Travel

9 Things To Do In Florence Off The Beaten Path

Florence welcomes millions of tourists every year to explore its wonderful history and culture. These unique things to do in Florence off the beaten path give you the true Italian experience, not many tourists know about.

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Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, which is known for its great wineries and beautiful Renaissance architecture. It has many famous attractions but here you will learn about more unique places in Florence off the beaten path.

Florence is definitely one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Florence is known for some major attractions like the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, Ponte Vecchio, and more. But what about the hidden gems in Florence?

This post will show you all of the hidden gems in Florence, and things to do in Florence off the beaten path like visiting the Opera Duomo Museum, Scuola del Cuoio, leather markets, and so much more.

This post is all about things to do in Florence off the beaten path.

Best Things To Do In Florence Off The Beaten Path

Hidden Gems In Florence

1. Opera Duomo Museum

The Opera Duomo Museum is a world-famous museum to this day. The museum was built in 1891 and later went through a major renovation in 2015. This one-of-a-kind museum covers about 6000 square meters over 3 floors and 28 rooms. The Opera Duomo Museum is known for containing original masterpieces from Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Donatello, and many more.

Within the museum, you will be able to see over 750 pieces of artwork. Some of these pieces of art include the well-known Ghirberti’s Gates of Paradise and Michelangelo’s Florentine Pieta which is Michelangelo’s last, unfinished sculpture. Also, Donatello’s Penitent Magdalene is a beautiful life-size carving of Mary Magdalene and so much more.

2. The San Marco Museum

The San Marco Museum is a former monastery in Florence, but now it s a famous museum and art gallery. This museum is filled with paintings, art sculptures, and frescoes by the talented artists of Florence. San Marco was the first Renaissance Covent in Florence. It was rebuilt by the famous architect Michelozzo.

Some parts of the museum include The Cloister which is one of the main parts of the museum. The walls here are decorated with Fra Angelico frescoes and also have a garden to add to the calming atmosphere. There is also The Chapter House which hosts a famous bell that was made by Donatello and Michelangelo. The Michelozzo Library is another part of this museum and it’s the first public library of the Renaissance. There is so much more that this museum has to offer and is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Florence.

Shopping In Florence Off The Beaten Path

3. Scuola del Cuoio

Scuola del Cuoio is a world-famous leather-making school in Florence. Florence is famous for producing leather goods and for their endless leather markets. Located in the center of Florence, the Scuola del Cuoio offers leather crafting workshops to teach you to make one-of-a-kind leather bags.

This Scuola del Cuoio also has a shop that sells all the goods that are made there. Although the leather goods arent cheap you will know that the leather and quality of the work is top notch.

4. Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy (Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella)

The Sanat Maria Novella Pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world and it is located right in Florence, Italy. Although this is not an actual pharmacy it is where Dominican monks experimented with herbs to heal people. There is also a museum here where visitors can see original pharmaceutical items used in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Back in the 16th century, Catherine de Medici (Queen of France) had the Dominican monks create a perfume in her honor. This perfume was called “Eau de la Reine” and it was the first time alcohol was used in the making of a perfume.

Now if you were to visit the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy you could buy luxury products like perfumes, hand soaps, body soaps, skincare, and more.

5. Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is also known as the “Old Bridge” and it is a famous site in Florence because it is the only bridge in Florence still standing after World War II. And in fact, it is the oldest stone bridge in Europe.

Now you can walk the Ponte Vecchio and do some shopping and sightseeing. There are lots of different types of shopping here like antique shops, art collectors/ sellers, and jewelry. Ponte Vecchio is known for selling gold jewelry. Here you will find gold for great value, with the most professional craftsmanship.

There is no place better to buy gold in Italy other than Ponte Vecchio. While here shopping be sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery Florence has to offer.

Art In Florence

6. Clet’s Street Art

A one-of-a-kind hidden gem of Florence is the traffic sign art pieces by Clet. Clet is a French artist who turns regular street signs into unique works of art. These street signs can be found mainly in Florence but also all over the world. Clet also has an art studio located in Florence. So when strolling through Florence keep your eyes peeled for these unique works of art.

Other Unusual Things To Do In Florence Off The Beaten Path

7. Eat Florentine Steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina)

Florence is known for having the best Florentine steak also known as “bistecca alla Fiorentina“. This steak is a large t-bone cut that weighs on average 3 pounds to 8 pounds. It is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and butter. Traditionally it is cooked over roasted chestnuts to give it a unique flavor

This type of steak is usually cooked over a flame to give it a charred exterior and the inside is cooked only a few minutes per side and has a bright pink center (cooked either rare or medium-rare at most). Enjoy this delicious steak with a fine red wine like Chianti from the Tuscan region.

8. Eat Italian Gelato

Italy is also famous for its very tasty gelato. Gelato is very similar to American ice cream, the difference is that gelato contains more air than ice cream making it lighter in texture. Gelato has many flavors ranging from fruit flavors, to nut flavors, to chocolate flavors, and many more. There is a flavor for everyone. While in Florence be sure to get some delicious gelato at the “Gelateria La Carraia” while enjoying the beautiful views of Ponte Vecchio or walking along the Arno river.

9. Leather Markets

Florence is famous for producing large quantities of quality leather goods. Florence has a lot of land that is used to raise cattle which is where they get their leather from. And the Arno River provides plenty of water which is used in the leather tanning process.

Florence is filled with leather markets all around the city and you can find great deals on all leather goods here. You can get anything from leather wallets to large totes, to duffel bags, to small purses, belts, jackets, boots, and so much more, and all for a very affordable price.

What To Do Near Florence?

Tuscany Wineries – Tuscan wine tours are a must-do while visiting Florence. Located only 20 miles from Florence, Tuscany is home to over 400 wineries and is known as one of the most famous wine regions in Europe. The main wine-growing areas in Tuscany are Chianti, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. Tuscany wine tours are similar to the ones in North America and Australia, they give you a history of the wines and vineyards, do food pairings with wine, and of course, you get to try many delicious wines.

Where To Stay In Florence?

There are so many great places to stay in Florence. Some of these places are the Florence Feel Apartment. This luxurious apartment offers a kitchenette, washing machine, safety deposit box, and wifi, and is also located right in the center of Florence. This is an excellent apartment accommodation in the city.

Another great place to stay in Florence is the Hotel Leonardo da Vinci. This hotel has classic rooms, a buffet-style American breakfast, and also has a great location.

One more recommendation for accommodation while in Florence is the Hotel Roma. The rooms have a classic design, classy furnishings, wooden furniture, and a marble bathroom. Hotel Roma also has amazing views of Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Church.