Top Rated Shopping in Florence

The lovely Via de' Tornabuoni is situated right in the center of the centro storico, and is a shopping mecca for those who visit Florence. Named from the famous Tornabuoni family whose palace lines the street and is currently a private apartment complex. Via de' Tornabuoni was once the premier shopping street in the city, but recent development has forced many of the independently operated businesses out, i.e., Seeber International Bookstore, Doney's. Nearby is via della Vigna Vecchia, an off-shoot of Tornabuoni which leads down towards the Arno, which also has numerous swanky, luxurious shops. Nonetheless, many major shops line these two streets, such as Loro Piana, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emporio Armani and Tiffany's.

The Mercato Centrale is a lively hub of activity. The vast building has everything from restaurants to bars and local produce under one buzzing roof. From artisan breads and Italian meats to fresh flowers, seasonal fruits, local delicacies and craft brews, this market offers something for the gourmet to the night owl. Mozarella from Enrico Carretta, Christian Beduschi confectionery, Savigni family cold cuts, fresh fish from Paola and Maurizio, and fine wines from Fabrizio Bodini, you'll find it all here. With a line up of concerts and local events, Mercato Centrale is the place to experience the city's vibrant culture, firsthand.

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest cosmetic shops in Italy, founded by Dominican Monks in 1221 who used to prepare balms and ointments with the herbs of their official gardens. Still decorated with the old boiserie furniture and traditional apothecary ceramic vases, Officina sells cosmetic creams and preparations, delightful flowered perfumes, scented soap bars, a great number of herbalist products and various liqueurs. Take a piece of living history home, as everything is made strictly according to the old traditional recipes of Dominican Monks. The potpourri, a mixture of herbs and flowers from the Florentine hills, is a must-have!

In the historic city center of Florence, Scuola del Cuoio allures shoppers with some of the most exquisite leather pieces crafted to perfection. Occupying the premises of the imposing Santa Croce abbey, the leather shop was established by the city's noted Casini and Gori families. In the bygone era, victims of World War I were offered lessons in leather making at Scuola. The shop's inviting interiors feature art works by noted artists like Domenico Ghirlandaio, thus creating a charming atmosphere where shoppers can have see how the talented craftsmen weave masterpieces in leather. Scuola also offers tours of their workshop, welcoming all those who wish to understand the process behind those extraordinary creations.

When you enter Caffè Gilli, it is worthwhile to ponder over the fact that you are surrounded by a two hundred year old legacy and all of it is still preserved. The recipes used to make the delicious coffees and unique confectioneries have hardly changed, but they have only adapted to the modern scenario over time. The cafe has a Victorian charm with wooden flooring and Murano glass chandeliers that define its interior. A look at the display section will leave you mesmerized as the assortment of desserts will spoil you with choices. From creamy pastries, Tiramisu, cakes to pies and more, everything here will make your palate sing.

Luisa Via Roma features brilliantly unusual garments and displays. On two floors, many small boutiques sell brands such as Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Ozbek, Byblos, Jean-Paul Gaultier and many others. Besides the famous designer names, there are clothing and accessories exclusively designed by the owner of the boutique. Louisa has become one of the most exclusive addresses in Florence over the last few years, especially for people who want to stay one step ahead of the pack.