Title: If You’re Studying Abroad in Florence, You Have to Visit These Hidden Gems Locals Love

Bennie Chang (SFS’26) is a Georgetown Storyteller from San Jose, California, and studies regional studies, international business diplomacy and art.

Studying abroad at Georgetown’s Villa le Balze these past three months, I have had the chance to explore Florence both on my own and through my classes. If you are visiting Florence or studying abroad, here’s my guide to the city.

I will break it down into three categories: the must-see spots, other popular locations and the hidden treasures that locals know about. Plus, I will share my three favorite local restaurants — because great food is just as important as great sights.

The Must-See Spots

These are the landmarks everyone visits — and for good reason. They define Florence’s history, art and culture. Even if they are touristy, they are worth your time.

• Duomo & Baptistry – View Brunelleschi’s dome and see the Baptistry’s golden mosaics.
• Uffizi Gallery – Home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s Annunciation.
• Palazzo Vecchio – The tour is great, but the hidden gem is the Secret Passages tour, which takes you into the walls of the building.
• Accademia Gallery – You are here for Michelangelo’s David, but don’t skip his unfinished Prisoners.
• Ponte Vecchio – The famous medieval bridge lined with gold shops.
• Mercato Centrale – The upstairs food hall is great, but the downstairs stalls are where the real market action is.

Other Popular Locations

These places are not as famous as the ones above, but they still have a big reputation among those in the know.

• Santa Croce – A beautiful church that’s the final resting place of Galileo, Michelangelo and Machiavelli.
• Pitti Palace – A massive former palace with an incredible Raphael collection.
• Boboli Gardens – A huge Renaissance garden perfect for a quiet afternoon stroll.
• Medici Chapel – Home to Michelangelo’s sculptures Dusk & Dawn and Night & Day.
• Bargello Museum – Features Donatello’s famous bronze David, plus other Renaissance sculptures.
• Duomo Museum – Has the real Baptistry doors, Donatello’s haunting Mary Magdalene, and Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietà Bandini.

The Hidden Gems

Now for the real treasures — the spots most tourists miss but locals love.

• Dante’s Church (Chiesa di Santa Margherita dei Cerchi) – A small, quiet church where Dante met Beatrice, the love of his life.
• Lastrucci Mosaici – Florence has a tradition of intricate stone mosaics, and this is one of four workshops that still preserve the craft.
• Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio) – Skip the touristy leather markets and come here instead for high-quality, handmade leather goods.
• Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella – A historic perfume and apothecary shop with stunning interiors and scents dating back centuries.
• Paper Marbling – At the chain shop Il Papiro, you can try the traditional art of Florentine paper marbling.
• Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio – A true local market, where Florentines buy fresh produce, meats, and cheeses — without the crowds of Mercato Centrale.

My Top 3 Local Restaurants

Florence has no shortage of great food, but these three spots have become my personal favorites.

1. Murales Bistro – A modern, stylish spot with an incredible raw shrimp pasta.
2. Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò – A cozy, homey restaurant across the river with rich, bold flavors.
3. Pizzagnolo – A tiny local pizzeria with some of the best pies in town.

Florence is full of surprises beyond the famous landmarks. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a semester, I hope you take the time to explore these hidden gems. Happy wandering!