After visiting the museums, admiring the unique works of art and architecture in the world, having eaten properly, the next step is to go shopping in Florence!
Florence, which boasts of an ancient tradition full of skilled and experienced local artisans, is one of the destinations par excellence for shopping, not only for high fashion clothing, but also for unique and special souvenirs and gifts.
Among luxury boutiques with the best names in international fashion, the outlets and craft shops, in addition to the open-air markets, you will surely find what suits you best at the price that best suits your pocket!
Antiques and collectibles
Florence was home to one of the most famous antique dealers and collector's items in Italy: Stefano Bardini. In addition to the museum near the Lungarno, this character has left a reputation in the city with which the current merchants always try compare themselves. Where should you start looking? Well, from via Maggio and via dè Fossi. Both of these streets host important antique shops, where you can find valuable works of art and unique collector's items. To pass in front of these windows sometimes seems like passing in front of a museum, with magnificent works of art on display.
There are several antique shops also towards Piazza Beccaria, usually located in Loggia di Pesce, but at the moment they have been temporarily moved to Largo Pietro Annigoni, where you will find treasures and jewels of all shapes and sizes, particularly suitable for storage suitcase to be taken home.
Leather
The proximity to the Arno river has always been for Florence one of the primary factors for the development of the market of handmade leather production, such as leather jackets and gloves, just to mention some of the most fashionable products. The most characteristic places to buy leather goods are the open-air markets, such as San Lorenzo and Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, between the large Piazza della Repubblica, the Hard Rock Café and the exclusive Ponte Vecchio.
There are, however, also many shops that offer high quality leather goods, so we advise you to compare prices before proceeding with your purchases. Wallets, belts, purses and gloves are valid alternatives to buy quality items without spending a fortune.
Gold, silver & artistic creations
Even before great artists and sculptors of the caliber of Brunelleschi, Donatello, Ghiberti and Botticelli began their first experiments with the working of bronze, silver and gold, Tuscany could boast an already ancient tradition of Etruscan craftsmen of gold, tradition which was soon rooted in the city of Florence thanks to Lorenzo de Medici and his passion for goldwork, even if the importance assumed by Ponte Vecchio in this sector is mainly due to Ferdinando I.