Florence, Italy may well be the cultural capital of Europe. With art and architectural treasure comparable to Rome or Paris and a walkable central district smaller than some American mega-malls, Florence packs a serious cultural wallop. Add some of the best food and wine in the world and an ethereally beautiful countryside, and you have an unstoppable combination of attractions for practically anyone willing to apply for a passport and board a plane.

But, Florence is also a mecca for good-timing young folks from around the globe – a place where they can tell their parents about soaking in the likes of Brunelleschi, Michelangelo and da Vinci while actually spending all day and night soaking in the spirits of Brunello (wine) and house music at the disco. It’s a side of Florence vital to their economy, but not something the want to publicize – especially on, say, one of the most popular reality series in the world! Keep reading for our in-depth report from Ruby Turpin, our resident academic currently vacationing in Florence!