Florence is small yet mighty. In just a couple of days, you can take in some of the greatest artworks and architecture of the Renaissance – masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Donatello, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi.
There’s the Duomo, Uffizi Galleries, David Statues, and Medici Chapels – all absolute must-sees. But with everyone flocking to the same top 10 attractions, the city’s quieter side is often overlooked.
Beyond the usual landmarks, Florence is filled with unique spots like artisan shops, small museums, and quiet gardens. Having visited the city many times, I always make it a point to explore Florence’s more authentic side, experiencing it through the lens of a local rather than just as an eager tourist with limited time.
This list highlights 25 hidden gems in Florence to inspire you to step off the beaten path and uncover a deeper, more enriching experience.
Hidden Gems in Florence
1. Bargello Museum
Housed in the oldest public building in Florence, the Bargello Museum has one of the most impressive collections of Italian Renaissance sculptures. The building itself dates back to the 13th century, originally used as administrative offices, but later served as a prison before being transformed into a museum.
The museum features masterpieces by artists such as Giambologna and Cellini, alongside dedicated rooms for Michelangelo and Donatello. You’ll also find an array of ivory carvings, jewelry, weapons, textiles, and more.
Book this 1-hour guided tour of the Bargello Museum for a more in-depth experience.
2. Stibbert Museum
Frederick Stibbert was an English-raised art collector who transformed his home into a museum in the 19th century after amassing an eclectic collection of art and historical artifacts. After his death, the house and its belongings were gifted to the city of Florence.
The museum features ten rooms filled with everything from 15th-century chests and leather wall coverings to armor, portraits, and tapestries.
While the collection is the main draw, the building itself is stunning, plus its off-the-beaten-path location means it’s rarely crowded.
Read more: 27 Best Things to do in Florence
3. Laurentian Library
Commissioned by the Medici family in the 16th century, the Laurentian Library sits within the Basilica of San Lorenzo and was designed by Michelangelo.
The library houses thousands of antique books, making it one of the most significant collections in Italy. Today, you can visit the reading room and vestibule. For more information on how to visit, check out the official website.
4. Brancacci Chapel
The Brancacci Chapel, located within the Basilica del Carmine, is renowned for its fresco cycle by Masaccio, Masolino, and later Filippino Lippi.
Painted during the 15th century, these frescoes depict the life of St. Peter, with standout scenes like Adam and Eve in the Earthly Paradise and The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden. These masterful works, often compared to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, are a cornerstone of Renaissance art.
5. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
This Gothic-style building was originally constructed as a grain market before being converted into a church. Today, it serves a dual purpose: the ground floor remains an active church, while the upper floors house a museum. Many original artworks from the church are now displayed in the museum.
The church itself is beautiful, featuring intricate Gothic details inside and out. The facade is covered with coat of arms, and the interior has marble accents and frescoed walls and ceilings.
As a bonus, the museum’s second floor has amazing views of Florence through its windows. For more information, visit the official website.
Read more: 19 Best Museums in Florence
6. Bardini Museum and Gardens
This museum showcases the collection of 19th-century antiquarian Stefano Bardini. It contains a trove of interesting artifacts from the 13th to 17th centuries, including tapestries, artworks, sculptures, furniture, and an amazing selection of musical instruments.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the magnificent Bardini Gardens, one of my personal favorite hidden gems in Florence. The gardens are generally very quiet, but they are more popular during wisteria season, when the delicate purple blooms reach their peak from mid-April to early May.
At the top of the garden, you’ll find one of the most spectacular views of Florence’s skyline.
7. Forte di Belvedere
The Forte di Belvedere, built at the end of the 16th century, was the second fort constructed in Florence. Although considered one of the weaker points in the city’s defenses, it was never attacked, and no shot was ever fired from it.
Today, you can walk around the fort and take in the views. It’s located between the Bardini and Boboli gardens, so easy to stop by for a quick visit.
8. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Located in the Piazza del Duomo, the Opera del Duomo Museum is one of the most underrated museums in Florence. I was blown away by its extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures – the largest of its kind in the world.
