26 Unusual Things to Do & Hidden Gems in Florence

Planning a trip to Florence, Italy, and craving to dive deeper through unique experiences and sights? You’re in the right place! This ultimate guide to Florence’s hidden gems and unusual things to do will help you do just that. ✨

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and once Italy’s capital, Florence is bursting with culture, history, and charm. As a serial destination repeater who’s clinically obsessed with Florence, I can easily tell you that here, art is found in every corner – well beyond its iconic landmarks.

From secret gardens and tours to quirky museums and local favorites tucked away from the crowds, these hidden gems help you dive deeper and get a better sense of how magical Florence truly is.

This list is perfect for first-time and repeat visitors alike who want to leave Florence feeling like they’ve made their own, unique and beautiful memories – rather than the viral experiences. I strongly recommend picking a few to add to your Florence itinerary.

Ready to uncover the unusual things to do and best hidden gems in Florence? Let’s dive in!  😍👇

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26 Unusual Things to Do and Hidden Gems in Florence👇

Quick overview of my 4 favorite hidden gems in Florence

• Basilica Santa Maria Novella 
• Florence Street Art (especially artists Blub and Clet)
• L’importuno di Michelangelo
• Rose Garden

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1. Florence Street Art

Florence is a city where art runs through everything; better said, art is EVERYWHERE.

One of the best hidden gems in Florence is the street art that spreads all over the city. These scattered fun and quirky works of art never fail to bring smiles. This art brings the perfect balance between the old and the new art – allowing your eyes to savor different “flavors” and to experience new sensations.

The most popular Florence street artists are Blub, Exit/Enter, Clet Abraham, Hopnn, and Cheone. As soon as you see street art, take a close look and see if you found the work of one of these artists! 😍 If you are traveling with friends or family, you could turn this into a game and see who can find the most graffiti first, and decide what the winner gets. 👀

My personal favorites are Blub and Clet Abraham, and on my last visit to Florence I actually came across two stores that sold prints and stickers by the artists. I bought two Blub prints with his signature, and a sticker by Clet Abraham, and these are officially some of my favorite souvenirs ever.

Do you want someone to guide you through the street art hidden gems in Florence? Then this street art tour through Florence is the perfect activity for you! 👇

2. Secret Passage Tour Palazzo Vecchio

Welcome to the Medici family’s second-last residence and a symbol of the city’s rich history and political importance! Palazzo Vecchio sits in the heart of Florence and the city’s most important and beloved piazza (“square”), Piazza della Signoria.

Originally named Palazzo della Signoria, this early-14th-century, is a fortress-like palace with a beautiful medieval aesthetic and a large tower, Torre d’Arnolfo. The name Palazzo Vecchio, “Old Palace”, came when the Medici family moved to Palazzo Pitti.

The Medici family is one of the most influential groups in European history. They are responsible for the innovation of new banking systems and laying the groundwork for Florence to become a cultural hotspot.

Due to their power and influence, they had patronage in both art and architecture and are often credited for their commissioning. Some architectural works they helped with include St. Peter’s Basilica, Florence Cathedral, and the Uffizi Gallery.

With all that said, the Medici family played a crucial role in the development of Florence and the Renaissance. By visiting the secret passages and rooms of Palazzo Vecchio, you will get exclusive insights into the family’s past and influence. The secret areas, which are closed off to the public, include a mysterious stairway built in the thick walls and a small study of Francesco I de’ Medici.

Book your tickets to this popular, best-rated experience before they sell out! 👇

3. L’importuno di Michelangelo / The Nuisance by Michelangelo

Hidden on the walls of Palazzo Vecchio, L’importuno di Michelangelo (“The Nuisance by Michelangelo” is a carved caricature.

Also nicknamed Michelangelo’s Graffiti, this caricature shows the face of a seemingly annoyed or angry man. We will never know exactly what Michelangelo’s intention was with this “graffiti”, but there are some speculations.

One story suggests that Michelangelo was often approached by a man who would trap him in a long and boring conversation. Then one day Michelangelo, not knowing how to politely escape the conversations, released his annoyance and frustrations by carving the man’s face on Palazzo Vecchio’s wall, as they conversed. Hence the name, “importuner/nuisance”.

