FLORENCE
TRAVELERS TIPS: FLORENCE EDITION
Eating: Restaurants take longer to bring food out, it's an experience!
Tipping: You do not have to tip. In America, people with jobs that you typically tip (waiter, etc.) are paid less money than people in Europe. You do not have to tip, but if the service is beyond exceptional, then of course, show your appreciation!
Drinking: Purchase your pregame alcohol in a CONAD (grocery store)
Food: Milk, etc. goes bad faster than at home because they don't put as many preservatives
Bartering: You can barter on the streets as these shops are allowed to accept less than their original offers.
No cappuccinos after breakfast! Instead you can order a caffe Americano
Gelato Prices: Gelato really shouldn't be more than 3 euros per scoop.
Pizza Prices: Pizza really shouldn't be more than 5 euros for a margherita pizza.
Tutto A 99 Cent: Your new best friend when you live in Florence. They have the items that you will need for your apartment such as dishes, salt and pepper, condiments, etc. It's Italy's version of the American dollar store.
Maps & Apps: The streets can get confusing, especially at first, so be sure to get maps! If you want a great app to help you get around, download Citymaps2go because it is truly a lifesaver. It can also be used in other cities!
Buying Leather Goods: Visit Massimo for a good deal at Borgo La Noce 13/15 Red, which is near Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Also, when you're buying leather, wherever you are, buy in bulk with friends. This way, you are able to negotiate more because you're giving more money.
Traveling to and from Florence: When you are flying into Italy for the beginning of your study abroad program and when you are leaving your program, it is important to fly into Florence. You will have all of your luggage and even though it's a little more expensive, it's absolutely worthwhile. That being said, when you travel on the weekends, it is usually cheaper to go to another city and fly out from there. Be sure to check out nearby flights and compare prices!
Fly from Pisa: Weekend trips, as explained above, are cheaper if you fly out of other cities. Terravision is a good website that you can use to book a bus to get to Pisa's airport from Florence. The bus typically picks you up in the circle drive at Santa Maria Novella train station and drops you right at the airport in Pisa. This website can be used in other cities in Europe as well.
Tipping: You do not have to tip. In America, people with jobs that you typically tip (waiter, etc.) are paid less money than people in Europe. You do not have to tip, but if the service is beyond exceptional, then of course, show your appreciation!
Drinking: Purchase your pregame alcohol in a CONAD (grocery store)
Food: Milk, etc. goes bad faster than at home because they don't put as many preservatives
Bartering: You can barter on the streets as these shops are allowed to accept less than their original offers.
No cappuccinos after breakfast! Instead you can order a caffe Americano
Gelato Prices: Gelato really shouldn't be more than 3 euros per scoop.
Pizza Prices: Pizza really shouldn't be more than 5 euros for a margherita pizza.
Tutto A 99 Cent: Your new best friend when you live in Florence. They have the items that you will need for your apartment such as dishes, salt and pepper, condiments, etc. It's Italy's version of the American dollar store.
Maps & Apps: The streets can get confusing, especially at first, so be sure to get maps! If you want a great app to help you get around, download Citymaps2go because it is truly a lifesaver. It can also be used in other cities!
Buying Leather Goods: Visit Massimo for a good deal at Borgo La Noce 13/15 Red, which is near Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Also, when you're buying leather, wherever you are, buy in bulk with friends. This way, you are able to negotiate more because you're giving more money.
Traveling to and from Florence: When you are flying into Italy for the beginning of your study abroad program and when you are leaving your program, it is important to fly into Florence. You will have all of your luggage and even though it's a little more expensive, it's absolutely worthwhile. That being said, when you travel on the weekends, it is usually cheaper to go to another city and fly out from there. Be sure to check out nearby flights and compare prices!
Fly from Pisa: Weekend trips, as explained above, are cheaper if you fly out of other cities. Terravision is a good website that you can use to book a bus to get to Pisa's airport from Florence. The bus typically picks you up in the circle drive at Santa Maria Novella train station and drops you right at the airport in Pisa. This website can be used in other cities in Europe as well.