Written by Moriya Gelfenbein (Univeristy of Wisconsin – Madison), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Fall 2026
While being abroad in Florence, there are newfound freedoms, including more leisure time in your daily schedule. With an exploratory mindset, I ended up in unique and beautiful places without any sort of itinerary. In the city, tourists run rampant, often clouding my perspective. While managing this inevitable aspect, I found joy in stopping whenever something caught my eye. Instead of doing a Google search or mapping out my whole day, wandering the city has become one of my favorite pastimes.
I stumbled upon Vintage Café, located close to the Uffizi Museum. What I took from this moment was not what you would think. I learned from a local that Italians always wait to eat once everyone has been served their food. This value has seemingly been lost in American culture. The café doesn’t symbolize getting a quick energy fix. Rather, it is a glimpse into Italian culture; of sharing and enjoying company over food or drink.
While walking past designer stores in the heart of the city center, I stopped dead in my tracks. This restaurant did not have a single person sitting down. However, nothing could match the restaurant’s ambiance. The yellow, warm lamps with red fringe and collage-style walls beckoned me in. This is by far one of the prettiest restaurants I have seen. Although I have yet to eat there, it is one of my favorite places to stop and look. It cuts the sound from bustling streets and modern storefronts.
Living right by the Ponte Vecchio is often a massive inconvenience. Without fail, the bridge is mobbed with thick crowds that are difficult to navigate. I do everything I can to avoid this area. However, the bridge’s understated beauty is often something I take for granted. The architecture features a pale-yellow base with deep green shutters. When you look from the side of the bridge, you can come to appreciate its design. Although it does not immediately stand out, it certainly has a recognizable European look. I now appreciate its existence rather than dreading its congested walkways.
Graffiti artists from all over Florence leave their mark on city walls. These special nooks of art bring whimsy and uniqueness to a plain street. I love stopping and looking at the art scattered in all parts of the city. This expression often feels contemporary and even scandalous, as if it is not supposed to be there. I look up when passing city walls because there may be a little nugget of art to appreciate.
It is not common to see palm trees in Italy with its four-season climate. But as I strolled down a busy street, something caught my eye. At first glance, I thought there was some sort of tropical garden. However, when I stopped, I realized that tucked behind the palm trees stood a little art gallery. The space was clean and featured beautiful modern art pieces separating itself from the city’s famous historical art centers.
Grass parks and gardens are not as common in Florence than in the U.S. I was surprised when I found this “garden.” It was mostly stone, a few statues, and plants. On the edges of this courtyard are a light fixture store and an antique shop, both equally endearing. Part of wandering is adjusting your definitions from what you would expect. This space is completely quiet and quaint, although it is situated close to the Arno where thousands pass by each day.
Although Todo Modo is not a secret, it has become one of my favorite study spots. Tucked in the back of this bookstore sits a cute café with floating desks above wooden steps. I discovered this location while walking down the street from my gym. Later, I found out it is quite a popular place, but it still felt unique to me. I love getting hot tea and sitting down to journal my thoughts. The medium-low volume of music and small talk is perfect for focusing but also taking breaks to chat with your friends.
The Santo Spirito Market is one of the most popular markets in Florence. While I love this market, it is actually the walk there that intrigues me. When stepping through the street, trying to avoid foot traffic, I turned down a quieter avenue. I looked to my left, and I noticed an entryway with a wooden stand reading “Chandelier Show Room.” Inside, hundreds upon hundreds of lit-up chandeliers hung from the walls, ceilings, and doors. If only I could bring home one of these sparkling masterpieces.
On my way back from CET, I frequently pass a little park. It took me many days to stop and take a look. It is scattered with benches and trees. On the right side lies a small church with traditional Italian architecture and rose bushes in the foreground. This park is the perfect place to make a call after class. It is sometimes hard to find a place to sit in Florence, but this spot always has an open seat.
Sometimes I mindlessly follow Google Maps and look down at my phone. This habit has made me miss details in my surroundings. And sometimes it is another sense that draws my attention. One day, I strolled by the Medici Chapels when loud bells sang above me. I looked up to see the church bells swinging side by side, alerting the city that the clock had struck noon. The old brick stood tall against the pure blue sky. Sometimes it also takes a little listening to see what’s around you.
My advice to you is to not plan out every moment of your day. Stroll down that street you have never been on. End up a thirty-minute walk from your apartment. Stop whenever something catches your eye. Take in the small details and little moments. While I shared where I like to go or places I have stumbled upon, I do not want you to go to where I have gone.
Rather, I want you to do the opposite; let your curiosity lead you.