Discover our locals' 108 hidden gems in Florence

Andiamo! Experience Florence like a true Fiorentino with Spotted by Locals! From tucked-away art workshops to local osterias away from the crowds, our Spotters guide you to the heart of Renaissance charm.

Search *

City guides by those who know Florence best!

Travel Guides by these Florence Locals!

Our Florence Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Florence like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Florence through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Florence

Check out our latest hidden gems in Florence

Things to do in Florence

Lila Toys

A toy store without gender stereotypes

Their idea of what a toy shop should be is: gender-neutral (it sounds like a revolution to me!), kids free to touch everything, and to choose on their own.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Laura

Scala

Jul 17, 2025

The Gran Cru

The friendly bar downstairs

"The Gran Cru" is something between a beer shop and pub in the south of Florence. I like how it has a friendly atmosphere and the tips by owner Francesco.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Laura

Scala

Jul 17, 2025

Mago Balducci

Wine bar

Surrender to the expertly crafted Negronis, refreshing Aperol Spritzes, or personalized cocktails tailored to your preferences at Mago Balducci.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Matilde

Ceseri

Jul 12, 2025

Serre Torrigiani

A bistrot in a private garden

"Serre Torrigiani" is a private garden that hosts a bar and a bistrot in Florence. The noble family still owns the villa & manages the bistros to this day!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Laura

Scala

Jul 12, 2025

Surf Ventura Club

The underground legend

"Surf Ventura Club" Florence is my favorite place for cocktails in the city. It's hard to find - I always have to look well to find the right door...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Matilde

Ceseri

Jul 12, 2025

Jazz Club

Late night music

"Jazz Club" Florence is an underground live music venue that is an institution. It might be called Jazz Club, but there's room for all music...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Matilde

Ceseri

Jul 12, 2025

Bellosguardo

Unknown sight of Florence

"Bellosguardo" Florence is a hill with a special place in my heart for its unique view of most famous buildings from a different point of view: the front!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Matilde

Ceseri

Jul 12, 2025

Gelateria Il Sorriso

The gelateria next door

"Gelateria Il Sorriso" Florence is my 'girl next door' gelateria. It might not be the fanciest, but is the ice cream shop I fell in love with...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Matilde

Ceseri

Jul 12, 2025

Edoardo

Game changer gelateria

"Edoardo" Florence is a lovely gelateria just on Piazza Duomo that I love. The prices are above average, €3 for the smallest portion, but it's all organic.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Matilde

Ceseri

Jul 12, 2025

Twist Bistrot

An original and vintage bistrot

"Twist Bistrot" in Florence is one of those places where you feel at home, giving you the feeling that you are surrounded by friends...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Laura

Scala

Jul 8, 2025

Piccola Farmacia Letteraria

A different bookshop

"Piccola Farmacia Letteraria" in Florence is a small bookshop run by Elena which everyone, including me, describes as special. Go there & then for a beer!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Laura

Scala

Jun 18, 2025

Pesci Che Volano

The Magic of Flying Fishes

The garments at Pesci Che Volano are meticulously crafted by hand, embracing small-scale production and handmade textiles from natural fabrics...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Matilde

Ceseri

Jun 16, 2025

Heading to Florence?

108 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Florence?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
Made with the 💚 of 489 Spotters.
Filters
Price
Price