unusual-things-to-do-in-florence

35 unusual and usual things to do in Florence – including my personal gelato and wine window trail!

Last updated on July 3rd, 2026 at 11:31 am

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A-typical-laneway-in-Florence-Italy
Just a typical laneway in Florence!

Florence, a city that so many love – some might call it over loved! Despite not liking tourist crowds, and cities in general when traveling, I survived Florence and genuinely had some fun. So rest assured even if you generally prefer to avoid cities, you can have a good time here. And if you do like history, art, food and city vibes, then you are going to be in a virtual heaven!

Viewpoints give you a mass of terracotta roofs with the steady presence of the Duomo always center stage. The streets and plazas are lined with Renaissance masterpieces making history accessible to all – like it or not! For many travelers, the appeal is obvious – the world-famous art, the iconic architecture, and, of course, some of the best food in Italy.

But Florence isn’t just a checklist of must-sees. This guide brings together both sides of Florence: the things you shouldn’t miss (the usual things to do), and then the ones you might not find in a typical itinerary (my unusual things to do)! Starting with my gelato trail, throwing in some unusual wine fun, and then plenty of things to do in between the gelatos and wine!

Top Travel Tips for Florence

15 of the more unusual things to do in Florence (less known and less visited)

20 usual things to do in Florence – the “must -sees”

Frequently Asked Questions about Florence

Where to Stay in Florence

Related Posts

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Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

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Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. Top recommendations for the Florence must see’s are:
1. Best of Florence Walking Tour in a Small Group
2. Duomo skip the lines combo tours with either GetYourGuide or Viator
3. Michelangelo’s David – skip the line with either GetYourGuide or a combo option on Viator.
4. The Uffizi skip the lines with GetYourGuide or one of the options on Viator
5. Florence Wine Windows walking tour with Food Options
6. Pasta making class with unlimited wine

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Piazza-and-Basilica-di-Santa-Maria-Novella-in-Florence-Italy
Locals hanging out in the Piazza and Basilica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence
  • If you are just in Florence for a day or two and you don’t have free parking at your hotel, I recommend you park outside the city at one of the parks at the metro stations! It saves you a lot of hassle and it is quick and easy to get into the city center on the metro.
  • Book well ahead for the big attractions – like the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery.
  • You also need to plan ahead if you want to visit the top spots. This is especially important if you are there for only a day or two. Most key attractions have one day a week they are closed. Make a list of your key visits and check the days they are open. Then book ahead to skip the queues – which can be massively long!
  • You can walk everywhere in Florence – its easy. But if anything you want to see is on the metro line then take it. Its cheap and easy to navigate. There is a flat fare and a single ticket for both the tram and bus. It costs €1.70 (At the time of writing) and is valid for 90 minutes. You can tap on with your card on your phone or buy a ticket at the tram stops.
  • Get up early and get walking around – the lack of crowds is so worth it!

On with unusual (and then usual) things to do in Florence – my take on it all…….

Add these unusual things to do in Florence to your plan – they are the less known or visited places and things to do that I found. You wont find the overwhelming summer (and shoulder season) crowds at these spsots, but you will find some weird, impressive or interesting things to see!

Note: The usual things to do and see are covered in the next section!

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OMG the gelato – like anywhere in Italy it is fabulous. But here in Florence there seems to be a lot of fabulous plus!! I literally ate my way through the city (giving scant thought to my waistline).

Eating gelato is not necessarily an unusual thing to do. But making a tour of it – throwing in some attractions between gelatos probably is!

This is my ‘tour de gelato‘ (many received as hot tips from a local I was lucky enough to meet a couple of weeks before my visit). Some are well known and others are not. I highly recommend you try all kinds of flavors. I think the most unusual I tried was either lemon sage or black sesame!

1. Perche no! (Via dei Tavolini) This may ruin gelato for you forever because its so good – natural and delicious! Small and cute and authentic. Try the ginger or the lavender – or like me both of course! Absolutely beyond Yummy! Note the sizes are really generous too.

