The ISA JournalFinding Pockets of Peace While Abroad

A reminder that it’s okay too slow down and take a moment.

When studying abroad, it seems that there is always something on the schedule. Which, of course, makes sense when you have a limited time in the city and want to make the most of your trip. And while making sure to pack your itinerary with fun new experiences is important, I’m here to remind you that taking a moment to slow down and enjoy your surroundings is just as vital! With that in mind, I thought I would share two of my favorite spots in Florence to do just that.

Cafe Odeon

The absolute best atmosphere to relax and browse some books!

As a big movie fan, my interest was definitely piqued when I first heard about a café that was also a theater. I knew I just had to check it out, even if only for a few moments. When I first walked in, things immediately took a shift. The difference between the hot bustle of the streets and the quiet coolness of the café was an immediate relief. The theater was playing Romeo and Juliet, and the cool air and quiet atmosphere felt like the perfect setting to take a moment to sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy a film.

Cafe Odeon has become one of my favorite places to slow down and take a moment for myself. Whether I am doing homework or browsing the books on sale, I know the café will bring me peace every time I walk in the doors. Also, it’s totally free! No ticket is needed to enter the café. So, if you want a moment of peace, a place to cool down, or to catch a free movie, Cafe Odeon must be added to your Florence list of must-tries.

The Boboli Gardens

The statues in the garden are so incredibly captivating!

The Boboli Gardens are truly like being transported to another world. While the cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture of Florence are truly something to behold, the lush gardens are also truly incredible. The gardens are truly a place where you can get lost for hours. Taking a day to slow down and enjoy the statues and design of the gardens is a great way to give yourself some peace while also still enjoying the history of the city.

What I loved so much about the Boboli Gardens was how you could truly get lost among the flowers and statues. And while there are plenty of people also enjoying the views, the gardens vastness makes it so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by crowds the way you would maybe at the Uffizzi Gallery. So, for a much quieter day spent admiring Florence’s history, I would go to the Boboli Gardens!


Travel can be overwhelming, and that’s okay! A new city with so much to see and do can make for some of the best experiences of your life. But, while everyone tells you that you must do and see everything, I’m here to remind you that taking moments for yourself is also important. Discovering places where you can enjoy pockets of peace will make your trip much more memorable as you will be able to reflect on everything you’ve been seeing and recharge for the next activity!

Sydney Stephens is a student at University of Kentucky and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Florence, Italy.

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