Florence is a city that knows style – always has, always will. While the big designer names along Via de’ Tornabuoni and the goldsmiths glittering on the Ponte Vecchio are excellent shopping spots, what keeps us coming back are the smaller discoveries. Hidden along quiet streets, behind unassuming doors or nestled in centuries-old courtyards are the shops that hold the true heart of Florence. These are the places where tradition lives on in the hands of artisans—many younger—and where fashion feels personal. That’s where we enjoy shopping because you’ll always find something special to take home.

Whether you’re seeking that perfect Italian scarf, a piece of handmade leather or a one-of-a-kind work of art, here are some of our favorite Florence shops to add to your list.

Florence Fashion & Accessories 

Florence is one of Italy’s style capitals, but it’s not all about high-end designer names. The city excels at craftsmanship, so you can expect beautifully made pieces that you’ll cherish for years. From buttery leather bags to fine linens, shopping for fashion in Florence is a joy.

Cashmeritaly (Via della Vigna Nuova 49r and Via Borgo San Jacopo 29)
Luxurious yet wearable, Cashmeritaly’s scarves are perfect for adding a touch of Italian style to any outfit. The colors are stunning, the quality exceptional and they make wonderful gifts (for others – or yourself).
Moda Ismeralda (Via Borgo San Jacopo 19r)
For chic, understated fashion, Moda Ismeralda is a must. The boutique is known for its elegant linen clothing and pieces that are perfect for travel yet timeless enough to wear year after year.
Ottino (Via Porta Rossa 69r)
A Florence classic for handbags and purses, Ottino offers a beautiful range from everyday styles to sophisticated evening pieces.
Bojola (Via dei Rondinelli 25)
If your style leans toward sporty elegance, Bojola’s leather travel bags, backpacks and accessories combine craftsmanship with a modern sensibility.
G.B. Frugone 1885 (Via delle Belle Donne 35r)
For more than a century, G.B. Frugone has been synonymous with fine cashmere. A visit here is like stepping into a world of quiet luxury.
Faliero Sarti (Via della Spada, 24r)
Faliero Sarti’s scarves are works of art – light, airy and impossibly soft. Their colors and prints are always inspiring.
Epoca Vintage (Via dei Fossi 6)
If you love vintage, Epoca is a gem. The selection includes gorgeous leather and suede coats, along with unique finds that bring a bit of Florence’s fashion history into your wardrobe.
Fratelli Piccini (Ponte Vecchio)
Founded in 1903, Fratelli Piccini is now in its fourth generation and one of the oldest goldsmith families on the Ponte Vecchio. Today it is led by Elisa Tozzi Piccini, who continues to uphold the family legacy of hand‑crafted jewelry made by master artisans.

Shoes & Leathercraft

Florence has a long tradition of leatherwork, and its shoemaking heritage is equally impressive. The city is home to bespoke workshops and celebrated designers who continue to craft shoes by hand, using skills passed down for generations. A great way to appreciate Florence’s fashion legacy is by visiting the Museo Ferragamo, dedicated to one of Italy’s most famous shoe designers. Afterward, head to these artisan workshops for a closer look at Florence’s shoemaking today.

CB Made in Italy (Via Santo Spirito, 62r)
Founded by the brother-and-sister team of Costanza and Claudio Barindelli, CB combines traditional craftsmanship with sleek contemporary style. Each pair is handmade in Italy with a focus on quality and timeless design.
Stefano Bemer (Borgo San Frediano, 143r)
Stefano Bemer’s name is legendary in bespoke shoemaking. The workshop continues to produce custom shoes of exceptional quality, each pair crafted with precision and artistry in the heart of the Oltrarno.
Mannina (Via de’ Guicciardini, 16r)
Founded in 1953 by Calogero Mannina, this family-run shop specializes in handmade shoes and leather goods. Every pair reflects the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Florence’s leather tradition.

Gifts & Artisan Crafts

Florence’s creative spirit shines in its artisan workshops and boutiques. These are the places to find something you won’t see anywhere else.

