Alberto Cozzi
You'll find an extensive line of Florentine papers and paper products in this shop, where artisans also rebind and restore books.
66 Best Places to Shop in Florence, Italy
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.
Angela Caputi
Angela Caputi wows Florentine cognoscenti with her highly creative, often outsize, acrylic jewelry. A small but equally creative collection of women's clothing made of fine fabrics is also on offer.
AquaFlor Firenze
Candles, soaps, and other heavenly products for the body and house may be found in this shop, which is set in a Renaissance palace.
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Bernardo
Come here for men's trousers, cashmere sweaters, and shirts with details like mother-of-pearl buttons.
Giulio Giannini e Figlio
One of Florence's oldest paper-goods stores is the place to buy marbleized stock, which comes in many formats, from flat sheets to paper-covered boxes or even pencils.
il Papiro
One of several locations in the historic center, this place has been making that classic Florentine peacock paper for decades.
Il Torchio
Photograph albums, frames, diaries, and other objects dressed in handmade paper are high quality and they also accept custom orders.
La Bottega dell'Olio
Experience olive oil in all its permutations at La Bottega dell'Olio. The shop, which is tucked into a small piazza, has a great collection of fine olive oils, as well as bath products made from olive oil.
Loretta Caponi
Synonymous with Florentine embroidery, this shop sells luxury lace, linens, and lingerie that have earned the eponymous signora worldwide renown. There's also beautiful (and expensive) clothing for children.
Madova
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 more than 100 years.
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
It's possible to strike gold at this lively market, where clothing stalls abut those with fruits and vegetables.
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
The essence of a Florentine holiday is captured in perfumes, candles, and sachets at this cathedral-like emporium of herbal cosmetics and soaps that are made following centuries-old recipes created by friars. See a wire cutter used to make soap in the 19th century, a library of elixirs, and temporary exhibits that will make you feel like you're in a museum rather than the original shop of a brand that's now global.
Paolo Penko
Renaissance goldsmiths provide the inspiration for this dazzling jewelry with a contemporary feel. There is another branch in the San Lorenzo district.
Pegna
This shop has been selling both Italian and non-Italian food since 1860. If you're tired of mozzarella and feel the need for some cheddar, this is the place to find it.
Pegna
Looking for some cheddar cheese to pile in your panino? Pegna has been selling both Italian and non-Italian food since 1860.
Perini
It's possible to break the bank at what might be the best salumeria in Florence. Perini sells prosciutto, mixed meats, sauces for pasta, and a wide assortment of antipasti (starters).
Scuola del Cuoio
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.
Antica Officina del Farmacista Dr. Vranjes
Dr. Vranjes elevates aromatherapy to an art form with scents for the body and home.
Antico Salumificio Anzuini
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.
Barberino Designer Outlet
Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Furla, and Dolce & Gabbana, among others, are all found at Barberino Designer Outlet. To get here, take the A1 to the Barberino di Mugello exit, and follow signs to the mall.
Bottega Giotti
You'll find multiple lines of leather bags, wallets, and other accessories here.
Brandimarte
Most people want to buy gold (for which Florence is justly famous) when they visit. That said, Brandimarte, which has specialized in exquisitely crafted silver jewelry, decorative objects, and housewares since 1955, is well worth a visit.
Cassetti
This jeweler combines precious and semiprecious stones and metals in contemporary settings.
Cellerini
In a city where it seems just about everybody carries an expensive leather bag, Cellerini is an institution.
Diesel
Trendy Diesel started in Vicenza; its gear is on the "must-have" list of many Italian teens.
Emilio Pucci
The aristocratic Marchese di Barsento, Emilio Pucci, became an international name in the late 1950s when the stretch ski clothes he designed for himself caught on with the dolce vita ("sweet life") crowd—his pseudopsychedelic prints and "palazzo pajamas" became all the rage.
Emporio Armani
The sister store of the Giorgio Armani boutique has slightly more affordable nightclub- and office-friendly garb.
Ferragamo
Set in a 13th-century palazzo, this classy institution displays designer clothing and accessories, though elegant footwear still underlies the Ferragamo success.
Fratelli Piccini
Still in operation after four generations, this Florentine institution sells antique jewelry and makes pieces to order; you can also get old jewelry reset here.
Furò e Punteruolo
Paolo Fattori and his wife, Luisa, handcraft exquisite, one-of-a-kind bags and other leather accessories at this one-room store and workshop.