To see l’Importuno di Michelangelo, get close to the walls of Palazzo Vecchio, specifically behind the statue of Hercules and Cacus. The Hercules and Cacus statue sits to the right of the David replica. You will find Michelangelo’s graffiti on a light-colored tile close to the corner of the façade.

4. La Berta

Embedded in the walls of the Santa Maria Maggiore church is a random stone sculpture of a woman. Legend states that an alchemist and astronomer, Cecco d’Ascoli, petrified this woman in 1326 when she refused to help him.

To go deeper into the story, after being accused of witchcraft, Cecco was burned at the stake. As he was burning, he was told by the devil that if he sipped water, he would be saved. Cecco then yelled at a woman standing in front of the church for water. When the woman refused, he threw a curse and she now remains petrified in the same spot.

La Berta is the perfect hidden gem for people who love dark and mysterious legends! This is certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Florence.

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5. Villa Bardini & Giardini

Welcome to one of Florence’s most beautiful gardens and some of Florence’s best views!

Villa Bardini is a historic villa that was originally built in the 17th century but has gone through several restorations. Today, it is home to two museums, Museo Pietro Annigoni, and Stefano Bardini Museum.

The Museo Pietro Annigoni is dedicated to Pietro Annigoni, an important artist famous for his portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Stefano Bardini Museum, on the other hand, showcases over 3,600 artworks from several Italian artists including Donatello.

The Bardini gardens are the most beloved aspect of this villa, and rightfully so. This garden has three different areas, an Italian-style garden, an English-style garden, and an agricultural park.

One of the most iconic spots of this garden is the wisteria pergola, a passage with a tunnel of beautiful wisteria. Not only is the wisteria stunning, but it holds a historic significance as this flower arrived in Italy in the 1700s after Marco Polo brought it from China.

This Florence hidden gem offers a serene oasis in the middle of the bustling city, and is perfect for people looking for a nice place to stroll and digest Florence’s beauty.

6. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Say hello to Michelangelo’s wife! Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is such a wondrous work of art that Michelangelo nicknamed it its wife, and honestly…I understand why.

Dating back to the 13th century, this basilica is an important example of Italian Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Originally a convent for Dominican friars, this basilica sits on a large property that houses several cloisters and rooms.

When visiting, you will find yourself entranced by the intricate and immense frescoes, and chapels, along with the elegant architecture and several masterpieces by artists like Ghirlandaio and Giotto.

Personally, the Tornabuoni Chapel is one of the most mind-blowingly beautiful chapels with the Spanish chapel coming in close second. I cannot wait for you to see it in person. 😍

This is one of Florence’s oldest and most important churches, as well as one of Tuscany’s most important religious buildings in Gothic style. As a fun fact, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella has the oldest standing façade to exist in all of Florence.

Personally, this is the most beautiful hidden gem in Florence and, out of all the unusual things to do, is simply a must. Book your Santa Maria Novella Basilica tickets here! 👇

7. Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella

Welcome to the oldest pharmacy in the world!

When the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella was built in the early 13th century, the perfume pharmacy came to exist fairly quickly.

The Dominican Friars took care of the convent of Santa Maria Novella, including the garden, from which they began developing centuries-old experience in pharmacopeia and natural preparations.

This is the perfect spot to get yourself, or a loved one, an amazing souvenir – from spectacular perfumes to skin care, home gifts, and more! 😍

8. Rose Garden

This was a happy mistake on my end: I was walking towards the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a beautiful sunset over Florence, and, out of distraction, walked into the dreamiest rose garden.

As a fun fact, this garden was created in 1865 by Giuseppe Poggi, the same person who designed Piazzale Michelangelo, and is home to 400 different types of Roses. There are also bronze sculptures, fountains, and plenty of space to sit down and soak everything in.

The garden is public, and when I visited there was a small kiosk open that sold drinks, including non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz, and they refilled your water bottles for free.

Piazzale Michelangelo offers unforgettable and iconic views, but the panoramic views from this garden are the definition of dreamy.

9. Dante House Museum

Dante Alighieri, born in Florence in 1265, is the writer of the world-renowned Divine Comedy and one of Italy’s greatest poets. 

