{"id":6352,"date":"2023-09-05T13:27:47","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T12:27:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=6352"},"modified":"2026-11-01T01:44:21","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T01:44:21","slug":"shopping-in-florence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/shopping-in-florence","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Florence: 11 Must-Visit Spots"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Italy has a long and celebrated fashion history, built on centuries of craftsmanship, creativity and an eye for quality. From the skilled leatherworkers and textile artisans of Florence to the runways of Milan, the country has shaped global style through designers such as <strong>Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli<\/strong>, all of whom have strong roots in Florence. Today, the city remains a fashion destination in its own right, blending luxury labels and designer boutiques with independent artisans, traditional workshops and contemporary local talent. All that to say, shopping in Florence won&#8217;t disappoint!<\/p>\n<p>So if you&#8217;re wondering <strong>where to shop in Florence<\/strong>, come along as we explore <strong>the best shopping streets in Florence<\/strong>. Whether you&#8217;re ready to splurge on luxury fashion, hunt for unique leather goods or browse locally made creations, you&#8217;ll find plenty to tempt you. From big-name brands to charming local markets, we&#8217;ve got you covered for a day of shopping, or a<a href=\"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/self-guided-walking-tour-florence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> self-guided walking tour of Florence.<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20446\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20446\" class=\"wp-image-20446 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/walks_florence-7res.jpg\" alt=\"Florence Duomo and the city on a sunny day\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/walks_florence-7res.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/walks_florence-7res-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20446\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shopping in Florence means everything from high-end luxury to small-scale artisan goods.<\/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\/shopping-in-florence\/#Shopping_in_Florence\" >Shopping in Florence<\/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\/shopping-in-florence\/#Via_de_Tornabuoni\" >Via de Tornabuoni<\/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\/shopping-in-florence\/#Via_dei_Calzaiuoli\" >Via dei Calzaiuoli<\/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\/shopping-in-florence\/#Via_del_Corso\" >Via del Corso<\/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\/shopping-in-florence\/#San_Lorenzo_Market\" >San Lorenzo Market<\/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\/shopping-in-florence\/#Via_Santo_Spirito_Borgo_San_Jacopo_and_Borgo_San_Frediano\" >Via Santo Spirito, Borgo San Jacopo and Borgo San Frediano<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/shopping-in-florence\/#Oltrarno_%E2%80%93_for_the_best_leather_goods\" >Oltrarno &#8211; for the best leather goods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/shopping-in-florence\/#The_Iconic_Santa_Maria_Novella_Pharmacy\" >The Iconic Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy<\/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\/shopping-in-florence\/#Jewelry_Quarter_%E2%80%93_Ponte_Vecchio\" >Jewelry Quarter &#8211; Ponte Vecchio<\/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\/shopping-in-florence\/#Florence_Flea_Market_%E2%80%93_Mercato_delle_Pulci\" >Florence Flea Market &#8211; Mercato delle Pulci<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/shopping-in-florence\/#Scuola_del_Cuoio_Leather_School\" >Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/shopping-in-florence\/#The_Mall_Firenze\" >The Mall Firenze<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/shopping-in-florence\/#Shopping_in_Florence_FAQs\" >Shopping in Florence FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/shopping-in-florence\/#How_can_you_tell_if_leather_goods_in_Florence_are_good_quality\" >How can you tell if leather goods in Florence are good quality?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shopping_in_Florence\"><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW67209460 BCX8\">Shopping in Florence<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Via_de_Tornabuoni\"><\/span>Via de Tornabuoni<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><strong>Via de\u2019 Tornabuoni is one of Florence\u2019s most prestigious shopping streets, known for its elegant Renaissance palaces and luxury fashion boutiques<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Here, you&#8217;ll find major Italian fashion houses such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli, alongside international luxury brands and jewellers. It&#8217;s a wonderful place to browse designer collections, admire the grand architecture and soak up Florence&#8217;s sophisticated style.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">At the heart of the street stands Palazzo Spini Feroni, which Salvatore Ferragamo made his company&#8217;s headquarters after opening his luxury footwear workshop there in 1938. Today, the building houses the Ferragamo store and museum. Browse the latest men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s collections before heading downstairs to discover the museum&#8217;s fascinating account of Ferragamo&#8217;s life, innovative shoe designs and work with Hollywood stars.<\/p>\n<p>Via de\u2019 Tornabuoni is also one of the city&#8217;s most elegant places for a stroll, even if you&#8217;re not planning to buy anything. Keep an eye out for beautifully dressed locals, admire the historic palaces and enjoy a taste of Florence&#8217;s luxury fashion scene.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider\u2019s tip:<\/strong> Turn luxury shopping into a special occasion with a private guided experience in Florence. Discover the stories behind the city\u2019s grand palaces and prestigious fashion houses, and enjoy a more exclusive way to experience its elegant streets. Browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/\">private tours in Florence<\/a> to find an experience tailored to your interests.