Emily Solley currently studies English Literature at Florida State University. This semester, she’s adventuring abroad to Florence, Italy to study Italian Reading and Conversation, a special topic art history class on the Florentine Renaissance and Comparative Politics: European Union. This column has two purposes. First, to share the opportunity of experiencing a different country with those of you are still in the U.S. (and hopefully convince you to study abroad yourself) and second, to share helpful information with those who are currently studying abroad. This week, Emily provides us a list of the best places to go to cure homesickness whilst studying abroad in Florence.
1. Cinema Odeon
Courtesy: Odeon Firenze
The Odeon plays American movies in English throughout the year. Although the movies may be a few weeks behind American release dates, this place is a gem for any film lover studying abroad. You don’t need to worry about missing the newest Oscar nominee or Marvel movie while you live in Italy. The Odeon is worth going to just for its beautiful setting; the movie screen is set in an amphitheater style room, with two levels of seats and decorative crown molding. It looks more like an opera house than a movie theatre, but nonetheless, you will feel at home as you watch American movie with original sound.
The Odeon also features foreign films, indie films, and the occasional classic, so the menu is varied enough for any cinephile. Most movies play for 2-5 days throughout the week, and the schedule is updated weekly on their website.
2. The Diner
Courtesy: The Florence Diner
Speaking as a student who has spent the last several months living in Italy, it is easy to underestimate how much you will miss American breakfast food. Even in a city like Florence, which has limited “ethnic” food, it is possible to find a hamburger or a plate of French fries in various restaurants across the city. However, restaurants that serve classic American breakfast fare, like pancakes, waffles, omelets, bacon and hash browns are few and far between. Luckily, the only “American diner” in Florence is located conveniently in the historic district of the city, and offers a variety of classic breakfast foods and other American staples at reasonable prices. The menu also has an extensive milkshake list.
While the décor is not anything like any American diner you would see in the states, the food is reliable. The Diner serves breakfast food all day long. Enjoy a stack of flapjacks and an Oreo milkshake any time of day.
3. Lion’s Fountain
Courtesy: The Lion’s Fountain
Normally, Lion’s Fountain isn’t the bar I choose to spend my night at. There is nothing wrong with the bar itself, but it is reliably packed full of American college students, so it feels unauthentic.
However, if you are looking for a place to meet other Americans, have a conversation in English, and feel more like you are spending the night at a Tallahassee bar than in a foreign country, this is the place for you. Lion’s Fountain also plays American sports all year long, so if you happen to be studying abroad during your school’s football season, you might be able to find it played on the big screen. They play all the important NFL games and sometimes feature other American sports. You can also get a great brunch with a beer during the day.
Later on, I will write an article featuring some of the best bars in Florence, but this is a reliable bar with good food and friendly service.
4. Arnold Coffee
Courtesy: Arnold Coffee
Italian coffee is unmatched in quality throughout most of the world. However, it is easy to miss the giant, sugar filled coffees with creative names available at your local Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. If you find yourself wishing for something different than an Italian cappuccino, this is the place for you.
Arnold Coffee has American style coffee, muffins, and other breakfast fare. It is more expensive than the bar around the corner, but it is also one of the only places in Italy you can find chai lattes, iced coffee and whipped cream as a standard. The muffins are also worth mentioning; I know a few people who make a point to stop in for an apple cinnamon muffin whenever they pass by.