Florence is best known for its Renaissance architecture and masterpieces. This creates a splendid backdrop for exploring the retail treasures of this Italian city. Here are some of the places to visit to experience the best shopping in Florence:
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Best Shopping in Florence: Luxury Fashion
Gucci
The first Gucci shop in the city of Florence was opened in 1921. Almost a century later, the brand remains a dominant name in the fashion scene. These days, Gucci has two boutiques in Florence (on Via de’ Tornabuoni and Via Roma), along with a museum and a restaurant.
Gucci products on display – photo by Mathieu Lebreton under CC BY 2.0
Salvatore Ferragamo
Via de’ Tornabuoni is home to the medieval palace that houses the flagship store and museum of this world-renowned fashion brand.
Entrance to Museo Salvatore Ferragamo on Via Tornabuoni – photo by User:Mattes under PD-self
VERSACE
This high end Italian fashion label has a shop in Florence where you can browse through the apparel, fragrances and accessories on display.
Versace shop window on Via Tornabuoni in Florence – photo by Markus Bernet under CC-BY-SA-2.5
Best Shopping in Florence: Malls and Department Stores
La Rinascente
La Rinascente in Florence welcomes shoppers to multiple levels of apparel, fashion accessories, beauty products and specialty foods.
La Rinascente in Florence – photo by Freepenguin under CC BY-SA 3.0 and GFDL
The Mall
In Florence, luxury fashion does not have to be ultra-expensive. The Mall has an array of designer-label outlet stores where you can shop for high-end fashion pieces at reasonable prices.
The Mall (designer outlet mall in Florence) – photo by Stefano Costantini under CC BY 2.0
Best Shopping in Florence: Markets
Mercato del Porcellino
In Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, one can find a 16th century gallery that houses various stalls offering all sorts of knick-knacks and leather goods. The market is popularly called Mercato del Porcellino due to the wild boar statue found on one of its ends.
The wild boar statue and some of the stalls at Mercato del Porcellino – photo by RalfSkjerning under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Mercato di San Lorenzo
One of the most famous in Florence, this market is the destination if you are looking for local art and leather goods.
San Lorenzo Market in Florence – photo by Matt Chotin under CC BY 2.0
Best Shopping in Florence: Specialty Shops
Il Papiro
Step inside one of the Il Papiro shops in Florence and be amazed with the beauty of the handcrafted stationery on display. Il Papiro has shops on Via dei Tavolini, Piazza del Duomo, Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli and Via de’ Guicciardini, and in Borgo San Lorenzo.
Il Papiro stationery – photo by Irene Bonacchi under CC BY-ND 2.0
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Known to be one of the oldest worldwide, the Santa Maria di Novella Pharmacy was founded in the early 13th century. Over the centuries, it has included fragrances and beauty products into its line of organic offerings.
Inside Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella – photo by othree under CC BY 2.0
Richard Ginori
In Florence, the Ginori name is synonymous with porcelain. The Richard Ginori shop on Via dei Rondinelli is a must-visit if you are looking for beautiful chinaware.
An antique Richard Ginori vase – photo by Sailko under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Best Shopping in Florence: Streets
Ponte Vecchio
Not really a street, Ponte Vecchio is a lovely medieval stone bridge lined with jewelry shops and souvenir stores.
Ponte Vecchio and its shops at night – photo by Miguel Mendez under CC BY 2.0
Via de’ Tornabuoni
It’s not difficult to find some luxury retail fix in this street in Florence lined with world-famous shops, including Montblanc, Fendi, Saint Laurent,Tiffany & Co., Burberry, BVLGARI and Céline.
Some of the shops along Via de’ Tornabuoni – photo by Freepenguin under CC-BY-SA-3.0 and GFDL
Via dei Calzaiuoli
When it comes to shopping streets, Via dei Calzaiuoli is a favorite among the locals because of its accessibility and the range of shops along it. Here, you’ll find stores offering clothing, fashion accessories, souvenirs, electronics and more.
Via dei Calzaiuoli in Florence – photo by Freepenguin under CC-BY-SA-3.0 and GFDL
Via del Corso
Via del Corso might be narrow but it hosts a number of shops that offer different items, like souvenirs, beauty products and antiques.
A portion of Via del Corso with some of its commercial establishments – photo by Sailko under GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0-migrated and CC-BY-2.5
Via Roma
If you are looking for high end fashion, Via Roma would be your destination. This street is home to shops of some of the biggest names in fashion, such as Gucci, Prada and Emporio Armani.
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Via Roma in Florence – photo by Freepenguin under CC-BY-SA-3.0 and GFDL
