Instant Expert - 10 Secret Spots in Florence
Florence, the heart of Italy’s Renaissance, is a city of art, history, and romance. While many visitors flock to the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, there are hidden treasures and local secrets that can make your experience truly unforgettable. If you want to see Florence like an insider, here are ten secrets you should know.
1. Climb the Tower No One Talks About
Everyone knows about climbing the Duomo’s dome, but for a quieter (and just as breathtaking) view, head to the Torre di Arnolfo at Palazzo Vecchio. It’s cheaper, less crowded, and offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of Florence’s rooftops.
2. The Best Time to See Michelangelo’s David
The Accademia Gallery gets packed with tourists eager to see Michelangelo’s David. Want to avoid the crowds? Visit on weekday evenings when the museum stays open late. Alternatively, go right before closing—most visitors have left, giving you a more intimate experience.
3. Florence’s Secret Wine Windows
Scattered throughout Florence are tiny, medieval “wine windows” (buchette del vino), once used by noble families to sell wine directly to locals. Today, a few have been revived—stop by Babae to sip wine the old-fashioned way.
4. A Hidden Art Treasure in a Church Courtyard
Most people visit Santa Maria Novella for its grand interior, but few know that just outside, in the Green Cloister, is a stunning fresco cycle by Paolo Uccello. The Scenes from Genesis are vibrant and beautifully preserved, yet often overlooked.
5. Avoid the Crowds at Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is the go-to spot for sunset views, but for a quieter alternative, hike a little further up to San Miniato al Monte. Not only is the view better, but you can also catch the monks performing Gregorian chants in the evening—a magical experience.
6. The Best Street Food You’re Not Ordering
Forget gelato for a moment—locals swear by lampredotto, a Florentine street food classic made from slow-cooked tripe. It might not sound appealing at first, but trust us, a sandwich from Da Nerbone in the Mercato Centrale is a must-try.
7. Florence’s Secret Underground World
Beneath the city lies a network of tunnels, crypts, and ancient ruins. While many remain off-limits, you can get a glimpse of Florence’s hidden past by visiting the excavations under the Duomo, where Roman and medieval structures still lie beneath the cathedral.
8. A Hidden Perfume Workshop
Florence has a long history of perfumery, and one of its best-kept secrets is Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This 800-year-old pharmacy still produces perfumes, soaps, and herbal remedies using ancient recipes. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
9. Where to Find the Real Last Supper
Everyone knows Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan, but Florence has a stunning version by Ghirlandaio inside the San Marco Convent. The fresco is beautifully preserved and far less crowded than its Milanese counterpart.
10. A Quiet Escape Just Outside the City
If you need a break from Florence’s busy streets, hop on a short bus ride to Fiesole, a charming hilltop town with Roman ruins, stunning countryside views, and a fraction of the tourists. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of Chianti while overlooking Florence from above.
Final Thoughts
Florence is a city full of wonders, but its best secrets lie beyond the usual tourist spots. Whether you’re sipping wine from a medieval window, discovering hidden art, or climbing a tower no one talks about, these insider tips will help you experience Florence like a true local.
