Where To Shop In Florence

As the hot summer heat begins to fade and huge crowds of tourists dwindle, Florence becomes an even more attractive holiday destination.  After its awe-inspiring churches and famous art museums, the Italian city is known for its fantastic shopping.  High-end leather goods, designer fashions, mouthwatering foodstuffs—these are only a few of the many great things for purchase in Florence.  So book a room at one of the hundreds of great hotels in Florence—like the AC Firenze or the Adler Cavalieri—and hit the streets to discover the city’s treasures.

Ponte Vecchio

Florence’s Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”) is an iconic part of the urban skyline.  Aside from simply connecting one neighborhood to another, the famous bridge serves an important purpose to locals and tourists—it sells the finest jewelry in the entire city.  For over 400 years, the Ponte Vecchio has been lined with purveyors of fine gems and goldsmith workshops. Whether or not you can actually afford the sparkling baubles for sale, you will surely find yourself being tempted by the window displays.

San Lorenzo Market

It is no secret that Florence boasts a remarkable culinary scene.  Its gelato shops, cafés and pizzerias are some of the best in the world.  Between leisurely lunches and refreshing fruit gelatos, take your taste buds on a tour of San Lorenzo Market. The sprawling indoor marketplace is where those in the know flock to pick up freshly made pastas, fruity olive oils, colorful candies, bottles of wine and balsamic vinegar, produce and jars of local honey infused with truffles.

Porcellino Market

Nestled beneath the 16^th-century Loggia del Porcellino, this “New Market” is the place to find Florentine leather goods and other souvenirs.  Each morning, various vendors set up shop around a bronze sculpture of a wild boar (Il Porcellino, from whom the market got its name.)  Intricate lace tablecloths, buttery soft wallets, hand-blown Murano glass pendants, colorful Venetian masks, quality shawls and pashminas, and doll-sized replicas of The David and Pinocchio are easy to find—but don’t forget to barter!

Via Maggiore

Got a penchant for precious antiques?  Head to Via Maggiore!  Once the main thoroughfare of the city center, Via Maggio (as it is commonly called) is now the place to go to find Renaissance-era trinkets. The bustling street is lined on both sides with one-of-a-kind antique shops, some of which boast wares dating back to the 16^th century.  Bronze statues, vintage clothing, fine art prints, refurbished furnishings—you never know what hidden gem you will stumble upon here.

Via Tornabuoni & Via della Vigna Nuova

The chicest of Florentines know these roadways well.  Often referred to as “the Rodeo Drive of Florence,” this district is home to many of the city’s most renowned fashion houses.  The likes of Gucci, Ferragamo, Dolce e Gabbana, Armani, Prada and Versace boast sleek and stylish façades overlooking Via Tornabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova.  These and the nearby streets of Il Corso, Via Por San Maria and Via Calzaiuoli attract window-shoppers and those with serious cash to burn.