Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Ioana
Florence is famous for the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery. But beyond the postcard icons, there’s another side of the city waiting to be explored. This guide focuses on the most unique things to do in Florence that most visitors don’t know about. If you’re looking for hidden gems in Florence that go beyond the typical tourist checklist, you’re in the right place. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
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1. Take a pasta cooking class (with unlimited wine!)
Florence is in the heart of Tuscany, a region known for simple, high-quality ingredients and deeply traditional recipes.
Taking a hands-on pasta cooking class is one of the most immersive ways to experience that culture beyond restaurants.
In this small-group class, you learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch using traditional techniques. Usually you’ll make classic shapes like tagliatelle or ravioli.
You’ll also prepare authentic sauces and sit down to enjoy your creations with unlimited local wine.
What I love about doing this in Florence specifically is that many classes are hosted in family-run cooking schools, not commercial studios.
You leave not just full, but with skills you can actually recreate at home.
This is one of the most unique food experiences in Florence because you’re not just tasting Tuscany, you’re participating in it.
2. Take a pasta and tiramisu cooking class
If you want to go beyond savory, the pasta and tiramisu combination class is a fantastic option.
I love desserts. I have a huge sweet tooth. So whenever I have an option that comes with dessert I always pick it.
Tiramisu originated in Northern Italy, but it has become a staple across the country. Actually, worldwide. Who doesn’t love a good tiramisu?
Learning to make it properly, though, is surprisingly technical. And it has raw eggs in it. Did you know that? I learned that while in Italy. And I was definitely shocked.
In Florence, these classes often include small group sizes. You also typically enjoy unlimited Tuscan wine during the experience. Carbs and wine are the prefect combination.
And calories don’t count while on vacation, ok? We walk so many steps during the day, we deserve all that deliciousness. Yolo!
3. Take a pizza and gelato cooking class
A pizza and gelato class might sound more Roman or Neapolitan.
But Florence offers excellent workshops that teach both. And yes, this class also comes with unlimited wine.
You’ll learn about different types of dough fermentation and how to stretch pizza by hand. And you’ll also find out what makes Italian gelato different from standard ice cream.
Now the question is how do you choose between a pizza and pasta class? Well, I’m here to tell you that you can sign up for both.
This is a great use of free will haha. Why settle for just one of them?
4. Take a perfume masterclass
Whenever I think of perfumes, I think of Paris. But Florence has a long history of perfumery dating back to the Renaissance.
That’s when Catherine de’ Medici brought Florentine perfume traditions to France. Who knew?
In this perfume masterclass, you work with fragrance notes and learn how to blend top, middle, and base scents to create a personalized perfume.
It’s one of the more unusual things to do in Florence for sure. You leave with a custom fragrance, which in my opinion is far more meaningful than a typical souvenir.
And whenever people admire your perfume at home you can brag that you made it. In Italy. So fancy!
5. Go on a Chianti tour on a Vespa
Italians love their Vespa. And driving through the Tuscan countryside on a Vespa is one of those experiences that feels straight out of an Italian film.
On this guided Chianti tour, you ride through rolling vineyards and olive groves. And, of course, you’ll stop at wineries for tastings of both Chianti Classico and local olive oil.
Many tours also include visits to medieval villages that you likely would not discover on your own.
This is a fantastic way to explore beyond Florence while still returning the same day. It combines adventure, scenery, wine, and culture in one experience.
If you’re comfortable driving a scooter, this is one of the most memorable day trips from Florence.
6. Go on a small group wine tasting tour in Tuscany
If you’re a wine lover, then you must go wine tasting in Tuscany.
This small group wine tour takes you into the Chianti region, known for its delicious wines and pretty landscapes.
You’ll visit two carefully selected wineries, where producers walk you through their vineyards. They also explain the production process from grape to barrel, and guide you through structured tastings.
Expect to sample multiple wines along with locally produced olive oil and traditional Tuscan snacks. A dream!
