Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is home to more masterpieces per square meter than any other city in the world. But did you know that Florence also hides unique things to do and museums that go beyond its famous art galleries?
Beyond the Uffizi and the Duomo lies a city brimming with hidden gems that even experienced travelers overlook.
Tiny wine windows that were used to sell wine during the 17th century plague, an antique pharmacy that sells perfumes that are made following centuries-old recipes and a museum displaying a mummified finger of Galileo are just examples of the unusual places you can visit in Florence.
Not only are they fun and unique experiences, but they also offer an escape from the crowds, especially if you visit Florence during the summer.
Smell Ancient Perfumes at the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
The Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy was my favorite spot in the city during my trip to Florence.
It’s not just any pharmacy, it’s a very unique place: it is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, started by Dominican friars in 1221.
At the pharmacy you can spend at least an hour just exploring their products. Because it’s not medicines that they sell, but beauty products, which have been produced by the pharmacy for centuries.
Each perfume bottle I opened to smell and every cream I tried on my skin smelled incredibly exquisite. Basically, the whole place smelled amazing, filled with the kind of natural fragrances that you can’t find just anywhere.
Among these treasures you can even find a perfume that is crafted from a recipe that had been created by the friars and handed down for centuries! And it doesn’t smell “old fashioned” at all. It smells just perfect.
The pharmacy looked as beautiful as it smelled, with its shelves full of pretty bottles and jars. It felt like everything there was made with so much care, just like in the old days.
Inside the pharmacy there’s also a room where they feature temporary art exhibitions. The idea of the exhibitions is to bridge the historical and cultural significance of the pharmacy with contemporary art.
When I visited there was a video projection of a colorful animation of flowers and sounds filling the whole room. In this hidden gem in Florence, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the space (and the AC!)
– Recommended by me (Sharon) from this blog.
Order a Glass of Wine Through a Wine Window
If you’d like to dive into Florentine history while enjoying a glass of delicious Italian wine, the wine windows are the place to go.
They date back to the 16th century when wealthy families were allowed to sell their wines directly to consumers from their homes. So these small arched windows were a convenient option for both the vendors and the locals who were able to buy wine all over the city.
When the plague hit Italy in the 17th century, the Florentine wine windows became even more convenient, as the wineries were able to sell their wines with minimal social contact – just like the social distancing we all had to get used to in recent years.
While many of the windows were no longer used in the following years, and some even got bricked off, the wine windows celebrated a revival in recent history. They’ve become such an important part of Tuscan culture and travelers love to try the experience of ordering a glass of wine from a window when they’re on a Tuscany road trip.
There are over 150 small wine windows hidden in the ancient walls of Florence. So you don’t even have to look for them; you will stumble upon a “buchetta del vino” simply by wandering through the alleys. Just look out for people lining up in front of small stone windows.
– Recommended by Jill of Jill on Journey.
See Galileo’s Mummified Middle Finger
While the Renaissance period is known for the famous art pieces it produced, an underrated aspect of it is the strides made in science, with many discoveries happening as well as significant contributions to the foundations of modern science.
The Galileo Museum aims to change that: gathering elements that were previously part of the Medici and Lorraine collections, it is now home to an impressive collection of scientific instruments and historical artifacts.
It is also dedicated to Galileo, an influential figure and astronomer who entered in conflict with the Catholic Church over his theories.
One of the most interesting exhibits (if a little bit macabre) is his mummified middle finger encased in an elegant glass case. The finger, preserved for centuries, is treated today like a relic – a bit ironic for a man who clashed with the Church.
Beyond the mummified fingers of Galileo, the Musem houses an extensive collection of scientific instruments like astrolabes, sundials, compasses and globes, etc. Many of these were designed or used by famous scientists like Galileo himself, including his original telescopes and sector.
The Santucci’s armillary sphere is an impressive sight, the Museum’s most majestic and visually striking exhibit in my opinion. It is proof of Renaissance artists’ commitment to art and sciences, as well as an illustration of their quest to understand the universe.
The exhibits and interactive displays in the Museum offer a comprehensive exploration of how the Renaissance period and Florence were at the center of innovations in science, art, and culture.
For more underrated things to do in Italy, you can give Sorrento a chance. The city has a classic Mediterranean vibe and is located close to the Amalfi coast, with the advantage of being less touristy.
– Recommended by Anya Rahmoune from Stop Going to Paris.
Visit a Paper Maker
No matter how many days you’re planning to spend in Florence, every itinerary should include parts of the Renaissance City that most visitors never get to see. One of these unique things is a revitalized handicraft that Florence has been known for since the 1500s — the fine art of paper making, or more specifically, paper marbling.
The history of marbling paper dates back to the 16th century when the antique art was originally imported to Italy from Turkey. Sheets of handmade paper were intricately designed and imprinted with rich, vibrant colors made from laying the paper on top of a gel-like marbling bath.
