Florence: 10 Places Tourists Don’T Know

Published On : 02 Sep 2024

Today, Florence can be regarded as one of the most visited places in Italy: more than 10 million tourists per year come to the city to visit the historical and cultural sites such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and others. But there is much more to see in this city than the most popular tourist attractions. If you are willing to explore more of this city, then you are going to find hidden gems in the less crowded piazzas, small and local markets, historical shops, and whatnot. Here are 10 places in Florence the typical tourist doesn't know about.

1. Piazza dei Ciompi
While not far from the central area of Florence, this piazza is a perfect example of a small local square. Located near crumbling neoclassical palazzos and daily apartment living, stop and enjoy the sun with the locals for aperitive as people come home from work.

2. Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella Perfumery and herbal medicine manufacturer
Since 1612, this Tuscan-based pharmacy has been blending herbs, set inside a building adorned with glorious Renaissance paintings. Pop in for the cosmetics, perfumes, and skincare, but stay for the awesome historical anecdotes.

3. Mercato Sant'Ambrogio
Walk down these narrow paved corridors of a covered food market to purchase cheese, salami, fruits, and vegetables like the locals and the chefs of Florence. The tripe sandwiches from Nerbone are famous and this diner is one of the oldest in Florence. Be present after mid-morning when most of the business by either buyers or sellers has been done.

4. Clet Abraham's Street Art
Florence is not only the city of Renaissance art: street art by Clet Abraham, employing a traffic sign vulgarisation, couldn’t be more cynical. Do you know that stick figure art that he drew? Try to find it when you are strolling through the picturesque streets of Florence.

5. Synagogue and Jewish Museum
There is, however, little-known Jewish history in Florence which is closely linked with the history of the Medici. The synagogue is home to many valuable silver items placed in a room with features of Moorish architecture, and the museum exhibits materials related to Jewish communities.

6. Giardino Bardini
This area of the garden is more romantic and includes huge Baroque-style staircases, a realistic-looking fountain as well as wisteria-covered arbors offering breathtaking views of the red-tiled roofs of Florence. It is located on the ruins of a medieval castle and provides visitors with a pleasant and rather sparkling experience away from the crowded center of Florence.

7. La Cité Libreria Café
Half bookshop half café, half cultural center, this warm and minimalistic atmosphere provides literary evenings, poetry recitations, art displays, and film showings. Relax and read Italian books and magazines over coffee and sweet pastries or cocktails and munch on cheese and crackers.

8. Teatro Verdi
However, this 19th-century theatre is awash with old-world charm with three-tiered golden balconies, painted ceilings, and a theatre operatic arts museum housing original costumes and designs. Attend concerts, ballets, and operas in a historic setting that offers a small, close-knit audience experience.

9. Il Tirachegus
This place is located in a rather inconspicuous spot behind the Palazzo Vecchio, in a little shop that looks more like a deli counter; order a ‘Panino alle erbette’ here – a huge, drooping Sandwich that is bursting with a typical Tuscan flavor. Opt for the signature sandwich or create your own from the menu before indulging in succulent pork fresh off the rotisserie oven stationed right beside.

10. The Garden of Drogueria de Santa Maria Novella Tea Room
Just steps away from the historic Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella pharmacy is a charming tea salon with a secluded garden with vine and ivy decorations and exquisite marble sculptures. One of the secrets of insiders is to go out of Via dei Fossi and away from the countless groups of tourists.

Conclusion
However, all is not well-known in Florence as one might expect some places are hidden and can only be unearthed by adventurous travelers. Exploring本地 the markets, specialty stores, hidden squares, and monuments provides a true glance at the real Florentine lifestyle while experiencing the cool down from the massive crowds. Therefore, the next time you are to visit the Duomo you need to devote some time to look for these ten other small wonders of Florence. Are any other fields similar to this list? Please let us know your thoughts about it in the comments below!

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