The museum houses the original Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti, the gilded bronze doors that once adorned the baptistery. It’s the best way to get an up close look at the magnificent relief work without the usual crowds, as this museum is surprisingly quiet by Florence standards.
You’ll also find The Deposition by Michelangelo, works by Donatello, and detailed models of Brunelleschi’s dome. Don’t miss the terrace, which offers a fantastic close-up view of the dome.
9. San Miniato al Monte
This Romanesque church, built in the 11th century, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in Florence. However, its history stretches back even further.
The site is named after Saint Miniato, who, according to legend, was beheaded by the emperor in the 250 AD for his Christian faith. It’s said that Miniato picked up his severed head and walked to this very spot, where a shrine – and later this church – were built in his honor.
While I highly recommend visiting the inside of the church, it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset – a less crowded alternative to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Read more: 19 Best Day Trips from Florence
10. Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
Originally built by the Medici family in the 15th century, this palace was later expanded by the Riccardi family, giving it the double-barreled name it has today.
Designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, the palace was the Medici’s first family residence and showcased innovative techniques for its time, including rustication, which added a distinctive texture to the building’s stone facade.
Today, the palace is used as both administrative offices and a museum, and it also houses two libraries. As expected of a Medici palace, the interiors are exquisite, with frescoed walls and ceilings everywhere you look.
The museum also houses a collection of artifacts, including archaeological finds, statues, tapestries, and more. For more information, visit the official website.
11. Hospital of the Innocents
The Hospital of the Innocents has been a sanctuary for children for over five centuries. Originally established as the first orphanage in Europe, it continues its mission today by offering nurseries, a kindergarten, and housing UNICEF offices.
Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect behind Florence’s iconic cathedral dome, the building is a prime example of Renaissance architecture and is considered one of the era’s most significant structures.
You can explore the museum, which takes you through the history of the hospital.
12. Museo Opificio delle Pietra Dure
Translated as the “Workshop of Semi-Precious Stones,” this museum is considered incredibly important in the art world. Founded by the Medici family in the 16th century as a laboratory, it now serves as a museum, research institute, and training center.
The museum’s collection is entirely dedicated to the art of working with precious stones. Its exhibits include tables, sculptures, crests, and intricate mosaics, showcasing the impressive craftsmanship of this unique medium – one that I didn’t even know existed until my visit!
13. Basilica di Santo Spirito
Located in Florence’s trendy Oltrarno neighborhood, the Santo Spirito Basilica was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. Inside, you’ll find 38 chapel with beautiful works of art. An audio guide is available at the entrance to learn more during your visit.
Don’t miss the cloisters and Michelangelo’s wooden crucifix, sculpted when he was just 18 years old. Access to the crucifix costs €2.
14. Palazzo Strozzi
Originally built to rival the Medici family, the Strozzi Palace is now a museum which hosts a rotation of exhibitions. To know what will be on display during your visit, check the official website here.
I’ve attended a couple of exhibitions here, and they’ve all been fantastic. The most recent one I saw was a showcase of Helen Frankenthaler, the brilliant American painter known for her vibrant abstract work.
You can visit the palace’s interior courtyard for free.
Read more: Best Time to Visit Florence
15. Museo Marino Marini
This former Medieval church bas been reimagined as an art gallery showcasing classic, contemporary, and modern artworks.
The gallery features the work of Marino Marini, an influential early 20th-century Italian artist known for his diverse mediums, including sculptures, etchings, and paintings.
This museum is a rather quick visit but it is a beautiful space with great pieces.
16. Museo di Palazzo Davanzati
A visit to this museum is a great way to escape the massive crowds. Despite sitting squarely in the middle of the city, it is largely overlooked and remains one of the more unique things to do in Florence.
The palace was built in the 14th century and has been beautifully preserved overtime. It is an excellent example of Medieval architecture, complete with period furniture and decor.
17. San Marco Museum
The San Marco Museum sits within the 15th-century Dominican convent of San Marco.
The convent itself is lovely to explore, with its long hallways and peaceful cloisters. But the real highlight is the series of frescoes painted by Fra Angelico in the mid-15th century.
