Shopping In Florence
Florence is definitely a shopper’s paradise, the Florentines are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and style, and it’s also hard to imagine a more beautiful setting to shop in. Whether you are looking for famous Florentine designers, handcrafted leather accessories, exquisite paper goods, hand-embroidered linens, lace, antiques, gold jewelry, or fantastic open-air markets, Florence provides you with a huge choice.
You can still see real artisans at work if you wander the streets of Oltrarno on the south side of the River Arno, and you can also join in a leather working class in an atmospheric workshop in a courtyard behind the Basilica di Sante Croce.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Designer Clothes:
The Grand Palaces on Via dei Tornabuoni is the place to shop in Florence for designer clothes. Ferragamo, Versace, Gucci, Robert Cavalli,Valentino are all located on this elegant street.
Bargains:
San Lorenzo Market
In the streets north of San Lorenzo Church (between Via Cavour and Via Nazionale); Open daily from around 8am – 7pm
For the best leather and clothes bargains in town, head to San Lorenzo. You can find great leather handbags starting from €10, there is also lots of imitation goods, but it’s still worth having a look as the prices are hard to beat.
Leather:
Il Bisonte
You can find leather shops on every corner in Florence but our favorite is Il Bisonte. You will find a huge collection of beautiful natural leather accessories ranging from elegant bags, leather-bound notebooks and luggage.
http://www.ilbisonte.net/
Food:
Mercato Centrale
Via dell’Ariento 10-14, Open daily from 8am – 7pm
The Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo district is the biggest and best-known place to shop for food. great place to buy typical Tuscan produces such as olive oil, cheeses, sliced meats and more.
Pharmacy:
Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.
One of the world’s oldest pharmacies established by Dominican friars in 1221. Housed in a beautiful 14th centuy chapel which alone is worth visiting. Here you can stock up on a range of perfumes, herbal medicines and emollients.
http://www.smnovella.it/
Paper Goods:
Pineider
Established in 1774, Pineider continues today and sells elegant hand-made papers and hand-engraved stationery, luxury leather goods, writing instruments and wedding necessities of highest quality.
http://www.pineider.com/
Books:
Libreria Antiquaria Gonnelli
Located in the center of Florence, just a few steps from the Duomo. It is one of the oldest and most historic bookstores in Italy. Here you can find both rare, old books and illustrated modern books, manuscripts, prints, and maps. In addition to selling books and prints, at the end of the 1800s Gonnelli started a publishing business that continues to distribute its prestigious collection all over the world.
http://www.gonnelli.it/libreria/?q=en/node/42
Alice Masks is a wonderful workshop reowned throughout the world filled with hand-made papier mâché masks. Owned and run by Professor Agostino Dessi and his daughter Alice. You can also participate in classes and learn how to make a mask the traditional Italian way.
http://www.alicemasks.com/
Ceramics:
Manetti & Masini
Since 1948 this classic ceramic store has been producing top-quality porcelain, specialising in reproduction antique majolica and restoring the genuine articles.
http://www.manettiemasini.it/
Private Shopping Tours:
Weddings in Tuscany can organize private shopping tours for you and your guests around Florence. Our guides are all fluent in English and local Florentines who know where all the best bargains and not-to-be missed shops.
Contact Chiara for more information at info@weddingsintuscany.info