Guide of Florence, Italy

Florence Shopping, Italy

Florence has an ancient tradition of craftsmanship.  At one time every area of the city was characterized by a particular activity, each controlled by the powerful Arts Guild: from the sculpting workshops to the skin and leather shops, from the blacksmiths to the master goldsmiths. The guilds were based on strict rules and only the legitimate children of members could enter the profession. In this sense, art and technique have been passed down from generation to generation to this day.

Some old stores are still more or less in tact, such as the Antica Officina di Santa Maria Novella,  one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, where you can buy perfumes and essences made to formulas that were created in the sixteenth century for Caterina de' Medici, and liqueurs that are still made today following the antique formula used by the Dominican monks.

When walking along the Ponte Vecchio you can see the famous Florence goldsmiths' shops, while the artisanal shoemakers are spread around the city. This Florentine tradition was made famous by Salvatore Ferragamo, shoemaker to the stars, whose creations can be admired in the museum carrying his name.

Whoever is planning a trip to Florence cannot forget its thriving food and wine culture. If you want to buy local products, there is no end of choice: tasty cheeses and sought-after salami attract food-lovers from the delicatessen shop windows; it is possible to taste and buy refined wines and fine extra-virgin oils in the many wine-cellars around the city. Don’t miss out on a trip to San Lorenzo Market, located inside the splendid liberty-style building.

Direct sales
Wer Local Tuscan products are famous throughout the world! Take advantage of the St. Ambrogio market stands and but products directly from Florentine farmers. Or visit www.comproinfattoria.it to find high quality and natural oil, wine, fruit and vegetable producers. Buy direct without middleman and useless costs!

Small deals
We recommend booklovers stop at the two stands in Piazza Stozzi and Via Martelli, at the corner of Via de' Gori. Florence is an artistic city, it loves culture and boasts it everywhere. You'll find used books, even antique or out of print, along with unique clothing and curious antiques at every local market and at great prices. The Cascine market - really great - and the St. Ambrogio market are musts.

The morning is the perfect time to wander around markets and flea markets in search of unique items and the best deals. In Florence, there are many markets where you can browse: the market of San Lorenzo is famous for its stocked delis, then there is the daily Flea Market in Piazza dei Ciompi with its stalls filled with antiques and the Cascine market in viale Lincoln. Do not miss a trip to the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica in Santa Maria Novella where you can buy essences and beauty products and to the Bojola in Via dei Rondinelli, an antique artisan workshop opened in 1892 and where you can buy leather accessories such as purses, luggage and wallets.

Fashion labels for any pocket!
The hottest fashion label outlets are just outside Florence. First of all, The Mall, 5 km from the Incisa Valdarno highway exit (in Leccio Reggello) open from Monday through Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM. You'll find a wide range of Armani, Gucci, Sergio Rossi, Bottega Veneta, Tod's and Ferragamo clothing and accessories for last season at The Mall. Prices are truly low with discounts up to 50 %.