STUDY ABROAD: What to do In Florence

Parco delle Cascine

by Nick Signoriello

So after a cold winter in Florence, it’s starting to get hot out and spring coming approaching quickly. For those of you who are wondering where the closest beach is, unfortunately I believe it is Viareggio which is no less than an hour and a half away by train. However, there is an alternative and its called Parco delle Cascine. It is Florence’s biggest park and it is where local Florentines gather when the weather begins to get nice.

The park is about a 20 minute walk from the Pone Vecchio and once you get to the entrance, its another 10 minute walk to the fields. These fields are enormous and on a nice day you’re surely to find local Italians, young and old alike, kicking a soccer ball, playing with their dogs, or just laying out on a towel taking in some sun. The park also has a great atmosphere and can be relaxing to get away from the city for a few hours. There are stands located throughout the park to grab a cheeseburger, porchetta sandwich, or a beer, and just hang out and relax.

If you don’t feel like walking, the park is also accessible by bus number 17. So if you want to get out of the city center for a few hours to relax and hang out with your friends, I highly suggest taking a trip to Parco delle Cascine. Also, on Tuesdays the park is home to a giant open market which is another filled with local Florentines from early morning until 2 PM.