Florence is known for its iconic landmarks — the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio — but what about those secret spots that most tourists miss? In this guide to Secret Florence, you don’t have to wander far to uncover hidden gems. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these underrated places are must-adds to your Florence itinerary.
Planning your trip? Add these Secret Florence finds to your list.
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Cortile di Michelozzo
It’s almost hard to believe that you can walk into this stunning courtyard for FREE! The Cortile di Michelozzo is the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio, accessible from Piazza della Signoria by passing the replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Oh, and fun fact! Today, Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s city hall.
The courtyard was designed in the 15th century and features ornately carved columns, a small fountain with a plump baby holding a dolphin, and an excellent place to see grotesques.
Grotesques are whimsical designs featuring swirling vines and mythical creatures that you’ll start spotting all over Florence. Inspired by ancient Roman frescoes uncovered in Nero’s Golden House, this motif became a defining decorative motif of the Renaissance.
While the courtyard is free, you can pay to go inside Palazzo Vecchio, the fortress-like former home of the Medici. This skip-the-line ticket allows you to visit the Palazzo plus climb its tower. My honest advice is that while the Palazzo was interesting, if I had to do it again, I would only buy the timed entry ticket for the Arnolfo Tower. The tower is one of my favourite secret viewpoints in Florence.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo Terrace
Tucked atop the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is a secret terrace, although it’s not entirely secret, as signs inside point to the top floor. But oh the views!!
From the terrace, you get a close-up view of the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece. Unlike the city’s crowded viewpoints, when I visited, it was just me and a security guard.
The museum itself is fantastic. It contains many of the original statues that once graced the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. And even though the museum is super central, I didn’t find it very crowded, which was a nice respite from Florence’s busy streets.
If you have a Duomo Area Ticket (which I highly recommend), entrance to the museum is included, along with a guided tour of the area, the Duomo Climb, Bell Tower and the Baptistery.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
One of my first stops in Florence was a visit to the world’s oldest pharmacy. It’s hard to believe that it was founded in 1221 and is still open today!
The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is both a museum and a boutique. Visiting’s free, although you may need to wait in line, as they limit the number of guests inside.
The shop is gorgeous, with frescoes, marble floors, and ornate wooden displays. But warning, its products are pricey. Its most famous creation is Acqua della Regina, the perfume made for Catherine de’ Medici, for when she married France’s King Henri II. And it’s still sold today!
The pharmacy has three boutiques in Florence, but the original location is at Via della Scala, 16. It’s close to the train station and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.
Caffè del Verone (Museo degli Innocenti)
Tucked atop the Museo degli Innocenti, Caffè del Verone is a peaceful covered terrace with sweeping views of the city. It’s a local place that is rarely on the radar of most tourists—and my favourite spot for a cocktail at sunset.
You’ll have views of the Duomo, the surrounding hills and the dramatic-looking Great Synagogue of Florence.
The building once served as a children’s orphanage, founded in 1419 as Europe’s first institution dedicated to child welfare. It highlights how thousands of children were not only sheltered but also educated and trained in the arts and trades.
Ponte Santa Trinita
The Ponte Santa Trinita isn’t just the perfect spot for late-day photos of the famous neighbour, Ponte Vecchio. Each corner of the bridge has a statue representing one of the four seasons.
The statues were added in 1608 to celebrate the wedding of Cosimo II de’ Medici to Maria Magdalena of Austria.
In 1944, retreating German troops destroyed the bridge, but after the war, it was meticulously rebuilt using stones recovered from the Arno River — including the original four seasons statues. The final piece, Primavera’s head, was restored in 1961.
Santa Croce at Sunset
Most tourists visit Basilica Santa Croce during the day and head up to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. However, I was blown away by the beauty of the basilica at sunset; the crowds had thinned, and a soft glow enveloped the stunning façade.
And don’t miss its medieval interior that serves as the final resting place of famous people like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
You do have to pay to enter inside, so if you’re all basilicaed out, at the very least, take a stroll past as the sun is setting.
Mercato Nuovo
Just a few minutes from the Duomo, Mercato Nuovo is an open-air market housed under a 16th-century loggia. You’ll find leather goods, scarves, and souvenirs — but the real star is the Porcellino, a bronze wild boar statue.
During the day, you’ll have to wait in line for the privilege of rubbing Porcellino’s snout, which is said to bring good luck and a return trip to Florence.
I visited after dinner, when there were no lines or crowds. I rubbed the snout and was back in Florence a year later.
IF you’re planning a trip to Florence, I’ve got several posts that you’ll find super helpful, including this 48-Hour Itinerary, Must-Eat Foods, and Best Viewpoints. And please, you NEED to pan in advance. Check out this Florence Planning Guide.