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_20303\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20303\" class=\"wp-image-20303 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9114704337_e995a877ff_hresize.jpg\" alt=\"The inside of a shoe\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9114704337_e995a877ff_hresize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/9114704337_e995a877ff_hresize-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20303\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Salvatore Ferragamo opened his first shoe shop in Florence, Italy, in 1927. Photo credit: Robert Sheie on Flickr, CC by 2.0<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Via_dei_Calzaiuoli\"><\/span>Via dei Calzaiuoli<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><strong>Connecting Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Signoria, Via dei Calzaiuoli is one of Florence&#8217;s most popular shopping streets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This pedestrianised thoroughfare offers a mix of shops, from accessible fashion and everyday essentials to Italian accessories and leather goods. You&#8217;ll also find Furla, the well-known Italian brand specialising in handbags and other accessories, near the Piazza della Signoria end of the street.<\/p>\n<p>Via dei Calzaiuoli is a good choice if you&#8217;re looking for a varied shopping experience while exploring Florence&#8217;s historic centre. It&#8217;s also an easy street to work into a sightseeing itinerary, with landmarks and caf\u00e9s just steps away.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20298\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20298\" class=\"wp-image-20298 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/s-o-c-i-a-l-c-u-t-RzA6DUaiTl4-unsplashres.jpg\" alt=\"Clothes hanging on hangers inside a shop\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/s-o-c-i-a-l-c-u-t-RzA6DUaiTl4-unsplashres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/s-o-c-i-a-l-c-u-t-RzA6DUaiTl4-unsplashres-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20298\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shopping locally is a fun way to get to explore the city. Photo credit: S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Via_del_Corso\"><\/span>Via del Corso<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Via del Corso is a lively shopping street in Florence&#8217;s historic centre, with boutiques selling clothing, accessories and other interesting finds<\/strong>. Just a short walk from Piazza della Repubblica, it&#8217;s worth exploring if you&#8217;re looking for smaller shops alongside your sightseeing. You&#8217;ll find a mix of local businesses and familiar Italian brands, making it a useful stop for browsing beyond the city&#8217;s luxury shopping district.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><b>Insider\u2019s tip:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Piero Puliti\u2019s shirts and ties<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a hot commodity on Via del Corso. These made-to-measure items are made of the finest Italian materials and designed by Piero exclusively for this shop. If you\u2019re shopping in Florence for a shirt and tie, don\u2019t miss this!<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_20296\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20296\" class=\"wp-image-20296 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/tim-mossholder-NGGi-IaZZEg-unsplashresize.jpg\" alt=\"Men's ties of different colors on display\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/tim-mossholder-NGGi-IaZZEg-unsplashresize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/tim-mossholder-NGGi-IaZZEg-unsplashresize-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20296\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Made-to-measure shirts and ties are one of many gems you can find shopping in Florence. Photo credit: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"San_Lorenzo_Market\"><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW21563979 BCX8\">San Lorenzo <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW21563979 BCX8\">Market<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>The San Lorenzo market is not just a fantastic spot to discover one-of-a-kind, locally crafted items, but it&#8217;s also a treasure trove for snagging some great deals. <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This market spills over into the streets around Piazza San Lorenzo and is conveniently close to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Florence&#8217;s iconic Duomo<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making it a perfectly situated shopping destination. It&#8217;s the perfect opportunity to capture a piece of Italy for yourself, snag some memorable souvenirs,<\/span> or simply enjoying the atmosphere of Florence&#8217;s street markets.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re interested in food as well as shopping, head into the nearby Mercato Centrale to explore its food stalls and eateries.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><b>Insider\u2019s tip:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Take your time to explore the different stalls before buying. Similar-looking products may vary in price, materials and workmanship, so compare a few options and ask sellers about the leather and where an item was made. You can also try negotiating politely, although discounts aren&#8217;t guaranteed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_20682\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20682\" class=\"wp-image-20682 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/San-Lorenzo-market-1200.jpg\" alt=\"Several people shopping in an Italian street market with various clothing stands.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/San-Lorenzo-market-1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/San-Lorenzo-market-1200-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20682\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Enjoy the hustle and bustle of San Lorenzo Market. Photo credit: Tiana Kai<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Via_Santo_Spirito_Borgo_San_Jacopo_and_Borgo_San_Frediano\"><\/span>Via Santo Spirito, Borgo San Jacopo and Borgo San Frediano<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><strong>For a taste of Florence&#8217;s artisan shopping scene, head across the Arno to Oltrarno, a historic neighbourhood known for its independent shops, traditional workshops and local character.