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Home > Florence > 8 Things To Do in Florence Off the Beaten Path
City of Florence

8 Things To Do in Florence Off the Beaten Path

Sean Finelli Last Updated: December 12, 2022

Florence is a very popular destination with a large-village vibe that brings visitors back time and time again. It’s brimming with things to do and many are still undiscovered by tourists, which would explain why this small town gets so much international attention. Here are eight things to do in Florence off the beaten path and a bunch of them are free.


Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our dedicated guide to Florence to help you plan your trip. Also, check out our article on the best Florence tours.

Unique Things You Should Do in Florence

You probably know the most important things to do in Florence: see the cathedral, Michelangelo’s David, and eat Florentine steak. But if you’re reading this article, you want to get to know the side of Florence that most tourists miss. Discover our favorite off-the-beaten-path things to do in Florence.

2 DAYS in FLORENCE! Restaurants, Attractions, and More!
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Not ready to book a tour? See our best Florence tours to take and why.

8. Giardino Bardini

Bardini Gardens

Lesser known than the popular Boboli Gardens but just as beautiful (if not more so) is the Giardino Bardini. A Renaissance garden complete with stunning baroque staircases, a grove of olive trees, and a tunnel full of vibrant and fragrant wisteria.

In addition to all these gorgeous features, the Bardini Gardens also boasts the best view of Florence. In the 13th century, the Mozzi family originally owned the garden. Then, famous antiquarian Stefano Bardini took over the garden in the early 20th century.

Upon entering the garden grounds, climb a gravel slope to the top. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view overlooking the Duomo and a killer cityscape framed by fresh flowers and greenery.

Address: Via de’ Bardi, 1 | Hours: Every day, 8:15 am – 5:30 pm | Cost: €10

7. Mercato di Sant’ Ambrogio

sant'ambrogio market

Exploring local markets is an excellent way to discover Florence off the beaten path. Chock full of local food and antique treasures, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is the place to go for a different flavor of the capital city of Tuscany. Located about 15 minutes from the Duomo, it’s far enough out of the center circle that you won’t just fortuitously stumble upon it.

With an indoor section with everything from fresh cheese and produce stands to a selection of sit-down restaurants, you’ll find many of the best places to eat in Florence here. Outside, circling the interior section, there are clothing, ceramics, knick-knacks, jewelry and other antiques for sale.

Address: Piazza Ghiberti | Hours: Every day, 7 am – 2 pm | Cost: Entry is free

Popular Florence Tours

Best Selling Tour

Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David

Michelangelo is considered the greatest Renaissance artist and the David statue is widely known as his masterpeice. Join our English speaking guide as you skip the line to Accademia and see David. Then venture out to see the center of Florence including the Duomo (outside), Baptistry Doors, Leather Market, and more. Admissions included.

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Top Rated Tour

Skip the line Uffizi Gallery Tour

The Uffizi Gallery is the most visited museum in Florence for good reason. Join our English speaking licensed Uffizi guide for a journey through the Medician Renaissance. Learn all the stories behind the very art that brought our world out of the darkness. All admissions included.

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Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.

6. Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Founded in 1221 by Dominican friars, this perfume store is located in one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. The pharmacy once used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medicine, balms, and pomades for the monks’ infirmary.

The pharmacy came into prominence in the early 16th century thanks to Catherine de Medici, the daughter of the most powerful family of Renaissance Florence. In honor of her marriage to Henry ll, the future King of France, the monks of Santa Maria Novella created a special perfume called Acqua della Regina, water of the Queen.

You can still buy that same perfume, with the scent unchanged, under the new name of Acqua di Santa Maria Novella. Today, you can walk around the various rooms and shop the oils, elixirs, and perfumes, or simply immerse yourself in the potent fragrance of flowers and spices.

Address: Via della Scala, 16 | Hours: Every day, 9 am – 8 pm | Cost: Entry is free

5. Perseus with Head of Medusa

perseus with head of medusa

Smack dab in the middle of Piazza della Signoria, stands this hidden gem. Sculpted by Benvenuto Cellini, Perseus with the head of Medusa is considered one of the most important and impressive statues in the art collection that lives in this outdoor space.

He began work on his masterpiece in August 1545 and finished it nine years later. After you get your fill of the front of the statue, walk to the back. You’ll see a face carved into the back of Perseus’ head. 

This is the self-portrait of Cellini. His face is carved with great detail and care and is easily missed if you don’t know to look for it. The statue is located under the left arch of the Loggia della Signoria.

