Head to Via de’ Tornabuoni for Italian luxury brands like Gucci, Prada and Fendi alongside international designers. Or pay a visit to Via Roma to explore Florence’s iconic department store, Luisa via Roma. For high-street shops, Via dei Calzaiuoli is the place to go.
Want a more authentic shopping experience? The Oltrarno district on the opposite side of the river offers a slower pace and an array of independent shops. Known for its artisan workshops, concept stores and vintage boutiques, this is the perfect place to find one-off treasures. Hoping to grab yourself a bargain? Head to the Mercato San Lorenzo for souvenirs, leather goods, ceramics and local produce.
The best places to shop in Florence
The best places to shop in Florence will depend on what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend. If designer goods are top of your list, you’ll love Via de’ Tornabuoni and The Mall Firenze. For affordable souvenirs and an authentic Italian market experience, try Mercato di San Lorenzo. Or find unique clothing, jewellery, accessories and homeware whilst exploring the independent boutiques of Via del Parione and the Oltrarno district.
Still not sure where to begin your shopping spree? Bookmark these locations before you travel to enjoy the best shopping areas and streets in the city:
- Centre - Via de’ Tornabuoni, Via Roma, Via dei Calzaiuoli
- Oltrarno - Via dei Serragli, Via di Santo Spirito, Via dello Sprone
- Mercato di San Lorenzo
- The Mall Firenze
Note that many shops in Florence close for a break, called a riposo, in the afternoon, as is the custom across Italy. You might prefer to plan your shopping trip for the morning or afternoon, avoiding lunchtime when many locals are away relaxing.
1. Via de’ Tornabuoni
Via de’ Tornabuoni is a hub for luxury and designer shopping in the centre of Florence. The home of Florentine fashion houses like Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself during your trip.
You’ll also find high-end Italian brands such as Prada, Fendi and Giorgio Armani here, alongside many international fashion and jewellery boutiques. Looking for a new watch, handbag or a special piece of jewellery? Via de’ Tornabuoni is the place to visit.
About the area
Situated between the Piazza della Antinori and the Ponte Santa Trinita on the River Arno, it’s hard to miss Via de’ Tornabuoni if you’re strolling around the city’s historic centre. Many of the buildings here have grand, ornate façades, suggesting this street had a significant past before it became the home of luxury shopping in Florence.
Via de’ Tornabuoni was once used for processions by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and during traditional sporting events, from Calcio Fiorentino (Florentine football) to horse racing. It’s also home to the Palazzo Strozzi – now an art gallery – and the Salvatore Ferragamo museum. So if you fancy taking a break from shopping and soaking up some more of Florence’s cultural offerings, there’s plenty to see and do here.
Via de’ Tornabuoni highlights
Planning an afternoon of shopping on Via de’ Tornabuoni? Some of the stores you can expect to find are:
- Gucci
- Balenciaga
- Salvatore Ferragamo
- Prada
- Giorgio Armani
- Alexander McQueen
- Burberry
- Celine
- Kenzo
- Max Mara
- Tod’s
- BVLGARI
- Chopard
- Omega
- Montblanc
Opening hours: Most shops are open from 10:00 to 19:00; check specific opening hours online, as they may vary throughout the year
Nearest train station: Santa Maria Novella, a 10-minute walk away
2. Via del Parione
Discover unique treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces on Via del Parione. A stone’s throw from the River Arno, this street is home to many independent shops selling clothes, jewellery, accessories, stationery and homewares made by local artisans. Be sure to visit Via del Parione to shop for souvenirs and gifts, or why not treat yourself to a memento from your trip?
About the area
Whilst you’re wandering around Florence’s main shopping area, you’re bound to stumble upon Via del Parione. This narrow street might look unassuming as you turn the corner from Via de’ Tornabuoni, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Via del Parione connects Piazza Carlo Goldoni and Piazza di Santa Trinita, making it easy to locate. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants on this street, perfect if you need a break from shopping to refuel. Our dedicated restaurant guide has more information on the best eateries in Florence.