The Divine Comedy is an epic poem that takes the readers on a journey through Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise). It’s believed that this masterpiece is both a reflection of his spiritual and political journey.

In 1302, Dante was exiled from Florence for his political stance and the accusation of corruption and financial mismanagement. This exile caused him a lot of emotional turmoil, social and political status downfall, and a wandering existence. Due to this, the exile played a crucial role in the creation and finalization of the masterpiece that is The Divine Comedy.

To learn more about this literary giant, you can visit Dante’s home. Check out this highly-rated Dante experience that examines his life! 👇

10. Ospedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents)

The Ospedale degli Innocenti, Europe’s FIRST orphanage, has quite an interesting story! In the 1400s, Florence had a baby problem and babies were, somehow, EVERYWHERE.

From the fields to alleyways, and the pews of the church, Florence crawled with abandoned babies. There were many different reasons for the abandonments, from famine to war, to illegitimacy.

The Arte della Seta, one of Florence’s most powerful and richest guilds, was given the responsibility of these babies. Arte della Seta then hired Filippo Brunelleschi to design and build a hospital. Ospedale degli Innocenti’s inauguration took place in the mid-15th century. The hospital had a turning door for women to drop off their babies with privacy.

For over 500 years, Ospedale degli Innocenti took care of over 375,000 children. Along with providing them with care, they taught children important life skills.

Book your tickets to the Hospital of Innocents today! 👇

11. FotoAutomatica Booths

• 📍 Popular booth with Cupid graffiti: Via Santa Monaca, 1, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
• To find the closest booth to you, simply search “Fotoautomatica” on Google Maps

One of the coolest things to do in Florence? Taking a small photoshoot in a photobooth from the 1950s! 🤯

Scattered around Florence are the Fotoautomatica machines (photo booths) from the pre-digital era – with some dating back to the early 50s. Due to their age, it takes 4 minutes and 30 seconds to develop the pictures. This is because there is a mini dark room and development inside the machine.

Back in the day, photo booths were often used for passport pictures and documents. To this day, you can still use these photos for your ID and or a card like a library card. These photo booths are bound to catch you most organically, as there is no countdown or alert to when the shot is taken. Furthermore, and quite obviously, there are no filters – just a regular black-and-white picture.

Important Note: Due to their antiqueness, some booths might be temporarily out of service or paper. These booths all have a customer service number to which you can message any problems you’re having and even receive money back if your pictures don’t print out.

12. Michelangelo’s Hidden Drawings (Inside Cappelle Medicee)

The Cappelle Medicee (“Medici Chapel”) is the domed mausoleum designed by Michelangelo for his patron family.

The years between 1526-1530 were turbulent in Italy and for the Medici family. In 1529, Michelangelo joined a movement against his patronage, as the Florentines grew weary of the Medici’s rule and hoped for a more democratic system of governance.

When the Medici took back control of Florence, after their brief exile, they began punishing those who went against them – which caused Michelangelo to go into hiding.

Michelangelo had already been working on the Medici Chapel, so he hid underneath it for 3 months. During those 3 months, Michelangelo used charcoal and drew on the bare walls sitting underneath the chapel.

These drawings include reproductions of the Sistine Chapel, which he completed in 1512, along with Christ, and himself.

After 3 months of hiding, Pope Clement, a Medici family member, announced that Michelangelo was safe to come out of hiding and that all was forgiven between the artist and fellow patrons. This is when Michelangelo went back to work and finished the Medici Chapel and the patrons’ tomb.

13. Stibbert Museum

Frederick Stibbert was a Florentine man born to a British father and an Italian mother, who then studied in England. Due to his family playing an important role in the military, there was a lot of wealth – all of which he inherited at only 20 years old.

Stibbert was so heavily drawn to collecting artifacts that he created his own museum. At the time of his death, Stibbert left his museum in the hands of the city of Florence. The Stibbert Museum has over 36,000 artifacts and the collections continue to remain in their original designated areas.

One of Frederick’s wishes was for the museum to be opened to the public for the education of young people.

14. Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure

This museum takes “hidden gem” to the next level, and is like no other you will see in Florence!

The Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure is a cultural institute that showcases artworks made with colorful and semi-precious stone mosaics. “Pietre Dure” is the term for the art technique that involves using cut and highly polished stones to create beautiful images.

15. Scuola del Cuoio | Florence School of Leather

Looking for a new, high-quality leather good? Then this is the perfect place for you!

Scuola del Cuoio (“School of Leather”), founded in 1950, is a prestigious leather school that now sells leather products handcrafted by artisans on site.

Shopping here gives you the wonderful opportunity to support artisans, who keep the cultural heritage of Florence going. Furthermore, it’s the perfect opportunity to get a unique and high-quality product!

16. Galileo Museum + Galileo’s Finger

Dedicated to the one and only, Galileo Galilei, the museum showcases a comprehensive collection of scientific artifacts, tools, and manuscripts that highlight the evolution of scientific discovery and thinking.

Here, you will find Galileo’s telescopes, some of which helped him with his groundbreaking observations that transformed our understanding of the cosmos. Other artifacts include compasses, astrolabes, and even… Galileo’s middle finger!! 😂

Book your tickets for the Galileo Museum today! 👇

18. Dark History + Drinks (Currently Paused)

Are you looking for fun things to do in Florence at night, like experiencing the city’s bustling nightlife while listening to untold dark tales? Then this walking tour is perfect for you!

This guided group tour will give you a new perspective on Florence, as you explore its historic landmarks at night. During this tour, your guide will tell you stories of Florence’s dark and scandalous stories, as you grab a drink in the most vibrant bars with your new friends. Certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Florence, but an amazing experience nonetheless!

This highly-rated experience sells out quickly, make sure to get your dark history tour tickets before they sell out! 👇

19. Secret Food Tour

Want a guided food experience with the chance to try some traditional Florentine dishes? Then this food tour is an amazing experience to enjoy!

This Florence secret food tour introduces you to some of the best Florentine food. Here you will discover culinary secrets, be guided by an experienced local foodie, learn more about the history and culture, and most importantly… eat and enjoy a signature secret dish.

This food tour brings you through a local’s day from morning to afternoon. In other words, you’ll be tasting all the best – from Florentine breakfast to a traditional lunch. After lunch, you will end on a sweet note with a fresh, artisanal gelato and the Secret Dish!

Book this highly-rated food tour today, before it sells out! 👇

Tip: If you’re gluten-free like me, you can do your own DIY food tour using my guide to the best gluten-free restaurants in Florence.

20. Make Your Own Perfume

Have you ever wished you could make your own, perfect perfume? Or maybe you’ve always been curious about the process? Then this unusual thing to do in Florence is for you!

This 2-hour perfume masterclass will teach you how to make your perfume and about Florence’s deep history in the perfume world. Come here to relive the magic of the apothecaries and alchemists who lived in Florence during the Renaissance.

Book this perfume masterclass experience today, before it sells out! 👇

21. Shop in the Thrift Stores in Florence

When you’re in Italy, it’s very easy to admire all the beautiful fashion and want to buy it all. But what if I told you thrift shopping is an even better experience? With a country so famous for its impeccable craftsmanship and sense of style, thrift stores are home to endless gems.

In my opinion, thrift shopping is one of the coolest unusual things to do in Florence with so many vintage stores to visit!

During my time in the city, a particular vintage store grabbed my heart: Giratempo Vintage. The owner of this store has a dedication and passion for vintage pieces like no other.

With his scavenging skills, the owner has even collaborated with fashion houses and their museums – providing phenomenal archives.

Given everyone will find different pieces to “adopt” in vintage stores, this is one of the most unique things to do in Florence!

23. Vasari Corridor (Updated 2025)

The Vasari Corridor is a 750-meters-long hidden passage that starts in the Palazzo Vecchio, goes through the Uffizi Gallery, and ends in Palazzo Pitti. Giorgio Vasari created this passage to allow the Medici Family to walk from one palace to the other safely.

Vasari Corridor closed in 2016, and just re-opened this December 21st. I tried to visit, but made the mistake of visiting Florence on a Monday – the day the Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor are closed. If you’re doing a day trip to Florence from Rome, make sure it’s any day except a Monday.

To enter the Vasari Corridor you need a reservation, and I’d recommend booking well in advance!

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