{"id":5759,"date":"2023-09-09T17:15:45","date_gmt":"2023-09-09T16:15:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=5759"},"modified":"2026-11-01T01:44:18","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T01:44:18","slug":"oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans","title":{"rendered":"Oltrarno Shopping Guide: 4 On-Trend Florence Boutiques"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As one of Italy&#8217;s fashion capitals, Florence boasts numerous shopping destinations. While it&#8217;s renowned as the birthplace of iconic brands like Ferragamo and Gucci, our favorites are not the chain stores or high-end designers in the city center. <strong>Instead, we adore the Oltrarno shopping scene, full of artisans and independent workshops located just across the Arno river from Florence&#8217;s bustling heart.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Florence&#8217;s artisanal crafts, which range from leather to ceramics, are as much a part of the city&#8217;s tradition as, say, Renaissance art. And even if you don&#8217;t have the room in your luggage for a single extra purchase, these artisans&#8217; shops are worth checking out. The goods are so high-quality, you&#8217;ll feel like you&#8217;re in a museum or art gallery. Not to mention, you can often watch the artisan actually handcrafting the item, a fascinating process to observe even if you don&#8217;t purchase anything.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20312\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20312\" class=\"wp-image-20312 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/seeetz-UoxaMZtpxmw-unsplashreesize.jpg\" alt=\"Four leather belts laid on a table\" width=\"1200\" height=\"623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/seeetz-UoxaMZtpxmw-unsplashreesize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/seeetz-UoxaMZtpxmw-unsplashreesize-768x399.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20312\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leather goods are a staple of the artisanal scene in Florence. Photo credit: Seeetz on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#Oltrarno_Shopping_and_it%C2%B4s_Artisan_Heritage\" >Oltrarno Shopping and it\u00b4s Artisan Heritage<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#Discovering_Florences_Leather-making_Tradition\" >Discovering Florence&#8217;s Leather-making Tradition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#Traditional_Jewellery_Making_in_Oltrarno\" >Traditional Jewellery Making in Oltrarno<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#Handcrafted_Mosaics_and_Florentine_Artwork\" >Handcrafted Mosaics and Florentine Artwork<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#Gilding_and_Art_Restoration_in_Florence\" >Gilding and Art Restoration in Florence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#Vintage_Shops_and_Antique_Markets_in_Oltrarno\" >Vintage Shops and Antique Markets in Oltrarno<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Oltrarno_Shopping\" >FAQs &#8211; Oltrarno Shopping<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#What_are_the_best_souvenirs_to_buy_in_Florence\" >What are the best souvenirs to buy in Florence?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#Is_Oltrarno_a_good_area_for_shopping_in_Florence\" >Is Oltrarno a good area for shopping in Florence?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\/#Are_Florences_artisan_shops_expensive\" >Are Florence\u2019s artisan shops expensive?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oltrarno_Shopping_and_it%C2%B4s_Artisan_Heritage\"><\/span>Oltrarno Shopping and it\u00b4s Artisan Heritage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Oltrarno, meaning \u201cbeyond the Arno,\u201d is the historic district on the southern bank of the river, just across from Florence&#8217;s central streets. Its identity has long been shaped by skilled craftspeople, independent workshops, and art studios, alongside grand palaces and historic churches.<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">The construction of Palazzo Pitti began in the 15th century, and the palace later became a residence of the Medici family, adding another layer to the area&#8217;s rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n<p>Today, Oltrarno remains one of Florence&#8217;s most rewarding districts for discovering traditional crafts, independent boutiques, antique dealers, and vintage shops. Wander its streets to find leather goods, jewellery, ceramics, restoration studios, and other handmade treasures.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider tip:<\/strong> For more ideas, see our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/oltrarno-florence-italy-pitti-palace\">things to do in Oltrarno<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_22284\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22284\" class=\"wp-image-22284 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Devour_Florence_Oltrarno-at-Sunset_0046.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people happily toasting with red wine in Italy as a tour guide looks on.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Devour_Florence_Oltrarno-at-Sunset_0046.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Devour_Florence_Oltrarno-at-Sunset_0046-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22284\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Of course, a cheeky glass of wine is in order after a day of Oltrarno shopping!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Discovering_Florences_Leather-making_Tradition\"><\/span>Discovering Florence&#8217;s Leather-making Tradition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Leatherworking has been part of Florence&#8217;s craft heritage for centuries, and the city still offers opportunities to discover how leather goods are made. Whether you&#8217;re looking for a practical souvenir or simply curious about the craft, Florence offers a chance to appreciate the work that goes into a well-made leather item.<\/p>\n<p>In Oltrarno, browse independent workshops for handcrafted bags, belts, wallets, and other accessories, and look for makers who can explain their materials and techniques.<\/p>\n<p>For a more hands-on experience, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/scuoladelcuoio.it\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scuola del Cuoio<\/a>, the historic leather school behind the Basilica of Santa Croce. Here, visitors can see traditional craftsmanship up close, shop for leather goods, or book a workshop to learn some of the skills involved in making them.<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Handcrafted Leather Goods at Dimitri Villoresi<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For something a little different from Florence&#8217;s traditional leather shops, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dimitrivilloresi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Dimitri Villoresi<\/strong><\/a> in Oltrarno. This independent artisan creates handcrafted leather bags and accessories, offering an alternative to mass-produced souvenirs. It&#8217;s a worthwhile stop if you&#8217;re looking for a distinctive piece that reflects Florence&#8217;s enduring tradition of leather craftsmanship.