Shopping Areas in Florence for those on a budget?
 

I have made my list of places to see in Florence, with the museums being top on my list of must sees. I am considering a day trip via a tour bus to see areas outside of Florence. Haven't confirmed that yet.

I am not a big shopper when it comes to high priced items...so I doubt I will be in a fancy shoe store while in Florence. Though I may be tempted.

Are there any good cheap markets that sell nice trinkets or scarves or purses for cheap in Florence? Any good areas just for window shopping?

And if my primary focus in Florence is to see the art in the museums, is 2 days adequate or should I stay 3 days.

tia for your advice.

There is a street market around the San Lorenzo church and near the Mercato Centrale (Central Market) Ties, scarves, leather products etc. There is also a market where we bought some scarves at the Mercato Vechio (Old Market)

Thank you so much!

I know that the euro is doing better than the dollar.....so the last I remember, it tool 1.20 of USD to equal one Euro. Even with that can of exchange, is the price of goods expensive in Florence? Does the Euro go very far there?

In Paris, I did not find it too expensive...but then again, I stuck to less expensive things and treats in general.

If you get anything cheap in Florence, believe me, the likelihood of it being "Made in Italy" gets slimmer every day. To be honest, I like to buy items that were made in the country I visited, not something "Made in China" if you will. It's part of my personal souvenir rule that I refuse to break. However, I am gullible enough to believe people who tell me that it was made there, especially hand made items from old men. I'm a sucker for cute grandfatherly Italian men. :D

That being said, there's a cute market called Mercato Nuovo, which is filled with merchants in the day time only. If you go past about 6pm, you'll be out of luck.

While you're at Mercato Nuovo, do go give the little pig at the back of the market a pet on the snout. Legend says you'll return to Florence if you do that and give a donation.

Have fun, BDG ;)

Oh, just realized I never answered your question on whether 2 or 3 days would be enough in Florence. You will find that Florence is pretty inundated with art. 2-3 days wouldn't do Florence any justice. You'll have just started to uncover the copious amounts of art available there. Remember to bring enough Euros to cover your admissions to the museums. It seems to me that cash is the only accepted payment in all the museums and churches.

I would save trips outside of Florence for another time. I found that I was able to do better on my own than following a tour bus. Florence is a great walking city, just beware of the scooters.

Both markets mmentioned by previous posters were the places I found good buys on such things as silk scarves (6 or 7 euro each in different colors), and leather goods and silk ties. Don't forget to haggle for the best price! There were stores around Santa Croce that were worth exploring. Ponte Vechio is a great place to window shop if you like jewelry. Gelato shopping is a must do, too!

We spent four days in Florence--no regrets there. Definitely stay the three days. Make your reservations ahead of time to see David and the Uffizi to save time.

If you are interested, a travel agency called Enjoy Florence has excursions to the mall and outlet factories outside of Florence. I may check that out when I am there in May. The San Lorenzo market is always lots of fun. You can find that usual touristy things but I've always brought great ties to bring back home for the men in my life as well as casual clothes.

www.enjoyflorence.com