Hidden Gardens of Florence: A Guide to Nature and Tranquility

Brimming with art and architecture masterpieces, bijou-sized Florence is made for walking. Yet, the urban fabric of this tightly packed Tuscan city hasn’t changed since the Renaissance, meaning scant few modern sweeps of green. For Florentines, it is the hidden gardens of historic palazzi that fuel their ritual passeggiate (afternoon strolls) in the park.

Giardino di Boboli

Best for Greek god (and people) spotting

Florence’s blockbuster city park, the graceful Boboli Gardens, has waltzed gracefully around terraced flowerbeds, box hedges, and shaded cypress alleys behind the monumental palace of Palazzo Pitti in Oltrarno since the 15th century. The original gardens were designed by architect Niccolò Pericoli for the bombastic Medici clan and have served as a popular green oasis for Florentines since 1766.

Allow a half-day at least to take in the ornamental ponds, fountains, and sculptures depicting Jupiter, Apollo, and other well-endowed Greek gods. The giant sculpture of a cracked face by Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj (1944-2014) is a contemporary highlight. Don’t miss sweeping views of the surrounding countryside from the terrace in front of the porcelain museum pavilion.

Top tip: When the weekend or summer crowds get too intense, duck along the footpath into the lesser-known Giardino Bardini; the gate between the two closes at 5 pm.

Giardino Torrigiani

Best for rare Tuscan flora

The ultimate secret garden, this Tuscan paradise hidden behind high walls is filled with English-style lawns wrapped around a 16th- and 19th-century villa. The gardens were designed at the height of the Romantic movement in the early 19th century.

Private tours reveal dozens of rare tree species, herb and vegetable gardens, sculpted lions, a neo-Gothic Masonic tower, and stunningly restored greenhouses. Additionally, remnants of Florence’s city walls, built under Cosimo I in 1544, can be spotted here.

Giardino Bardini

Best for lunch in the sun

April and May, with colorful azaleas, peonies, and wisteria in bloom, are lovely months to visit these elegant hillside gardens in Oltrarno. The gardens offer picturesque views, especially when the flowering irises appear in June.

Artificial grottoes, orangery, marble statues, wisteria tunnels, and fountains provide a true taste of Tuscany. The 17th-century villa, named after 19th-century art collector Stefano Bardini (1836–1922), houses an art museum featuring early 20th-century works.

Santarosa Bistrot

Best for drinks and live music

Hobnob with fashionable Florentines over coffee or cocktails at this trendy garden-bistro-bar, nestled against a historic chunk of city wall. The outdoor space is perfect for enjoying live music events in the garden atmosphere.

Giardino delle Rose

Best for photo ops

Break the steep staircase hike up to over-touristed Piazzale Michelangelo with a peaceful meander around Florence’s 19th-century rose garden, directly below the panoramic square. The garden boasts over 400 rose varieties thriving in the sun.

Giardino dell’Iris

Best for flower-power meditation

Marvel at the intoxicating scents and kaleidoscope of dazzling flowers in this spectacular iris garden opened for four weeks in late April and May. Located in an olive grove, it highlights the city’s long-standing connection to the iris flower, which has been the emblem of Florence since the 5th century.

Giardino dei Semplici

Best for bookworms and botanists

When the Florence crowds overwhelm, retreat to the city’s peaceful botanical gardens in San Marco, where fragrant citrus blooms mingle with ancient medicinal plants and wildflowers. This historic garden provides a serene environment perfect for quiet contemplation.

Parco delle Cascine

Best for jogging and dog-walking

When vast green space beckons, join weekending locals in Florence’s largest park. The former Medici hunting reserve buzzes with activity at weekends with options for jogging, cycling, and yoga. With playgrounds and an open-air swimming pool (Le Pavoniere), the park is ideal for families.

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. It is recommended that travelers check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance.