Florence is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. The city has a rural atmosphere that cannot stop attracting visitors again and again due to its old-world charm.
However, you may be annoyed to try the same few and go to the tested museum or destination. What you may not know yet is that there are many unique things to do in Florence, including many non-tourist things to do in Florence that will show you another side of this fantastic destination.
Here are some Florence hidden gems to add to your itinerary the next time you travel to Italy!
See also: Cheap but glamorous: Budget hotel in Florence

Unique things to do in Florence
Selfie Museum
The Selfie Museum is an international sensation with incredible installations created by many artists designed to be used as a backdrop for Instagram photos and selfies!
Selfie Museums opened in 2015 with one of the first museums in the Philippines. Now, Florence is home to Italy’s first selfie museum.
You should know that this is not an actual museum but an interactive experience designed for entertainment. Everyone is encouraged to immerse themselves in their surroundings.
You can expect corridors of colorful backdrop, optical illusions and much more. Be sure to wear a #instagrammable outfit.
One ticket gives you 1.5 hours access to over 50 installations created by international artists. It is open daily from 10:00 – 19:00 pm.
Individuals can expect to pay € 13, including student discounts and family options. Booking is essential, so don’t miss out on one of the most unique things to do in Florence – book your ticket here.
Antico Vinaio Food Tour
All’Antico Vinaio is a famous Italian sandwich shop known for its ‘schiacciata’, focaccia-style bread sandwiches. It was first opened in 1989 and has since opened branches across ponds in Rome, Milan and even New York.
If you are looking for non-touristy things in Florence but still want to enjoy great food and drink then you will love All’Antico Vinaio – Skip The Line Food Tour.
You can expect unique meals in less than three hours with 7 different stops and 4 types of wine. You will start with traditional Italian espresso and pastries, enjoy a gorgeous sandwich at All’Antico Vinaio, drink Chianti wine and enjoy a sweet sparkle at the end.

Salvatore Fergamo Museum
This is one of the best non-tourist things to do in Florence for any fashionista living in Florence instead of Milan.
Salvatore Ferragamo at the Museo is one of the most unique things to do in Florence. It is a fashion museum dedicated entirely to the life and work of world-renowned fashion designer Salvatore Fergamo and his company. She is known for her extensive shoe design and production. The museum has more than 10,000 models of shoes made and owned by Salvatore Fergamo.
The museum is open daily from 11:00 to 19:30 and admission costs € 16.50. If you are lucky, you can expect seasonal exhibitions at the Salvatore Fergamo Museum!
Villa Bardini
Often, the Bardini Gardens in Florence are missed by travelers. It would not be wrong to think that you are discovering a new place by visiting the beautiful premises of Villa Bardini.
Villa Bardini has a 17th century villa with many acres of gardens. The area offers some of the best views of Florence and hosts regular art exhibitions and other notable events.
You don’t want to rush your visit to this green garden! There is no better place to lie down and relax. It may not be the most suitable for non-tourism headlines in Florence, but it is worth a visit anyway.

Livorno Aquarium (Livorno Aquarium)
When you think of ‘Florence’, you may not think of ‘Aquarium’. That’s because it’s not in downtown Florence – it’s actually in Livorno, about 1.5 hours by car.
However, the Aquarius de Livorno (Livorno Aquarium) is one of the most unique things to do in the vast Florence area.
Inside, you’ll find a Mediterranean-style aquarium with unique international exhibits. You will discover blacktip sharks, jellyfish, manta rays and sea turtles.
This is a great opportunity for families with children to enjoy the hidden gems of Florence. Other visitors have enjoyed the remarkable sights, the helpful staff and the relative quietness of the aquarium compared to other tourist destinations in Florence.
Admission costs around € 16.00, with more significant discounts when shopping online. This would be a great destination for a day trip adventure with Florence and other non-tourist things in its greater area!
Roof thermal spa
Located between Florence and Versailles in Montecatini, Tetuccio Thermal Spa offers four different heat pools in Europe’s oldest spa town. This bath contains mineral salts and other valuable ingredients, set in a beautiful landscape garden that can create the most dreamy spa day ever.
If you are looking for the ultimate in relaxation, this is the perfect thing for you – and one of the most unique things to do in Florence.
The caf রয়েছে has a beautiful fresco, a historic writing room (sala de scritura) and a few shops to browse.
You will also find unusual healing treatments here, such as drinking warm water. There are also more traditional spa treatments, such as massage, facial treatments and thermal baths.
Summary
There are so many unique things to do in Florence that will take you off the beaten track to find something quiet during your travels – you need to know where to look!
If you like fashion and art, you’ll love the Selfie Museum or the Salvatore Fergamo Museum, the two hidden gems of Florence that are not always busy.
If you are after a family trip, visit the Livorno Aquarium just outside Florence for a nice day. Solo travelers can enjoy the Tetuchio Thermal Spa or Villa Bardini for the ultimate holiday enjoyment.
No matter what you’re looking for, we’re sure you’ll find non-tourist items in Florence on your next trip to Italy!