Marine's Favorite Destination: A Weekend in Florence

My favorite destination is undoubtedly the magnificent city of Florence, Italy. Every corner, every street, every stone tells a story, it’s one of those places that feels like stepping into a living museum. I’ve visited many cities in my life, but I’ve never been as awestruck as I was when I first stood at the foot of the Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore. The size, the detail, the artistry are simply breathtaking. Standing there, surrounded by centuries of history and beauty, I couldn’t help but feel humbled by what human creativity and perseverance can achieve.

If you’re studying abroad in Rome with SBCC, Florence is the perfect weekend trip. Getting there is surprisingly easy and comfortable. The high-speed trains connecting Rome’s Termini Station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella run several times per hour, and the journey takes just about one hour and thirty minutes. Tickets are affordable if you book in advance, and it’s best to travel light. I find that a backpack or a small travel bag is ideal for a short weekend stay. You can leave on Friday afternoon after classes and be eating gelato in Florence by dinner time, then head back to Rome on Sunday evening, refreshed and inspired for a new week. Once you arrive, you won’t need a car or even public transportation, as Florence is compact and walkable, with almost every major attraction within a 15-minute stroll.

One of my favorite things about Florence is the mix of art, food, and life that fills its streets. Around the cathedral, there are narrow alleys where you can find some of the best local specialties, such as La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale for ice cream and All’Antico Vinaio for focaccia sandwiches, which are absolute musts. For those who haven’t figured it out yet, I’ll say it again: 60% of Italian culture is its food (at least in my opinion). You can’t leave Italy without trying its essentials: gelato, focaccia sandwiches, bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, pizza, shared platters of beef cuts, fresh pasta, tiramisu, and cannoli. And, surprisingly, nearly every restaurant in Florence serves New York cheesecake, and they make it so delicious that I sometimes think it’s maybe even better than in New York itself…

Of course, Florence is also about art and beauty. The Ponte Vecchio, lined with jewelry shops, is one of the city’s most iconic spots. From there, it’s easy to wander across the Arno River and discover small artisan workshops and peaceful corners away from the crowds. I also loved exploring some lesser-known museums, like the Galileo Museum and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, both of which celebrate the city’s deep connection to science and invention. For an unforgettable view, climb to the top of the Palazzo Vecchio. From there, you can see the red rooftops of Florence stretching out toward the green hills of Tuscany. It looks like a painting, feels like a dream, and it’s one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen in my life.

When evening comes, Florence transforms. Depending on the area of the city you decide to spend the night, the nightlife can be vibrant or relaxed, filled with students and travelers from all over the world. Many American exchange students gather in the bar district near the Santa Croce area, where there’s always music and conversation flowing late into the night. Florence is also famous for its wine windows, where locals and visitors gather after a long day spent at work or exploring the city. My personal favorite is the Santa Bar, a classy and cozy spot with a charming smoking room themed around Emperor Napoleon. I spent two of my best evenings there, chatting about life and the world over a bottle of red wine.

Whether you go for the art, the food, or the atmosphere, Florence is one of those cities that stays with you forever. And for SBCC students studying in Rome, it’s a journey that’s not only easy and affordable but truly unforgettable, a weekend that reminds you why you came to Italy in the first place: to explore, to learn, and to fall in love with the world one city at a time.