These stunning frescoes decorate the cells on the convent’s first floor. Step into each room to admire one of his scenes up close, paying attention to the intricate details, like the delicate wings of his figures. I rarely get emotional in museums, but seeing these works up close brought tears to my eyes – truly worth a visit.
18. Mercato di San Ambrogio
Mercato di San Amborgio is the oldest market in Florence and has been around since 1873. This indoor market mostly sells meat, produce, and dairy, but you can also find other goods like fresh pasta, olives, and some pre-made foods.
Stop by for a walk around to take in the quieter, more local side of Florence. It’s also a great spot to pick up ingredients for a picnic lunch or for a homemade pasta dinner at your Airbnb.
19. Scuola del Cuoio
This leather school was started after World War II by Franciscan friars. Their goal was to give war orphans a trade they could perfect and earn a living from.
Today, it continues its operations as a leather goods producer and school. It’s also one of the only places you can go in the city to watch leather craftsmen and women at work.
You can book tours of their laboratory here. The guided visit lasts about an hour and shows the process with different techniques.
20. La Berta
La Berta is a sculpted head sticking out from the bell tower wall of the Santa Maria Maggiore church, where it has remained since the Middle Ages. This mysterious head has a lot of lore surrounding it.
One story claims the head belongs to a woman petrified by the astrologer Cecco d’Ascoli as he was led to his execution. Another suggests it honors the man who donated the church bells or perhaps even the church’s architect.
No one knows the true story, and you may hear other tales from locals. Keep an eye out for the head as you walk along Via dei Cerretani – it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it!
21. Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
The Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is in fact a perfume shop, rather than a pharmacy, but it almost feels like a museum more than anything else.
Its history is deeply intertwined with Florence, including the creation of Acqua della Regina, the scent gifted by Catherine de Medici to her husband, Henry II of Valois, for their wedding.
Each fragrance is meticulously crafted, making it a worthwhile splurge during your visit. Even if you don’t buy anything, the shop’s gorgeous space is reason enough to stop by.
22. Antico Setificio Fiorentino (Old Silk Factory)
Dating all the way back to 8th-century Florence, Antico Setificio produces hand woven silk fabrics on antique looms. This is one of the very few spots where silks are hand produced not just in Italy but around the world.
Many of the designs still created today take inspiration from Renaissance times, though new, customized designs can also be ordered.
The factory offers guided tours which must be booked in advance. Or, if you want to try your hand at weaving, you can reserve to become “weaver for a day.”
23. Photo Automatica
Scattered throughout Florence are a series of “Fotoautomatic” booths. These look like ordinary photo booths, but there is a twist – the photos are analog.
After paying €2, you’ll wait about four and a half minutes for your prints to develop, thanks to a miniature robotic darkroom inside the booth.
There are five around the city, with the original one sitting on the corner of via dell’Agnolo and via Giuseppe Verdi. I did this with my friend and it’s a fun souvenir to take home!
24. Ginori 1735 Firenze Flagship
Ginori is one of my favorite Italian brands, known for it beautiful porcelain pieces since its founding in 1735. Their most iconic design, the Tesori Collection, is available in a variety of forms, such as plates, vases, cups, and more.
Their flagship store, which opened in 1802, is located in the heart of Florence and feels more like a gallery than a store. I like to visit each time I’m in the city to browse their latest collections.
Ginori’s porcelain is undeniably a splurge – a set of two plates costs around $290 – but it’s perfect if you’re looking for an heirloom-quality piece to take home.
25. Giuseppe Fanara – Il Busetto Florence
This father-and-son duo handcrafts beautiful leather goods in their Florence workshop using traditional techniques. You can browse their shop while watching them create pieces in the back room.
I bought a leather coin purse here, and it’s one of the best travel purchases I’ve made!
More information for your Italy trip
- Best Time to Visit Florence
- 19 Best Day Trips from Florence
- 27 Best Things to do in Florence
- 19 Best Museums in Florence
- Florence to Siena Day Trip Guide
- 17 Best Boutique Hotels in Florence
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.