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Via Santo Spirito is a good place to browse, while nearby Borgo San Jacopo and Borgo San Frediano offer more streets to explore, with a mix of small businesses, craft shops and places to stop for a coffee.<\/p>\n<p>Together, these streets make for a lovely stroll through one of Florence&#8217;s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Even if shopping isn&#8217;t on your agenda, Oltrarno is well worth a visit for its historic architecture, lively squares and artisan heritage. Take your time, wander down the side streets and enjoy a different perspective on the city.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider\u2019s tip:<\/strong> Want to get more out of your Florence shopping trip? Join a guided tour to discover the city\u2019s art, culture and history, while getting recommendations from a local expert on where to shop, eat and go for a night out! It\u2019s a great way to get to know Florence beyond the main sights. Explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/\">Florence tours<\/a> to find the experience that suits you.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_20292\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20292\" class=\"wp-image-20292 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/anastasia-saldatava-7Ys0u4woGQs-unsplashres.jpg\" alt=\"Records in a record shop\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/anastasia-saldatava-7Ys0u4woGQs-unsplashres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/anastasia-saldatava-7Ys0u4woGQs-unsplashres-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20292\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Borgo San Frediano is filled with funky shops. Photo credit: Anastasia Saldatava on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oltrarno_%E2%80%93_for_the_best_leather_goods\"><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW67209460 BCX8\">Oltrarno &#8211; for the<\/span> b<span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW67209460 BCX8\">est<\/span> l<span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW67209460 BCX8\">eather<\/span> g<span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW67209460 BCX8\">oods<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Florence is known for its outstanding art, awe-inspiring architecture, delicious food and wine, and fascinating history. It&#8217;s also famous for its leatherworking tradition, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The River Arno helped support the city&#8217;s historic tanning industry by providing water and a route for transporting goods. Today, Florence remains a great place to shop for leather bags, shoes, belts and other accessories, from traditional workshops to bustling market stalls.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">One of our favourite neighbourhoods, <strong>Oltrarno<\/strong>, on the south bank of the Arno, is known for its independent artisans and traditional workshops. While the city&#8217;s historic tanning industry was concentrated particularly around Santa Croce, Oltrarno has a long-standing reputation for craftsmanship. Today, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/oltrarno-shopping-in-florence-artisans\">shopping in Oltrarno in Florence<\/a> can lead you to small workshops and independent makers selling everything from handcrafted shoes and wallets to belts and bags.<\/p>\n<p>Florence also has two popular markets where you can browse a wide selection of leather goods. <strong>San Lorenzo Market<\/strong> offers leather accessories, clothing and souvenirs, while <strong>Mercato Nuovo<\/strong>, also known as the Porcellino Market, is a well-known spot for leather goods and other gifts.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider tip<\/strong>: See our FAQ section below for more tips on how to spot good leather products!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-22984 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1352-Florence_Best-of-with-Duomo-2x3-0015.jpg\" alt=\"People walking through a bustling, open-air street market while shopping in Florence\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1352-Florence_Best-of-with-Duomo-2x3-0015.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1352-Florence_Best-of-with-Duomo-2x3-0015-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Iconic_Santa_Maria_Novella_Pharmacy\"><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241607084 BCX8\">The Iconic Santa <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241607084 BCX8\">Maria<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241607084 BCX8\"> Novella <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW241607084 BCX8\">Pharmacy<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Sure, you can find Gucci and Roberto Cavalli stores around the world, but have you ever shopped in one of the world&#8217;s oldest pharmacies? In Florence, you can!<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The famous <strong>Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella<\/strong> offers a shopping experience steeped in history. Located near the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, its roots date back to 1221, when Dominican friars established a convent and began cultivating medicinal herbs in a botanical garden. The pharmacy officially opened to the public in 1612, and today its historic premises are home to an array of fragrances, soaps, cosmetics and traditional herbal preparations.<\/p>\n<p>Among its best-known fragrances is <em>Acqua della Regina<\/em>, associated with Caterina de\u2019 Medici and her journey to France in 1533 to marry the future King Henry II. According to tradition, the fragrance was created for the occasion, and the modern version remains a tribute to this centuries-old story.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jewelry_Quarter_%E2%80%93_Ponte_Vecchio\"><\/span>Jewelry Quarter &#8211; Ponte Vecchio<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ponte Vecchio is another famous place for shopping in Florence, particularly for its jewelry shops. This historic bridge spans the Arno River and is renowned for its unique design, which features shops built along its length. Traditionally, these shops were occupied by butchers, but in the 16th century, they were replaced by goldsmiths and jewelers.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, Ponte Vecchio is lined with upscale jewelry stores, selling a variety of precious gems and high-end jewelry pieces. If you\u2019re in the mood for shopping and history, don\u2019t miss the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/florence-walking-tour-david\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best of Florence Walking Tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you\u2019ll visit and learn more about the Ponte Vecchio (plus visit a local leather market, too!).<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22983\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22983\" class=\"wp-image-22983 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Walks_Florence-in-a-Day-HR-0037.jpg\" alt=\"a large pedestrian bridge spanning over a wide river\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Walks_Florence-in-a-Day-HR-0037.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Walks_Florence-in-a-Day-HR-0037-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22983\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You&#8217;ll find just about everything as you stroll down this iconic bridge.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Florence_Flea_Market_%E2%80%93_Mercato_delle_Pulci\"><\/span>Florence Flea Market &#8211; Mercato delle Pulci<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Mercato delle Pulci, also known as the Florence Flea Market, is a famous antique and vintage market located in the heart of Florence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s situated near the Piazza dei Ciompi, close to the Sant&#8217;Ambrogio neighborhood and is known for its eclectic assortment of antique furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, artwork, and other various odds and ends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The market operates in an open-air setting, typically under tents or canopies, and is usually open daily, although it&#8217;s a good idea to check specific days and hours as they may vary. Just like at other open-air markets in Italy, bargaining is common here, so visitors are encouraged to negotiate prices with the vendors.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20297\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20297\" class=\"wp-image-20297 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/artificial-photography-vB5qtt8X4NA-unsplashres.jpg\" alt=\"Clothes on a hanger\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/artificial-photography-vB5qtt8X4NA-unsplashres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/artificial-photography-vB5qtt8X4NA-unsplashres-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20297\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Florence has the best of both worlds: luxury shopping and boutique shopping. Photo credit: Artificial Photography on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scuola_del_Cuoio_Leather_School\"><\/span>Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/scuoladelcuoio.it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scuola del Cuoio<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Leather School) is a<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Florence hidden gem<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and worth a visit if you appreciate artisanal goods, and the hard work that goes into making them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This renowned institution is a living testament to Florence&#8217;s rich artisanal heritage and a must-visit destination for those interested in the artistry of leather craftsmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The school specializes in teaching traditional Italian leather craftsmanship and was initially established to help orphans and war veterans rebuild their lives by imparting the art of leatherworking. Today, it continues to preserve these time-honored techniques and produces high-quality leather goods, including bags, wallets, and belts, while offering guided tours of its workshops for visitors to witness artisans at work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They also sell the leather goods produced by its artisans and have an<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online shop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20295\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20295\" class=\"wp-image-20295 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/konstantin-evdokimov-IBGaPtv1-rM-unsplashresize.jpg\" alt=\"A leather wallet\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/konstantin-evdokimov-IBGaPtv1-rM-unsplashresize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/konstantin-evdokimov-IBGaPtv1-rM-unsplashresize-768x510.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20295\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Artisanal leather goods are the perfect gift. Photo credit: Konstantin Evdokimov on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Mall_Firenze\"><\/span>The Mall Firenze<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Mall Firenze, located near Florence in the picturesque Tuscan countryside, is a renowned luxury outlet shopping destination offering a wide array of high-end designer brands like Gucci, Prada, and Versace at significantly discounted prices.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re keen on bringing home a luxury Italian souvenir without splurging too much while shopping in Florence, you might be in luck at the mall.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20294\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20294\" class=\"wp-image-20294 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/arno-senoner-nYqRSq0gJno-unsplashre.jpg\" alt=\"Pink purse and white shoes\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/arno-senoner-nYqRSq0gJno-unsplashre.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/arno-senoner-nYqRSq0gJno-unsplashre-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20294\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">If you&#8217;re looking for luxury, you&#8217;ll find it in Florence. Photo credit: Arno Senoner on Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shopping_in_Florence_FAQs\"><\/span>Shopping in Florence FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the best time to visit Florence for shopping?