I am officially moving to an olive grove

Bolgheri is a hidden gem of Tuscany. On a trip with SAI I was fortunate enough to be able to stop in this beautiful little Borgo. Famous for its wines, I wandered down an alley to a little wine shop where the owner helped me select the best wine of that region, within my price range. Along with all the vineyards, it’s surrounding olive groves make for some truly beautiful memories, pictures and yummy lunches!

When in Tuscany…

As much as we would like to, in reality, we cannot eat out all the time. I recommend stopping at the Sant’Ambrogio Market to pick up all your cooking goods, from fruits and vegetables to meats, cheeses, and pastas. If you make daily stops here you will be eating the freshest meals. Not only does it make you feel good to support local farmers and producers but you feel better after eating too. You can even pick up some classic Tuscan sunflowers to brighten up you apartment.

The king of all gelato

Il Gelato di filo is perfection. It is by far my favorite gelato spot in all the land. In the charming area of San Niccolo it is a great stop after a drink and appertivo or a stroll through Piazzale Michelangelo. SAI made sure to introduce us to this heaven our first week in town, and I would like to pass on the wisdom.

Along with your natural sense of exploration to sniff out cool spots, a great way to find great local hangouts is to ask your professors or SAI staff. They have usually been around the city for a while so they know what places are unique and exciting.

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Madeline is a current student at College of Charleston studying at Florence University of the Arts in Italy during the Fall 2015 term.