Hidden Gems In Florence And Secret Spots You Don’t Want To Miss

Are you looking for hidden gems in Florence that can’t be found in travel guides?

Then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we share the best insider tips that offer you a unique experience in the capital of Tuscany.

From secret historical sites to lesser-known cultural highlights; our tips will make your visit to Florence unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Our Top 5 Hidden Gems For Florence

Basilica della Santissima Annunziata church
Wine windows Buchetta del Vino
Secret passages in the Palazzo Vecchio
Michelangelo’s hidden street art
Santa Maria Novella Church and the oldest pharmacy in the world

Further down in the article, you’ll find more hidden gems, such as the best rooftop bar with the best viewpoint in Florence.

If you’re also looking for hidden gems for food and restaurants, click here: Florence food guide with insider tips from locals.

⭐️ Download our free travel checklist for Italy pdf here:

Map With The Secret Spots In Florence

1. Basilica Della Santissima Annunziata

Inner courtyard with a glass covered roof and colorful walls with archways leading to Basilica della Santissima Annunziata — Entrance to Basilica della Santissima Annunziata

Italy’s churches are generally very ornate. However, the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata is a real hidden gem.

This one impressed me the most of all the churches in Florence, of which there are many.

The ceiling is decorated with gold, and in the entrance area on the left are countless silver incense burners and chandeliers.

Such splendor is rarely seen in churches, except, of course, in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

You can visit this special place for free.

As in most churches in Italy, there is also a dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. While this is not strictly enforced in all churches, you should adhere to it here.

The basilica is located on Via Gino Capponi, next to the National Archaeological Museum of Florence and near the famous Galleria dell’Accademia.

After visiting the church, walk towards the Duomo of Florence. You’ll find a beautiful photo spot here.

Not sure how many days to spend in Florence? Check out our carefully crafted itineraries for Florence in one day, Florence in 2 days, or Florence in 3 days.

2. Wine Windows Buchetta Del Vino: A Sip Of History

Florence is known for its historic wine windows.

These date back to the 17th century.

Originally, the small, arched openings in the walls were used to sell wine directly to customers without them entering the house.

Today, many of the wine windows can still be seen, but only a few are functioning.

Here you can order a glass of wine or an aperitivo. A highlight if you’re looking for something extraordinary.

However, the prices for a glass of wine are very substantial. So if you want a special photo of yourself ordering wine at the wine window, definitely do it.

Otherwise, it’s better to order a glass in the restaurant. It’s cheaper.

The wine window on Via delle Donne is popular.

We were at Osteria San Fiorenzo’s window, which is next to Piazza Santa Croce.

We thought the idea was great, but we won’t do it again.

3. Secret Passages In The Palazzo Vecchio

Inner courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio with a statue of an angel on a dolphin, arched columnds, and richly decorated walls with frescoes. — You can enter this inner courtyard at the Palazzo Vecchio for free.

The Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most famous buildings in Florence, but did you know that there are also secret passages here?

On a guided tour, you can explore these hidden passages. These were once used by the Medici to move unnoticed through the palace.

The tour takes you through Francesco I’s Studiolo, among other places. This is a small, artfully decorated chamber.

You also go through the secret staircase that takes you from the private chambers to the council chamber.

>> BOOK A PALAZZO VECCHIO SECRET PASSAGE TOUR

4. Michelangelo’s Street Art

Michelangelo is best known for the statue of David. You can see the original statue in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

However, there are also two replicas in the city that you can look at.

One is at the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint, another in front of the Palazzo Vecchio at Piazza della Signoria.

And here is already a hidden gem that most people miss.

Michelangelo carved a face into a stone on the facade of the Palazzo Vecchio, and it’s not known who is depicted.

This is located to the right behind the statue of David and can be described as Florence’s first street art work.

You can find more street art in the Oltrarno and San Lorenzo districts or on the Ponte alle Grazie bridge, which has a great view of the Ponte Vecchio.

Street art statue with a pink wig and covered in stickers overlooking the Arno River with the Ponte Vecchio in the background. — Street Art at Ponte alle Grazie with the Ponte Vecchio in the background.

Another tip if you’re interested in Michelangelo: Be sure to visit the Santa Maria del Croce church, where Michelangelo’s tomb is located.

5. Santa Maria Novella Church: A Journey Into The Past

View of the Santa Maria Novella church with a white and colorful facade without a bell tower. In the front is a pink rosebush and a green area. — Santa Maria Novella

The Santa Maria Novella Church is the first basilica built in Florence. It was built in the 13th century by Dominican monks.

Inside the church, you’ll find frescoes and paintings by Giotto, Brunelleschi, or Lippi.

A special experience at Santa Maria Novella is the multimedia discovery journey.

Equipped with a tablet, you can interactively discover the church using an audio guide and 3D reproductions.

The one-hour visit brings you closer to the rich history and artworks in a whole new way.

The Santa Maria Novella Church is located next to Florence’s train station, making it easily accessible.

>> TICKET FOR SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

Near the church is the oldest pharmacy in the world, the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. You can also visit and shop here, but you might have to wait outside for a while.

Entrance to the oldest pharmacy in the world with a polished marble floor with a mosaic. The ceiling is decorated with lots of dried flowers. — Entrance to the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy

Bonus Tip: Best Rooftop Bar In Florence

We asked a local about the best rooftop bar with a view of Florence Cathedral and the Palazzo Vecchio Tower (Arnolfo Tower), and we were not disappointed.

In the Via Medici, go to the Medici Hotel, take the elevator to the 7th floor, order an aperitivo or coffee, and enjoy the best view of the Florence Duomo.