The best shops in Florence, Italy
Where to find the most beautiful shopfronts, ornate flagship stores and artisan shops in Florence, Italy.
Il Papiro
Il Papiro is a stationary shop with several locations around Florence, so you’re bound to run into one. This particular one is located just next to the Pitti Palace, off of the Ponte Vecchio. The stationary is handmade and includes illustrated as well as marbled papers. The shop itself is charmingly old fashioned.
La Casa Della Stampa Di Sarubbi Lorenzo
Near Il Paprio, this print shop is also in Oltarno and just across from the Pitti Palace. This family-run shop prints etchings onto old ledgers and handpaints into them. There are also intricate maps and landscapes produced. The shop is also the workshop, so you can watch the workers create the prints before your eyes.
La Menagere
La Menagere is more of a concept store and cafe, and is in the San Marco neighbourhood and is next to a few great stops: La Gelatiera, an amazing gelato shop, and Palazzo Medici Riccardi. La Menagere is on the expensive side, but such an aesthetic place to have a wander around or even a drink. There were plenty people working there when I visited, so seems like a good place to settle down for a while.
Ginori
On Via de Rodinelli, Ginori 1735’s flagship shop is neighbours with many designer stores in the centre of Florence. Ginori makes incredible ceramics and tableware with beautiful designs, and the shop itself is gorgeous in terms of interior design. Plus, the staff were friendly and happy to let me take photos. I’d buy everything if I had the budget, and I love the recent collaboration with artist Luke Edward Hall.
Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
This is probably the most incredible shop in Florence and must be on your list. Once an old pharmacy, the shop is now the flagship for the Santa Maria Novella brand of perfumes and other cosmetic products. It’s the oldest pharmacy still operating in Florence and its beautiful architecture is a wonder in itself. There’s a lot to explore here and its designed for the experience, so visitors with cameras are very welcome.
Alberto Cozzi
This is a family-run marbled paper shop on Via del Parione, not far from the Strozzi Palace. The shopfront itself is one of the most charming I’ve seen and the stationary products are beautiful and handmade.
Rinascimento Fiorentino di Ladisa Patrizia
This is a charming jewellery stall in Piazza della Repubblica that happened to catch my eye as I was passing. The jewellery is unique and good quality and the owner very helpful and kind. I loved so many pieces here and will definitely buy more next time I’m in Florence.
Gucci Garden
Gucci Garden is a somewhat gimmicky flagship and museum for Gucci but has a charming shopfloor and bookstore that is free entry. It’s in Piazza della Signoria so is an easy visit while seeing other sites.
AquaFlor
AquaFlor is a beautiful perfume shop on Borgo Santa Croce, near the Pazzi Chapel. There’s so many scents to try and the space itself is gorgeous. There are also sister stores next door with amazing interior design items.
S. Forno
S. Forno was my favourite cafe and bakery in Florence, but it also sells food items in the beautiful shop. It is located in Oltarno, and stocks dozens of treats. My favourite is the budini di riso, a Florentine special rice pudding tart. It’s also right next to one of the classic photobooths - fotoautomatica.
Read more about how to spend two days in Florence.
Full of Italian charm but not nearly as many crowds as other comparable Italian cities, Bergamo is a hidden gem and offers stunning views and delicious local cuisine. It’s a blend of everything I want from Italy: food, charming streets, and picturesque views.