Where to shop in Florence

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There are many classic souvenirs to pick-up while traveling in Florence, a city known for its leather goods and traditional paper. Consider the following places as you spend time on the hunt for take-homes from your memorable trip.

A Marzotto: the paper store that is my pick for the best paper goods in Florence. They have all the classics in beautiful Florentine paper, and as many journals as a writer could dream of owning! The perfect stop for gifts, I love their photo albums, note pads, and stationary.
Borgo degli Albizi, 86

Stilelbibero di Antonio Sandoval: As far as jewelry goes, there is no shortage of unique finds in Florence. Just one stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and you’ll see that for yourself. However, my favorite place to buy jewelry is not on the old bridge, but rather a small outpost near the Bargello, Stilelbibero di Antonio Sandoval. I’ve returned here again and again and found the owner and jewelry maker to be so kind! He wrapped a gift for my mom in the nicest packaging, and even resized a ring for me last time I visited. He stops working when you enter the shop and is always attentive. Wish I could visit him more often!
Via Ghibellina, 200/R

Via Ghibellina: a stretch with some of my favorite shops, probably because it was often the route I took home from school, taking my time window-shopping!. One that I loved sold vintage levis, tee’s, and sneakers. It’s a carefully curated thrifter’s dream.

Via Tournabuoni: where you can look but not touch (unless you have a lot of euros hanging out in your wallet). This is the ideal spot in the city to window shop everything from Dolce and Gabbana kids (a personal favorite) to Ferragamo to Prada to any other luxury designer you can name…

Feltrinelli Red: this is Florence’s biggest and best bookstore, complete with a cafe and an entire section of books in English. It’s such a great spot to browse for awhile and get lost in some new titles.

Ponte Vecchio: this bridge is a famous Florentine landmark for many reasons, one being that at present day it’s host to jewelers that display their beautiful lots for those walking across the bridge every day. Just one look and you’ll find yourself enchanted by the gorgeous creations.

La Ménagère: you may recognize the name of this Florence classic from my list of where to eat in Florence, as its one of my favorite cafes. It’s a concept shop, so you can grab a coffee, flowers, and unique household goods by day, then come back later for a drink and live music. It’s a gem in the San Lorenzo neighborhood!
Via de’ Ginori, 8

Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: this is one of those places that I can’t believe I haven’t visited yet, because it’s pretty much famous in Florence. Located in a former chapel, the interiors alone make it worth a visit. It has been in operation for over 400 years, and is noted as the place where Rose Water was invented. Visit the pharmacy to shop its perfumes and other scented creations, and stay to indulge in the rich history of this pharmacy.

Leather markets: San Lorenzo has the bigger leather market, but there’s another smaller one that’s in a square shape (so there’s much less pressure from vendors) in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo , a great place to find gifts. Don’t be afraid to bargain.

Scuola del Cuoio: I mentioned this leather school in my Florence Travel Guide, but you can also stop here to shop the fine leather goods they produce. The school is located directly behind the church of Santa Croce.

The Oltrarno (or ‘the other side of the river’) has a plethora of small shops with handmade items. Jewelry, leather, shoes, bags, etc. Take the time to stop in and converse with the people in the shop while you look around.

La Casa della Stampa Di Sarubbi Lorenzo: THE place for hand painted maps and other prints. The artisans who work there are so nice and they have the most unique items! It’s located on a street right by Palazzo Pitti. Cash only.
Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti, 11

Giulio Giannini Figlio Paper Store: Since 1856, this family has been making and selling fine paper goods to Florentines. It’s location on Piazza Pitti is nothing short of extraordinary, and you’ll surely want to spend hours looking at all the beautiful patterned papers and leather journals.

Clet Abraham Studio: this is one of the coolest stops in Florence, and one of the best places to grab a piece of Florence to take home. Clet’s street art is in the form of street signs, which can be found throughout Italy (but mostly Florence), and in a few other European cities. Clet’s studio is in the Oltrarno, is open to the public, and my fave thing to buy are the stickers replicating the street signs. I always buy a bunch when I go, and always find a place to stick them (like my suitcase). Often you can spot Clet himself when you visit! Cash only.
Via dell’Olmo, 8

San Miniato al Monte: has its own gift shop with many handmade items, including essential oils, candles, ceramics, and treats, most made by the monks who live there. It’s small but I still managed to spend an hour inside and bought many gifts (some for myself) that I cherish.
Via delle Porte Sante, 34