10 Unusual Things To Do In Florence You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

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If there’s one city in the world that I would return to a thousand times over, it would undoubtedly be Firenze! Where artists once roamed, and culture is ingrained into every building crevice. This place has my absolute heart. 

Upon the first few visits, I did check out some of the city’s major tourist attractions, but each time I return, I uncover something new. Plus, there is just so much to discover here, it’s impossible to sightsee everything in a few days. You’d need years to find all the secrets of Florence!

Read more: Here is my Ultimate 1 Day Florence Itinerary: A Local Guide For First Timer Visitors

Whether it’s your first time or fifth, and you’re wondering what some of the more unusual things to do in Florence are, use this list to get you going! Bet you never heard of some of these spots – wink, wink.  

1. Giardino delle Rose: For the romantics 

Views, live music sessions, and with over 400 different rose varieties in bloom, Giardino delle Rose is a wonderful little garden to escape the crowds of Florence. It’s also a lovely alternative to typical viewpoints, like Piazzale Michelangelo, where there are just so many people around. 

Meandering around, keep your eyes open for 10 bronze statues (by the Belgian artist and sculptor, Jean-Michel Folon), like the sleeping cat. 

They say the best time to visit the rose garden is in May, when the roses are in full bloom. The scented smells as you walk through are just incredible. 

2. Sant’Ambrogio Market: The best local produce  

I LOVE MARKETS. Whether talking food or knick-knack-related, I’m the queen of markets. I stumbled upon the Sant’Ambrogio Market by chance, as I was staying literally two minutes away. Later on, whilst chatting to locals, I learned that this is where the locals come to shop instead of the main Mercato Central. 

Whilst definitely not nearly as big as the central market, the produce within is incredible. The market is divided into various sections. For example, all the vendors selling seafood are on one side. The others for cheese and meats on the other end. All of the fresh produce is found in the outside area. 

I picked up a stick of the yummiest Italian salami I have ever eaten here. And went back later to buy sticks of the cured meat for my family back home. We got ingredients here to make pasta back at our stay, as well as for picnics. I also stopped at its deli for more souvenirs like truffle oil. We had lunch at the restaurant in the middle – super affordable, and super local. 

If you’re visiting during Spring or Summer, one of my favorite things to do in Florence is pick up some goodies at the market and have a picnic by the River!

P.S. Behind the market (as if heading away from the Duomo if you can imagine that), is a vintage market (open on Saturdays) filled with amazing antique finds and treasures, including designer labels! 

3. Museo del Gioiello: Admire or make your own jewels 

It’s literally impossible to list the unusual things to do in Florence and not include any museums! Firstly, this city is laden with them, about 72 of them! Secondly, not all of them are your typical tourist spots! Just like Museo del Gioiello, or better known in English as the Jewelry Museum!

Headed up by atelier Alessandro Dari, it includes his own pieces (which are so incredibly unique, you feel inspired in every way) as well as those by other aspiring jewelers and artists.

With the master guiding the way, you can also join one of his jewelry-making workshops! 

Does this sound like your kind of vibe? I’m also a little obsessed with these custom jewelry classes in Florence, too. 

4. Le Murate: A former prison

From a convent to a prison to a lively Florentine square, Le Murate plaza contains a lot of history within its grounds. 

Florence is blessed with an abundance of places to eat and drink, whether it’s a cafe or a wine bar. But if you’re looking for something unique, then opt for this one. Around the square is the vibey Caffè Letterario Le Murate, which is a lovely spot for brunch, aperitifs, or dinner. 

Local Insighter Tip: Uncover the city’s coolest nightlife spots here. 

They also host various cultural events, and those centered on art. Check its socials to see the latest happenings, like live music events, book signings, silent discos, and parties in the square.   

5. Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: Since 1221

I swear in a past life, I was a witch. Do with that information what you will…But the idea of walking into a herbalist shop, you know, the old-school apothecary kind, drives me wild! Bottles of elixirs lining the shelves. Faded yellow labels transporting you to yesteryears.

Now, at Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica, although it does dub itself as a perfumery, it feels very much like the above. This enchanting perfumery is over 800 years old! And apart from the perfumes and body care products, it also stocks the herbal kind, including elixirs! It’s one of the most unusual things to do in Florence (for obvious reasons). 

