
Duomo Souvenir Shopping (Self Guided), Florence
It would be a pity to leave Florence without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. On this self-guided tour, we've compiled a list of shops and markets where you can find something unique to remember your Florentine visit.
Start at Central Market, which is not only a fun and colorful place to visit, but also the best place to stop for a meal. Visited by both tourists and locals, it has lots of little outdoor shops where you can buy nice gifts in leather, silk and cashmere. Downstairs you will find the classic dried porcini, cheeses, salami, and the dried or semi-dried seasonal food.
The nearby Ceramica Ricceri has some of the most beautiful hand-painted pieces you will find – from small to large, and of all price ranges. Luca, the artist and owner, is very talented, creating nested serving bowls, platters and mugs with traditional motifs that still feel modern.
Unlike other Luxury watch stores, Bottega Panerai will take you in like family. The staff is extraordinary and the watches are stunning, so if you’re a horological fan, the original Panerai boutique is another must!
Further along the way, a much-visited site in Florence, the iconic and ancient Ponte Vecchio glitters its way across the Arno as a pearl-like string of luxury treasure boutiques. Give yourself time to cross it and enjoy every prestigious merchant selling gold and silver jewelry. You can then end your shopping trip at Madova, which offers fantastic leather gloves that will last for decades… and are WASHABLE!
Follow this walk to find your way through Florence’s numerous offerings tempting shopaholics and souvenir buyers!
Start at Central Market, which is not only a fun and colorful place to visit, but also the best place to stop for a meal. Visited by both tourists and locals, it has lots of little outdoor shops where you can buy nice gifts in leather, silk and cashmere. Downstairs you will find the classic dried porcini, cheeses, salami, and the dried or semi-dried seasonal food.
The nearby Ceramica Ricceri has some of the most beautiful hand-painted pieces you will find – from small to large, and of all price ranges. Luca, the artist and owner, is very talented, creating nested serving bowls, platters and mugs with traditional motifs that still feel modern.
Unlike other Luxury watch stores, Bottega Panerai will take you in like family. The staff is extraordinary and the watches are stunning, so if you’re a horological fan, the original Panerai boutique is another must!
Further along the way, a much-visited site in Florence, the iconic and ancient Ponte Vecchio glitters its way across the Arno as a pearl-like string of luxury treasure boutiques. Give yourself time to cross it and enjoy every prestigious merchant selling gold and silver jewelry. You can then end your shopping trip at Madova, which offers fantastic leather gloves that will last for decades… and are WASHABLE!
Follow this walk to find your way through Florence’s numerous offerings tempting shopaholics and souvenir buyers!
How it works: Download the app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Duomo Souvenir Shopping Map
Guide Name: Duomo Souvenir Shopping
Guide Location: Italy » Florence (See other walking tours in Florence)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Italy » Florence (See other walking tours in Florence)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Mercato Centrale (Central Market)
- Ceramiche Ricceri
- Bottega Panerai
- Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)
- Madova
1) Mercato Centrale (Central Market) (must see)
Florence's 19th-century Central Market, dating back to the 19th century, is divided into two distinct areas. The covered section is dedicated to all things food, while the outdoor area extends onto the surrounding streets, offering a variety of leather goods, clothing, and affordable souvenirs, including leather coats, jackets, and purses at great prices.
For those seeking Tuscan cuisine, the indoor area is the place to be. On the ground floor, you'll find a vibrant assortment of butchers, fishmongers, fruits, vegetables, and specialty shops. These specialty shops offer an array of local products such as olive oils, truffle honey, cured meats, cheeses, and sauces. Many of them even provide free samples, allowing visitors to taste before purchasing.
Upstairs, the food court awaits, featuring a host of delicious local culinary delights. Here, you not only have the opportunity to savor delicious food but also to observe the skilled artisans in action through glass windows. Watch as bread is freshly baked, bufala cheese is carefully crafted, and artisanal gelato is made from scratch. To fully enjoy your dining experience, it is recommended to visit outside of peak dining hours when the crowds are less overwhelming.