2. My Sugar Gelateria Artigianale (Via de Ginori) Asian fusion gelato – try the black sesame. You wont regret it – and it doesn’t sound sugary at all!! Its close to the Galleria dell Acadamia so you could try My Sugar before and La Gelateria (next on the list) after your visit!!

3. La Gelateria (Via de Ginori) Close to My Sugar – you are really going to get sugared up. But its worth it – truly! Try peanut, or, clementine and orange (my favorite here)! The classic strawberry is very fine too!

4. Antica Gelateria Fiorentina (Via Faenza) – its got a name and there may be a little queue. But its got a name for a reason. I didn’t have to wait for more than 2 minutes, and you are close to the Duomo so can wander on down and enjoy the architecture while you enjoy your gelato! Try the pistachio, or, dark chocolate and baci (hazelnut), or, the biscotti flavor – even better get a triple scoop!

5. Vivoli (Via Isola delle Stinche) – unfortunately insta-famous which means huge queues of tourists. And really they are going for the Affogato not the gelato. So go early or skip it altogether – but I had to include it to be complete. The affogato does look very cute and if you are not a coffee drinker (like me) they will do the equivalent with hot chocolate!

6. Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbetteria / Santa Maria Novella (Via dei Banchi) – now this is a great alternative to Vivoli for an affogato and without the hype and queues! It also has fabulous gelato – the pear flavor is scrumptious, as is the salted caramel!

7. Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbetteria / Santo Spirito (Piazza Torquato Tasso) – lemon and sage flavor anyone. Located in a lovely vibrant but local area this one is small but probably my favorite in that I was the only tourist there. That meant I could enjoy eating it in the little piazza while watching the locals doing their thing and enjoying the fact that I was enjoying their little local hang out.

8. Gelateria la Carraia – a good location on the corner of the Ponte alla Carraia – two bridges up (or down) from Ponte Vecchio. This is pretty popular and does the standards like fresa (strawberry) and stracciatella beautifully. But the chocolate mousse is (omg) beyond delicious! Even better, you can sit on the bridge watching the river flow by as you eat it! There is a sister La Carraia in Santa Croce gelateria on Via dei Benci as well – not so busy and equally yummy!

9. Edoardo il Gelato biologico Gelateria (Via de’ Guicciardini) – this one is on the way to the Palazzo Pitti so a nice before or after visit treat. They make their waffle cones right there in front of you. Try the cinnamon flavour – yum!

10. Gelateria Della Passera – a great location off the main drag and you have to try the award winning Monalisa flavour!! This was designed in homage to the most famous lady from Florence – Lisa Gherardini (better known as Mona Lisa). It contains only ingredients that Gherardini herself could have found in Florence at the time she was alive! History and yumminess in one! If you can’t eat nuts, try the pink grapefruit! Very yumm.

Do comment below if you find a gelateria you think should be in this list!

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Try fresa, lemon and sage, chocolate mousse…..yum!

…in English – wine windows!

This is so much fun – a wine laden treasure hunt!! Warning – you may meet other wine seekers ringing the bells at the windows and you may have entertaining conversations with them!

Wine windows started in the 1600s so that people could safely sell food and wine during the plague – there were hundreds apparently until they largely fell into disuse. However……many survived and some were revived into functional use during another plague.

Yes, covid – and now its unlikely they will disappear again!

There are plenty through the old city. You just have to keep you eyes peeled for the couple of hundred non functioning ones. But these are some of the ones open to visit and taste the local wares from!

Note: This has become a more popular thing to do and you can now take a tour to help you find the windows and hear stories and history as you go. This Florence Wine Windows walking tour with Food Options is no doubt a good idea!!