If you don’t want to rent a car and drive through Tuscany, then this option is for you.
7. Go on a vintage Ford tour in the countryside
Fiat 500 is one of Italy’s most iconic cars. And you can drive a restored vintage one yourself!
These small, colorful cars date back to the 1950s and 60s and are a symbol of Italian post-war design and culture. And they are really cute!
On this tour, you’ll wind through scenic country roads lined with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees.
You can stop at multiple photo stops overlooking rolling hills and medieval villages. If you want some Instagram-worthy pics, it’s a great opportunity.
And most tours also include a stop at a countryside estate. There you can sample local wine and regional products such as olive oil or pecorino cheese.
8. Go on a street food tour
Another food tour? Why, yes. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I love food. And, yes, I will travel for food.
One of the best ways to understand Florence, in my opinion, is through its food. And a guided street food tour gives you cultural context you would likely miss on your own.
This small group walking tour takes you through local neighborhoods and historic streets.
Depending on the route, you might try schiacciata sandwiches, lampredotto, and regional wines. Among many other things.
That’s the beauty of a street food tour. You can try a lot of dishes and see what you like before committing to a large portion at a restaurant.
What makes this experience unique is the storytelling. A knowledgeable local guide explains how Florentine cuisine developed and why certain dishes became staples.
You’ll also learn how to distinguish authentic spots from tourist traps.
I recommend doing this on your first day in Florence. You’ll discover local bakeries, wine bars, and trattorias that you can revisit later in your trip. And you’ll gain confidence navigating the city’s food scene.
It’s one of the most practical and delicious ways to uncover hidden gems in Florence.
9. Get a glass of wine at one of Florence’s wine windows
One of the most unique things to do in Florence is ordering wine from a historic buchetta del vino, or wine window.
These small stone openings were created in the 16th and 17th centuries by wealthy wine-producing families to sell wine directly to customers.
They became especially important during times of plague, when minimizing contact was essential.
There are more than 150 wine windows scattered throughout Florence.
Although only a small number are still active today. Tracking down a functioning one feels like uncovering a piece of Renaissance history.
It’s quick, simple, and deeply Florentine. Few cities in the world offer anything comparable.
Once you find one just knock on the window and tell them what wine you want. And they will give you the glass through the window. Pretty cool.
Top 3 hotels in Florence:
- 🏨 The Westin Excelsior ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 9.0/10 rating
- 🏨 Plaza Hotel Lucchesi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8.7/10 rating
- 🏨 Villa Cora ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 9.3/10 rating
10. Take a rafting cruise under Ponte Vecchio
If you think Florence is only meant to be explored on foot, think again.
Seeing the city from the water gives you a fresh and unexpected perspective. Especially when it’s from a traditional raft rather than a standard boat.
On this small-group experience, you’ll float down the Arno on a handcrafted raft guided by experts.
You’ll glide under iconic bridges like Ponte Vecchio, passing hidden waterfront corners that most visitors never notice.
Much cooler than a typical sightseeing boat tour. That’s for sure.
The guides often share stories about how the Arno shaped Florence’s trade and culture during the Renaissance.
Unlike a crowded sightseeing tour, this rafting cruise feels like a secret vantage point.
It’s perfect for photography, relaxed conversation, and spotting architectural details you’d miss from the street.
It’s a uniquely Florentine way to connect with the city’s soul and scope out its skyline from a totally different angle.
11. Do a private photoshoot
Florence is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe.
Thus, booking a private photoshoot is a beautiful way to capture it properly instead of relying on selfies.
With a local professional photographer, you’ll be guided to some of the most picturesque corners of the city.
Many photographers also know lesser-known angles that avoid heavy crowds, especially during golden hour.
Beyond just taking photos, this experience often includes light direction and posing guidance. So even if you’re not used to being in front of a camera, you’ll feel comfortable.
It’s especially meaningful for solo travelers, couples, anniversaries, or milestone trips. Instead of generic vacation snapshots, you leave Florence with high-quality images.
