10 Hidden Gems in Florence Italy

“Unique and Secret places to visit for every region“

Welcome to Florence, located in the breathtaking Tuscany region of Italy! You’ll be stunned when you see the many top-notch tourist attractions in Florence. When you step foot in Florence, it will steal your breath away. It is home to works of art that are celebrated internationally, some of the best cuisines, and unquestionably one of the world’s greatest cathedrals. Let’s uncover hidden gems in Florence Italy.

I’ll be sharing with you a thorough list of the top 10 Hidden Gems in Florence Italy, in this travel guide. Florence, Italy, is an enthralling city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. The Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery are all UNESCO World Heritage sites.

In addition to these iconic attractions, 10 hidden gems in Florence Italy are waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems provide a more off-the-beaten-path experience, from the small Bargello Museum to the picturesque Oltrarno neighborhood. Discover the hidden treasures that make Florence a genuinely enchanting location where history, culture, and art combine.

What is the best time to visit Florence Italy?

Florence is best visited between April and June and September and October. Spring in Tuscany lasts from April through June when the weather is mild and the landscapes are covered in unusual flowers. The Autumn months of September and October, with their wonderful chill and plenty of outdoor activities, are also fantastic times to visit Florence.

What should I pack for Florence Italy?

If you are planning to travel to discover hidden gems in Florence Italy, consider the local weather as well as the activities you intend to accomplish. Since Florence is best explored on foot, it is typically advisable to carry comfortable walking shoes. Depending on the season, bring light and breathable summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and dresses.

Since spring and autumn require layering, pack a selection of light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a lightweight jacket or cardigan. Because it can get chilly, bring layers of clothing that will keep you comfortable during the winter.

Pack essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle before you go sightseeing. Additionally, it’s a smart idea to always take a little bag or backpack on you when visiting this gorgeous Italian city so you can transport your belongings.

Best Way to get to Florence Italy

It is easy and convenient to get to Florence, Italy. Many different forms of transport have good connections to the city.

By Plane

Flying into either Florence Airport or Pisa International Airport, both of which are situated 62 miles (100 kilometers) west of Tuscany’s capital, is the simplest method to travel to Florence.

By Train

Another common choice is to travel directly to Milan or Rome and then take a train from there to Santa Maria Novella, the high-speed train station in Florence.

You can check the TGV website or Ferrovie dello Stato for schedules and costs. Online reservations are typically less expensive than purchasing a ticket directly from the venue.

By Car

It is challenging to reach Florence’s historic center by car due to the city’s tiny size and numerous pedestrian-only streets. If you want to use this mode of transportation, be careful not to park in a resident’s parking space; doing so will result in a car tow and a hefty fine.

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 hidden gems in Florence Italy, so you may cross them off your travel itinerary.

Giotto’s Bell Tower

Giotto’s Bell Tower, often referred to as the Campanile di Giotto is a famous ancient tower situated in Florence’s Piazza del Duomo and one of the top hidden gems in Florence Italy. With a height of more than 84.7 m (277.9 feet), the tower provides stunning views of both the city and the neighboring Tuscan countryside. It is without a doubt, the best vantage point in the city, particularly if you want to see the enormous Duomo dome up close.

If you don’t mind walking up the 414 steps, you can climb to the summit and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. Unfortunately, there is no lift, so there is no simple method to get to the summit. However, I can assure you that the effort is well worth it because the amazing panoramic views of Florence are worth it.

Unfortunately, all of the observation deck’s gates have teeny little holes through which you may remove your camera. You should have no trouble photographing the view without the fence in the background with a phone camera, but it will be a little more difficult if you have a large camera, as I have.

Ticket Prices and Open Hours

Every day from 8:15 AM to 7:45 PM, Giotto’s Bell Tower is open to the public, with extended hours in the summer. For a charge, visitors can ascend the top of the tower and enjoy the views. It is advised to buy tickets in advance to prevent standing in a queue.

You can also purchase a Brunelleschi Pass, which will grant you admission to all the sites in the piazza for roughly 30 EUR for 3 days if you want to enter the Duomo and climb Giotto’s Bell Tower. If you only want to visit the bell tower, you can save money by purchasing the Giotto Pass, which costs about 20 EUR and includes admission to the museum, Baptistery, and bell tower.

Piazzale Michelangelo | Best panoramic views of Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo, a public area named after the well-known artist Michelangelo, is one of the city’s most well-liked locations to watch sunsets. It is situated on top of a hill overlooking Florence.

The square was constructed in the 19th century as a memorial to Michelangelo and his creations. Since it was created, the square has been a well-liked gathering area for both tourists and residents of Florence to take in the beauty of the city and its surrounds.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to the square to take in the city’s and the surrounding Tuscan countryside’s stunning sights and to experience the city’s golden hour. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see these hidden gems in Florence Italy attractions while taking in the mesmerizing sunsets from this exceptional location.

Due to its popularity, the area can occasionally become incredibly congested, especially around dusk during the busiest travel season. However, I think the views from the square are well worth the trip.

The Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte, higher up the hill, is another option if you want to avoid the crowd. Alternatively, you can arrive at the Piazza about an hour before sunset, choose the ideal spot, and stay there until the sun sets. This spot is considered very peaceful among tourist places in Italy.

San Miniato al Monte Abbey

San Miniato al Monte Abbey is ranked number three on our list of the 10 best-hidden gems in Florence Italy and is a popular destination for tourists seeking stunning sunset views. On a hilltop overlooking Florence, Italy, lays the stunning Benedictine abbey known as Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte. The abbey, one of the best specimens of Romanesque architecture in all of Italy, was built in the 10th century and is a spectacular example of the type.

The monk San Miniato, who became known as the patron saint of Florence, created the abbey in the early Middle Ages, which is where the monastery’s history began. The abbey has undergone numerous improvements and additions throughout the years, and it continues to be a significant spiritual and cultural hub for the community.

The monastery is currently accessible to the general public and contains several fascinating attractions, such as a chapel with artwork by Taddeo Gaddi and a cloister with stunning frescoes by Paolo Uccello.

It takes some work to get to the abbey because you have to walk around 2 kilometers from the city’s heart and climb upwards for at least 20 minutes to get there. This can be very difficult in the summer heat, so please take your time and pace yourself while you walk. To avoid the warmest part of the day, you can alternatively visit the abbey in the evening.

Sant’Ambrogio Market | The Oldest Market in Florence

The Sant’Ambrogio covered market, like the San Lorenzo market, houses food stores and dates back to the end of the 19th century, when the historic center underwent a thorough redesign. Sant’Ambrogio market is one of the wonders and hidden gems in Florence Italy that few people are aware of.

When Florence took over as the Kingdom of Italy’s new capital in 1860, it adopted the current style, which was unmistakably influenced by the great capital cities of Europe, starting with Paris.

A year or so before the San Lorenzo market opened, in 1873, the market of Sant’ Ambrogio, which had been constructed in the enormous vegetable garden in the block beyond Santa Croce and towards the walls, was dedicated.

Step inside the covered area (where you’ll be greeted by a sizable mosaic Florentine lily on the floor) to find an enticing jumble of stalls selling a variety of fresh and aged cheeses, bread, honey, fresh and dried pasta, grains, beans, eggs, olives, spices, sauces, oils, fresh and salted fish, milk, yogurt, and coffee in addition to all types of meats.

Customers can also purchase food and beverages at Rocco’s ancient Tuscan trattoria (open since 1987), the tripe vendor, the bar, and, as of October 2017, the “risto-macelleria,” a 19-seat terrace restaurant located above the Menoni butcher’s booth and offering the only elevated view of the shuttered market.

Ticket Prices and Open Hours

The market is completely free to the general public and tourists to enter.

Monday – Saturday from 07:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Food court 1st floor: Open daily from 10:00 AM to midnight.

Closed: Sunday holidays.

Oltrarno

On Florence’s south bank of the Arno River, the thriving neighborhood of Oltrarno is located. It provides a pleasant retreat from the busy city center and is rich in history and charm. Oltrarno has a true, bohemian vibe thanks to its congested lanes, artisan studios, and neighborhood businesses. With treasures like the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace, this diverse neighborhood is a haven for art lovers.

The majestic Palazzo Pitti of the Medici is just one of several noteworthy attractions in the Oltrarno, which also includes the Santo Spirito Basilica by Brunelleschi and the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, which is where Filippino Lippi painted the Brancacci Chapel.

Piazzale Michelangelo, a picturesque square perched in the hills above this busy neighborhood, offers one of Florence’s most unforgettable views, where throngs assemble every evening to take in the sunset. This place must be entitled as busy and historical architecture among all the Hidden Gems in Florence Italy.

Oltrarno is renowned for its exciting nightlife, where locals and tourists congregate to sample the varied gastronomic options and take part in an energetic social scene. A hidden treasure trove where you may immerse yourself in the creative spirit and discover Florence as it truly is can be found by exploring Oltrarno.

Ticket Prices and Open Hours

The Oltrarno Timing: 24-hrs. To really explore it, though, you need close to two to three hours.

Santa Maria Novella | Ancient & World’s Oldest Pharmacy

The oldest pharmacy in the world, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, has been producing exquisite scents, medicines, and herbal goods since 1221. In Florence, this amazing shop can be found close to the Santa Maria Novella Basilica and the city’s train station. A trip to this unique location offers the possibility to travel back in time and bring a perfume from Florence that will take you to Italy. Santa Maria Novella is listed within our list of the 10 hidden gems in Florence Italy, because of its ancient history.

The history of the basilica is strongly related to the beginnings of the famous pharmacy at Santa Maria Novella. Similar to many of Florence’s ecclesiastical landmarks, including the Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a veritable treasure mine of art and history and unquestionably deserves to be seen.

The church as we know it now was first constructed in the 13th century, but Leon Battista Alberti, a famous Renaissance architect, added the eye-catching façade in the 15th century. Giotto, Masaccio, Filippino Lippi, and Ghirlandaio are just a few of the famous Italian artists whose works may be found inside, along with two cloisters and a museum.