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The best time to shop in Florence is during the winter and summer sales, which typically run from January to February and July to August. These are great opportunities to find discounts on Italian fashion, leather goods, shoes, and accessories.<\/p>\n<p>For a more relaxed shopping experience, visit in spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and you can browse the city&#8217;s boutiques and artisan workshops without the peak-season crowds. Keep in mind that popular shops can still be busy during major tourist periods.<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are there any hidden gems for shopping in Florence?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Yes! For a more distinctive shopping experience, head across the Arno to Oltrarno, a neighbourhood known for its traditional artisan workshops, independent boutiques, and small studios. Here, you can find handmade jewellery, leather goods, ceramics, and restored antiques, often made using techniques passed down through generations.<\/p>\n<p>For luxury shopping, Via de\u2019 Tornabuoni is the place to go, with prestigious Italian and international fashion brands. You can also explore the streets around Santa Croce for leather goods and the San Lorenzo area for market stalls and souvenirs, remembering to compare quality and prices before buying.<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How can I spot authentic Florentine products?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Look for products made locally by established artisans, and don&#8217;t hesitate to ask shopkeepers about the materials, production methods, and origins of their goods. For leather items, check the quality of the stitching, the finish, and the feel of the leather, rather than relying on labels or appearance alone.<\/p>\n<p>Some products carry recognised certifications or labels indicating their origin or traditional production methods, but not every genuine artisan product will have one. Shopping at reputable workshops and specialist stores, particularly those that explain how their products are made, is a good way to find authentic Florentine craftsmanship.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_you_tell_if_leather_goods_in_Florence_are_good_quality\"><\/span>How can you tell if leather goods in Florence are good quality?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">When buying leather in Florence, here are five things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li><strong>Smell:<\/strong> Genuine leather often has a distinctive, natural scent, although smell alone isn&#8217;t a reliable way to judge quality.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Texture:<\/strong> Feel the leather and look for a consistent finish. Good leather can be soft and supple or firmer, depending on the product and how it&#8217;s made.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Colour:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t rule out bright colours. Quality leather comes in a wide range of shades, so pay attention to the evenness of the dye and the overall finish instead.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stitching:<\/strong> Check that the stitching is neat, secure and consistent, with no loose threads or obvious gaps. Both hand-stitched and machine-stitched products can be well made.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Origin and authenticity:<\/strong> Florence&#8217;s fleur-de-lys, or lily, is a familiar symbol of the city, but it isn&#8217;t proof that a product was made locally. Ask the seller where the item was produced and what type of leather it uses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-22293\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Walks_Florence_VIP-David-Duomo_0032.jpg\" alt=\"Various people staring up at one of the world's most famous sculptures, David, at the Duomo.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Walks_Florence_VIP-David-Duomo_0032.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Walks_Florence_VIP-David-Duomo_0032-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n<p><strong>If you love combining culture with a little retail therapy, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/florence-walking-tour-david\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Best of Florence Walking Tour with David &amp; the Duomo<\/a>\u00a0is an ideal choice. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This expertly guided experience blends Florence\u2019s most iconic sights with its rich shopping heritage, taking you from world-famous landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio to a local leather market where you\u2019ll learn what makes Florentine craftsmanship so special. It\u2019s a perfect way to see the city\u2019s highlights while discovering how history, art, and artisan traditions still shape Florence today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Italy has a long and celebrated fashion history, built on centuries of craftsmanship, creativity and an eye for quality. From the skilled leatherworkers and textile artisans of Florence to the runways of Milan, the country has shaped global style through designers such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli, all of whom have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":22984,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[64,21],"ppma_author":[162],"class_list":["post-6352","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-florence","tag-shopping"],"authors":[{"term_id":162,"user_id":38,"is_guest":0,"slug":"walksitaly","display_name":"Tiana Kai","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/334dbd2c665878b789d1ad826974075e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"http:\/\/blog.tianakai.com","last_name":"Kai","first_name":"Tiana","job_title":"","description":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6352"}],"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\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6352"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6352\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26341,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6352\/revisions\/26341"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6352"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6352"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6352"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=6352"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}