If you want a unique souvenir from Florence, this is one of the most personal experiences you can book.
12. Get a drink at a cafe with Duomo views
Café Oblate is one of my favorite hidden gems in Florence.
It’s located on the top floor of a former 14th-century convent that is now a public library. And it offers one of the best views of the Florence Cathedral dome without the crowds of nearby rooftops.
You access it by walking through the public library and taking the elevator upstairs, which is why many tourists never find it.
The terrace faces Brunelleschi’s dome directly, making it an incredible spot for coffee, fresh juice, or an aperitivo.
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13. Go to an opera concert in a church
Florence is the birthplace of opera, making it one of the most meaningful places in Italy to experience live classical music.
This intimate concert takes place inside Santa Monaca Church, a 15th-century church located in the Oltrarno district. The setting alone is worth it.
The acoustics create a powerful and atmospheric sound experience that modern venues simply cannot replicate.
The performances typically feature professional singers accompanied by piano. They cover famous arias from composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini.
Even if you are not an opera enthusiast, the combination of music and Renaissance surroundings makes this a memorable cultural evening in Florence.
If you are looking for a unique nighttime activity in Florence that blends history, art, and music, this is perfect.
14. Try Pino’s Sandwiches
When in Florence, schiacciata sandwiches are a must. Many people queue in front of All’antico Vinaio for at least 30 minutes since it’s the most well-known brand outside of Italy.
But there are other sandwich shops that are also delicious and you don’t have to waste time in line. One of them is Pino’s Sandwiches.
Pino still works in the shop, so the vibe is super cozy and friendly. The lines tend to be much smaller here compared to All’antico Vinaio.
Seating is limited at Pino’s Sandwiches, but you can go to the Basilica of Santa Croce Plaza and sit on one of the benches there. The best way to enjoy that delicious panino. That’s what I did.
I got a classic sandwich with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato and pesto. A prosciutto sandwich and people watching in Italy, what else can one wish for?
15. Take a day trip to Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano
If you want to see more of Tuscany without changing hotels, this full-day guided trip from Florence is perfect.
It allows you to experience several of the region’s most iconic towns in one seamless itinerary.
The tour typically includes a stop in Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Then you’ll go to Siena.
You’ll also visit San Gimignano, often called the “Medieval Manhattan”. That’s because of its distinctive skyline of stone towers.
Walking through its narrow streets gives you a sense of what Tuscany looked like centuries ago. Many versions of this tour include a scenic drive through the Chianti countryside.
Anf of course they also stop for tastings of local wines and olive oil.
This is ideal if you have limited time in Italy and want to see multiple highlights of Tuscany without renting a car or navigating regional trains.
Because it is one of the most popular excursions from Florence, so booking in advance is recommended.
16. Take a day trip to Cinque Terre
If you want to experience a completely different side of Italy while based in Florence, a day trip to Cinque Terre offers a striking contrast to Tuscany’s rolling hills.
Cinque Terre is a UNESCO-listed coastline with five colorful fishing villages perched above the Ligurian Sea.
Unlike Florence’s Renaissance architecture and inland vineyards, you’ll find pastel houses stacked along cliffs and panoramic ocean views.
On a guided day trip from Florence, transportation is arranged for you, which makes logistics much easier than attempting it independently.
Your guide provides historical and cultural context about the region. And you’ll typically have free time to explore villages like Manarola or Monterosso at your own pace.
The journey itself is scenic, transitioning from Tuscan countryside to coastal landscapes.
This is ideal if you have limited time in Italy but want to experience both Renaissance Florence and Italy’s iconic Mediterranean coastline in one trip.
Because Cinque Terre is a popular destination with limited infrastructure, booking a structured day tour from Florence can save time and simplify planning.
17. Visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
One of the oldest pharmacies in the world, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella was founded by Dominican friars in 1221.
Originally, the monks cultivated medicinal herbs to create remedies for their monastery. Over time, they began producing perfumes, balms, and botanical preparations for Florentine nobility.