Address: Piazza della Signoria | Hours: Open all day, every day | Cost: Free

4. La Divina Enoteca

Photo courtesy of La Divina Enoteca

An enoteca or wine bar, La Divina is a cozy little corner with more intimate vibes than other wine bars. You’ll also enjoy some tasty panini here or just delicious meat and cheese platters. Ooh, the truffle butter and prosciutto sandwich is also not to miss!

Enjoy classic Italian cocktails like the Aperol or Campari spritz or enjoy local Tuscan wines. In addition, they are known for reinventing classics like the Negroni. Head to this place for a late-night snack or drink.

Address: Via Panicale, 19/red, 50123 Firenze

3. Gelateria della Passera

Gelateria della Passera

When in Florence, the birthplace of gelato, visiting Gelateria della Passera is a must. Located just a stone’s throw away from the famous Ponte Vecchio.

At this gelato shop, instead of paying €5 for a small cup of frozen food coloring, pay €2 for a small cup of organic, handmade gelato. In addition, most of the selection they sell is vegan.

Since it’s only big enough for just one group to go in and order at a time, enjoy your treat outside in the adorable piazza. Don’t believe us? See for yourself and thank us later.

Address: Via Toscanella, 15

2. Hospital of the Innocents

Hospital of the Innocents

This museum is dedicated to the first orphanage in italy, the Ospedale degli Innocenti, or the Hospital of the Innocents. It might not be the most cheerful part of your Florence visit, but it definitely gives you insight into what life was like for Florentines centuries ago.

Here, you can learn the history of the orphanage, get a sense of what it used to look like, and understand the adversities that children in Florence endured. You can even see a wheel that used to be in front of the orphanage where parents of unwanted children could give their babies to the orphanage through small slats.

A visit to this museum supports a large institution in Italy that aims to care for children, so supporting this museum might make your trip feel more charitable than you had anticipated.

Address: Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 13 | Hours: Every day, 10 am – 7 pm | Cost: €7

Tours of Chianti & Florence

Top Rated Experience

Chianti Day Trip from Florence with Vineyard Lunch

Want to have an epic experience in Tuscany? Remove the guesswork and logistics by joining us on a day trip to Chianti and Siena from Florence. Transportation, lunch, and lots of wine included!

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Best Selling Tour

Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David & Uffizi

This tour is your best value in Florence. Follow your licensed guide to see Michelangelo’s David statue in the Accademia Gallery before exploring the Uffizi Gallery. You’ll also stand next to the Florence Cathedral, Baptistry Doors, Ponte Vecchio, and more. All your admissions are included with skip-the-line tickets too!

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Explore beyond florence into the tuscan hills

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Florence tours to take and why.

1. San Miniato al Monte

San Miniato

Most people visit Piazzale Michelangelo when seeking out the best views in Florence. If you’ve ever been, you’ll know that while this scenic overlook is beautiful, it can get very crowded.

For fewer crowds and even better views, hike up the hill just a little bit more to reach San Miniato al Monte, a beautiful basilica with ample room to sit outside and enjoy the cityscape.

You can also visit the interior of this iconic Romanesque church. Adorned with breathtaking marble pillars and Renaissance frescoes, San Miniato offers a beautiful perspective of art in Florence.

Address: Via di San Miniato al Monte | Hours: Sundays: 8:15 am – 7 pm, Weekdays: 9:30 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm (8 pm in summer) | Cost: Free

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Reader Interactions

Comments (6)

  1. Ksenia

    April 24, 2018

    Thank you so much for these great hidden treasures! My husband and I are looking forward to discovering Florence with your help!

    Reply
    • Francesca Turner

      April 30, 2018

      Oh we’re so glad you enjoyed the post Ksenia! We’d love to hear how you got on after your trip! Enjoy Firenze 🙂

      Reply
  2. Cheryl Tomasino Hornyan

    June 30, 2018

    I can hardly wait to check these out when I get back to Florence in October! Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Nuno

    August 25, 2019

    I’m planning to visit Florence, Pisa and Milan soon. great tips. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Kayla Schorr

      August 26, 2019

      Ciao Nuno! Sounds like an awesome trip. We’d love to show you around on one of our Florence tours while you’re there!

      Reply
  4. scarlettjolie

    November 11, 2019

    Florence is one of the best cities in Italy as last lear I visited there for 2 days but at that time due to lack of time I couldn’t explore it so going back again there next Monday so I was looking for some best recommendations of best things to do there thanks for letting me know what to do there on priority basis.

    Reply

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