Every fragrance is unique. For something extra special, buy a bottle of Acqua della Regina. The shop’s oldest perfume (concocted in 1533) was a wedding gift for Catherine de’ Medici for her future husband! Their potpuris are sold in handcrafted old-school terracotta jars, or purchase a wax tablet laid with dried herbs and flowers. 

6. Stibbert Museum: Medieval vibes 

Not only is Florence the City of the Renaissance, but along with this title comes a world of all-things medieval related. That’s because the Renaissance period and medieval times both crossed timelines in Firenze, and much of what you see today dates to these eras. 

Did you know that all of Tuscany is a medieval wonderland? Dive into my 5-day Tuscan itinerary and discover some of it for yourself. 

Add the Stibbert Museum to your agenda of the unusual things to do in Florence ASAP! I promise you, even if you never thought you were interested in anything medieval, this institute will change your mind. Plus, I feel like if you’ve chosen Florence, you kind of are here for the cultural pursuits and history -curious antics. 

Another cool thing about this museum is that the displays and collections aren’t just reserved for Italian/European ware. Collections include European, Islamic, and Japanese Armoury, Paintings, Ceramics, and Costumes (my favorite part). 

You’ll definetely want to save time and prebook tickets to the Stibbert Museum here. 

7. Fontana del Porcellino: Bring your coins for luck 

Now, the Fontana del Porcellino may not be a massive museum, place of interest, or an activity that will take hours, but once I learned of this statue, and the fortune/luck-bringing story behind it, I was honestly so sad I didn’t know of it the last few times I visited the city. 

For this reason, it’s definitely going onto my bucket list of unusual things to do in Florence the next time I am in my favorite city in the world! So, what’s the deal? It’s believed that this bronze statue of a wild boar brings good fortune. 

But first, you have to rub its nose and have a coin in your hand. You put the coin into its mouth. Below the statue is an iron grate. The mythical story goes that if your coin falls from its mouth and INTO the grate, you will have good luck and definitely visit Florence again. 

8. La Specola Museum: Oldest in Europe 

Introducing the oldest scientific museum in all of Europe: Museo La Specola! That is pretty darn impressive if you ask me! Wow. 

Established in 1775, its collections have been building for hundreds of years. 

Exhibitions to see here include ‘Zoology,’ ‘Anatomical Waxes,’ ‘Tribuna di Galileo,’ ‘Skeletons Hall,’ and ‘Torrino.’ The museum also recently added two new exhibitions to its existing collections: ‘Mineralogy’ and ‘Art and Science: educational models.’ You can also find guided museum tours. 

9. Palazzo Davanzati: 14th-century interiors 

Originally built circa the 14th century for the Davizzi family, this former palace has been turned into a living museum! As an art nerd, I love anything that showcases realness and objects, whether it be art, furniture, or clothing, as it has been preserved for hundreds of years. 

Every room within Palazzo Davanti is a living art piece! Organise entrance tickets beforehand so you don’t have to worry about it on the day. 

There are many rooms to explore, where the space is kept as-is, with furniture, decor, and everything. Room examples include the Master Room, Audience Room, Parrot Room, Peacock Room, Bathroom, Water Closet, and the Bedroom of the Landlady. 

10. Seletti Store Firenze: Stuff you don’t need, but do! 

I have no shame in admitting that I am a self-professed shopaholic. Shame, my poor husband. But hey, I work hard, which means I get to play hard. When I stumbled upon the ultra-fab Seletti Store, I immediately HAD to go inside–no-brainer. 

It’s filled with cool…I’ll let you fill in the blank, of which a lot of their designs and memorabilia claim this very tagline. 

I love how different and imaginative the goods in this shop are (like the chewing gum lamp), and they really personify the essence of Florence in all its glory through its design. Interior design freaks, you’ll have a field day! Their hybrid vases…I need one! 

Now that I have covered the unusual things to do in Florence, how about the food-related pursuits? Brunchers, here are my all-time favorite cafes in the city. For more of the restaurant-y vibes, here are 12 amazing restaurants in Florence! 

Wondering if the city has plant-based restaurant options? You bet! Craving pasta? Got you covered. Here is where to find the best pasta in Florence. And lastly, if you’re all about the street food, here are not-to-miss bites! 

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