Today, stepping inside feels more like entering a Renaissance apothecary museum than a shop. Frescoed ceilings and centuries-old formulas make it one of the most unique hidden gems in Florence.
Even if you do not purchase anything, it is worth visiting simply to admire the historic interiors. And to learn about Florence’s long-standing perfume and herbal traditions.
It is located near the Santa Maria Novella train station, yet many tourists walk past it without realizing its significance.
18. Explore the Medici Chapels beyond the Crowds
While many visitors focus on Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi, fewer take the time to explore the Medici Chapels in depth.
This complex houses the lavish burial place of the powerful Medici family, who shaped Florence during the Renaissance.
Inside the New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, you can see his dramatic sculptures representing Dawn, Dusk, Day, and Night.
The Chapel of the Princes is equally impressive, covered in intricate marble and semi-precious stone inlays that demonstrate the wealth and artistic ambition of the Medici dynasty.
Compared to other major attractions in Florence, the Medici Chapels often feel calmer and more contemplative. It is a rewarding stop for history and art lovers who want to go deeper into the city’s past.
FAQ about Florence
Where to stay in Florence
Check out this guide on Florence hotels with rooftop pools.
Budget hotels
Florence has some budget friendly hotel options located in the city center. The price range is between $60-100 per night. Some good options include Hotel Burchianti and Hotel Caravaggio.
Mid-budget hotels
If you’re like me and want more comfort than hostels and cheap hotels, but don’t want to waste money on luxury hotels either, then mid-budget hotels are a perfect choice. Some good options in Florence include Hotel Calimala and Hotel Brunelleschi.
Luxury hotels
If you are looking for high-end facilities and top service, Florence has many five-star hotels to choose from. Some amazing options are Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, The St. Regis Florence, and Villa Cora.
Is Florence safe for a solo female traveler?
Yes, I found Florence safe as a solo female traveler. As with any other popular destination, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when you’re visiting attractions with large crowds.
How to get to Florence
You can fly into Florence airport if Florence is your main destination in Italy. The Florence airport is smaller compared to international airports in other cities in Italy like Rome or Milan, so there will be fewer direct flight options.
If you also plan on visiting Milan you can take the train to get to Florence. Taking a high speed train from Milan will bring you to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station in about 2.5 hours.
How can I get around Florence?
Florence is a walkable city, and all attractions are within walking distance. You can also walk to the train station from the city center area if you want to take a day trip.
How can I get to the Florence city center from the airport?
The cheapest option is to take the tram (1.7 euros). However, if you have a lot of luggage and want to go directly to the hotel, you can take a taxi, which will cost around 25 euros. Alternatively you can also schedule a private transfer.
What is the average cost of visiting Florence?
Florence is not a very expensive destination, but it is not cheap either. It’s somewhere in the middle. You can get an amazing Tuscan panino for about 8 euros. A coffee is about 3 euros. You can find mid-budget hotels around $100-200 per night.
Do I need cash?
I did not use any cash while visiting Florence. But it’s always recommended to carry some cash with you so you can tip tour guides or buy souvenirs or something else from small mom-and-pop shops who don’t accept credit cards.
Pro tip: always get cash from an ATM in the airport instead of going to an exchange place. Your bank will always have better exchange rates when taking out cash in a foreign currency from an ATM.
Do you recommend Florence as a solo destination?
Yes, I recommend Florence as a destination for solo female travelers. Since Florence is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, make sure to avoid going in the summer.
You will avoid the large crowds and enjoy your experience much more. Plus, everything will be cheaper.
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Ioana is a Romanian-born solo traveler and full-time travel blogger who has explored 30+ countries since starting her solo adventures at age 31. She shares practical travel tips, detailed itineraries, and insider recommendations to help fellow travelers experience destinations like a local. Her blog gets 100K+ views per month and her Instagram community has 80K+ people. Her work has been featured in The Daily Express, Euronews, Bored Panda, Yahoo, MSN and more. Learn more about her here.