10 Things to Do in Florence: Experiences Beyond the Landmarks
Florence is more than a city of iconic art and historical landmarks. It is a vibrant place full of local life and hands-on experiences waiting to be discovered. After spending a year living in Florence, we learned that the best memories come from activities that go beyond the standard museum-and-monument circuit. Whether you are traveling with family, as a couple, solo, or with friends, Florence offers cooking classes, artisan workshops, markets, rooftop views, and cultural spaces where real Florentines gather. Whether you are planning your first trip or returning to Tuscany, here are ten unique experiences in Florence that will make your trip unforgettable.
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1. Take a Tuscan Cooking Class
Discover the art of Tuscan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Learn how to make fresh pasta, traditional sauces, and even classic desserts like tiramisu. Many classes begin with a guided visit to a local market, where you pick seasonal ingredients and learn how Florentines shop each day. After cooking, sit down for a shared meal with your fellow chefs and enjoy everything you created.
During our year in Florence, we often took visiting family and friends to cooking classes. It always stood out as one of the most memorable local experiences.
2. Explore Artisan Workshops in the Oltrarno District
Cross the Arno River into the Oltrarno neighborhood, one of Florence’s most creative districts. Wander past small artisan studios where craftsmen still practice traditional skills like leatherworking, bookbinding, gilding, and jewelry making. Many workshops welcome visitors inside, where you can meet makers, see hands at work, and shop for authentic pieces you won’t find in tourist shops.
3. Rent a Vespa and Ride Through the Tuscan Hills
Channel your inner Italian and rent a Vespa for a scenic ride through the Tuscan countryside. Guided tours are available if you’re not confident navigating alone. Expect rolling vineyards, small villages, and plenty of photo stops along the way. It’s one of the most fun ways to escape the city for a few hours.
When Dylan was little, he loved riding on the back roads with us in a helmet that barely fit. It felt like we were in our own Italian movie.
4. Enjoy a Sunset Aperitivo with a View
Florence takes aperitivo seriously. Head to a rooftop bar like La Terrazza or SE·STO on Arno for a spritz or Negroni while watching the sunset over the city. The views of the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio glowing in golden light make it an unforgettable evening.
5. Take a Gelato-Making Class
While you are tasting gelato at every corner, it can be fun to learn how to make it yourself. Gelato making classes are hands-on, family friendly, and you get to eat everything you create. It is a great way to learn the difference between real gelato and the tourist spots around the city.
Dylan still talks about the first time he made chocolate gelato during our year in Florence.
6. Discover Florence’s Secret Passages
Go beyond the grand halls with a guided tour of Florence’s hidden passageways, including the famous Vasari Corridor. Originally built for the Medici family, these routes offer a rare look into Florence’s history and a quieter way to explore the city. You get views you cannot see from the streets and stories you will not hear on the usual museum tours.
This is one of the most unique tours we have done in Florence, and it gave us a completely different view of the city.
7. Visit a Traditional Florentine Market
Experience daily life in Florence by exploring markets like Mercato Centrale or Sant’Ambrogio. Sample local cheeses, fresh produce, and regional specialties while watching vendors prepare ingredients for the day. It is also the perfect place to pick up authentic souvenirs and see how Florentines actually shop.
We stopped at Sant’Ambrogio almost weekly during our year in Florence, and it became one of our favorite parts of local life.
8. Take a Wine Tasting Tour Without Leaving the City
You do not have to leave Florence to enjoy great Tuscan wine. Many enotecas in the city offer tastings where you can try Chianti, Brunello, and Super Tuscans, often paired with local cheeses and meats. It is a relaxed way to learn about regional wines without planning a full-day trip.
Some of our best wine tastings happened at small enotecas we stumbled into while walking around the city.
9. Attend an Evening Concert or Opera Performance
Immerse yourself in Florence’s rich musical heritage by attending a classical concert or opera. Venues like St. Mark’s Anglican Church offer intimate performances that highlight Italian composers in beautiful, historic settings.
10. Climb to San Miniato al Monte for a Spiritual Escape
For a peaceful retreat, climb the steps to San Miniato al Monte, a beautiful Romanesque church overlooking Florence. The views are breathtaking, and if you time it right, you can hear the monks performing Gregorian chants for an unforgettable experience.
Florence is a city that rewards travelers who look beyond the headline sights. These ten experiences bring you into local markets, hidden passageways, neighborhood workshops and sunset moments you will remember long after your trip. If you want to plan even more during your stay, visit the official tourism resource for updated hours, events and seasonal tips.
Know Before You Go
When to visit
Spring and fall offer the best mix of comfortable weather and manageable crowds. Summer is very busy and winter is quiet but atmospheric.
How to get around
Florence is walkable. Taxis and buses are available, but most attractions are within a short walk of the city center.
Tickets and reservations
Popular experiences like cooking classes, gelato workshops, and the Vasari Corridor sell out early. Reserve in advance when possible.
What to pack
Comfortable shoes for hills and cobblestones, light layers, and a scarf for visiting churches.
Planning More Travel
Looking for more ideas in Italy
Read Fall in Tuscany – small towns, wineries, and scenic drives
Read our Rome guide – major sights with practical tips for first timers
Read our Venice guide – where to stay, what to eat, and how to enjoy the quieter corners