Some of the highlights include:
~ Il Pane e la Pasticceria: Witness the expertise of French baker and Bakery World Cup champion David Bedu as he creates a variety of bread, from baguettes to traditional loaves, and exquisite French pastries like choux and éclairs.
~ Martino Bellincampi's Shop: Indulge in buffalo mozzarella served in a classic Roman-style salad or enjoy the ultimate guilty pleasure of a Neapolitan "mozzarella in carrozza," a fried mozzarella sandwich.
~ ARÀ: Delight in Sicilian delicacies such as arancini (deep-fried rice balls with various fillings), cannoli, cassatini, and refreshing granita.
~ Il Tartufo: Experience the excellence of seasonal black & white truffles in dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches, spreads... even beer.
~ La Pizzeria: Savor Marco Fierro's perfectly crispy, fresh, wood oven-baked pizzas made with the finest Italian ingredients.
~ Pasta Fresca: Sample both classic and creative pasta dishes while attending cooking shows.
~ Il Vegeteriano e il Vegano: A haven for vegetarians and vegans, offering a wide selection of delectable options.
While the outdoor market closes in the afternoon, the food court stays open until midnight, offering an ideal spot for late-night cravings.
For those seeking Tuscan cuisine, the indoor area is the place to be. On the ground floor, you'll find a vibrant assortment of butchers, fishmongers, fruits, vegetables, and specialty shops. These specialty shops offer an array of local products such as olive oils, truffle honey, cured meats, cheeses, and sauces. Many of them even provide free samples, allowing visitors to taste before purchasing.
Upstairs, the food court awaits, featuring a host of delicious local culinary delights. Here, you not only have the opportunity to savor delicious food but also to observe the skilled artisans in action through glass windows. Watch as bread is freshly baked, bufala cheese is carefully crafted, and artisanal gelato is made from scratch. To fully enjoy your dining experience, it is recommended to visit outside of peak dining hours when the crowds are less overwhelming.
Some of the highlights include:
~ Il Pane e la Pasticceria: Witness the expertise of French baker and Bakery World Cup champion David Bedu as he creates a variety of bread, from baguettes to traditional loaves, and exquisite French pastries like choux and éclairs.
~ Martino Bellincampi's Shop: Indulge in buffalo mozzarella served in a classic Roman-style salad or enjoy the ultimate guilty pleasure of a Neapolitan "mozzarella in carrozza," a fried mozzarella sandwich.
~ ARÀ: Delight in Sicilian delicacies such as arancini (deep-fried rice balls with various fillings), cannoli, cassatini, and refreshing granita.
~ Il Tartufo: Experience the excellence of seasonal black & white truffles in dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches, spreads... even beer.
~ La Pizzeria: Savor Marco Fierro's perfectly crispy, fresh, wood oven-baked pizzas made with the finest Italian ingredients.
~ Pasta Fresca: Sample both classic and creative pasta dishes while attending cooking shows.
~ Il Vegeteriano e il Vegano: A haven for vegetarians and vegans, offering a wide selection of delectable options.
While the outdoor market closes in the afternoon, the food court stays open until midnight, offering an ideal spot for late-night cravings.
2) Ceramiche Ricceri
Florentine Renaissance art pieces make for excellent souvenirs, serving as beautiful reminders of your visit to the birthplace of the Renaissance. Ceramiche Ricceri, a pottery studio established in the 1950s, specializes in creating exquisite handmade ceramic products, particularly stunning pots and plates adorned with depictions of Florentine Renaissance art from the 16th century. The factory shop is known for its Renaissance-style ornamental plates, as well as a range of other items like lamp bases, jugs, and umbrella stands.
These remarkable plates feature intricate paintings of fruits and flowers that evoke the essence of Tuscany, with sunflowers being a particularly popular motif. Their artistic splendor is the result of collaboration between Ricceri and skilled decorators. Every piece is meticulously painted and shaped by hand, exemplifying the craftsmanship and taste of Florentine master potters.
