There’s much more to Florence than long museum lines and getting an overrated panino. Sure, the Uffizi and the Duomo are worth the hype—but the real magic happens when you trade the guidebook for a hands-on experience that helps connect you to the city itself. Picture yourself mixing scents above the Ponte Vecchio in a perfume-making workshop, discovering the art of marbling paper, or getting flour-dusted in a Tuscan cooking class straight out of a dreamy countryside scene.
This city has a way of rewarding the curious. One minute you’re clinking glasses at a Florence food tour aperitivo stop, the next you’re zooming through vineyards in a vintage sidecar, pretending you’re in a Fellini film (seriously one of my favorite experiences ever!). There’s also Tuscan wine tasting (of course), supper clubs with seasonal flair, and designers opening their studio doors for behind-the-scenes magic.
This guide is your shortcut to the lesser-known, delightfully unexpected side of Florence and Tuscany—the kinds of experiences that leave you inspired, well-fed, and perhaps with a new skill or love of artisan craftsmanship.
Bring your appetite for beauty (and maybe some stretchy pants), because we’re diving into the good stuff.
🍷 A Taste of Florence: Progressive Dinner Crawl with Curious Appetite
Let’s start where many great evenings do — with food. Curious Appetite’s progressive dinner crawl is a walking feast through Florence that combines the conviviality of sharing a bite with insider knowledge of the city’s evolving culinary scene. Led by a local food and wine expert, this curated crawl introduces you to multiple restaurants and wine bars, each with its own unique flavor and story.
From natural wines to modern Tuscan fare and bold gelato pairings, this experience is perfect if you’re tired of googling where to eat and want to let a passionate guide lead the way. It’s dinner, discovery, and deep-dish conversation all in one. Also for those curious about trying typical dishes like the classic bistecca fiorentina (Florentine steak), this is normally served by the kilo and a convivial dish thus if you are traveling solo or as a couple, joining in on a tour will let you try this without letting any food go to waste.
I love to plan experiences like this at the beginning of a trip to better get a handle on local specialities and be able to pepper the guide with questions so that I know what to order in the days ahead. You can customize your tour if you contact the Curious Appetite team, for families I always recommend the artisan gelato tour because let’s get real… gelato makes everyone happier!
👉 Curious Appetite for more info and booking.
💍 Make Your Own Magic at Officine Nora
If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting your own jewelry—or just want to peek behind the scenes of contemporary design—Officine Nora is a must stop. People often ask me about where to buy jewelry in the city of Florence and though I know the jewels on the Ponte Vecchio might be tempting but this is a city with talented artisans so let’s do our best to support them.
This independent jewelry studio in Florence’s Oltrarno district offers a variety of hands-on workshops led by working goldsmiths and artists. You can design and create your own ring or pendant in a one-day course (or design and create your own ring or pendant in few hours), or dive deeper into multi-day intensives where you’ll learn traditional techniques and use real tools in a professional atelier.
The vibe? Creative, collaborative, and seriously inspiring. You’ll walk away not only with something beautiful, but also with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that defines Florentine artistry today.
✨ Crafting Scent Memories: Perfume-Making Workshop at Ephèmera
Tucked above the Ponte Vecchio in the artisan district of Florence is Ephèmera, a beautifully atmospheric perfume studio that feels like stepping into a fragrant dream. Here, you’ll create your own custom perfume from scratch using natural essences and a bit of olfactory intuition.
Guided by a skilled nose, you’ll learn about scent layering, base notes, and the emotional power of perfume while blending a unique creation that’s entirely your own.
It’s thoughtful, sensory, and leaves you with a personal souvenir you can actually wear. I’ve always greatly enjoyed making perfume and if you have yet to do it before, why not make your own in an exquisitely beautiful location.
Price for a two hour workshop above the Ponte Vecchio with a take home perfume is around €370,00.
🎨 Art You Can Touch: Paper Marbling Class with Jen Leo
For something hands-on, head to a studio tucked in the historic center and spend a few meditative hours with Jen Leo, a Canadian artist based in Florence who offers paper marbling workshops that blend color theory, tradition, and play.
You’ll learn the art of floating pigments on water and transferring them to paper — an ancient technique with mesmerizing results during a workshop lasting from 1.5-2 hours. Each piece you make is one of a kind, and Jen’s warm, welcoming approach makes this an ideal experience for beginners and creatives alike to play with color and better appreciate an artisan experience.
The cost per participant is €62 and this is an activity applicable to all ages (which is especially appealing to me right now, I’m always on the hunt for activities to include our four-year-old). She is also available for private groups like parties (also for kids), team building, aperitivo, bachelorette etc. The best way to reach her is either by instagram messaging, or email (art@jenleostudio.com).
🛵 Wind in Your Hair: Florence Sidecar Tours with De Gustibus
If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through Chianti like a 1950s movie star, De Gustibus’ sidecar tours are your chance. Hop into a vintage sidecar and let a knowledgeable driver-guide whisk you away from Florence’s cityscape into the rolling countryside.
I’ve not only hopped in the sidecar a few times myself, but have also booked tours for friends and family looking for an exciting way to visit the countryside and take in some beautiful scenery.
Tours can include curated vineyard stops at small wineries, hilltop photo ops, and even gourmet picnic breaks. It’s a unique and exhilarating way to take in the Tuscan landscape without the stress of planning or driving.
