10 Hidden Gems in Florence (Local Secrets You’ll Love), Italy
Europe, Florence, Places to Visit in Italy, Read About Can't Miss Places

10 Hidden Gems in Florence Italy (Local Secrets You’ll Love)

Amy French the Roaming Historian

Florence is one of my favorite cities in the world…and the place I spend more time than anywhere else outside my home. After multiple extended stays, a friend once asked me, “What do you even do there every day?”

As I answered her, I realized that I had a blog in the making.

Yes, the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia Gallery are essential, but if you have a little more time I suggest uncovering some of Florence’s more secret places.

This guide to the best hidden gems in Florence, Italy highlights places I return to again and again—spots where you can experience Renaissance art, local life, and fascinating history without the crowds.

10 Hidden Gems of Florence

  1. Palazzo Davanzati: A perfectly preserved 14th-century townhouse that offers an intimate look at how wealthy Renaissance families lived, featuring original frescoes and furniture.
  2. L’Ospedale degli Innocenti: Known as Europe’s first orphanage, this site tells a moving story of social history and features architecture by Filippo Brunelleschi. There’s also a neat café upstairs and a gallery of 28 frescoes, dating from the 13th to 18th centuries, that were restored after the flood of 1966.
  3. Sant’Ambrogio Market: A vibrant, authentic local market where Florentines shop daily for fresh ingredients, offering a genuine glimpse into local life. There is a flea market/produce market outside and inside the market are butchers, bakers, pasta makers, and other types of food stalls, including some delicious takeaway places.
  4. Museo di San Marco: The Museo di San Marco is a former Dominican convent best known for its serene frescoes by Fra Angelico, who lived and worked there in the 15th century. As you move through the monks’ cells and quiet corridors, you experience Renaissance art in its original spiritual setting, making it an intimate and reflective experience.
  5. San Martino Chapel: The Oratorio dei Buonomini di San Martino is a historic, tiny, chapel known for its richly detailed frescoes depicting the life of Saint Martin. Tucked within a quieter corner of Florence, this 15th century chapel offers a more intimate encounter with Renaissance storytelling through art. The oratory raised funds for the poor, and a candle was placed outside when funds were depleted. You can view the oratory for free…and there is still a donation box inside.
  6. Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti: The Chiesa di San Salvatore in Ognissanti dates to the 13th century and is a treasure trove of Renaissance art, including works by masters like Sandro Botticelli, who is also buried here. Visitors can see frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio, including his evocative “Last Supper” in the former refectory, offering a quieter but deeply moving alternative to more famous depictions. The church’s layered history and artistic richness make it a rewarding stop. If you want to see Ghirlandaio’s “Last Supper” (and trust me you do), you can stop by a tourist office for a schedule of when it’s open (usually a couple of times a month). The church is open regularly though (no cost for either).
  7. Casa di Buonarroti: The Casa Buonarroti is a 16th-century palazzo once owned by the family of Michelangelo Buonarroti and later transformed into a museum celebrating his legacy. Inside, you can admire early works like the “Madonna of the Stairs” and “Battle of the Centaurs,” along with drawings and personal artifacts that offer insight into his artistic development. Though Michelangelo himself never lived here, the house provides an intimate look at his life and influence.
  8. Museo Ferragamo: The Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is dedicated to the life and work of Salvatore Ferragamo, the visionary shoemaker who dressed Hollywood stars and global icons. Housed in the elegant Palazzo Spini Feroni, the museum showcases iconic footwear, innovative designs, and rotating exhibitions on fashion and craftsmanship. I’ve seen some fascinating exhibits over the years showcasing Italian style. And, if you like Ferragamo, the fashion house is in the main part of the palazzo, so you can pick up a bag, scarf, or shoes.
  9. Bargello Museum: A former prison that now holds an impressive collection of Renaissance sculpture, including works by Donatello and Michelangelo. Besides fabulous statues, there is also period frescoes, coins, ceramics, and other magnificent works of art. The building alone is something to see.
  10. Orsanmichele Complex: Orsanmichele began in the 14th century as a grain market before being transformed into a unique guild church, where Florence’s powerful trade guilds each sponsored elaborate niches on the exterior. Today, its museum houses the original sculptures that once filled those niches, including masterpieces by Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Andrea del Verrocchio. The church is my favorite place though! There you will see beautiful frescoes, a tabernacle by Orcagna, a Madonna by Daddi, and much more.

