Italian language schools in Florence

Florence is definitely worth a visit! You just have to take into account that many people think so - in June and July the city was very full of tourists; you have to put up with very long queues at certain panini or ice cream stands. It is also very hot at this time of year and there are few green spaces. The landmarks are of course a dream, but are somewhat spoilt by the high prices and crowds. I was there for a fortnight and tried to get a spot to climb the cathedral on the very first day - unfortunately there were no more places available.

I didn't see that much of Florence because I was only there for a week. If you are interested in art, you can lose yourself in many interesting places here. You can easily reach the airport and the train station by tram. But you should also be aware that Florence is overrun by tourists. This means that if you want to see a tourist attraction, you probably have to queue and many restaurants seem to be geared towards tourists. They are overpriced and don't necessarily offer the fantastic food you would normally expect in Italy.

Very touristy and therefore not really authentically Italian. Eating out was never really great, because too much meat, too expensive for too poor a service. The history is great - a long republic, then the Medici oligarchy. The art is stunningly impressive - first the Gothic, much to be found in the Accademia dell'arte and above all the Renaissance with Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Michelangelo and many other artists. Grandiose museums, especially the Uffizi, Opera del Duomo and the dome, grandiose palaces, e.g. Casa Martelli.

The city is suffocating in mass tourism, in rubbish, the public transport with buses is an adventure and a disaster. Gentle and sustainable tourism for those really interested in culture is not offered, appreciated or established enough. Online booking for Galeria degli Uffizi and Galeria Academia and museums is too complicated and tedious, sometimes it doesn't work properly. With some shops and restaurants you have to be careful not to get ripped off, but with most of them it's not a problem.

Florence is a wonderful city, I feel very much at home here. However, I would advise against travelling to Florence in the summer months. It feels like there are 5 million tourists here and that can be a bit exhausting after a while. I was here from 8 August to 4 October. As I will continue to learn Italian privately at home, I will definitely come back to Florence, but not before mid-September. I'm not very sensitive to heat, but in August it was really too much (who would have thought it).

Nightlife untapped; the only striking geographical feature is the Arno (brown, slow-flowing water that smells foul in places). Shopping: not taken advantage of, but those looking for designer items will find the appropriate shops and can strain their bank accounts. Museums with an overflowing selection, combined with the sights, so to speak, ‘every stone is historic’. Beware of the mostly uneven pavements and stairs; comfortable footwear is recommended.

I wasn't that interested in nightlife, nor in shopping. Florence is a very beautiful city. It's a pity that you have to walk a long way to get to the river and that the city is not very green. Florence is something for the rich when it comes to shopping. But I like to wander the streets and breathe in the atmosphere. The Parco delle Rose is very beautiful and the Oltrano district and some places where not all the money tourists walk around.

The school management does not realise that some colleagues do not feel that their concerns are being taken seriously or that they no longer feel comfortable, which leads to an increasing deterioration in the climate in general and in motivation and morale. There is perhaps a lack of empathy and leadership skills here, which - admittedly - are required of teachers.

Beautiful city that we already knew. Public transport is generally good, but sometimes a VERY long wait. Florence is not cheap (but which city is), in the center even really expensive, but if you go more to the suburbs it is doable. Groceries are more expensive than in the Netherlands. And with regard to safety: PAY ATTENTION -> there are plenty of pickpockets!

Very interesting city, of course, historically and architecturally. Good and many restaurants and bars. But I would not choose Florence again, too many tourists. Since I was alone and not 20 years old anymore, it was difficult to make contact with Italians. And I'm known for being social. But I've learned some Italian that I'll use as a guide later on.

Very good teachers and very kind staff. I really learnt a lot in these two weeks, all was very well explained by the teachers.

21 May 2026
Course: Standard Intensive - Gold - 2 weeks
Student age: 21 years

I liked the immersion model. Even though we were beginning students, the teacher made the lesson comprehensible. Staff and teachers were so friendly.

20 May 2026
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Student age: 71 years

A friendly atmosphere, respectful and warm interactions among students and staff, and a high level of professional expertise.

18 May 2026
Course: Intensive Course - 1 week
Student age: 79 years

I thought the teaching methodology and materials were excellent for our beginner group. Comfortable classrooms and excellent instructor who was clear, patient and positive.

18 May 2026
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Student age: 71 years

- I would have liked to give 5 stars across the board—unfortunately, that wasn't possible. - Very knowledgeable, friendly teachers. - Great afternoon sessions. - Great teaching materials. - Friendly administrative staff. - Great atmosphere.
Simply unbeatable! ;-)

18 May 2026
Course: Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 56 years