65 Best Places to Shop in Florence, Italy

This Genoese-based company has been making elegant cashmere scarves, dresses, and sweaters (among other things) for men and women since 1885.

Florence's king of coral, Gherardi has the city's largest selection of finely crafted pieces, as well as cultured pearls, jade, and turquoise.

The sleek, classic boutique Giorgio Armani is a centerpiece of the dazzling high-end shops clustered in this part of town.

Florentine perennial Gucci puts its famous initials on just about everything it sells.

Held every Tuesday morning, this market includes stalls selling food, bargain clothing, and gadgets. It's an easy walk from the Centro Storico.

Genial proprietor and bibliophile Franco Cioncolini presides at this small shop specializing in old books, old prints, and the occasional contemporary painting.

One of Florence's best art-book shops has an outstanding selection.

For something to wear for a night out, check out Liu-Jo.

Proprietor Lorenzo Villoresi makes one-of-a-kind fragrances, which can be purchased in this sumptuous shop. There's also an on-site museum recounting the history and process of perfume-making.

The surreal window displays hint at the trendy yet tasteful clothing inside this fascinating alta moda (high-style) boutique, which first opened in 1929 and stocks the world's top designers. Its atrium restaurant, Floret, is an oasis for vegans and vegetarians with bowls, salads, and cold-pressed juices.

One-stop bargain shopping awaits at this collection of stores selling goods by such names as Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, Loro Piana, Sergio Rossi, and Yves St. Laurent. A shuttle bus runs frequently from the center of Florence to the Mall.

Browse collections by lesser-known Italian designers, many of whom use the same factories as the A-list, at this women's clothing shop.

This huge indoor food market offers a staggering selection of all things edible. Downstairs is full of vendors hawking their wares—meat, fish, fruit, vegetables—upstairs (daily 8 am–midnight) is full of food stalls serving up an array of Italian and international foods.

Every Thursday morning from September through June the covered loggia in Piazza della Repubblica hosts this lively market—a riot of plants, flowers, and difficult-to-find herbs.

If you're looking for cheery, inexpensive trinkets to take home, roam through the stalls under the loggia of the Mercato del Porcellino.

The clothing and leather-goods stalls at Mercato di San Lorenzo in the streets next to the San Lorenzo church have bargains for shoppers on a budget.

Shop for knitwear at the Florence outpost of the Italian brand known for its bold pieces.

The two women who run Oreria create divine designs using silver and semiprecious stones.

Gold jewelry and other beauteous objects are priced according to the level of craftsmanship and the value of gold bullion that day.

Stop in here for exquisite (and exquisitely crafted) leather picture frames, jewelry boxes, and desk accessories.

Look for Florentine antiques with an emphasis on Medici-era objects from the 15th and 16th centuries at Paolo Paoletti.

The finely crafted gold and silver jewelry here is simultaneously classical and contemporary. There is also a branch near the Duomo.

The Florentine designer has clothes for those with a tiny streak of rebelliousness. Sizes run small.

Although it has shops throughout the world, Pineider started out in Florence in 1774 and still does its printing here. Stationery and business cards are the mainstay, but the stores also sell colorful pens and fine-leather bags and desk accessories.

Stones are worked into exquisite tables, pictures, and jewelry at Pitti Mosaici, which continues the pietre dure (mosaic) tradition that was all the rage of 16th-century Florence.

Known to mix schoolmarmish sensibility with sexy cuts and funky fabrics, Prada appeals to an exclusive clientele.

Cognoscenti drive 45 minutes (or take the train to Montevarchi, and then a taxi) to find a bargain here.

This Florentine institution sells casual clothes for men and women at far-from-casual prices. It also has a great housewares department.

This shop has been vending high-quality clothing—the kind that goes next to bare skin—since 1895. Remember that luxury comes at a price.

The second Sunday of every month brings the Oltrarno Arts and Crafts Market in Piazza Santo Spirito with clothing, antiques, and homewares. On the third Sunday of the month, vendors at the La Fierucola in the piazza sell such delectables as honeys, jams, spice mixes, and fresh vegetables.