I had a really difficult time creating this list, because I think there are a lot of excellent places that the average traveler to Florence doesn’t see. I tried to think of places that are generally quite empty when I visit. The following bonus sites aren’t exactly hidden but also aren’t completely on the normal tourist route.

  1. Medici Chapels/Laurentian Library: The extravagant burial place of the Medici family, home to powerful and dramatic sculptures by Michelangelo. If you have time, check out the Laurentian Library nearby the chapels. Michelangelo designed the gorgeous staircase inside and you will see a magnificent Renaissance library. There are generally some historic books on display, too.
  2. Galileo Museum: A fascinating science museum showcasing over a thousand historical instruments, including Galileo’s actual telescopes and even one of his fingers preserved in a display case.
  3. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: A museum that houses the original works from the Cathedral, including Donatello’s haunting statue of Mary Magdalene and Lorenzo Ghiberti’s original ‘Gates of Paradise’.
  4. Brancacci Chapel: Often called the ‘Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance,’ it features revolutionary frescoes by Masaccio that influenced the course of Western art.
  5. La Farmacia Santa Maria Novella: One of the oldest pharmacies in the world, once run by Dominican friars, where you can still purchase perfumes and balms based on centuries-old recipes. The building has a gorgeous frescoed chapel and is a place to visit for the history even if beauty products aren’t up your alley. Not nearly “hidden,” this pharmacy can get very busy.
  6. La Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School): Located near Santa Croce, this workshop has been training orphans in the trade of leather craftsmanship since World War II. They make gorgeous handbags, leather jackets, and various leather products. When I want high-quality leather, this is where I go.

How to Experience Florence’s Hidden Gems (Without the Stress)

Even though these are lesser-known sites, many travelers pair them with major attractions. I always recommend booking key experiences in advance—especially for first-time visits. If you want to visit the more famous attractions…and trust me you do….then I suggest booking them early, as they do sell out. I recommend one of my favorite Italy tour companies.

My Favorite Italy Tour Companies

After more than a decade of traveling to Italy and months at a time spent there, I’ve learned that the right tours and accommodations can completely shape your experience. These are the companies I personally use when I travel—and the ones I recommend to readers.

LivTours
If you want a more personal, in-depth experience, this is my top recommendation. Their semi-private tours (max 6 people) are ideal if you actually want to engage with the history rather than just follow a crowd. I’ve used LivTours multiple times in Italy and consistently had excellent guides and experiences.
Book here: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (on 2+ tours)

The Tour Guy
A great option for first-time visitors who want engaging, story-driven tours of major highlights like the Colosseum or Vatican. Their guides are knowledgeable and make complex history easy to follow. Browse tours: https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi

Viator
Perfect if you want to compare a wide range of tours, read reviews, or find unique experiences and day trips…often at affordable prices. Explore options: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

GetYourGuide
Best for flexible planning and last-minute bookings, with lots of free cancellation options. Great for keeping your itinerary flexible. Check availability: https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher

I hope you have an amazing time exploring Florence’s hidden gems. Happy travels! Amy

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

FAQ: Hidden Gems in Florence

What are the best hidden gems in Florence?
Some of the best hidden gems in Florence include Palazzo Davanzati, Museo di San Marco, and the Orsanmichele Complex, offering incredible art and history without large crowds.

Are there less crowded places in Florence?
Yes—many museums, churches, and markets in Florence remain relatively quiet compared to the Duomo or Uffizi.

Is it worth visiting lesser-known attractions in Florence?
Absolutely. These sites often provide a more intimate and meaningful experience of Florence’s history and culture.

How many days do you need to explore Florence beyond the main attractions?
At least 3–4 days allows you to see both the highlights and some hidden gems at a relaxed pace.

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Rome 3 Day Itinerary + One Day Option: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/04/12/3-days-in-rome-itinerary-the-perfect-first-timers-guide-1-day-option/

Florence 3 Day Itinerary: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/03/09/top-attractions-in-florence-a-3-day-itinerary/

Venice 2 Day Itinerary: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/04/26/2-days-in-venice-itinerary/

Uffizi Gallery Tickets–How to Skip the Line + Best Tours: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/04/28/uffizi-gallery-tickets-florence/

Best Florence Tours–Duomo, David, and Uffizi + Others Worth Booking: https://roaminghistorian.com/2023/01/22/florence-sightseeing-best-florence-tours-duomo-uffizi-and-david-tours-and-day-trips-from-florence/

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