Via del Parione highlights
Whether you’re looking for jewellery, books, clothing or sunglasses, these specialist boutiques on Via del Parione have you covered:
- Malìparma
- Bottega di Sguardi
- Vertigo
- Pallanti
- Anichini
- Letizia Fiorini
- Alberto Cozzi
Opening hours: Like many of the small, independent shops in Florence, the opening times of those on Via del Parione vary. Most open between 10:00 and 19:00. If you’re planning on visiting a specific shop in Via del Parione, check online to find out their opening times
Nearest train station: Santa Maria Novella is the nearest station, just 11 minutes away on foot
3. Via dei Calzaiuoli
Via dei Calzaiuoli is the go-to location for high-street shopping in Florence. Discover popular Italian brands, including Kiko Milano and Calzedonia. Or browse the Coin department store, where you can shop hundreds of international fashion, beauty and homeware brands under one roof.
About the area
Almost every street in Florence has its own story to tell, and Via dei Calzaiuoli is no different. Even in the 15th century, this street was populated with clothing and footwear shops, so it has long been Florence's number one shopping destination.
During the Renaissance period, this street was an artistic hub, home to the workshops of many painters, sculptors and architects. Look out for the church of Orsanmichele and its museum, where you can see works by Donatello, Verrocchio, Ghiberti and Brunelleschi, amongst others.
Via dei Calzaiuoli is conveniently located between two of Florence’s most popular attractions: the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza alla Signoria. So when you’re finished sightseeing for the day, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy?
Via dei Calzaiuoli highlights
Shops on Via dei Calzaiuoli include:
- Intimissi
- Armando Poggi
- Bata
- Victoria’s Secret
- Kiko Milano
- Marlù
- Yamamay
- Calzedonia
- Swarovski
- Pylones
- Tezenis
- Coccinelle
- Ray Ban
- Furla
- Carpisa
- Coin
Opening hours: Most shops on this street are open from 10:00 to 19:00. Some stores are open later, so if you have a particular destination in mind, it’s worth checking their opening hours online before visiting
Nearest train station: Santa Maria Novella, a 12-minute walk away
4. Mercato San Lorenzo
Mercato San Lorenzo is an outdoor street market, running along Via dell’Ariento to the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Here you’ll find everything from leather goods to locally made ceramics, artisan produce and Tuscan wine, so it’s the ideal place for souvenir shopping during your trip.
About the area
The indoor market, Mercato Centrale, has two floors, designed in the late nineteenth century by the Italian architect Giuseppe Mengoni. This is Florence’s largest market!
Explore the typical Italian stalls selling fresh local produce on the ground floor, from fruit and vegetables to fish, meat and cheese. Then visit the first floor, which has been transformed to offer a unique shopping and dining experience in recent years.
Browse various stalls selling artisan goods, then take a seat and enjoy freshly prepared food from across Italy whilst you soak up the atmosphere. There’s also a cooking school at Mercato Centrale if you fancy learning a thing or two about Italian cuisine during your trip.
Opening hours: Mercato Centrale is open daily from 10:00 to midnight. Mercato San Lorenzo opens Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 14:00 and 07:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays
Nearest train station: Santa Maria Novella is a 6-minute walk from Mercato San Lorenzo
Getting around Florence’s shopping areas
If you’re visiting Florence from elsewhere in Italy, the best way to reach the city centre is by train. Most trains to Florence run into the central station, Santa Maria Novella, is well-located for Florence’s main attractions, shops and restaurants, which are 10-20 minutes’ walk away.
Once you arrive in Florence, you can quickly get around on foot as the city centre is relatively small. But there are plenty of buses departing from Santa Maria Novella station if you prefer to save your energy.
Heading to The Mall Firenze for some discounted designer shopping? There’s a direct bus service from Via degli Orti Oricellari, just 5 minutes walk from Santa Maria Novella station.
Travelling to Florence by train
With frequent rail services to and from nearby cities like Bologna, Pisa, Lucca and Siena, you can easily spend the day shopping in Florence.
Venturing to Florence from further afield? Trains Milan to Florence and Rome to Florence take under 2 hours or travel from Venice to Florence in less than three hours.