Today’s manufacturing is high-tech and a far cry from the Dominican friars tending their gardens 800 years ago. A commitment to natural ingredients and heritage, however, endures unwaveringly.

Ticket Prices and Open Hours

Santa Maria Novella is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Sunday.

Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Tickets Palazzo Pitti, from 7.50 EUR for Adults and Children aged 11 to 18 years 5.00 EUR.

Loggia Dei Lanzi

Florence’s Loggia dei Lanzi is a 14th-century open-air gallery featuring pieces by Renaissance sculptors Benvenuto Cellini and Giambologna alongside sculptural works from Roman antiquity.

Whatever name it goes by (it is also known as the Loggia dei Priori or the Loggia dell’Orcagna), it is a singular instance of an outdoor sculpture gallery that showcases old and exquisite Renaissance art. It has lovely sculptures created by artists like Giambologna and Benvenuto Cellini and opens to Piazza della Signoria, which is next to the Uffizi Gallery.

To host public celebrations for the Florentine Republic, Benci di Cione and Simone Talenti constructed the Loggia between 1376 and 1382. The Loggia started to represent the Medici family’s authority in the 16th century, during the reign of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The sculptures weren’t picked based just on aesthetic standards but rather to support and symbolize a particular political message. Buontalenti built a roof garden above the Loggia’s arches after the Uffizi was built, providing the Medici with a terrace from which to see events in the piazza.

If you are an artist and like past art must visit Loggia dei Lanzi among all the hidden Gems in Florence Italy.

Torrigiani Garden

Torrigiani is a unique location. It was once a botanical garden in the 16th century but saw a renaissance when Marquis Pietro Torrigiani obtained the land.  The garden’s layout, which was created by architect Luigi de Cambray Digny, is a haven of green in a sparsely populated city. It is strongly influenced by English design. Any enthusiast of botany and plant life will be astonished by a visit here, which features cedar, uncommon oaks, horse chestnut, cypress, and magnolia.

The Torrigiani Garden is another one of the hidden gems in  Florence Italy. It covers nearly 17 acres and is the largest privately owned garden in Europe. The Torrigiani di Santa Cristina and the Torrigiani Malaspina are two private Torrigiani families that own the garden. In the garden, they each have a place to live.

Only on a pre-arranged guided tour with one of the proprietors can you peek within the walls and explore. You are greeted at the entrance by an Osiris statue. There are plants, trees, a nursery, a greenhouse, and a Neo-Gothic tower inside. Statuary may be seen all over the garden.

Ticket Prices and Open Hours

You could visit Torrigiani garden with a guided tour and the costs 25 EUR per person ( need to minimum of 4 people ).

Duration 1h.30 ( approx ).

Badia Fiorentina | Oldest church in Florence

The Bargello Museum is close to the Badia Fiorentina, or Florentine Abbey. It is distinguished by a remarkable hexagonal bell tower that dominates Florence’s skyline.

According to legend, Dante was raised in Casa Dante, which is now located across the street. In 978, the abbey was founded. By Arnolfo di Cambio, the abbey was renovated in the 1280s. In 1627, baroque renovations were made to the church. There are other great pieces of art in the church as well. The Apparition of the Virgin to San Bernardo by Filippino Lippi is immediately seen when you enter.

A masterpiece of the Renaissance, it has amazing detail. A splendid pipe organ from 1558 and the sculpture of Ugo are two of the several sculptures that can be found inside the church. The Cloister of the Oranges, where people attempted to grow exotic oranges inside the convent for the first time in the 14th century, is another notable feature of the Badia.

Currently, the Community of Jerusalem monks and nuns reside in the Badia Fiorentina.

Ticket Prices and Open Hours

Badia Fiorentina is open daily and entry is free.

Casa di Dante | Dante’s House

Dante’s House, also known as Casa di Dante, rounds up our list of the top 10 hidden gems in Florence Italy. According to legend, the Casa di Dante is an exact copy of the residence Dante occupied in Florence. The famous Italian poet Dante Alighieri lived in the 13th century. He is the celebrated author of The Divine Comedy.

Dante invents a fictional avatar of himself in this epic poem who journeys through hell, purgatory, and paradise. His image-driven explanations had a significant impact on a wide range of visual art.

In his Vita Nuova, Dante famously described his love for Beatrice Portinari as an idealized love. It was, however, an unrequited love. The exhibits should pique your attention if you have a lifelong fascination with the legendary poet from the thirteenth century. The Divine Comedy is widely available. The church where Beatrice went to mass is nearby.

Ticket Prices and Open Hours

Timings:

Winter Time:
From November 1 to March 31st
Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays

Summer Time:
From April 1 to October 31st
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

Tickets from 8 EUR for Adults and Children aged 7 to 18 years 5.00 EUR.

Wrapping Up Hidden Gems In Florence Italy

In conclusion, These 10 gems offer a secret world of delights off the usual route, revealing Florence’s hidden riches. Your Florentine journey will be enhanced by your discoveries, which range from secret art galleries to lovely gardens. In the center of Italy’s Renaissance city, embrace the appeal of these hidden gems and have amazing experiences.

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