Prices for these handcrafted ceramics can vary depending on the chosen motif, ranging up to 350 euros. However, compared to other stores in Florence, Ricceri generally offers more affordable prices.
Tip:
It's worth discussing shipping options with the owner, as they may provide a safer alternative to transporting fragile ceramics in your airport baggage.
These remarkable plates feature intricate paintings of fruits and flowers that evoke the essence of Tuscany, with sunflowers being a particularly popular motif. Their artistic splendor is the result of collaboration between Ricceri and skilled decorators. Every piece is meticulously painted and shaped by hand, exemplifying the craftsmanship and taste of Florentine master potters.
Prices for these handcrafted ceramics can vary depending on the chosen motif, ranging up to 350 euros. However, compared to other stores in Florence, Ricceri generally offers more affordable prices.
Tip:
It's worth discussing shipping options with the owner, as they may provide a safer alternative to transporting fragile ceramics in your airport baggage.
3) Bottega Panerai
Renowned for their precision, Swiss watches have long been celebrated in the horology world. However, when it comes to design, Italian watches stand unrivaled. Panerai wristwatches seamlessly marry the best of both worlds by combining Italian design traditions with Swiss technology, resulting in timepieces that are simply impeccable. Often referred to as "art in motion", Panerai watches are not only known for their exceptional precision and quality but also for the luxurious aura they exude, setting them apart from the rest.
The journey of Panerai began in 1860 with the opening of their first watch shop in Florence. Over the years, the brand has cultivated a remarkable legacy, particularly in providing waterproof watches for the Italian navy. Today, their flagship boutique, aptly named Bottega Panerai, graces the historic Palazzo Arcivescovile in Piazza San Giovanni.
Interestingly, the boutique pays homage to the city's treasured landmarks, such as the Duomo and the Baptistery. Its design features walnut wood ceilings and meticulously arranged "striated Olympic marble" floors, which beautifully mirror the geometric patterns found in these renowned architectural wonders, further deepening the connection between Panerai and its place of origin. Such thoughtful design choices serve as a testament to Panerai's enduring presence in Florence and their continued commitment to leaving a lasting impact.
The journey of Panerai began in 1860 with the opening of their first watch shop in Florence. Over the years, the brand has cultivated a remarkable legacy, particularly in providing waterproof watches for the Italian navy. Today, their flagship boutique, aptly named Bottega Panerai, graces the historic Palazzo Arcivescovile in Piazza San Giovanni.
Interestingly, the boutique pays homage to the city's treasured landmarks, such as the Duomo and the Baptistery. Its design features walnut wood ceilings and meticulously arranged "striated Olympic marble" floors, which beautifully mirror the geometric patterns found in these renowned architectural wonders, further deepening the connection between Panerai and its place of origin. Such thoughtful design choices serve as a testament to Panerai's enduring presence in Florence and their continued commitment to leaving a lasting impact.
4) Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) (must see)
Ponte Vecchio, or The Old Bridge, first appeared in written records all the way back in 996. Of the six bridges that span the Arno River in Florence, it’s the only one that survived World War II intact—spared by retreating German forces. Today, this medieval stone arch structure stands as a powerful reminder of how a ruler’s vision can shape a city’s legacy.
As in the Middle Ages, the bridge is still lined with shops—but what’s sold here has changed quite a bit over time. Originally, it was occupied by butchers, who were know for tossing animal waste directly into the river—hardly ideal for anyone strolling by. That all changed in the 16th century, when Grand Duke Ferdinando de’ Medici had the meat merchants removed and replaced with goldsmiths. Not only did this improve the smell, but it also turned the bridge into one of the most glittering, upscale corners of Florence.
