I have been in Florence for over half the semester now, and I can say that I fall more and more in love with the city every single day. I can’t possibly list my all time favorite places because I love every place (especially every restaurant), but I will do my best to explain what has impacted my experience thus far.

These are in no particular order:

Although there is no order, I have to say the Church above Piazza Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte, is my all time favorite viewpoint and place to run to in Florence.  The church is amazing inside and the view is outstanding.  I like to run up to this point whenever I have the opportunity.

The Central Market has to be one of my favorite parts of Florence because, not only is the food amazingly fresh and yummy, but it is a staple to the Italian culture.  Italians only eat fresh food when it is in season, and this market is full of the freshest, most colorful foods around!

Birrifico is an amazing restaurant off of Via Guelfa on Via Nazionale.  It is a place full of locals with amazing food.  Sometimes you just need a burger, and these burgers are amazing.  Their beer is also great!  It is a super fun atmosphere, especially during Florentine soccer games – make sure to make a reservation during the games, though!

Verazzanno Winery is essentially my “happy place.”  The staff, the food, the views, the wine, the olive oil, the balsamic… I could go on for days!  It is an amazing winery that is easily accessible through the SITA bus station right past the train station.  A must-see winery!

The Ponte Vecchio is the most well known bridge in Florence, although it isn’t my favorite bridge, it has an amazing history.  Did you know that the reason only gold is sold on the bridge dates back to the Medici Family?  Fascinating!

Now this is my favorite bridge, Ponte Santa Trinita.  It is just one bridge down from the Ponte Vecchio, but I love it.  It has large pillars with triangular platforms that the locals sit on in the hot sun and enjoy an afternoon glass of wine.  It is simple, but has a great view of the river and the mountains.

GUSTA PIZZA is the best pizza you will find in Florence.  It may be a tourist attraction, but it is amazing.  Word on the street is that they have a secret pesto pizza, but my favorite is the Gusta Pizza (isn’t the house pizza always the best?!).  The staff is friendly.  The pizza oven is massive.  The ingredients are fresh.  What more could you ask for?

Now, my favorite gelato place is also on the Oltroarno.  It is called Gelateria Della Passera.  It is outstanding.  Insider tip: if gelato is displayed openly, it isn’t preserved correctly.  Find the gelato that is inside closed buckets… that is the best!

My apartment is pretty awesome.  It may be a bit smaller than others, but it has charm, like this patio of ours.  Perfect for outdoor dining and daytime hangouts!

Lastly, the carousel in Piazza Della Republica, is just a must do.  Why not travel back in time and pretend you’re a kid again?  Plus, you will literally be riding on a piece of history – it is the antique carousel of the Picci family.

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Genevieve is a student at University of Missouri studying at Florence University of the Arts in Italy during the Spring 2014 term.