Set along the southern Tuscan coast, this was the region’s first natural park, created in 1975. It’s still well off most tourist itineraries, which is part of what makes it worth the trip. You’ll find wild beaches, open fields, pine forests, and a good mix of hiking and biking trails. It’s a solid choice if you’re after fresh air, sea views, and a quieter, less polished side of Tuscany.

‘Make it Art Worthy’ is the name and aim of this gallery that champions creativity in all its forms. Here you can design your own gifts in the Dry Felting workshop from repurposed materials and present them with sparkling style after coming up with a unique wrapping scheme in the Pimping Box workshop. The space is also open to musicians of all levels to play in, a great way to meet like-minded folk and jam together. This non-profit organisation is run by volunteers and kept going by donations so some of the events and workshops will ask for a small sum of money but for the most part, visitors can appreciate the exhibitions free of charge.

If you want a break from the city’s streets, the Boboli Gardens offer plenty of green space along with a good dose of history. Spread out behind the Pitti Palace, the gardens are filled with sculptures from the 16th to 18th centuries—and a few pieces dating back to Roman times. While you’re there, don’t miss the Porta Romana nearby, an old city gate with its own story.

The National Museum of Nature and Science offers a comprehensive journey through Japan’s natural history and scientific development. Its collections span from pre-Meiji scientific instruments to modern technology, including a real rocket launcher and a digital seismograph tracking earthquakes in real time. The museum is famous for its lifelike dinosaur exhibitions, a major draw for younger visitors, and houses the taxidermied figures of the loyal dog Hachikō and the Antarctic sled dogs Taro and Jiro. The Japan Gallery explores the archipelago's diverse ecosystems, featuring wildlife from Hokkaidō bears to Okinawan giant beetles. Other notable exhibits include an Edo-period mummy and an immersive 360-degree theatre.