The gilded art form was a perfect fit with the elaborate art and embellishment of the Renaissance period and became highly prized in Florence. Local artisans soon mastered the art of marbling and used the paper to decorate everything from walls and furniture to treasured books and historical texts.
Today you can still find artists in Florence who continue the tradition from generations of family-run businesses. There are several artisan studios in Oltrarno, and several artisan shops like Il Papiro in the historic centre of Florence. Here, you can see exactly how they craft beautiful Florence marbled paper and shop for unique souvenirs to take home. You can even try your hand at making your own design when you’re there.
– Recommended by Lori Sorrentino from Travlinmad
Visit Michelangelo’s Tomb
People come from all over the world to Florence to see famous artwork like The David, one of Michelangelo’s most iconic works. What many people don’t know is that Michelangelo’s resting place is also in Florence.
The tomb is located in the heart of Florence, in the Basilica di Santa Croce. This church is easily missed by tourists, yet it holds a ton of history. Although Michelangelo died in Rome, he was brought back to Florence with quite a story.
Michelangelo’s nephew, Leonardo, refused to leave Rome without his remains and hired two people to smuggle his remains back to Florence. The word got out and the city of Florence embraced having him laid to rest there.
His tomb was designed by Giorgio Vasari and completed in 1576. The design of the tomb features statues representing Michelangelo’s achievements in painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Next to his tomb, other famous Italians such as Galileo and Machiavelli have also been laid to rest.
Florence is often called the birthplace of the Renaissance, and Michelangelo is considered one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance.
What better place to visit than his tomb to pay respects? Visiting Michelangelo’s tomb is one of the most unique things you can do in Florence!
– Recommended by Meredith Palmerlee from Counting her Travels.
Tour the Sant’Ambrogio Open Air Market
Most visitors to Florence make it a point to take a walk around the San Lorenzo Leather Market and the Central Market (Mercato Centrale), getting their chance to purchase one of a kind leather goods, gifts and other food items to bring home as souvenirs.
Unfortunately, however, it has become more of a tourist trap over the years with overpriced items and very few locals.
But what most tourists don’t know or take time to visit is the Sant’Ambrogio open market in Florence, the most authentic farmers market in the city just a twenty minute walk from the city center behind Santa Croce.
Not only is this market where all the local Florentines will be shopping but the food items will also be produced and sold by locals at fair market value.
You can opt to walk around the Sant’Ambrogio market either by yourself or book a local guide who is happy to take you around the various food stalls, teach you about the regional food and introduce you to the best street food around.
The market is divided into two sections: the outdoor covered market and the indoor permanent stalls.
Outside is mostly produce, flowers and some flea and antique items while indoors in strictly dedicated to food including a wide variety of butches, fishmongers, cheese stalls, bakery, homemade pastas, a cafe and Trattoria Da Rocco, one of Florence’s best places for a quick lunch on a budget.
Take your time browsing the various food stalls, chatting up the vendors and sampling local foods such as schiacciata, pecorino cheese, prosciutto toscano and of course, plenty of seasonal produce.
While you are here, take a walk around the stores, cafes, bars, restaurants and pizzerias surrounding the market square, which are some of the best in the neighborhood and most of which are still pretty authentic and untouched by tourism compared to the city center.
– Recommended by Louisa Loring of EatingAroundItaly.com
Explore the Museum of Natural History, Geology and Paleontology
If you want to experience something truly unique in Florence, you must visit the Geology and Paleontology portion of the Museum of Natural History, also known as the Museo di Geologia e Paleontologia. The museum is part of a larger natural history museum network operated by the University of Florence.
Here, you’ll find yourself captivated by the over 300,000 examples of animal and vegetable fossils, fossil imprints, and rock specimens.
The museum’s highlights include the fascinating evolution of horses, a colossal mammoth from the ice age, and a large fossil and rock collection that explains the Earth’s history.
One of the more unique displays is a genuine whale fossil skeleton. There is a separate room that contains the marine life fossils.
The whale is in the floor with other marine fossils displayed along the walls. You can sit and watch a documentary-style film on how the whale was found and brought to the museum. It is incredibly fascinating.
This museum is a hidden gem in Florence with very few crowds. The signs are mostly in Italian, but don’t let that stop you from visiting.
This museum is especially great to visit if you are traveling with kids. It only takes an hour or two to go through, but it is definitely worth a visit.
– Recommended by Caitlin Dismore from Twin Family Travels
Have Fun at the Interactive Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
Wake up a child inside you and have fun in the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum in Florence.
Here you will be able to touch, and play, with his inventions, from flying machines to war devices. Some are presented in life-size and some come as models.
This is one of the unique things to do in Florence, but in reality, it should be one of the must-do places included in your Florence itinerary.
It allows you to step back in time, inside the head of the worldwide Genius, that was well ahead of its time, Da Vinci.
Leonardo Interactive Museum is conveniently located in central Florence and easily accessible by foot or public transport. The museum is only a few steps away from Duomo and close to Cantina De’ Pucci wine window. If you travel with a small dog, you can bring it as well.
There is an entrance fee, and you can purchase your tickets online or at the entrance. Plan at least an hour or two, for the visit to the interactive museum.
In addition to the war machines, here you can test your mind with puzzles, building bridges, and flying machines.
Here you can also admire the reproductions of his most recognized paintings the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and the Annunciation.
Plan at least an hour or two, for the visit to the interactive museum. Because time flies when you are having fun.
– Recommended by Anja from Anja on Adventure
Admire Antique Armors at The Stibbert Museum
Florence’s Stibbert Museum is almost always overlooked by visitors in favor of more popular museums like the world famous Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery.
But, those in-the-know make the quick trip by taxi or bus to this hidden gem that lies just outside the historic center of Florence. You can also walk (it’s about 2.5 kilometers from the Duomo).
The Stibbert Museum is a quirky and interesting collection of artifacts located in a villa, and gathered by longtime Florence resident Frederick Stibbert.
The highlight for most visitors is the vast armor collection, which includes European, Islamic, and Japanese armories. Keep an eye out for the Japanese war masks!
In a city full of renowned Renaissance sculptures and paintings, it’s a treat to discover:
- A Roman war helmet
- Napolean’s clothing
- Siena Palio flags on display
- An antique toilet
- The great hall with life-size soldiers on horseback
- St. George and the dragon
- War drums
- A secret passage
- Japanese theatre masks
- The colorful ceramic ceiling in the smoking room
- And more! There’s something new in every room you walk through in the villa.
And, after your visit, be sure to walk around the grounds of the villa and explore the Baden Powell Gardens – there’s plenty of green space for a picnic, a shaded area for hot summer days, and a playground for the littlest ones!
– Recommended by Candice Criscione from The Tuscan Mom
Discover the Lesser-Known Sites of the Uffizi Passepartout
Many visitors to Florence flock to the Uffizi Gallery — a world-famous museum that holds masterworks such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. But did you know that, for just a few extra euros, your Uffizi ticket can also get you into three lesser-known attractions?
The key is to purchase the Uffizi Passepartout — a combined ticket that offers admission to the Uffizi Gallery, the Boboli Gardens, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure.
Of the attractions included in the Uffizi Passepartout, the Pietre Dure museum is certainly the most obscure.
This is to your benefit, as it’s quite unlikely to be crowded with other tourists (unlike the Uffizi itself!).
It’s also very cool: a museum dedicated to semi-precious stones, the Pietre Dure features intricate mosaics and other impressive stoneworks. Don’t miss the exhibit demonstrating how mosaics are made!
And while the other attractions in the Uffizi Passepartout are better known, they’re also well worth a visit — particularly the Palazzo Pitti, a museum that’s much less crowded than the Uffizi Gallery, and housed in a more interesting building.
The Boboli Gardens are lovely as well, but visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
The Uffizi Passepartout is valid for five days, beginning at the time you visit the Uffizi Gallery, so be sure to schedule your visit to the Uffizi for the beginning of your trip to Florence!
– Recommended by Karissa from In Old Cities
Try Different Flavors at a Vegan Food Tour
Most travelers probably wouldn’t put vegan-friendly and Florence in the same sentence. The city has a well-known love affair with cheese and steak, which is prominently displayed in shop windows, but the food scene’s diversity doesn’t end there.
Over the last decade, the city has seen an increase in plant-based dining options — the phrase “anything you can eat, I can eat vegan” applies in Florence!
Visitors can explore the historic streets while sampling traditional Tuscan specialties and classic Italian dishes like artisanal wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta crafted with truffle-infused cashew cream, and decadent chocolate pastries!
There are a couple of ways to plan a vegan food tour through Florence. First, you can plan it yourself by choosing 3-4 restaurants and cafes that you want to visit, but make sure you check opening times as not every spot is open all day.
The second option is to hire a company. A few companies offer vegan cooking classes, so it doesn’t seem like a stretch to inquire if they also do food tours.
There are also regular food tour companies that can customize a tour just for you and your group! One of the benefits of going with a guide is the opportunity to visit places you wouldn’t easily find on Google and learn about Florence from a local — there’s no better way to explore a city than with someone who calls it home.
– Recommended by Rebecca Gade Sawicki from Veggies Abroad.
Final Thoughts
As you explore these off-the-beaten-path places in Florence, you will realize that there is much more to Florence than what the average traveler gets to see and experience.
If you’re an expat or exchange student in the city, you might not need to plan trips away from Florence to escape the crowds. There are still many hidden gems in Florence waiting to be discovered.
