Shopping in Florence?
If you’re looking for a designer keepsake that will be the envy of all your friends, it’s hard to go past the cobbled streets and Renaissance-inspired laneways of Florence. Shopping in Florence: High Fashion The…
If you’re looking for a designer keepsake that will be the envy of all your friends, it’s hard to go past the cobbled streets and Renaissance-inspired laneways of Florence.
Shopping in Florence: High Fashion
The home of Ferragamo, Florence is also the place to find Gucci, Roberto Cavalli and Emillio Pucci originals – with the added bonus of being bought in the city that inspired their creation.
When you’re walking through the centre of town, the main street to look for is Via de’ Tornabuoni, which runs north from the Arno. Here you can find all the labels listed above plus Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and many more.
Other high-end fashion streets include Via del Parione and Via Roma.
Non-Italian speakers need not worry; you can find an abundance of English, French and Spanish speaking staff, and personal shoppers are easily organised.
Markets
When in comes to markets in Florence, the real question is more along the lines of which market to visit.
San Lorenzo
Is actually two markets in one. Mercato centrale is a two-level, indoor market specialising in fresh, local food. Enjoy lunch or even a coffee there to taste the real Italy. Outside, you can find leather goods, clothes and the occasional designer knockoff. Open 9am – 7pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Sant’Ambrogio
Take a step off the beaten track and shop with Florentines at Sant’Ambrogio market. This market specialises in food and cheap clothes. Open 8am – 2pm, Monday to Saturday.
Santo Spirito
Alittle more on the bohemian side, you can find a quiet daily market here for locals (8am-2pm, Monday to Saturday). We recommend visiting on the second Sunday of each month for the antique fare, which is sure to grab the attention of collectors.
Other markets worth a visit are: Marcato Nuovo and Piazza Ciompi.
Handmade in Firenze
You can find a number of places making everything from handmade leather shoes to perfume and jewellery.
Keep your eyes open in the streets surrounding San Lorenzo Market and along Via Calzaiuoli for artisan goods found only in Florence.
We hope you have fun shopping in Florence!