  1. Babae – a popular one which has a good selection including orange wine! You can also ring the bell to get an aperol spritz if that’s more your thing. Enjoy watching the world go by while you partake!
  2. Restorante Matteoni – a wine window tucked under the large windowsill and plants of this restaurant. Very authentic and the one close to the Officina Profumo (see no 3 in this list of unusual things to do in Florence).
  3. S-Malto Firenze – the window is used to sell beers as well as the pizzas and burgers they produce! Good for a hot or hungry afternoon!
  4. Osteria Belle Donne – has plants and two large wine bottles around the window making it hard to miss! This was the first window to reopen in 2019 with covid! (They do use plastic glasses which you might not appreciate but…..)
  5. Il Latini – there is a window by the entrance to this restaurant – get a wine while you wait! It was a bit cheaper than the others too.
  6. DiVin Boccone – this one has a different shape to the others and is in more of a local deli than a restaurant. You might need help from a local to spot it!
  7. Osteria dell’Orcangna – another lovely wooden window to get a wine near the Piazza della Signoria.
  8. Cantina dei Pucci – a good wine list by the glass and a nice outdoor area to sit in and enjoy – there may be a bit of a queue though!
  9. Vivoli – as mentioned above this place is insta-famous for its affogato and that’s what you are most likely to see in its wine window.
  10. Fishmood Modalità Pesce – get one of their famous fish sandwiches directly from their wine window! And a little bit of local history – Leonardo Da Vinci apparently used to buy his wine in this building!
  11. Ristorante Pietra Bianca – this place also has good old spritzes and also cocktails on the menu – fantastic!! Their bell is the best and they have outdoor seating to enjoy your purchase in!

What more can I say – a good hunt for the well preserved but non-functional windows, and plenty of great options for the real deal – wine in the window!

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Wine windows – affogato at Vivoli and see the bell and window at Matteoni

(via della Scala 16) The Officina Profumo was an absolute favorite for me and I whiled away some very pleasant time here finding out a bit more about the history of the place.

It is the first apothecary and perfumery in the world originally set up in 1221 by the monks of Santa Maria Novella who produced medieval medicines here at that time. Perfumes came a bit later, and the oldest fragrance they have is the Acqua della Regina (from 1533). It was Catherine de’ Medici’s wedding gift to her future husband, Henry II of Valois.

It is a very pretty place with beautiful decorations and of course smells quite pleasant. I was also impressed with the amount of men buying!! This is a known place but not so much a touristy place as it is a place for people buying the products. So its great to go and just enjoy the decor and the stories of the place. Try and get the (very knowledgeable) staff telling you more if they have time – its quite fascinating!

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The beautiful Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria

In the open-air Mercato Nuovo (full of tourist trappings – but on your way to Piazza della Signoria or Piazza del Duomo), there is an intriguing statue somewhat reminiscent of New York! A bronze wild boar – named Il Porcellino (or the Little Pig).

Pop a coin in his mouth. Rub his nose with your other hand, and release the coin into the grate below. This will bring you good luck – and a promise that you’ll return to Florence!! Of course it is completely true – but who doesn’t love a little ritual!!

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Rub the nose of Il Porcellino – the Little Pig!

The Cloister of the Scalzo offers more ancient art – beautiful frescos in grisaille (greys and browns) with scenes from the life of John the Baptist! Very few people here when I visited in the middle of the day! It is in an old cloister to a church that is long since gone. Open in the mornings only – and free.

What a stunner from the 1200s!! (My photos don’t do it justice.)

I inadvertently ended up in a service here at Santissima Annunziata di Firenze at about 6.45am – which is perfect time to start visiting all these places because everyone else seems to be in bed! I wandered into the midst of a service and then felt I couldn’t rudely interrupt again and wander out! So I sat down and just let it happen! A great decision as it was quite mesmerising!

Anyway it is nothing short of stunning – probably the most stunning in Florence with its very sumptuous baroque decor. There is a lot to see – including a painting of the Virgin Mary in the courtyard – supposed to be painted by an angel!

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The stunning interior of the Santissima Annunziata di Firenze

Carlo Collodi is buried in his family’s tomb in the Porte Sante Cemetery, behind the church of San Miniato al Monte. This is found just beyond the Piazzale Michelangelo, with the same great views of Florence. It’s a lovely place packed with beautiful statues, chapels and monumental graves – and not packed with people! You wont find many others in this somewhat unusual things to do in Florence – enjoy the peace!

Pop into the shop dedicated to Pinocchio found at Via Guicciardini 6r, between Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. You can buy Pinocchio models, marionettes, books, stuffed toys, t-shirts, bags and more – all you could want of Pinocchio!

