Florence isn’t just the cradle of the Renaissance, it’s one of the best cities in Italy for shopping. Whether you dream of bringing home Italian leather, indulging in fine jewelry, or just want to discover unique treasures while strolling the city’s medieval streets, Florence offers something for every taste. This traveler-friendly guide will help you plan a shopping adventure, covering everything from lively markets to chic boutiques, and giving you all the local tips you need. If you’re planning to explore Florence on foot, you might also enjoy this local’s walking guide to add to your trip.
Markets in Florence: Where to Find Local Character
Florence’s markets are a mix of the traditional and the trendy. Visiting the markets is not just about shopping, but about soaking in the city’s daily life among locals and discovering authentic finds you might not spot anywhere else. You’ll find everything from artisan crafts to gourmet foods.
Mercato Centrale (Central Market)
Located just steps from the Florence Cathedral, Mercato Centrale is at the heart of Florence’s food scene. The ground floor is dedicated to fresh market produce, think vibrant vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, and baked goods. Upstairs, you’ll discover a trendy food hall with lots of options for a tasty lunch or an aperitivo. If you love bringing home edible souvenirs, there are many local specialties here, like olive oil, truffles, or artisanal biscotti, all beautifully packaged and easy to tuck into your suitcase.
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San Lorenzo Market
Adjacent to Mercato Centrale, the San Lorenzo Market spills out into the open air. This is one of Florence’s best spots for leather goods, from stylish handbags and wallets to classic jackets and belts. Many vendors are happy to haggle, and you’ll find plenty of souvenirs, scarves, clothing, and more. The sheer variety makes it a great place for browsing, even if you’re just window shopping.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
For a truly Florentine experience, step away from the tourist hotspots and check out Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. This is a bustling market where locals do their food shopping. Along with stalls selling fantastic cheeses, meats, and produce, you’ll also find vendors with vintage goods, inexpensive clothing, and fresh flowers. If you’re hungry, there are casual lunch counters with some of Florence’s best sandwiches and street food. This spot is especially lively in the mornings.
Mercato Nuovo (The “Porcellino” Market)
Mercato Nuovo stands out for its lively atmosphere and the famous bronze boar statue, “Il Porcellino,” which tourists line up to rub for good luck. This small but colorful market in the heart of Florence sells leather goods, scarves, and souvenirs. While it’s a prime tourist spot, bargains can still be found, and the location makes it easy to visit between sightseeing stops.
Florence’s Fashion Boutiques and Shopping Streets
Florence is world-famous for its luxury fashion houses and well-curated boutiques. Whether you’re hoping to invest in Italian designer labels or discover one-of-a-kind pieces, the city has shopping streets that cater to all styles and budgets.
Via de’ Tornabuoni: Luxury Designer Shopping
Few streets in Italy rival Via de’ Tornabuoni for high-end fashion. Here you’ll find boutiques for world-renowned labels like Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, and Roberto Cavalli, many of which have deep roots in Florence. The street itself is elegant and lively, lined with historic palaces and designer window displays. If you’re hunting for Italian style at its finest, this is your best starting point.
Via della Vigna Nuova and Surrounding Streets
Just a few steps from Via de’ Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova is home to more Italian fashion boutiques, from trendy prêt-à-porter to independent labels. You’ll spot high-end shoe shops, jewelry studios, and chic home decor boutiques. The neighboring streets, especially Via del Parione and Via della Spada, are full of smaller stores if you prefer something off the main tourist drag.
Santa Croce and Oltrarno: Artisan Finds and Trendsetting Studios
If artisan wares, quirky finds, and a hip local vibe are what you’re after, head for the Santa Croce area or cross the river into Oltrarno. You’ll find studios and shops selling handcrafted leather, paper marbled in the old Florentine tradition, bespoke jewelry, and unique gifts. The Oltrarno district especially is full of artisans preserving centuries-old crafts, and popping into their workshops is an experience that’s both personal and inspiring.
What to Buy in Florence: Signature Souvenirs and Unique Gifts
Bringing home a piece of Florence means more than just trinkets. The city’s long history as a center for art, fashion, and food is reflected in the quality of its souvenirs. If you want to shop smart, look for these traditional Florentine specialties, each telling its own story.
Leather Goods
Florence has been making top-quality leather for centuries, and its artisans still produce some of Italy’s best leather jackets, bags, belts, and wallets. Popular spots to shop include the San Lorenzo Market for a range of prices, or established boutiques like Piero Tucci, and Scuola del Cuoio, where you can see artisans at work. Look for supple materials, solid stitching, and genuine “Made in Italy” tags to ensure you’re buying the real thing.
Gold Jewelry from the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio itself is a symbol of Florence’s love of beautiful jewelry. This famous medieval bridge is lined with historic goldsmith shops, showcasing everything from delicate filigree rings to bold necklaces set with gemstones. Visit Fratelli Piccini for time-honored designs, or Casini Firenze. Even just window shopping here feels like a luxe experience.