Take a look from a distance, and you might spot something unusual—a raised corridor running above the shops. This hidden passage is part of the Vasari Corridor, a nearly kilometer-long tunnel that connects the Pitti Palace with the Old Palace. It was built so that the Grand Duke could move between his residence and government offices without mingling with the crowds. Although closed since 2016 for safety reasons, there are plans to reopen it for visitors.
There’s even a bit of financial folklore tied to this spot, which is said to be the birthplace of the term “bankruptcy.” When a moneylender couldn’t pay his debts, soldiers smashed his trading bench—called a banco—to pieces, a symbolic act that left him unable to operate. Hence the term “bancorotto”, or “broken bench”, was born.
These days, the Old Bridge is a lovely place for a walk—especially at sunset, when the light casts a golden glow over the Arno. Early mornings are just as magical, with soft reflections on the water and, if you’re lucky, the bridge nearly all to yourself.
As in the Middle Ages, the bridge is still lined with shops—but what’s sold here has changed quite a bit over time. Originally, it was occupied by butchers, who were know for tossing animal waste directly into the river—hardly ideal for anyone strolling by. That all changed in the 16th century, when Grand Duke Ferdinando de’ Medici had the meat merchants removed and replaced with goldsmiths. Not only did this improve the smell, but it also turned the bridge into one of the most glittering, upscale corners of Florence.
Take a look from a distance, and you might spot something unusual—a raised corridor running above the shops. This hidden passage is part of the Vasari Corridor, a nearly kilometer-long tunnel that connects the Pitti Palace with the Old Palace. It was built so that the Grand Duke could move between his residence and government offices without mingling with the crowds. Although closed since 2016 for safety reasons, there are plans to reopen it for visitors.
There’s even a bit of financial folklore tied to this spot, which is said to be the birthplace of the term “bankruptcy.” When a moneylender couldn’t pay his debts, soldiers smashed his trading bench—called a banco—to pieces, a symbolic act that left him unable to operate. Hence the term “bancorotto”, or “broken bench”, was born.
These days, the Old Bridge is a lovely place for a walk—especially at sunset, when the light casts a golden glow over the Arno. Early mornings are just as magical, with soft reflections on the water and, if you’re lucky, the bridge nearly all to yourself.
5) Madova
Florence has long been celebrated for its exceptional leather goods, and among them, the gloves stand out as a testament to both style and sophistication. Madova, a renowned brand established in 1919, has become synonymous with elegance in the realm of leather gloves.
The Madova family has perfected the art of glove making, gaining recognition for their impeccable style, unwavering commitment to quality, and unparalleled craftsmanship that is revered worldwide. These exquisite gloves are meticulously crafted using fine materials such as kidskin, lambskin, or nubuck calf leather. The interior lining offers luxurious options, including cashmere, silk, rabbit, lamb, merino sheep wool, or the unlined variety. Additionally, a wide array of colors is available to suit individual preferences.
Catering to both men and women, Madova holds a unique distinction as the only shop in Europe exclusively dedicated to gloves. With prices starting at 35 euros for more modest designs and ranging up to 200 euros for the most intricate and elaborate creations, there is a glove to suit every taste and budget. The durability and exceptional quality of these gloves ensure they withstand the test of time, becoming cherished accessories that can be enjoyed for years to come.
The Madova family has perfected the art of glove making, gaining recognition for their impeccable style, unwavering commitment to quality, and unparalleled craftsmanship that is revered worldwide. These exquisite gloves are meticulously crafted using fine materials such as kidskin, lambskin, or nubuck calf leather. The interior lining offers luxurious options, including cashmere, silk, rabbit, lamb, merino sheep wool, or the unlined variety. Additionally, a wide array of colors is available to suit individual preferences.
Catering to both men and women, Madova holds a unique distinction as the only shop in Europe exclusively dedicated to gloves. With prices starting at 35 euros for more modest designs and ranging up to 200 euros for the most intricate and elaborate creations, there is a glove to suit every taste and budget. The durability and exceptional quality of these gloves ensure they withstand the test of time, becoming cherished accessories that can be enjoyed for years to come.
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