19 Unusual Things To Do In Florence In 2025

Florence is my favorite city in Italy, no doubt. It’s the atmosphere, little streets, delicious food, and stunning architecture. There isn’t much hassle like in other big cities, so you can explore more and connect to the local life.

I’ve visited Florence at least 5 times while guiding my US travel groups through Europe. I love returning and enjoying my time in the city, eating delicious focaccia, and experiencing the culture. During my last visit, I went on a mission to explore the most unusual things to do in the city.

In this article, I’ll share my insights if you want to learn about a different side of Florence.

List Of The 19 Unusual Things To Do In Florence

Are you looking to experience unique things in Florence other than art galleries, churches, and the Ponte Vecchio? You’re in the right place! I’ve asked my local guide friend to reveal the most unique things a traveler can do in Florence. After, I took my list and explored every single place.

In this guide, I’m sharing all the off-the-beaten-path gems in the cradle of the Renaissance, from ancient pharmacies to unique street food and more. So, get ready to explore the unusual side of Florence, Italy!

Here is a quick list of the most unusual things to do in Florence:

1. Explore Casa Di Dante Museum
2. Admire The Wine Windows
3. Visit Officina Del Profumo
4. Discover Art & Traditions In Museo Horne
5. Stroll Through Florence’s Stunning Gardens
6. Visit Stibbert Museum
7. See Beautiful Florentine Mosaics
8. Experience The Craftsmanship Of Florentine Paper Making
9. Visit The Rose Garden
10. Experience The Opera In The Historic St. Mark’s English Church
11. Go Shopping In San Frediano Area
12. Explore Specola Museum
13. Admire Arts In Bigallo Museum
14. Go Truffle Hunting
15. Explore The Oltrarno District
16. Take A Local Cooking Class
17. Explore The Sinagoga
18. Admire Florence From Piazzale Michelangelo & River Cruise
19. Enjoy The Street Food

1. Explore Casa Di Dante Museum

The Casa Di Dante Museum dives into the life story and works of Dante Alighieri, one of Italy’s most celebrated poets and author of “The Divine Comedy.” The museum is located in the center of Florence, which is believed to be Dante’s birthplace.

It’s an intimate experience free of tourist crowds, so you can fully immerse yourself in Dante’s era. This is perfect for literature lovers and anyone interested in medieval history.

💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (November – March) / 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (April – October)
💡 Entry Ticket: 8 EUR – you can buy on the spot
💡 Location
💡 More Information

2. Admire The Wine Windows

Florence has unique “wine windows” from the Renaissance period, which were a product of the plagues. They served as a way for winemakers to sell wine directly from the cellars while minimizing contact, and they would pour the wine from the window like a drive-thru!

The windows are a remnant of history, and you can keep an eye out for them as you walk through Florence’s streets. You can even make them a scavenger hunt to see who can find the most!

👉 You can even order wine from some windows. So if you want to get the full experience, go to the Babae or Il Latini restaurant.

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3. Visit Officina Del Profumo

The Officina Del Profumo (also known as the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy) is the oldest in Europe, founded in 1612 by Dominican friars.

They’ve been making perfumes and potions since knights and castles were around – meaning, a visit here will feel like you’ve gone back in time! They make all their perfumes and lotions using old recipes, so you can also buy unique and authentic souvenirs here.

It’s free to enter, and they sometimes have a showroom with lights and flowers, which was one of my best experiences in Florence.

💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
💡 Entry Ticket: Free of charge
💡 Location
💡 More Information

4. Discover Art & Traditions In Museo Horne

Museo Horne is a museum that shows what life was like in Florence between the 15th and 16th centuries. It has gorgeous Renaissance art, furniture, and other artifacts inside a 15th-century palazzo.

You’ll get a unique perspective on the daily lives and aesthetic preferences of Florentine society throughout the Renaissance. The museum has an archive and library, permanent and temporary exhibits, and events and workshops.

💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (closed on Wednesdays & public holidays)
💡 Entry Ticket: 7 EUR – you can buy on the spot
💡 Location
💡 More Information

5. Stroll Through Florence’s Stunning Gardens

Florence is more than its architecture and art; it’s also home to some of the most beautiful gardens you can explore! Some of the best ones to visit include:

🎄 ORTI DEL PARNAS: a lesser-known, peaceful retreat on a hillside location with amazing views of the city, famous for its snake-shaped sculpture alongside a staircase.
💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
💡 Entry: Free of charge
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🎄 BARDINI GARDENS: features a baroque staircase and themed gardens, including an orchard, an English garden, and a wisteria-covered pergola
💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
💡 Entry: 6 EUR – buy tickets on the spot
💡 Location

🎄 BOBOLI GARDENS: These are historically significant. They were designed as the grand ducal garden of Palazzo Pitti and include an amphitheater, the Neptune Fountain, and the Buontalenti Grotto.
💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
💡 Entry: 17 EUR – get skip-the-line tickets here
💡 Location

Each offers unique landscaping, breathtaking views of Florence and meticulously maintained flora. They’re the perfect places for photography, walks, and resting, but wear good walking shoes for exploring!

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets to the Boboli Gardens here

6. Visit Stibbert Museum

The Stibbert Museum is an exceptional museum for enthusiasts of historical armory and weaponry. It houses a collection from Frederick Stibbert all over the globe.

This museum offers a deep dive into the evolution of the armory throughout history as well as into the life of the collector. Things to see here include:

🔅 Rooms filled with European, Islamic, and Eastern armor
🔅 Napoleon Bonaparte’s belongings
🔅 The Grand Hall of Knights
🔅 The historic villa and garden for the architecture and how it fits in with the collections aesthetically

💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (closed on Thursdays)
💡 Entry Ticket: 10 EUR – you can buy on the spot
💡 Location
💡 More Information

7. See Beautiful Florentine Mosaics

The Opificio delle Pietre Dure is an institution dedicated to the art of stone inlay and mosaics from Florentine artists. Here, you can admire the intricate mosaics made from semi-precious stones with intricate detail.

The museum also displays information about the techniques and processes behind mosaic-making.

💡 Opening Hours: 8:15 am – 2:00 pm
💡 Entry Ticket: 4 EUR – you can buy on the spot
💡 Location
💡 More Information

8. Experience The Craftsmanship Of Florentine Paper Making

Florence is also well known for its paper making – especially the marbled paper that has been made there for centuries.

You can visit one of the city’s artisanal paper shops to see the process of creating the paper, which is used for bookbinding, stationary and art. Some workshops offer classes where you can try making the paper yourself, which also makes for a unique Italian souvenir!

Two of my favorite craft shops in Florence that also organize workshops are:

👉 Riccardo Luci Marbled Paper
👉 Alberto Cozzi Rilegatore

If you’re interested, go to their website (workshop section) and check their availability for a workshop, or just write them an email.

9. Visit The Rose Garden

The Florence Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose) is located beneath Piazzale Michelangelo and has over 400 varieties of roses, plus a collection of sculptures by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. 

It’s a great spot to admire the beauty of nature and art, take photos, and take a walk or relax with city views. It’s free to enter, so you can walk through while going up to Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy the views.

10. Experience the Opera in the Historic St. Monaca Church

For a memorable evening out in Florence, attend an opera performance at Santa Monaca Church! The venue is small and intimate, which will give you a unique cultural experience in a historical building with an up-close and personal experience with the performers.

The church is located in the center, and you can choose from a variety of classic Italian operas like Puccini and Verdi. They’re usually either in English or have English subtitles, so you’ll be able to understand them if you don’t speak Italian.

➡ Book your opera tickets in the St. Monaca Church here

11. Go Shopping In San Frediano Area

The San Frediano area is one of the best spots in Florence for an authentic Florentine shopping experience! It’s known for its artisan shops and small restaurants that locals frequent.

You can buy handcrafted items including leather products, jewelry and even bespoke clothing here! You can also escape the tourist crowds and eat traditional Italian dishes that the locals eat.

12. Explore Specola Museum

The Specola Museum is part of the University of Florence, and has fascinating insights into the subjects of natural history and anatomy. It has an extensive collection of wax anatomical models which shows how scientific studies were done in the past, before modern technology.

The museum also houses a collection of zoological specimens, so you can learn about science and nature.

💡 Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
💡 Entry Ticket: 10 EUR – you can buy on the spot
💡 Location
💡 More Information

13. Admire Arts In Bigallo Museum

The Bigallo Museum is located in Piazza Duomo – right in the middle of the historical center – but it’s a lesser-known hidden gem! It houses an amazing collection of medieval art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and architectural elements.

The small setting, without crowds, is a perfect place to enjoy the art without interruption! Check to make sure it’s open before visiting, as it’s currently closed for restoration work.

💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (on weekends open until 12:00 pm)
💡 Entry Ticket: 5 EUR – you can buy on the spot
💡 Location
💡 More Information

14. Go Truffle Hunting

A day trip from Florence can allow you the experience and adventure that is truffle hunting in the Tuscan countryside! This unique experience will allow you to learn how to locate truffles with the help of local guides and specially-trained dogs.

You’ll also learn about the culinary and cultural significance of truffles in Italian cuisine. Many tours conclude with a tasting session of freshly unearthed truffles, too!

➡ Join this truffle hunting tour with wine tasting and lunch

15. Explore The Oltrarno District

The Oltrarno District is located on the south bank of the Arno River and is known for its artisan workshops, charming cafes, and more authentic Florentine atmosphere away from the tourist areas.

You can go to this area to feel like a local and buy traditional leather goods, unique jewelry, and more. There are also local restaurants and bars where you can eat, which the locals frequent!

16. Take A Local Cooking Class

Beyond eating the delicious cuisine in Florence take a cooking class! You’ll go home with more than a souvenir or a memory; you’ll have the skills to make the amazing traditional dishes yourself.

You can choose from various classes to learn to make what you want, and most include visits to local markets to buy fresh ingredients, too! I always advise my American clients to take a cooking class when we travel together, and they say it’s one of the best experiences they’ve had.

➡ Join this pasta & tiramisu cooking class with a local

17. Explore The Sinagoga

The Sinagoga in Florence is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful synagogues in Italy, where you can learn the history of the Jewish community in Florence. 

This Jewish Temple is renowned for its striking facade and intricate exterior decor, including an iconic green dome. The synagogue has been a center for the Jewish community in Florence since its opening in 1882.

It was built in the middle of the Italian Jewish “Emancipation”, making it a significant historical monument. It’s one of the best examples of the Moresque style of architecture in Europe, and the prayer hall is especially gorgeous to see in person.

💡 Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm (check website for updated times)
💡 Entry Ticket: 6.5 EUR – you can buy on the spot
💡 Location
💡 More Information

18. Admire Florence From Piazzale Michelangelo & River Cruise

Piazzale Michelangelo has the best panoramic views of Florence’s skyline, including iconic sights like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Arno River.

Getting to the viewpoint is also a great experience, with multiple paths leading up to the square through charming neighborhoods and beautiful gardens.

You can also go on a cruise on the Arno River to get another perspective of the city and a relaxing experience while getting the views! 

You can find tours on different watercraft types, including traditional rowboats and modern vessels, usually with commentary so you know more about what you’re looking at!

➡ Get tickets for the cruise on the Arno River here

19. Enjoy The Street Food

Beyond the restaurants with amazing dishes and fancy dinners, Florence also has amazing street food! You’ll find carts and shops selling delicious snacks and meals near San Lorenzo or Via Dante Alighieri.

Make sure to try “panino con lampredotto’, a traditional sandwich made from the fourth stomach of a cow seasoned with herbs and served on a crusty roll. It’s unique to Florence – you can’t find it anywhere.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about Florence. Check my answers below:

What To Do In Florence If You Don’t Like Museums?

There is so much to do in Florence if you’re not a museum fan. Some of the things you can do include eating street food (focaccia at All’Antico Vinaio, panino con lampredotto, Florentine steak), going on an Arno River Cruise, admiring city views from Piazzale Michelangelo, visiting the oldest perfumery in the world, shopping at San Lorenzo Market, or enjoying the city’s gardens (Boboli Gardens).

What Is The Most Beautiful Place In Florence?

In my opinion, Boboli Gardens and Ponte Vecchio are the most beautiful places in Florence. Boboli Gardens will take you back in time while providing you with a relaxing atmosphere away from the city rish. Ponte Vecchio is a historical bridge representing the culture and history of Florence.

What Is Special In Florence?

Florence has a special vibe, with so many unique things, including drinking wine from the wine windows. It’s hospitality and rich history make it a very special city in Italy.

Where Do The Locals Go In Florence, Italy?

Locals love hanging out in the Oltrarno District and San Lorenzo or Via Dante Alighieri streets. I always see many of them grouping there, especially after work, grabbing some food and drinking local wine. It’s a lot of fun to see how they enjoy life.

WRAP-UP: Unusual Things To Do In Florence

This is Florence in its beauty with my local insights, hidden gems, and non-touristy things to do. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, don’t forget to add iconic sites such as Duomo or Basilica of Santa Croce Basilica. And make some stunning day trips to the Tuscan countryside. If you can’t decide where to go in Italy on your next trip, deciding on Florence will be one of your best travel decisions.

If you have any questions or need help planning your travel itinerary, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!

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