UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE FOR THE UNCONVENTIONAL TRAVELER
Most of Florences’ visitors flock to the same handful of attractions. They snap photos of the Duomo, queue for hours at the Uffizi, and jostle for space on the Ponte Vecchio. Don't get us wrong – these sights are breathtaking. But for the traveler who wants some more unique things to do in Florence, we’ve got you.
From peculiar museums to offbeat tours, these unique things to do in Florence will elevate your trip from conventional to unforgettable.
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Unique Things to Do in Florence: Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
What makes these off-the-beaten-path museums so special? For one, you'll often find yourself alone with priceless artifacts, able to take your time and soak in the details without feeling rushed. These smaller institutions also tend to focus on specific aspects of Florentine culture, giving you a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the city's heritage.
Tip: The Secret passages of Palazzo Vecchio offer an intimate glimpse into Florence's hidden history, allowing visitors to explore concealed corridors once used by the Medici family.
Let's explore three of Florence's most fascinating yet overlooked museums.
Museo Stefano Bardini
Tucked away in the Oltrarno district, the Museo Stefano Bardini is a feast for the eyes. The moment you step inside, you're struck by the vibrant blue walls – a shade now known as "Bardini Blue."
This unique backdrop was chosen by Stefano Bardini himself, an art dealer and collector who bequeathed his collection to the city of Florence.
The museum houses an eclectic mix of medieval and Renaissance art and artifacts. You'll find everything from ancient Roman sculptures to ornate Venetian furniture. In a lesser-known chamber of the Medici Chapels, visitors can discover Michelangelo's hidden drawings, sketches etched onto the walls during a period when the artist was in hiding. Take your time to examine the intricate details – it's not often you get to stand inches away from a Donatello without a crowd around you!
The building itself is a work of art. Originally a 13th-century church, it was transformed by Bardini into a neo-medieval palazzo. As you wander through the rooms, look up at the beautifully restored wooden ceilings and down at the inlaid marble floors. It's a perfect example of how in Florence, even the museums are housed in historical masterpieces.
La Specola Anatomical Museum
If you have a strong stomach and a curiosity for the macabre, La Specola is a must-visit. This museum, part of the University of Florence, houses an extraordinary collection of anatomical wax models. These incredibly detailed and lifelike models were created in the 18th and 19th centuries for medical education.
As you walk through the rooms, you'll encounter everything from delicate models of the inner ear to full-body figures with removable organs. It's both fascinating and slightly unsettling – a truly unique experience that you won't find anywhere else in Florence.
One of the most famous exhibits is the Medici Venus, a life-sized female figure that can be opened to reveal internal organs. It's a masterpiece of artistry and scientific accuracy, showcasing the incredible skill of the wax modelers.
The museum also has a significant natural history section, including taxidermied animals collected during scientific expeditions. Keep an eye out for the hippopotamus – it was a pet of the Medici family!
Museo Salvatore Ferragamo
From anatomy to fashion, our next stop is the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo. Housed in the basement of Palazzo Spini Feroni, this museum celebrates the life and work of one of the most famous names in Italian fashion.
Salvatore Ferragamo wasn't just a shoemaker – he was an innovator who revolutionized footwear design. The museum showcases his journey from a young apprentice in Naples to a Hollywood favorite, creating shoes for stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.
What's fascinating about this museum is how it connects fashion to broader cultural trends. The exhibits often explore themes like the relationship between art and fashion, or how historical events influenced design. For example, a recent exhibition examined the impact of sustainability on fashion, showcasing Ferragamo's experiments with innovative, eco-friendly materials.
Don't miss the display of Ferragamo's most famous designs, including the iconic rainbow sandal created for Judy Garland. It's a testament to the enduring power of great design – these shoes look as fresh and modern today as they did decades ago.
Quirky Tours
Now that we've explored some of Florence's hidden museum gems, let's hit the streets for some unconventional tours.
For instance, the Vasari Corridor tour provides a unique perspective on Florence's history, guiding visitors through the elevated passageway that connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace.
Underground Florence
Beneath the bustling streets of Florence lies another city – one that's been hidden for centuries. The Underground Florence tour takes you on a journey through time, exploring the subterranean layers of the city's history.
One of the highlights of this tour is the ancient Roman theater. As you stand in the excavated remains, it's mind-boggling to think that this structure predates the Renaissance architecture above by over a thousand years. Your guide will paint a vivid picture of what life was like in Roman Florence, helping you understand how the city evolved over the centuries.