Fashion and Shoes
Florence has played a major role in Italian fashion. If you’re looking to splurge, stop by the Gucci boutique on Via de’ Tornabuoni, or the flagship Salvatore Ferragamo store, which even has a museum about the brand’s history. You’ll also find unique shoe shops: Florentine cobblers take pride in their craftsmanship, with some workshops offering custom fittings for classic or contemporary shoes.
Papermaking and Stationery
Florence’s papier-mâché and hand-marbled papers are as artistic as they are practical. Art stores and specialized shops, such as Il Papiro and Signum, sell journals, cards, and paper goods with beautiful patterns. These make for lovely gifts or personal keepsakes and are easily packed in your luggage.
Florentine Perfume and Pharmacies
For something luxurious and truly unique, consider perfume and beauty products made the Florentine way. The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a must-visit, a gorgeous old pharmacy that’s been blending scents and lotions for centuries. Step inside to find soaps, perfumes, and herbal remedies, all beautifully presented in vintage-style packaging.
Ceramics and Home Decor
Hand-painted ceramics, bright with Tuscan patterns, are a staple in Florence. Many shops offer beautiful plates, bowls, and tiles, each painted by local artisans. Try Buccia Collections or La Cantina delle Arti for high-quality ceramics that add a touch of Italian color to your table at home.
Food and Wine Delicacies
Florence is full of ways to take Tuscan flavors home with you. Cured meats, aged cheeses, bottles of Chianti wine, artisan olive oils, and jars of porcini mushrooms or honey make for tasty souvenirs. Shops in Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, as well as specialist stores like Procacci, will help you pack flavors of Florence for family or friends.
How to Shop Like a Local in Florence
Italians take pride in quality, and in Florence, shopping is considered an art. Here are a few traveler-friendly tips for making the most of your Florence shopping experience:
- Cash is still king in many markets, so bring some euros.
- Don’t be afraid to chat with shopkeepers, they know their crafts inside and out, and often share stories or offer advice on the best buys.
- Bargaining is common in open-air markets but not in boutiques.
- Keep an eye on “Made in Italy” certification for leather, jewelry, and ceramics to ensure authenticity.
- Shops often close for a few hours in the early afternoon and on Sundays, so plan your shopping around these breaks.
Florence Shopping Overview Table
| Location | Best For | Official Site (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| Mercato Centrale | Food, gourmet gifts | Visit |
| San Lorenzo Market | Leather goods, souvenirs | N/A |
| Via de’ Tornabuoni | Designer fashion, jewelry | Gucci, Ferragamo |
| Scuola del Cuoio | Artisan leather | Visit |
| Ponte Vecchio | Gold jewelry | Fratelli Piccini |
| Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella | Perfume, beauty products | Visit |
Tips for a Memorable Florence Shopping Trip
Florence is best enjoyed at your own pace, strolling from one neighborhood to the next. Here are a few more pointers to make your shopping experience both smooth and memorable:
- Start your days early: Markets open in the mornings and can get crowded, so arriving early gives you the best pick of goods.
- Pair shopping with sightseeing: Many of the city’s top sights are close to shopping areas. Plan to alternate between culture and retail therapy for a well-rounded experience.
- Pack light: Leave room in your suitcase for treasures you’ll discover, Florence’s shops are full of temptations!
- Use official websites for advance ticketing: Many museums now offer the option to book tickets online, helping you skip long lines and enjoy more time in the city.
- Don’t rush: Sometimes the best finds are in a small side street or at a market stall you stumble upon by chance.
Florence Shopping: Quick FAQ
Are Florence’s shops open on Sundays?
Most markets and many smaller shops close on Sundays or for a few hours in the afternoon, though large chain stores and boutiques along Via de’ Tornabuoni tend to have longer opening hours. If you’re planning major shopping, try for a weekday morning.
What souvenirs are best to take home?
Florence’s top souvenirs include leather goods, gold jewelry from Ponte Vecchio, hand-marbled paper, artisan perfume, Tuscan ceramics, and gourmet food items. These choices are lasting, practical, and uniquely Florentine.
Should I bargain with vendors?
At outdoor markets, haggling is expected and even part of the fun. Just be polite and fair, it’s about reaching a deal that feels good for both you and the seller. In designer boutiques or artisan workshops, prices are usually fixed.
Where to store or ship purchases?
Most high-end shops, especially those dealing with leather or jewelry, can arrange for international shipping if you’re making larger purchases. This is handy if you want to buy a special gift or a collector’s piece that’s too big to carry.
Shopping in Florence isn’t just about making purchases, it’s about living the city’s lifestyle. Between shops, you’ll pass Renaissance palaces, grand piazzas, and timeless cafes. Consider joining a guided tour with a shopping focus, especially if you want insider access to artisan workshops. Or, just wander with an open mind and a comfortable pair of shoes, looking for moments that feel authentically Florentine. Combining your shopping spree with a visit to major attractions, like the Uffizi Gallery or climbing the Duomo, helps you get the most out of every moment in this iconic city.