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Fun wares in the Pinocchio shop!

Yes creepy but true – it sits in a glass coffin for all to see in the Dominican Church of San Marco! This church has beautiful art as well and is quite close by the Accademia Gallery. St Antonius was Archbishop of Florence who lived quite austerely and ministered during the plague of 1448, an earthquake in 1453, a cyclone in 1456, and then a famine as well apparently. What a survivor!

The Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia is a small space but with a real beauty inside! there were only two others when I was there, and for a short while, only me! Notable for Andrea del Castagno’s stunning Last Supper painted around 1450 – crazy right? Sit and enjoy! And its free!

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The Last Supper

Slightly gross!! Galileo Galilei was not considered so much of a famous scientist back in the day, but more of a heretic. He died under house arrest for daring to declare that the Earth revolved around the sun in the 1600s!! His body got moved around the countryside after his death and then people seemed to think it was a good idea to take bits of it – one being his finger which is mummified – and yes you can see it in the Museo Galileo!

The museum also has historic maps and navigational instruments and is the only place with any of the tools designed by Galileo. That makes it a bit more wholesome rather than just the grossest of the unusual things to do in Florence!!

The Stefano Bardini Museum is another underrated gem with a lack of crowds! The building alone is lovely and holds art and objects (once a private collection) collected from around the world in the late 1800s.

The Stibbert Museum is a niche 19th century museum, which includes a collection of medieval weapons and armour, set in 60 rooms in a villa in a large park. the park is full of statues, fake ruins and other romantic notions from the 1800s. Its another place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the key sites in the city – and take in some greenery! It is a bit out of town but impressive.

You can even try on a replica coat and helmet of the knights – feel the weight!

Make your way just off the beaten path to the San Frediano area. There you will find locals dining and the prices more sustainable for your wallet! If you wander you will also see many artisan workshops

For a funky cafe – with cool students and hip businessmen – and very good truffle pasta I might add – try La Cite on Borgo S Frediano.

And for a meal – especially a lunch sit at a table with locals – get straight to l’Brindellone (Piazza Piattellina 10). You will generally be sitting with others at a large table, the food is local, the others around you are local, and the set 3-course lunch menu for 12 euro (at the time of writing) is the best value local food you will get in this city!

Then you will find that Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbetteria is pretty close by too. Perfect!!

I was lucky – I happened to arrive at the Museo de Casa Martelli at just the right time with a tour – in Italian – about to start. I tried my best understanding with my Spanish knowledge but got terribly confused with some things! There was a contraption that caught peoples hands if they tried to break in. I had thought he said they cut off their hands!! Lucky there was an Italian guy translating for his girlfriend and he included me in!

Also very fascinating is a wig made of the actual hair of a high priest of some sort – and when they DNA’d it they found he had had nits!!! I mean this was a very posh noble house with a posh and noble high priest – and he had nits – ewwww.

The winter garden room is lovely!! Go if you can! (Only open Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning. )

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The Winter Garden room

Okay – alongside the unusual things to do in Florence, you probably want to do some of the usual things too. I am sure this Best of Florence Walking Tour in a Small Group is the best tour of the key key sights and do recommend this for the information the guide will share with you:

Here’s your must-do list!

The Uffizi is home to Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and works of Da Vinci. Its a place full of Renaissance art – and a key attraction in the city! If you are not into art – the decor of the rooms is quite impressive. Book on GetYourGuide or one of the options on Viator.

Where you will see the real Michelangelo’s 5-meter tall David. (See a replica for free in the original David’s position in the Piazza della Signoria.) This is a small museum – really just for David – but can get booked out way ahead on the museum site so try via GetYourGuide or one of these combo options on Viator.

Also known as the Florence Cathedral or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Featuring the Cupola (Bruneschelli’s Dome) – which has stunning views from the top. Its a beautiful building just to look at from the outside too. Come early to do that in peace!

Inside the interior of the dome is the central focus and very stunning but otherwise may be a little disappointing unless you get the gen on a skip the line tour (worth it just to skip the line let alone the info you learn). Note – the Cripta di Santa Reparata (Crypt of Santa Reparata) is also inside the Duomo and quite interesting to see.