You'll also explore medieval towers that were buried as the city grew upwards, and see evidence of the devastating 1966 flood that reshaped much of Florence. It's a unique perspective on the city's layered history – quite literally!
Florence by Vintage Fiat 500
The tour typically starts in the city center before heading out to the picturesque Tuscan hills surrounding Florence. You'll stop at panoramic viewpoints for photo opportunities, visit a Renaissance villa, and even enjoy a typical Tuscan meal.
What makes this tour special is the combination of sightseeing and driving experience. It's not just about the destinations – it's about the journey itself. The feeling of navigating a classic car through winding roads, with the Tuscan sun on your face and the wind in your hair, is simply unbeatable.
Many tour operators offer customization options, so you can tailor the experience to your interests. Whether you want to focus on scenic drives, historical sites, or culinary experiences, there's a Fiat 500 tour for you.
Florentine Artisan Workshops
Florentine artisan workshops are the beating heart of the city's creative spirit, where skilled craftspeople preserve centuries-old techniques in leather working, goldsmithing, and paper marbling. The Florentine Artisan Workshops tour takes you behind the scenes to meet the skilled craftspeople keeping traditional techniques alive.
You might visit a leather workshop in Santa Croce, where artisans create exquisite bags and jackets using methods passed down through generations. Or perhaps you'll stop by a paper marbling studio, where you can try your hand at creating the beautiful decorated papers that Florence is famous for.
One of the most fascinating stops is often a goldsmith's workshop on the Ponte Vecchio. Here, you can watch master jewelers at work, using techniques that have changed little since the Renaissance.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity for hands-on experiences. You're not just watching – you're participating. Whether it's stamping a design onto leather or creating your own marbled paper, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication of Florence's artisans.
Hidden Gardens and Parks
After all that exploring, you might be ready for some peace and quiet. Luckily, Florence has some beautiful green spaces where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city center. These hidden gardens and parks offer a stark contrast to the bustling streets and crowded piazzas.
Giardino Bardini
As you enter the garden, you're greeted by a magnificent baroque staircase. Flanked by statues and fragrant flowers, it leads up to a belvedere with panoramic views over Florence. It's worth the climb just for the photo opportunities!
The garden is divided into three areas: an Italian garden, an English wood, and an agricultural park. In spring, don't miss the wisteria tunnel – when in bloom, it creates a magical purple canopy that's simply breathtaking.
Throughout the year, the Bardini Garden hosts various events and exhibitions. Check their schedule – you might catch an outdoor concert or an art installation during your visit.
Remember the Bardini Museum we visited earlier? The garden and museum were once part of the same estate, and a visit to both gives you a complete picture of Stefano Bardini's legacy.
Tip: The Boboli Gardens hidden spots include the secluded Kaffehaus or the mysterious Grotta Grande, offer tranquil retreats away from the main tourist paths.
Rose Garden
Perched on a hillside below Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden is a romantic oasis with stunning views over Florence. It's free to enter and is at its best in May and June when the roses are in full bloom.
The garden features over 350 varieties of roses, but that's not all. Look out for the bronze sculptures by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, which add a whimsical touch to the landscape.
One of the most unexpected features of the Rose Garden is its Japanese garden. Created in 1998 to celebrate Florence's twinning with Kyoto, it's a serene space complete with a small bamboo grove and traditional stone lanterns.
For the best experience, visit early in the morning or at sunset. The changing light on the city below, combined with the fragrance of the roses, creates a truly magical atmosphere.
Parco delle Cascine
If you're looking for a taste of local life, head to the Parco delle Cascine. This is Florence's largest public park, stretching along the Arno River for over 3 kilometers.
Originally a Medici farming estate, the Cascine was opened to the public in the 18th century. Today, it's a favorite spot for Florentines to jog, cycle, or simply relax on the grass.
Florence food markets, such as the historic Mercato Centrale, offer a sensory journey through Tuscan cuisine, featuring local specialties, fresh produce, and artisanal products. It's a great place to mingle with locals and pick up some authentic Italian products.
Throughout the year, the Cascine is home to various events and festivals. In summer, open-air concerts and cinema screenings are common. In winter, a small amusement park pops up, complete with an ice-skating rink.
Don't miss the Palazzina dell'Indiano, a neoclassical building near the center of the park. It houses a small museum dedicated to the history of the Cascine and offers beautiful views over the Arno.
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