17/02/2025
Unknown Florence: 4 unique experiences to explore
the city from a different perspective
Shall we go on a trip to Florence? This Italian city is well known for its artistic, historical, and cultural heritage. But did you know that it also hides unique and original experiences that go beyond the traditional circuits?
At BYPILLOW we want you to discover the lesser-known side of Florence and, for that reason, we have prepared this post in which we propose 4 experiences that will amaze you to the fullest. Ready to start your journey?
Stroll through Florence’s secret gardens
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance and a veritable open-air museum. However, besides its artistic imprint, the city hides spaces full of tranquility where nature and history intertwine. This tour of its secret gardens allows us to discover another side of the Tuscan capital: one of relaxation, floral scents, and stunning views.
Here we introduce you to 5 secret gardens in Florence that you will love.
Rose Garden
Very close to the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint is the Rose Garden. May is the perfect month to visit it, as the roses reach their peak splendor and create an unparalleled spectacle. In addition, from here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas of Florence, with Brunelleschi’s dome and the Ponte Vecchio on the horizon. An ideal spot for nature and photography lovers.
Access: Free.
Horticulture Garden and the Parnassus Orchards
This space is divided into two areas:
The Horticulture Garden, where in spring a flower market is held
The Parnassus Orchards, located in the highest part of the garden, which is famous for its spectacular views of the city and for featuring the Snake Fountain, a stone structure decorated with mosaics that is next to the stairs.
This Florence garden is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a calm experience filled with natural beauty.
Access: Free.
Florence University Botanical Garden
This garden is known as the “Garden of Simples” and is the third-oldest botanical garden in the world. Here you will find a collection of more than 9,000 species of plants from different ecosystems.
During certain seasons, the garden hosts exhibitions on dinosaurs and prehistoric fauna, making it interesting for curious individuals and families.
Access: Paid.
Iris Garden
Florence has an emblematic flower: the iris, whose violet color adorns the city’s coat of arms. In honor of this flower, every spring the Iris Garden opens its doors, a space where more than 1,500 different varieties are cultivated.
Its opening period is short, from the end of April to the end of May, so visiting it is a must if your trip coincides with the blooming season. It is located next to Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic terrace with breathtaking views.
Access: Free.
Belvedere Fort
Between the Boboli and Bardini gardens is the Belvedere Fort, a 16th-century fortress that, besides being an imposing viewpoint, has become an open-air art space.
Every year, between May and October, the fort hosts temporary contemporary art exhibitions, many of them featuring monumental sculptures that transform the surroundings. Although its garden is simple, the combination of history, art, and spectacular views makes it an essential stop.
Access: Paid.
If you are looking for hotels in the center of Florence that are comfortable, modern, and equipped with all the amenities for your trip, come to BYPILLOW. We offer you one of the most modern and best-located hotels in Florence: the BYPILLOW Goldoni. It is housed in a historic building and is the ideal hotel to enjoy a sophisticated stay in Florence. It is just steps away from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery, so you can explore the city on foot.
Our BYPILLOW hotel is inspired by the playwright Carlo Goldoni, so we pay homage to Italian culture. Everything is designed for you to have a unique experience right in the center of Florence.
Florence’s street art: an open-air gallery
Beyond the temples of classical art, the city also offers an interesting open-air museum: its street art.
The city has managed to integrate street art into its cultural life and in its neighborhoods you will find marvels like these:
The Last Judgment by Bosoletti: In the Galluzzo neighborhood, south of the city, the Argentine artist Francisco Bosoletti has depicted his vision of the Last Judgment, a work inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Along six facades of social housing on Via Corbinelli, Bosoletti has created a series of murals that represent the constant struggle between life and death, damnation and salvation. This mural was created in homage to the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death.
Ephemeral Art: In the streets of Florence, art is not only found in museums and galleries but also under your feet. It is common to see pavement artists recreating with chalk and pastels some of the masterpieces of the Renaissance, such as Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. With astonishing precision, these talented creators transform the ground into an ephemeral canvas, paying homage to the artistic greatness of the city and surprising those who stroll its historic streets.
The Urban Alphabet: This project promoted by the municipality of Florence has brought street art to the city’s newsstands. The result? The kiosks have become small open-air galleries. These artistic interventions are inspired by the language of the media and play with letters, punctuation marks, and symbols. Nine artists have participated in the initiative, creating works in key spots such as Piazza Duomo, Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, and Viale Milton.
The Figurative Herbarium: In Piazza Isolotto, on the other side of the Arno River, the artist Fabio Petani has expressed his passion for botany in the mural The Figurative Herbarium. The work pays homage to the district’s identity, whose streets are named after plants and trees. This mural also sends a message about the importance of the environment within urban space.
Ginger Zone: In Scandicci, a town near Florence, urban art became a catalyst for change. In 2020, four renowned street artists—Millo, James Boy, Ache 77, and Exit Enter—joined forces to transform Ginger Zone, a rundown square, into a cultural meeting point. Today, this reclaimed space is a center for urban art and a gathering place for cultural and social activities.
Local markets and culinary delightsoff the tourist track
Beyond restaurants and trattorias, in Florence’s markets you will find ideal places to enjoy its gastronomy. Here, among stalls brimming with fresh products and Tuscan specialties, you will discover the culinary essence of the city.
Here are 3 local markets in Florence that are worth discovering:
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio: Located in Piazza Ghiberti, it is a favorite among Florentines. It is open from Monday to Saturday until 2:00 p.m., and offers a wide variety of fresh products: fish, cheeses, meats, and vegetables at affordable prices. Its lively atmosphere, with long-time vendors calling out in traditional shouts, makes it an unmissable experience.
Mercato di Le Cascine: Every Tuesday morning, the Parco delle Cascine transforms into an open-air market. In addition to fresh products and street food, here you can find clothing, vintage furniture, and home items. It is the perfect place to stroll along the Arno while discovering authentic bargains.
Il Mercatale: On the first Saturday of every month, Piazza della Repubblica hosts this market of organic producers. Here you can buy some of the region’s best delicacies: olive oils, wines, honey, cheeses, and artisanal pasta. If you are a lover of good food, this is the place for you.
Alternative viewpoints to enjoy Florence from above
If you are looking for impressive views of Florence without the crowds of the most touristy viewpoints, these lesser-known spots will surprise you with their beauty. Take note!
Fiesole: If you take a short bus trip from the center of Florence, you will find this viewpoint that combines history and panoramas. From its main square, you can climb up to the Monastery of San Francesco and enjoy a spectacular view of the city.
Settignano: This village in the Florentine hills has been the refuge of figures like Mark Twain and Gabriele D’Annunzio. From the Terrazza di Settignano you can behold the city in an unparalleled way. Also, do not miss the gardens of Villa Gamberaia or Villa I Tatti, which you can visit by appointment.
Careggi: Located to the north of Florence, Careggi offers a place where history and nature meet. Here is the Villa of Lorenzo the Magnificent, linked to Botticelli’s history, along with other aristocratic residences surrounded by olive groves and historic gardens.
The Bardini Terrace: Located within the Bardini Garden, this terrace offers one of the best panoramas of the historic center. This garden extends from the slopes of Piazzale Michelangelo to the Arno River.
Enjoy Florence from a completely new and original perspective thanks to these experiences. You take care of enjoying yourself, and at BYPILLOW we take care of ensuring you rest in our centrally located Florence hotel. Book your getaway now!