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20313\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20313\" class=\"wp-image-20313 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/rupixen-com-IzZhqciHjz4-unsplashresize.jpg\" alt=\"Leather shoes from an artisan maker in the Oltrarno shopping area of florence \" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/rupixen-com-IzZhqciHjz4-unsplashresize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/rupixen-com-IzZhqciHjz4-unsplashresize-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20313\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Leather shoes, purses and wallets are some of the most sought-after Italian artisanal goods. Photo credit: Rupixen on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_Jewellery_Making_in_Oltrarno\"><\/span>Traditional Jewellery Making in Oltrarno<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Florence&#8217;s goldsmithing tradition stretches back centuries, and the Oltrarno shopping area remains a rewarding place to discover independent jewellery makers. Wander its artisan streets to find workshops where skilled craftspeople combine traditional techniques with contemporary designs, working with precious metals, gemstones, and other materials to create distinctive pieces.<\/p>\n<p>Some artisans also offer bespoke commissions, giving you the chance to own jewellery designed around your personal taste. Even if you&#8217;re not planning to buy, watching a goldsmith at work offers a fascinating glimpse into the skill and patience behind each creation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bespoke Jewellery at Cose Preziose by Ugo Bellini<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For a closer look at this tradition, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firenze-oltrarno.net\/english\/vita\/intervista.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cose Preziose by Ugo Bellini<\/a>, a small goldsmith&#8217;s workshop on Via Sant&#8217;Agostino. Bellini combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs and creates custom jewellery to suit individual tastes. It&#8217;s an appealing stop if you&#8217;re looking for a meaningful souvenir with a personal touch rather than a mass-produced piece.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20314\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20314\" class=\"wp-image-20314 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eleonora-JcL5sCUnBeI-unsplashresize.jpg\" alt=\"Plyers making jewlery in Oltrarno shopping area in Florence\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eleonora-JcL5sCUnBeI-unsplashresize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eleonora-JcL5sCUnBeI-unsplashresize-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20314\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Artisanal jewelry is a perfect one-of-a-kind souvenir. Photo credit: Eleonora on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Handcrafted_Mosaics_and_Florentine_Artwork\"><\/span>Handcrafted Mosaics and Florentine Artwork<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Florence&#8217;s artistic heritage extends beyond paintings and sculpture to intricate decorative crafts. The city is particularly famous for <em>pietra dura<\/em>, a traditional technique in which carefully cut pieces of coloured hard and semi-precious stone are fitted together to create detailed images and patterns.<\/p>\n<p>Developed under Medici patronage during the Renaissance, this demanding art form is still practised by skilled artisans today. From decorative panels and tabletops to elaborate floral and landscape designs, these works combine the natural colours of stone with extraordinary precision.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Handcrafted Mosaics at Pitti Mosaici<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For a closer look at this remarkable tradition, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pittimosaici.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pitti Mosaici<\/a>, a family-run workshop founded in Florence in 1982. Its artisans create <em>pietra dura<\/em> artwork, including decorative panels, tabletops, and designs depicting flowers, animals, and Tuscan landscapes. The workshop&#8217;s showroom is located in Piazza Pitti, opposite Palazzo Pitti, and visitors can arrange a private tour of the laboratory to see how artisans select, cut, and fit the stones by hand. Contact the workshop in advance to book a visit.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20315\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20315\" class=\"wp-image-20315 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/grapes.jpg\" alt=\"A painting\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/grapes.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/grapes-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20315\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A beautiful fruit basket in the making. Photo courtesy of Pitti Mosaici.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gilding_and_Art_Restoration_in_Florence\"><\/span>Gilding and Art Restoration in Florence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Florence&#8217;s artistic heritage depends not only on the artists who created its masterpieces, but also on the skilled restorers who preserve them. Traditional techniques such as wood gilding, which applies delicate layers of gold leaf to decorative surfaces, and the restoration of painted artworks require patience, precision, and a detailed understanding of historical materials.<\/p>\n<p>Around Oltrarno and the streets near Ponte Vecchio, specialist workshops continue these crafts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the less visible side of Florence&#8217;s artistic life.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gilding and Restoration at Oro e Colore<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Located on Via Toscanella, just a short walk from Ponte Vecchio, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oroecolore.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oro e Colore<\/a> is a restoration workshop and teaching space run by C. &amp; S. Martelli. The workshop specialises in restoring gilded and painted works of art, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern conservation methods. It also offers courses introducing students to painting restoration and wood gilding. Contact the workshop in advance to ask about visits and available courses.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20316\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20316\" class=\"wp-image-20316 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/12558270464_cbad307a2a_kresize.jpg\" alt=\"Gilded photo frames\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/12558270464_cbad307a2a_kresize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/12558270464_cbad307a2a_kresize-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20316\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gilded frames have a long history of use, dating back to ancient civilizations and were particularly popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Photo credit: Alan Levine on Flickr, CC by 2.0<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vintage_Shops_and_Antique_Markets_in_Oltrarno\"><\/span>Vintage Shops and Antique Markets in Oltrarno<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For shoppers who love the thrill of finding something unique, Oltrarno is a rewarding place to browse vintage boutiques, antique dealers, and occasional flea markets. Along <strong>Via dei Serragli<\/strong>, you&#8217;ll find vintage clothing shops selling pre-loved fashion and distinctive accessories, while <strong>Via Maggio<\/strong> is better known for its antique dealers, with furniture, paintings, mirrors, decorative objects, and vintage design pieces.