To climb the dome for the view you must book ahead and I recommend a combo tour with either via GetYourGuide or Viator! Check 4. below as well before making a choice.

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Florence Cathedral or the Duomo in Florence

This bell tower also has fabulous views over Florence and is a good alternative, or add on, to the Cupola does, because it also gives you an iconic view of the Dome itself! Once again, book ahead – use a combo with GetYourGuide or Viator!

This is right next to the Duomo with a perfectly matching exterior. But don’t just look – do go inside and see the stunning golden Byzantine-style mosaics all the way to the ceiling! I can recommend this Florence Duomo Complex Private Guided Tour where you will visit the Baptistry as well as the Duomo!

This museum has all the original works of the Duomo and the history of the place – I was told its worth visiting before the Duomo itself if you are a museum and history person. I can’t honestly comment because I am not, and didn’t visit. Oops!

This is one of the main squares in Florence. It has a colorful merry-go-round to note and the Colonna della Dovizia (Column of Abundance) which has a statue on top – of abundance! This is also where two major Roman roads intersected when this was the center of Florence (in Roman times). Its a nice open square and worth a look as you walk around the city.

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Piazza della Repubblica or the Square of the Republic in Florence

The Basilica is in a beautiful space with the buildings surrounding it. But it is famous for a tomb within – that of Michelangelo no less! There are also plenty of other elaborate tombs of many of Italy’s great thinkers and artists. Probably more interesting than the Duomo! I went on this excellent tour but this Basilica Private Tour is also highly rated!

The Palazzo Vecchio was originally Florence’s city hall but its now a museum – complete with an impressive medieval facade and tower. It apparently has a great view of the Duomo – but I only looked from the outside and enjoyed the architecture.

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Copy of David in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence

Yet another main square in Florence, the Piazza della Signoria is very impressive! Don’t miss the Nettuno (Neptune) fountain, the copy of David (in its original location in front of the Palazzo Vecchio), and Loggia de Lanzi with all its impressive sculptures you’d expect to see inside a museum! Its a vibrant interesting part of the city and not to be missed!

This is one of the iconic sites and sights of Florence, with it’s cute shops hanging off the bridge over the Amo River. It’s the oldest bridge in Florence and like a mini city in itself!

Its very very busy when the shops are open, but much quieter early in the morning when they are closed. However, you kind of need to go when busy to get the real feel of it! For a good view of the Ponte Vecchio, walk over the Ponte Santa Trinita just one bridge down!

Note – a tour of the city can be a good way to make sure you see all these last few sights – especially if you are limited for time. Take the Best of Florence Walking Tour in a Small Group. Other fun options are a highly rated rickshaw tour, a golf cart or tuktuk tour, an e-bike tour or this untold bike tour, or a night walking tour.

The Vasari Corridor only opened to the public relatively recently. Its an ancient secret passageway that was built in 1565 to allow the Medici family to travel safely and privately between their government headquarters (Palazzo Vecchio) and their private residence (Palazzo Pitti) across the River Arno! You enter the corridor from the first floor of the Uffizi Gallery and then walk across the Arno River on the inside of the Ponte Vecchio bridge – imagine yourself back in the 1500s!

You can buy a combination ticket with a ticket to the Uffizi. Book the Unlock the Uffizi: Guided Tour + Secret Vasari Access Option.

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Bridges across the Arno river – including the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) in Florence

Palazzo Pitti is the one time home of the Medici’s. It is partly an art gallery and partly a historical museum, and the decor is definitely memorable – plus its cool to think of them living here! Book a skip the line guided tour of the of the Palatine Gallery on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Also worth considering is a Medici walking tour – its a great way of learning some fascinating history painlessly!

The Biboli Gardens were created in the 16th century over 11 acres next to the Palazzo Pitti (the home of the Medici clan). They are a great place to take some quiet time out and enjoy some (formal) greenery and flowers.

Don’t miss the Buontalenti Grotta – a large grotto in the gardens. Book a GetYourGuide combo ticket with the Palazzo Pitti.
Note your ticket also gives you entry in the smaller but lovely Bardini Gardens that are less crowded, and have beautiful views over Florence.

