Hidden Gems in Florence: How To Get off the Beaten Path

Start your Florence off-the-beaten-path itinerary with a visit to the Stibbert Museum, curated by 19th-century antique collector Frederick Stibbert. For the last 50 years of his life, Stibbert converted his villa on the northern edge of Florence into a museum to house the unusual treasures he’d accumulated on his world travels. Among the nearly 50,000 objects showcased are Napoleonic costumes, an Egyptian temple, and a vast collection of Japanese armor. If you’ve already taken an art tour—a staple of most Florence trips—this museum can be a fun palate cleanser, offering something a little different.

The Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood has all sorts of alternative Florence experiences and attractions, including the oft-overlooked Great Synagogue of Florence (Tempio Maggiore). With a soaring green dome and a lovely white and pink stone exterior, this 19th-century structure nearly steals the show from other mainstays on the Florence skyline. That said, don’t miss the Moresque interior, with its shimmering mosaics, stained glass windows, and a Jewish history museum. A scenic bike tour can be a great way to stop by the synagogue while exploring Florence’s historic streets.

Cross the bustling Ponte Vecchio from the northern side of Florence to Oltrarno—known as “the other side of the Arno River”—where the city’s culture of traditional craftsmanship lives on. Just northeast of the Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) are quaint streets lined with artisans: jewelers, woodworkers, painters, printmakers, and more. Stroll along Via dei Velluti, Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti, and the surrounding streets to find souvenirs created by artisans who have specialized in their craft for generations. If you're short on time, consider joining a walking tour to pass through Oltrarno, which can be a great way to get your bearings if you’re new to the city.

While many travelers bargain for leather at the San Lorenzo Market (Mercato di San Lorenzo) or pick up multicolored pasta from the Florence Central Market (Mercato Centrale), there are plenty less-touristy spots in Florence to find souvenirs. Food lovers shouldn’t miss the Sant’Ambrogio Market (Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio), a Florentine favorite for suitcase-friendly finds, such as parmesan, cured meats, and jarred sauces. Or try La Fierucola, a sustainable market selling everything from handmade ceramics to top-tier honey and olive oil, which runs on the second or third Sunday of the month. If you get a taste for local delicacies, you can even sign up for a cooking class and learn how to make classic Tuscan dishes or Italian staples.

Tucked away in the Oltrarno’s unassuming Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, the Brancacci Chapel (Cappella Brancacci) is among the best hidden gems in Florence. Artists Masolino, Masaccio, and Filippino Lippi all contributed to the chapel’s St. Peter-themed fresco cycle in the 1400s, but it’s the work of the young Masaccio that often brings art lovers here—his masterful perspective and realism influenced later Renaissance masters, including Michelangelo.

Insider tip: If you’re a Michelangelo fan, you can combine a visit here with a far more popular Florentine landmark: Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia). If you are planning to visit Accademia, consider skip-the-line tickets for convenience.

Exploring Florence off the tourist trail doesn’t always mean leaving the city center—plenty of lesser-known attractions are hidden in plain sight. Case in point: Opificio Delle Pietre Dure, a working laboratory and museum which houses a variety of painting-like pieces made from semi-precious stones or pietre dure. Located around the corner from the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia), this workshop of wonders was first founded by the Medici family in the 16th century and today showcases pieces from their art collection, as well as offering insight into this impressive art form.

Insider tip: Visit Opificio Delle Pietre Dure for free with a Florence City Pass, which also includes entry to many other city highlights.

The steep, meandering Costa San Giorgio leads to many secret attractions in Florence, and Forte di Belvedere is one of the most impressive. Well worth the short hike from Ponte Vecchio, this 16th-century fortress was built to protect Florence from attacks and safeguard the Medici family’s precious possessions. The site now serves as an exhibition space and café, while its spacious terrace offers spectacular views of Florence, which rival those found at Piazzale Michelangelo—without the latter’s typical crowds.

Insider tip: Forte di Belvedere is only open in the summer from June to September. Head to the nearby Bardini Gardens (Giardino Bardini) for similar sweeping views if you’re visiting at other times of the year.

Ospedale degli Innocenti cared for thousands of children during its 600-year history; many were abandoned anonymously at the orphanage’s revolving door entrance, which you can still see along with medals, ribbons, and other identification objects left with the children. Parts of the museum focus on the orphanage’s history, while others display Renaissance artwork donated to the institution, including pieces by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and even artists who grew up at the Innocenti. Designed by Brunelleschi, the building itself is a work of art, and the rooftop café has some of the best views in town.

While tourist-focused restaurants tout their bistecca alla Fiorentina, there’s nothing more truly Florentine than lampredotto. Made from abomasum, or the fourth stomach of a cow, this cut of beef is only found in the cradle of the Renaissance, where it’s boiled with aromatics and served in a sandwich that’s dipped in broth and slathered in salsa verde and chili oil. Try it on a food tour, or ask a Florentine where to find their favorite lampredotto stand—they’ll likely direct you to a kiosk in a residential neighborhood, which may be perfect for an exploratory walk after your easy, five-euro meal.

Related: 9 Quintessentially Florentine Dishes and Where To Eat Them in Florence