The expat lifestyle in Florence bursts with the same fascinating combination of antiquity and innovation that makes up the city’s soul. A once-provincial town with its roots firmly planted in history is now a bustling international destination with plenty to occupy the eyes and the minds of those who move there.
Shopping in Florence
Florence is a shopping haven for locals and expats alike, with stores and boutiques catering to a range of tastes and budgets.
Those looking for haute couture should head to the shopping streets of Via Tornabuoni, Via Roma, or Via della Spada, all of which house well-known fashion brands and luxury goods.
Rinascente and Coin are two of the most popular department stores found in the heart of Florence. Expats wanting to get all their shopping done under one roof should head to I Gigli, a mall just outside of town. Those looking to get away from the crowds will find plenty of traditional artisans working in botteghe (workshops), creating clothing, jewellery, accessories, and art.
For groceries, there is no shortage of typical outlets of big Italian supermarkets in Florence. Alternatively, you can head to local markets such as Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio for fresh seasonal produce. Many ethnic markets have also popped up around town for expats looking for something more exotic.
Entertainment and eating out in Florence
With an incredibly rich cultural history, Florence is home to several remarkable museums, including the Bargello Museum, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, and Museo di San Marco. There are also plenty of churches, monuments, and piazzas, as well as modern art galleries such as Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery.
The city has a vibrant cultural life, and you will find plenty to see and do in the form of theatres, cafés, bookshops, and cinemas. There are also many lively events happening in and around town throughout the year.
Florence is also home to some of the best Italian food – be sure to sample at least a few Tuscan delicacies and experience the role of food in Florence. For Florentines, socialising is centred on food. The morning starts with a coffee at the local espresso bar, where people discuss the weather, sports, current events, and everything in between. Early in the evening, locals return to trendy cafés and bars for an aperitivo. While Tuscan-style cooking is naturally popular, many other cuisines are on offer, such as Japanese, Spanish, Brazilian, Chinese, Indian, and Thai.
Sports and outdoor activities in Florence
Keeping fit and healthy is a priority for many of Florence's residents, with lots of runners and cyclists taking to the paths of the city's parks. Football, as in many Italian towns and cities, is Florence's favourite sport. You can become a member of one of the city's many amateur football clubs and play or watch at your local stadium. Those who prefer to exercise indoors will be spoilt for choice – several gyms, yoga studios, and indoor swimming pools are available across Florence.
Kids and family in Florence
There’s plenty in Florence to keep children entertained all year round. The Oltrarno district, for example, is home to some choice family-friendly sites. Among these are the Boboli Gardens at Palazzo Pitti, which boast lots of open space for children to explore while their folks enjoy a picnic in a picturesque setting.
Kids can learn all about the city’s fascinating history through the insightful exhibits at Florence’s Children’s Museum at Palazzo Vecchio, while the Palazzo Strozzi Museum offers educational displays in both English and Italian.
There are plenty of fantastic ice cream spots in Florence, too, so be sure to treat the little ones to a gelato after a fun-filled day out. Expat parents looking for an escape from city life can rest assured that there are several options for taking a few days off at the coast or in the nearby Tuscan countryside.
Meeting people and making friends in Florence
Moving to Florence can feel overwhelming at first, but the city’s vibrant social scene makes it easier to connect with locals and like-minded expats. You can join cooking classes and language exchange or hobby groups to meet people with similar interests and backgrounds. Sports clubs, art workshops, and volunteering opportunities are also great ways to make friends. Online platforms like Meetup, along with Facebook groups dedicated to Florence’s international community, are another easy way of finding events and meeting people.
Below are a few suggestions for expats looking to make friends and meet people in Florence.