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.
7 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 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.
Madova
Palazzo Pitti
Fodor's choice
Complete your winter wardrobe with a pair of high-quality leather gloves, available in a rainbow of colors and a choice of linings (silk, cashmere, and unlined), from Madova. It's been in business for 100 years.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Maçel
Palazzo Pitti
Browse collections by lesser-known Italian designers, many of whom use the same factories as the A-list, at this women's clothing shop.
Pitti Mosaici
Palazzo Pitti
Stones are worked into exquisite tables, pictures, and jewelry at Pitti Mosaici, which continues the pietre dure tradition that was all the rage of 16th-century Florence.
Santo Spirito Flea Market
Santo Spirito
The second Sunday of every month brings the Santo Spirito flea market. On the third Sunday of the month, vendors at the Fierucola organic fest sell such delectables as honeys, jams, spice mixes, and fresh vegetables.
Tiziana Alemanni
Santo Spirito
This dressmaker creates beautiful bespoke clothing.
