When exploring during my study abroad semester in Florence, I found it is important to limit my carbon footprint. Helping to keep the city clean works to preserve the culture and history of such a beautiful city, while also being good for the environment. Florence is a wonderful city that is filled with history and culture, and you should explore it too! 

One way I decided to explore Florence without contributing to hurting the environment, such as carbon dioxide emissions and littering, was to run. Florence is not a huge city and many of the major landmarks are rather close together. As a result of this, I challenged myself to see how many major landmarks I could get to during my 30-minute run.  

Going into this challenge, I didn’t have much of a plan. I just wanted to show others a fun way to see the city while being environmentally conscious. I knew beforehand that my biggest problem would be swerving around people walking, cars, and bikes. After completing it, I can confirm this was my biggest problem, however I was still able to see a good number of spots before my time ran out.  

I started my run just outside of my house as I always do. I decided my first stop would be one of my favorite art museums, Museo Del Bargello. Although it is not one of the famous landmarks in Florence, it is a spot that has so much history and such great art. I was happy I got to my first spot in about four minutes.  

Landmark number two was right around the corner (literally), at the Basilica of Santa Croce. This is a historical landmark that I am lucky to see all the time on my walks, so it was just a quick stop to take a picture, and I was off. I headed down a rather crowded street to cross the river. I took another quick photo at the Arno River because I feel it doesn’t always get enough love. Yes, the Ponte Vecchio is beautiful, but so is the whole river.  

Just off the river, I came to the base of the Piazzale Michelangelo, one of my favorite spots in Florence. I knew that if I went all the way to the top I would run out of time, but I had to include it somehow.  

Running through Santo Spirito, I came to the next obvious stop: the Ponte Vecchio. Definitely the most difficult spot for me to run through; however, it's so worth it. The bridge and all the jewelry is so beautiful; I won't lie, I took my time here.  

After getting through the crowds, I made my way to Piazza Della Signoria. Famous for being an outdoor museum of sorts, I was able to check multiple spots off the list. Palazzo Vecchio, Fuente de Neptuno, and Loggia Dei Lanzi are all must-see spots in Florence and are all in one plaza.  

To end my run, I knew the perfect spot. You truly haven’t really been to Florence if you haven't been to the Duomo. It is the most famous spot in the city, and for good reason. I figured it was the perfect spot to finish my run. I had such a great time exploring the beautiful city of Florence this way, while also being able to stay sustainable.