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A statue in Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo

The Piazzale Michelangelo has great panoramic city views (see the feature picture) but can be very crowded and ‘touristy’ – especially at sunset.

Don’t let that put you off – you can find a quieter spot near the edges or just below the piazza!

Better still carry on up to San Miniato al Monte for a much much quieter view. (And see the unusual things to do (above) to find the tomb of Pinocchio’s author up here.)

This market is the place for leather shopping – and its interesting just for a wander and people watching. Its also great if you like haggling for a leather ‘bargain!’ Its right beside the Mercato Centrale (Central Market) which is full of food and also worth a wander!

The Cappelle Medicee is part of the Basilica di San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Church). It was the Medici family’s official church and family tomb. For me it was all about the Chapel of the Princes with its incredible marble and precious stone works.
If you are intrigued by the Medici’s (like me) definitely go on a tour. I really enjoyed this one.

On your way to Piazzale Michelangelo, stop off at this (free) garden and enjoy the views over the city and the approximately 400 types of roses. There will probably be quite a few young locals as well enjoying the garden and views!

While you’re in the heart of Tuscany, you really should try some local dishes. If you are not sure where to start, then its easy to do on a Tuscany Wine & Food Tour or any other local food tour.

You can also go and have a meal with a local in their home with eatwith. Check out these great eatwith options (you will have trouble choosing one)!

At the least, do take me up on my tips on where to eat (no 14 in the unusual things to do above)!

Yes – why not while you are here? Book a class and have some fun! You can have unlimited wine and pasta and tiramisu making or maybe pasta making and dinner!
(I wasn’t sure if this should be in the Unusual things to do in Florence, or here tbh!)

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Under the Duomo’s cupola!

Q: When is the best time to go to Florence?
A: Spring or fall would be best – not too cold but not too crowded either! In summer it is very hot and crowded. Winter can be good too – but check opening hours of attractions as they can be shorter in winter.

Q: How many days do I need in Florence?
A: A minimum of two days but 3 or 4 days would be better depending on how much time you want to spend at each attraction!

Q: Is Florence walkable?
A: Yes very walkable for the main attractions – they are all in a relatively small area.

Q: What are the must-see attractions in Florence?
A: The top highlights include:

  • Florence Cathedral (Duomo) – iconic dome by Filippo Brunelleschi
  • Uffizi Gallery – masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli
  • Accademia Gallery – home of David
  • Ponte Vecchio – historic bridge with shops
  • Piazza della Signoria – open-air sculpture gallery

But do look at my unusual things to do in Florence too!

Its going to be more expensive in the heart of the Old City but to me it is worth it! All these hotels are in that area and all have ratings over over 9/10 – so should be good to go.

For absolute luxury – Michelin starred restaurant, perfect views of Ponte Vecchio, amazing views from the top deck, and the like then Hotel Lungarno is hard to beat!

In the mid – high range experience try the Arte’ Boutique Hotel, or to be in a historic building try the Peruzzi Urban Residences

For a mid range stay, try Palazzo Bianca Cappello Residenza d’Epoca, or Palazzo Ridolfi – Residenza d’Epoca, or the more affordable Antica Dimora De’ Benci

And for a good hostel experience (that’s me) I stayed in Yellow Square Florence and think it is probably as good as you will get in the city! Or you could try Aparto Florence Manifattura which rates highly as well.

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Comments (2)

  • William

    July 1, 2026 at 5:42 pm

    I was delighted to find your site and the out-of-the-way places worth visiting in Florence – I am planning my third tour of this amazing city.
    I beg to differ regarding the opening of the Vasari Corridor, I toured the corridor in 2017, starting with a climb down marble steps from the Uffizi Gallery. I remember the corridor had opened to the public only a few short years prior to 2017 (too much grey matter has passed the way of the dinosaurs to remember the exact year).

    1. Sydney

      July 3, 2026 at 11:15 am

      Thanks for the response – it is an amazing place. it is good to hear about the Vasari Corridor too. I will update this post so thank you. And I hope you really enjoy your next trip! 🙂

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