Florence Factory (Via dei Neri, 6-8r)
A beautifully curated boutique showcasing contemporary Tuscan artisans and designers. From handcrafted leather and jewelry to ceramics and artwork, each piece is carefully selected for its quality and creativity. It’s the perfect place to find unique, meaningful gifts that capture Florence’s artisan spirit.
Female Arts Florence (FAF) (new location coming soon)
We loved this colorful spot on Borgo S. Frediano, which celebrated female artists with a gallery space and shop. While they’re between locations right now, keep an eye on their Instagram for updates as they’ll be reopening soon in the historic center. Wherever they land, expect the same vibrant mix of art, creativity and color that made the first space such a favorite.
Giulia Materia (Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti, 13r)
Located near the Palazzo Pitti, modern design meets Tuscan tradition in Giulia Materia’s creative shop. Her clothing and accessories are sustainable, stylish and distinctly Florentine.
Scuola del Cuoio (Via di S. Giuseppe, 5/R)
Behind Santa Croce, this historic leather school has been producing handcrafted pieces for decades. Watching the artisans at work is part of the experience.
Il Papiro (Multiple locations)
Known for exquisite marbled paper, Il Papiro is a Florence icon. We love the tiny two-level shop just behind the Duomo (Piazza del Duomo, 24/r), but the larger Oltrarno location just across the Ponte Vecchio (Via de’ Guicciardini, 47r) is also charming.
Giulio Giannini e Figlio (Via dei Velluti, 1)
A Florence institution since 1856, this family-run workshop is now in its sixth generation, led by Maria Giannini. Known for exquisite hand-marbled paper and fine leather-bound books, each piece is created using centuries-old techniques. You can also book demonstrations or workshops to try this timeless craft yourself!
La Via del Tè (Via della Condotta, 28/r)
Founded in Florence in 1961, La Via del Tè brings the art of fine tea to life with blends inspired by the city’s landmarks, like the Santa Maria del Fiore black tea. With elegant boutiques around the city, it’s a beautiful spot to choose gifts or bring home a delicious reminder of Florence.

Bookshops

Florence has a surprisingly rich tradition of bookshops, particularly for English-language readers. Since the days of the Grand Tour, the city has drawn scholars, writers and travelers from abroad, and its vibrant expat community has kept the tradition alive. These bookshops are more than places to buy books, they’re cultural touchstones and gathering spots for locals and visitors alike.

Paperback Exchange (Via dell’Oche, 4/r)
A beloved institution since 1979, Paperback Exchange is the go-to for English-language books in Florence. The shelves are lined with both new releases and secondhand treasures, making it the perfect place to pick up something for your holiday reading – or a gift to bring home.
Libreria Brac (Via dei Vagellai, 18/r)
This bookshop feels like a little secret, tucked away on a quiet street. Inside, it’s a warm and creative mix of books, a vegetarian café-bistrot, cultural events and concerts.
Giunti Odeon (Piazza degli Strozzi)
Stepping into Giunti Odeon is an experience in itself. Set inside a 1920s cinema, this bookshop is grand yet inviting. Alongside the books, there’s often a cultural calendar of talks, film screenings and events that make it a lively part of Florence’s literary life.

Perfumes & Home Scents

Florence has a long history of fragrance, with perfumers who have perfected their craft over centuries. These are two of the city’s most unforgettable scent experiences.

Santa Maria Novella (Via della Scala, 16)
Established in 1221, Santa Maria Novella is the world’s oldest pharmacy, still crafting fragrances, herbal remedies and beauty products using centuries-old formulas. A visit feels like stepping back in time and you’ll leave with a scent that forever recalls Florence.
Aquaflor (Borgo Santa Croce, 6)
Set in a historic palazzo near Santa Croce, Aquaflor is an elegant perfume house where each fragrance is crafted in-house. You can explore the boutique or book a custom perfume experience for a truly personal scent of Florence.

Shopping in Florence is about so much more than what you bring home. It’s about the people you meet, the craftsmanship you witness and the stories behind every item. Whether you’re browsing centuries-old ateliers or discovering a modern designer, these shops capture the essence of Florence. Make time for a little shopping during your Italy Perfect stay, and take a piece of the city’s beauty with you.

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