GemmaFlorence often feels loud, busy, and packed from morning until late evening. You step outside, and there is a camera clicking every second, tour flags waving in the air, and lines forming before you even finish your coffee. Yet Florence has another side. A softer side. A slower side. One that waits just a few steps away from the main streets.
If you have ever wished for a pause button while visiting Florence, this post is for you. These are the small squares where time seems to stretch, voices soften, and your shoulders finally drop. You will not find souvenir stands here. You will find benches worn smooth, laundry above narrow windows, and locals passing through without hurry.
Based on my overall experience, these quiet corners changed how I see Florence. They reminded me that the city is not meant to be rushed. It is meant to be lived, even if only for an afternoon.
Below, you will find 12 charming hidden squares in Florence that you truly need to see. These are must see spots, gentle places to explore, and simple moments you will truly love.
Piazza Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito feels lived in, not staged. This square sits on the Oltrarno side of the Arno, where Florence feels more relaxed almost instantly. The church stands quietly at one end, strong and simple, while the rest of the space opens up like a neighborhood living room.
During the day, you will see kids kicking a ball, older locals chatting on benches, and dogs pulling their owners across the stones. In the evening, the square warms up with soft voices and clinking glasses from nearby cafes.
Things to do here feel natural. Grab a drink, sit down, and watch real life pass by. You are not expected to rush or move along. You belong here the moment you sit.
Piazza della Passera
This square is small, almost shy. You could walk past it without noticing, which makes it even better. Piazza della Passera sits quietly near Palazzo Pitti and offers one of the calmest breaks you can find in this area.
There is usually a cafe or two open, tables placed casually across the stones. No one is shouting for attention. No one tries to sell you anything.
This is a perfect place to rest your feet after exploring nearby streets. Order a coffee or a glass of wine and stay longer than planned. That tends to happen here.
Piazza dei Ciompi
Piazza dei Ciompi carries history without feeling heavy. Once connected to Florence’s working class past, today it feels open and friendly.
The square often hosts small markets, secondhand book stalls, or simple food stands. Even when something is happening, it never feels crowded.
You will love this spot if you enjoy gentle energy. It is active without stress. A place where you can browse, pause, and wander again when you feel ready.
Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini
This square hides near the Medici Chapels, yet most visitors rush past without turning their head. That is their loss.
Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini feels like a breath between busy streets. The space is open, the pace slower, and the mood surprisingly calm considering how close you are to major sights.
Sit here for ten minutes and notice how your breathing changes. Florence does that when you let it.
Piazza San Pancrazio
Piazza San Pancrazio feels quietly thoughtful. The church façade stands solid, almost protective, while the square itself stays calm throughout the day.
You will often see locals cutting through on their daily routines. No one performs for visitors here.
This square works well as a reset point. If Florence feels overwhelming, come here and let the noise fade on its own.
Piazza dei Nerli
Piazza dei Nerli is another Oltrarno favorite that feels deeply local. It does not try to impress you. It does not need to.
There is a small park area nearby, benches under trees, and a rhythm that feels steady. You might see neighbors greeting each other or someone walking home with bread tucked under their arm.
This is Florence without a script. That is what makes it special.
Piazza San Felice
Located close to Palazzo Pitti, Piazza San Felice surprises many visitors. They expect chaos. Instead, they find calm.
The square is wide and open, with space to sit and breathe. Traffic stays light, and voices remain low.
It is a great place to pause before crossing the river again. Think of it as a gentle transition between sightseeing and rest.
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata (Early Morning)
This square does not stay hidden all day, but early morning changes everything.
Before the tour groups arrive, Piazza della Santissima Annunziata feels almost sacred. The symmetry, the arcades, the open sky all come together in silence.
If you wake up early even once in Florence, come here. Walk slowly. Listen to your steps. This moment stays with you long after the day begins.
Piazza San Lorenzo (After Sunset)
By day, this square buzzes. By night, it softens.
After the market stalls close, Piazza San Lorenzo settles into something quieter. The stone glows under warm lights, and the crowds thin out.
It becomes a place for evening walks and slow conversations. A reminder that timing can completely change a place.
Piazza del Carmine
Piazza del Carmine offers space and stillness. The church stands strong while the rest of the square remains open and welcoming.
This area feels less polished, more honest. The buildings show age. The stones carry stories.
If you enjoy places that feel real rather than perfect, you will truly love this square.
Piazza dei Tre Re
Tiny and almost hidden, Piazza dei Tre Re sits near Ponte Vecchio yet feels far removed from the noise.
It is more of a pause than a destination. A few steps, a few breaths, and then you continue.
Sometimes that is all you need.
Piazza Santa Maria Soprarno
This square feels personal, like it belongs to the neighborhood rather than the map.
There is little to distract you here, which is exactly the point. No grand displays. No crowds. Just Florence being Florence.
Sit for a while and notice how peaceful the city can be when you stop chasing it.
Why These Squares Matter
Florence can overwhelm even the most excited traveler. There is so much to see that you may feel pressure to keep moving.
These squares give you permission to slow down.
They remind you that travel is not a checklist. It is a feeling. A memory. A quiet moment that stays with you longer than any photo.
Simple Things to Do in These Hidden Squares
You do not need a plan here.
Sit and observe.
Enjoy a coffee.
Write a few lines in a notebook.
Watch the light change on the buildings.
Let your feet rest.
Sometimes doing very little becomes the best part of the day.
How to Find These Places
Walk without rushing.
Turn down streets that look ordinary.
Follow your curiosity instead of your map.
Florence reveals itself when you stop trying to control the experience.
A Final Thought Before You Go
These hidden squares will not shout for your attention. They wait patiently.
When you find one, stay longer than planned. Let the city come to you.
Florence rewards slowness. And once you experience that quieter side, you will carry it with you long after your trip ends.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.