Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: May 19, 2022
Shopping in Florence offers plenty of options for every budget. From local products to expensive international brands, you can find every kind of good. Join us on this journey to discover the best places to go shopping in Florence!
Unique Shopping Experiences in Florence
If you’re aiming for a unique shopping experience, Florence is the right place. There are places to go shopping in Florence that you won’t find in any other place in the world! Here’s our selection of the best.
Looking for specific souvenirs to shop for? Don’t miss these best souvenirs from Florence so you can pick up something authentic (not postcards and fridge magnets).
Stationery
Surprised? We know, we’re in the digital era, but trust us – Florentine paper is a work of art. Stationery, diaries, and little notebooks make treats for the bookworms in your life. Our favorite place is Il Papiro, where you can even take part in a workshop and learn how marbled paper is made.
Perfume
If you’re looking for some sublime perfumes, you need to visit Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It’s located in a 16th-century apothecary, and just the experience of being in this magical atmosphere is worth the visit.
Jewelry
Florentine goldsmith expertise is as ancient as the Duomo itself, and every jewelry shop on Ponte Vecchio is there to remind us of this beautiful tradition. If you’re aiming for the best and aren’t afraid of high prices, we recommend popping by the Paolo Penko jewelry store. You may even find Paolo Penko himself at work there.
Designer shopping in Florence
The Mall
If you’re a hopeless fashionista, The Mall is the place for you. All the brands are here, from Armani to Ermenegildo Zegna.
The Mall is outside the city center, and there are regular buses which leave every two hours from the train station. Before you arrive at this shopping temple, prepare your credit card for a good workout!
The Art Scene
Are you looking for something really sophisticated to impress your friends back home? There are a wide selection of art galleries and auction houses to bring back a bit of that Florentine spirit and history.
Art Galleries
Contemporary art appreciators will find their slice of heaven in ARTiglieria and Galleria 360. These galleries often organize vernissages, and you’ll find some smart gallerists to talk to.
Art Auctions
Best known for its many antiques dealers, Via Maggio in the Oltrarno district is where you’ll find many options for picking up antiques. However, if you prefer the adrenaline of an auction house, check out Pandolfini.
Shopping in Florence on a Budget
If you’re looking for something less expensive but equally chic, you can surely find your Made in Italy souvenir in one of Florence’s many markets. Read on to find the most famous markets to go shopping in Florence.
Mercato di San Lorenzo
You surely know Mercato Centrale, one of the best places to shop like a Florentine (if you know the right tricks – bookmark our tips for checking out food markets in Florence!). But every morning, from Tuesday to Saturday, you can stop in the streets around it to find a colorful show of leather jackets, leather purses, and even leather-bound diaries.
Locals won’t be around—it’s not every day you need expensive leather shoes. But it’s one of Florence’s leather markets that’s full of small, precious sensory pleasures, like smelling the leather and touching the soft material while soaking up the chitchat of tourists.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
Although this historical market is more focused on gastronomy, you can also find yourself in second-hand heaven at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. Knick-knacks, furs, jewelry, and much more – there are so many treasures just waiting to be discovered. And the best part? Watching Florentines bargain down the price!
Mercato di Santo Spirito
In Piazza Santo Spirito, you can find something a little less blatantly Florentine, but a little bit more local. Every morning, the piazza is full of stalls that sell knifes, second-hand books, and even fashion items.
Always Carry Cash
If you’re going shopping in the markets (or even in some little shops), always remember to carry cash. Stands won’t allow you to pay with card.
You’re now ready to go shopping in Florence! Mingle with locals and fashionistas and, above all, have a great time finding the perfect gift.
A Guided Tour Makes the Perfect Souvenir!
You’ll make lifelong memories on our Alone in the Duomo: VIP After-Hours Tour with dome climb and private terrace access. Escape the crowds and discover Florence’s famous Duomo on an after-hours tour, climbing 463 steps to the dome top for magnificent views and close-up encounters with its artwork. Join us for this VIP experience that will be a highlight of your trip to Florence!
Featured Review: Alone in the Duomo VIP After-Hours Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A wonderful tour full of exciting one of a kind access to the Duomo. Our guide was excellent with a never ending commentary of unique insights and history of Florence and the church building. Would highly recommend it.”
– Stephen
Best Places to Go Shopping in Florence FAQs
What is Florence best known for shopping?
Florence is best known for leather goods, handmade shoes, gold jewelry, artisan paper products, and luxury Italian fashion. The city is especially famous for its historic leather workshops and artisan boutiques that reflect Florence’s long tradition of craftsmanship.
What are the best shopping streets in Florence?
Some of Florence’s most popular shopping streets include Via de’ Tornabuoni for luxury fashion, Via del Corso for mainstream shopping, and the Oltrarno neighborhood for artisan workshops and handmade goods. Markets like San Lorenzo are also popular for leather shopping and souvenirs.
What should you buy in Florence, Italy?
Popular things to buy in Florence include leather bags, wallets, handmade notebooks, ceramics, jewelry, olive oil, wine, and artisan foods. Many visitors also shop for locally made fashion and handcrafted gifts unique to Tuscany.
Is Florence expensive for shopping?
Florence offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from luxury designer boutiques to affordable artisan markets and vintage shops. Handmade leather goods and artisan products can often provide better value than luxury-brand shopping.
Where can you find handmade artisan goods in Florence?
The Oltrarno neighborhood is one of the best areas in Florence for artisan shopping, with workshops selling handmade leather goods, jewelry, paper products, perfumes, and ceramics. Many small family-run shops still use traditional Florentine crafting techniques.
