AquaFlor Firenze
Santa Croce
Fodor's choice
Candles, soaps, and other heavenly products for the body and house may be found in this shop, which is set in a Renaissance palace.
8 Best Shopping in Florence, Italy
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for Florence right now.
Window-shopping in Florence is like visiting an enormous contemporary art gallery. Many of today's greatest Italian artists are fashion designers, and most keep shops in Florence. Discerning shoppers may find bargains in the street markets. Do not buy any knockoff goods from any of the hawkers plying their fake Prada (or any other high-end designer) on the streets. It's illegal, and fines are astronomical if the police happen to catch you. (You pay the fine, not the vendor.)
Shops are generally open 9 to 1 and 3:30 to 7:30, and are closed Sunday and Monday mornings most of the year. Summer (June to September) hours are usually 9 to 1 and 4 to 8, and some shops close Saturday afternoon instead of Monday morning. When looking for addresses, you'll see two color-coded numbering systems on each street. The red numbers are commercial addresses and are indicated, for example, as 31/r. The blue or black numbers are residential addresses. Most shops take major credit cards and ship purchases, but because of possible delays it's wise to take your purchases with you.
The usual fashion suspects—Prada, Gucci, Versace, to name but a few—all have shops in Florence. But if you want to buy Florentine in Florence, stick to Gucci, Pucci, and Ferragamo.
Bargains on Italian designer clothing can be found outside the city.
Scuola del Cuoio
Santa Croce
Fodor's choice
Leatherworkers ply their trade at Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School), a consortium in the former dormitory of the convent of Santa Croce. High-quality, fairly priced jackets, belts, and purses are sold here.
Antico Salumificio Anzuini
Santa Croce
This salumeria shrink-wraps its own high-quality pork products, making it a snap to take home some salame di cinghiale (wild boar salami). It's also known for its exceptional prosciutto.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Libreria Salimbeni
Santa Croce
One of Florence's best art-book shops has an outstanding selection.
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
Santa Croce
It's possible to strike gold at this lively market, where clothing stalls abut those with fruits and vegetables.
Oreria
Santa Croce
The two women who run Oreria create divine designs using silver and semiprecious stones. Send suitors to purchase significant gifts here.
Paolo Carandini
Santa Croce
Stop in here for exquisite leather picture frames, jewelry boxes, and desk accessories.
Sbigoli Terrecotte
Santa Croce
Traditional Tuscan terra-cotta and ceramic vases, pots, and cups and saucers are on offer at this shop.