👜 Design Meets Craftsmanship: Workshop & Showroom Visit at MONOBOSSI
Florence has long been known for its leather, but MONOBOSSI offers something more refined: a blend of true Italian craftsmanship, minimalist design, and modern flair. Their studio and showroom experience allows guests to see where and how their beautifully tailored bags and accessories are made just outside of Florence in Ponte e Ema (an easy car ride or taxi away).
Witness part of the production process and shop consciously with full transparency which is something I implore people coming to visit Florence do and take part in a special workshop. You’ll have the chance to choose and personalize an object, witness the creation process of a luxury product through immersive 3D reality, and take home your bespoke piece.
Keep in mind that there is plenty of “Made in Italy” marketing that isn’t necessarily the real deal and I would avoid the markets in San Lorenzo if you want quality. Sometimes, a “Made in Italy” label only means the final stitching happened here, while all the materials and production were sourced elsewhere—so it really pays to do your research.
Minobossi is a recent discovery for me and I really appreciate their style as being both modern and something timeless that you can enjoy for years. It’s one of those brands that has something for everyone, from cell phone holders to buttery beautiful bags. It’s a slow fashion experience that honors Florence’s artisan roots — minus the touristy leather shop hustle and you can learn more about their brand via this podcast episode on ASK Fosca with CEO Monica Bonaiuti.
If you do go: use my code GIRLINFLORENCE to get an addition 5% discount on whatever you purchase, keep in mind that although they have an online shop, prices go down if you go directly to the showroom!
🍷 Learn to Taste Like a Local: Food & Wine Workshops at Enoteca Marilù
One of the memorable authentic food and wine experiences in Tuscany can be found just off the beaten path at Enoteca Marilù in the Tuscan town of San Miniato. This inviting enoteca hosts seasonal workshops that focus on the fundamentals of Tuscan food and wine pairing run by experts Emiko (yes that Emiko from the latest Tucci series on Florence and of the incredible substack series: notes from Emiko’s kitchen) and her wine-sommelier husband Marco.
Led by warm and knowledgeable hosts, the sessions are relaxed yet informative, perfect for those who want to go beyond sipping Chianti and really understand the nuances of Italy’s gastronomic identity with an emphasis on natural wine options. Expect fresh local products, plenty of tastings, and lots of laughter.
I’ve been lucky to know Emiko and Marco for a number of years and have been quite blown away at how they are able to create a magical experience for people in a way that feels so inclusive. No need to swirl your wine in a special way, just bring a heart appetite and love for wine and take the time to visit San Miniato which is a charming Tuscan village in its own right.
🍳 From the Heart of the Countryside: Cooking Classes with Juls’ Kitchen
For those venturing into the Tuscan countryside, a visit to Juls’ Kitchen is an absolute must. Run by Giulia Scarpaleggia and her partner Tommaso, this cooking school — set in their family farmhouse in the Sienese countryside— offers soulful, hands-on classes using garden-fresh ingredients and traditional family recipes.
Expect to learn how to roll fresh pasta, knead focaccia, and maybe even master pappa al pomodoro, all while sipping local wine and basking in the warm embrace of rural Tuscany. It’s as genuine as it gets.
One thing I appreciate about her offerings is that in addition to the popular market tour plus cooking class, she has a vegetable-forward option, a three day masterclass and you can even tailor a class to your needs (gluten free etc) and even has virtual options. Giulia and Tommaso have created a sort of magic where they live and it will also be a great way to see a beautiful area of the countryside as well.
🍽 Intimate & Thematic: Supper Club Events with Saporita
If you crave connection as much as you crave flavor, keep an eye on Saporita. This Florence-based supper club curates pop-up dining experiences that are as much about storytelling and community as they are about the menu.
Each event has a unique theme — from literary dinners to seasonal harvest feasts — and hosts a small group of food lovers in atmospheric locations. It’s perfect for solo travelers, expats, or locals who want to connect over something meaningful (and delicious).
I’ve now been to two of their events and loved the casual, relaxing vibes and flowing conversations, the city has needed something like this for some time so you will certainly feel like you stepped into somewhere special.
🧠 Art, Ideas & Aperitivo: Wednesday Lectures at The British Institute
Tucked inside a grand library overlooking the Arno, the British Institute of Florence’s Wednesday Lectures are a weekly treat for curious minds. These engaging talks cover everything from Renaissance art to contemporary politics, literature, design, and beyond—always with a distinctly international, Florentine flair.
It’s the kind of event where you’ll rub elbows with expats, students, locals, and visiting scholars while sipping a glass of wine and soaking up some serious inspiration. Whether you’re a history buff or just in the mood for an aperitivo with a side of insight, this is one of Florence’s best-kept intellectual secrets.
👉 British Institute Wednesday Lectures
🌿 Final Thoughts: Experiences That Linger
What all of these experiences have in common is their attention to detail, local heart, and intimate scale. They go beyond typical tourist activities and instead invite you to participate — which trust me you’ll remember more than standing in a sweaty line to try something you saw on Tiktok. Whether you’re swirling wine with Marilù, crafting scents with Ephèmera, or seeing how real Made in Italy leather artisan craftsmanship is, you’re living it.
So the next time you’re in Florence or its neighboring hills, consider skipping the selfie line at Piazzale Michelangelo and diving into one of these unforgettable adventures instead.
