Introduction Let’s be honest: the Uffizi and the Accademia are breathtaking, but Florence is so much more than just waiting in line for a museum. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to skip the crowds and find the “hidden” soul of the Renaissance capital, you’ve come to the right place.

From secret wine windows to vintage adventures, here are 5 truly unique things to do in Florence that most tourists completely miss.

1. Hunt for the “Buchette del Vino” (Wine Windows)

Florence is the only city in the world where you can ring a tiny bell in a stone wall and have a glass of Chianti handed to you through a miniature window. These Buchette del Vino date back to the 16th century, originally used by noble families to sell wine directly to the public.

• Why it’s unique: It’s a quirky, historical tradition that has seen a massive revival. It’s the ultimate “only in Florence” photo op.

2. See the City from a Vintage Vespa Sidecar

Most people see Florence on foot, but the city looks entirely different when you’re cruising at eye-level in a vintage Vespa Sidecar. While everyone else is sweating on the uphill climb to the viewpoints, you’ll be breezy and stylish. It allows you to cover more ground—from the narrow alleys of the Oltrarno to the rolling hills of Fiesole—without losing the intimate “open-air” feeling. Plus, let’s be real: you’ll feel like a movie star from the 1950s.

• Why it’s unique: It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline, history, and effortless cool.

3. Visit the World’s Oldest Pharmacy

Stepping into the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is like walking into a cathedral of scent. Established by Dominican monks in 1221, it is the oldest pharmacy in the world. Even if you don’t buy any perfume, the frescoed ceilings and ancient wooden cabinets are worth the visit.

• Why it’s unique: It’s a sensory overload of history, art, and botanical alchemy that feels frozen in time.

4. Watch the Monks Chant at San Miniato al Monte

While everyone crowds into Piazzale Michelangelo, keep walking uphill for another five minutes to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. Around sunset, you can often hear the monks performing Gregorian chants in the crypt of this 1,000-year-old church.

• Why it’s unique: The atmosphere is mystical, the view is even higher (and better) than the Piazzale, and the chanting will give you goosebumps.

5. Explore the “Other” Side: The Oltrarno Artisans

Cross the Arno river to find the Oltrarno district. This is where the real Florentines live and work. Wander into the workshops (called botteghe) where artisans still carve wood, gild frames, and marbleize paper by hand using techniques passed down through generations.

• Why it’s unique: It’s a chance to see living history and support local craftsmanship that hasn’t changed in centuries.