Giulio Giannini e Figlio
Oltrarno
Fodor's choice
One of Florence's oldest paper-goods stores is the place to buy the marbleized stock, which comes in many shapes and sizes, from flat sheets to boxes and even on pencils.
5 Best Shopping in Florence, Italy
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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.
il Papiro
Duomo
Fodor's choice
One of several locations in the historic center, this place has been making that classic Florentine peacock paper for decades.
Il Torchio
San Niccolò
Fodor's choice
Photograph albums, frames, diaries, and other objects dressed in handmade paper are high quality, and the prices lower than usual.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Pineider
Santa Maria Novella
Fodor's choice
Although it has shops throughout the world, Pineider started out in Florence in 1774 and still does all its printing here. Stationery and business cards are the mainstay, but the stores also sell fine-leather desk accessories as well as a less stuffy, more lighthearted line of products.
Alberto Cozzi
Santa Maria Novella
You'll find an extensive line of Florentine papers and paper products in this shop, where artisans also rebind and restore books and works on paper. Opening hours are tricky, so it's best to call before stopping by.