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Monthly antiques and vintage market<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For a more informal Oltrarno shopping experience, head to <strong>Piazza Santo Spirito<\/strong>, which hosts a monthly antiques and vintage market, generally on the second Sunday of the month from September to June. Depending on the stalls, you might uncover vintage clothing, ceramics, old prints, jewellery, or unusual objects for your home. Arrive early for the best choice, take time to compare prices, and inspect an item&#8217;s condition before buying. Market dates can change, so check the schedule in advance!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23421\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23421\" class=\"wp-image-23421 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Florence_Alone-in-Duomo_0071.jpg\" alt=\"A group of tourists enjoys the breathtaking view of Florence\u2019s terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills from the dome\u2019s summit.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Florence_Alone-in-Duomo_0071.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Florence_Alone-in-Duomo_0071-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walks_Florence_Alone-in-Duomo_0071-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23421\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The breathtaking view of Florence from the dome of the cathedral<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Oltrarno_Shopping\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; Oltrarno Shopping<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_best_souvenirs_to_buy_in_Florence\"><\/span>What are the best souvenirs to buy in Florence?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Florence is best known for authentic leather goods, artisanal jewelry, handmade paper, ceramics, and traditional Florentine crafts like pietre dure mosaics. Buying directly from artisans, especially in the Oltrarno shopping area, ensures quality, authenticity, and a meaningful connection to local tradition.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Oltrarno_a_good_area_for_shopping_in_Florence\"><\/span>Is Oltrarno a good area for shopping in Florence?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Yes, Oltrarno is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/shopping-in-florence\">best areas in Florence for shopping<\/a> if you\u2019re looking for independent workshops, family-run studios, and handmade goods rather than mass-produced souvenirs. It\u2019s quieter than the historic center and offers a more local, authentic experience.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Florences_artisan_shops_expensive\"><\/span>Are Florence\u2019s artisan shops expensive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Prices vary, but while handcrafted items can cost more than souvenir-shop goods, they reflect the skill, time, and materials involved. Many workshops offer smaller items at accessible prices, and even browsing is worthwhile as you can often watch artisans at work without any obligation to buy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22080\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22080\" class=\"wp-image-22080 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Florence_Tastes-and-Traditions_May24_0269.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people walking down an Italian street following a tour guide.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Florence_Tastes-and-Traditions_May24_0269.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Florence_Tastes-and-Traditions_May24_0269-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22080\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Take the stress out of sightseeing, and join a guided tour, in a group or as a private tour, so you can relax while your guide handles the logistics<\/p><\/div>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Exploring Oltrarno Florence artisan shops offers plenty of opportunities to discover truly distinctive finds.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re passionate about art, hidden gems, Tuscan cuisine, or breathtaking views, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/\">Walks of Italy tours in Florence<\/a> help you see the city like a local, with expert guides who bring each piazza, palace, and fresco to life.<\/p>\n<p>For a more personalised experience, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/attraction\/private-tours-in-florence\">private tours in Florence<\/a> let you explore the city&#8217;s art, culture, and history at your own pace, with an expert guide to tailor the experience to your interests. From skip-the-line access to the Uffizi to street food and exclusive evening experiences, you&#8217;ll discover more than just the sights: you&#8217;ll uncover the stories that make Florence unforgettable!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As one of Italy&#8217;s fashion capitals, Florence boasts numerous shopping destinations. While it&#8217;s renowned as the birthplace of iconic brands like Ferragamo and Gucci, our favorites are not the chain stores or high-end designers in the city center. Instead, we adore the Oltrarno shopping scene, full of artisans and independent workshops located just across the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":20318,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[64,21],"ppma_author":[161],"class_list":["post-5759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-florence","tag-shopping"],"authors":[{"term_id":161,"user_id":40,"is_guest":0,"slug":"ginamussio","display_name":"Gina Mussio","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d9497ce1b0417babd82886ad23b18998?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"Mussio","first_name":"Gina","job_title":"","description":"Gina is a Midwesterner living in Lombardy, Italy where she writes about Italian culture, travel and food. She is a bilingual primary school teacher by day, forever interested in developing cross-culture communication skills across languages. Gina loves touring Italy's beautiful and tiny borghi with her family and exploring Italy's culture through its culinary history."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5759"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5759"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26421,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5759\/revisions\/26421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20318"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5759"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=5759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}