If you are thinking about shopping in Florence you have countless options. There are shops for all tastes! Italian high fashion was born in Florence, and it’s still one of the main attractions both for locals and tourists. If you're looking for some ideas just read this article and take notes.
Via dei Calzaiuoli - Credit: Giuseppe Moscato
For chic purchases visit via Tornabuoni and via della Vigna Nuova: you’ll find names like Gucci, Ferragamo (both the shop and the museum), Prada, Dior, Armani and Tiffany. Close to Piazza della Repubblica, you can find some of the best Italian and foreign designer brands in via Roma, too. But for more affordable prices, visit via Calzaiuoli and via Cerretani.
Handmade shoes - Credit: We Make Them Wonder
If you prefer handicraft, in the nearby neighborhood of San Frediano, there are some of the city’s greatest shops featuring goods from the Florentine handcrafting tradition: furniture textiles, hand-decorated silver, handmade shoes, and glass objects inspired by the past. We really recommend to follow this itinerary among the shops of the Oltrarno. Every year since 1931 Florence hosts the annualInternational Handicraft fair – Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato at the Fortezza da Basso. Here you can admire the handworks from the ancient Florence workshops and also from the rest of the world.
Shopping at the International Handicraft Fair in Florence - Credit: Provincia di Firenze Ufficio Stampa
If you like antiques items you can still find historical and traditional Florentine shops. Well-stocked antiquarian shops are in via dei Fossi and via Maggio. The third weekend of every month Piazza Indipendenza hosts “Fortezza Antiquaria” antiques fair. Here you can find everything from books to furniture, from jewellery to objects.
Mercato del Porcellino - Credit: Jaime Pèrez
If you like leather goods, Florence is also well known for its manufacturing leather items: bags, shoes, belts and articles of clothing. The best leather shops are concentrated mainly in the Santa Croce neighborhood. You can also find nice and cheap souvenirs at Mercato del Porcellinoand San Lorenzo open market.
On Ponte Vecchio - Credit: jojo 77
If you love gold Florence has some of Italy's best goldsmiths and as you probably altready know, the Ponte Vecchio is world-famous also for its gold dealers.
Mercato Centrale first floor
Food markets are the ideal attraction for a one-day shopping experience in Florence. The Mercato Centrale or Central Market and the Market of Sant’Ambrogio, were built in the late-nineteenth century when Florence was the capital of Italy. You can also visit one of the many Florence’s historic stores, where you can really relive the atmosphere of the past.
