The walking culture of Europe.
When I first arrived in Florence, I was excited but also immediately overwhelmed by how much walking was required to get anywhere. Back home in the U.S., my life revolved around my car whether it was a quick trip to the store or heading to campus, I drove everywhere. So, adjusting to the Florence lifestyle, where I had to walk to the grocery store, my classes, and even just to meet up with friends for coffee, was exhausting at first. It felt like every street was a never ending stretch of cobblestone that my feet weren’t prepared for. By the end of each day, my legs were sore, and I found myself collapsing into bed completely drained.
But something interesting happened after a few weeks. I began to get used to it. I noticed that not only was I becoming physically stronger, but I was also starting to love the walks. In fact, I started preferring them to driving. There’s something so incredibly freeing about not having to deal with parking, traffic, or road rage. My day to day life in Florence has a slower, more mindful rhythm because I’m constantly on foot. I pass by beautiful churches, small family owned shops, and streets filled with history on my way to class things I would have missed if I were just zooming by in a car.
Walking everywhere has also made me feel more connected to Florence as a city. Back home, we often just drive from one destination to the next without really thinking about what’s in between. We’re in our own little bubbles, listening to music or podcasts, but here, walking means being part of the city. You can hear the lively conversations, smell the fresh bread from bakeries, and watch the street vendorssetting up their stands. It makes me feel like I’m a part of the city’s pulse, rather than just a visitor passing through.
And, the health benefits? Incredible. I’m getting double, sometimes triple, the number of steps I was back in the U.S. I didn’t even realize how sedentary my lifestyle had become. Florence’s endless walking has turned into a daily workout, and I’ve started feeling more energized. I’m no longer sluggish after meals I walk them off! That’s something that rarely happened back home. I feel stronger, lighter, and more active, all without ever stepping foot in a gym.
The beauty of walking everywhere has not only improved my physical health, but it’s also allowed me to soak in Florence’s magic in a way I never could have imagined when I first arrived. What once felt like a chore is now one of my favorite parts of the day. Whether it’s a stroll by the Arno or a casual walk to grab a cappuccino, I’ve come to love the simplicity and joy of just walking.