Shopping in Florence: from markets to luxury malls

Just think of the fashion shows hosted in the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti in the mid-20th century. And that’s not all: Via Tornabuoni, Via de’ Cerretani, and Via Roma make up a refined district of Italian and international fashion, with boutiques and ateliers offering exclusive shopping just a few minutes from Hotel Orto de’ Medici.

Florence is also the perfect location for other types of shopping, thanks to its many historic markets and world-famous outlets, ready to satisfy every need, from luxury items to unique souvenirs.

The San Lorenzo Market, located near the Basilica of the same name, is a must for buying clothing, leather goods, and souvenirs. The outdoor stalls offer a wide range of bags, jackets, and high-quality leather items.

Mercato Centrale, on the other hand, is a surprising food hub offering a wide variety of Tuscan delicacies. You’ll find restaurants, food corners, and gourmet shops on the upper floor—perfect for a break between museum visits.

Open daily in Piazza dei Ciompi, the Flea Market is a haven if you’re passionate about antiques. Vintage furniture, rare books, ceramics, and historical items are just some of the treasures hidden among the stalls, making it the perfect spot to bring home a piece of Florentine history.
Every third weekend of the month, the Gardens of Fortezza da Basso host the Antique Market, an unmissable event for collectors and enthusiasts. Here, you can discover hidden gems among antique items, vintage objects, and home decor—an evocative dive into the past that lets you relive the unique magic of Florentine artisan shops.

The Cascine market is held in the picturesque Cascine Park, a natural setting with a fascinating history. In the 16th century, this vast urban park was a Medici estate and the site of grand popular festivities. The spirit of conviviality lives on every Tuesday at the Cascine Market, open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is one of Florence’s largest markets, where you can purchase fruit, vegetables, clothes, shoes, and much more—all in a friendly, informal atmosphere. We recommend it if you love affordable shopping and want to experience everyday Florentine life.

Located in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, the Mercato del Porcellino owes its name to the famous statue of the wild boar, a symbol of good luck. This market is renowned for handcrafted embroidery, Florentine straw items, and leather goods. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs and local crafts, surrounded by the historical charm of Florence.

If you prefer high-fashion hubs at accessible prices to traditional markets, The Mall, located about 40 minutes from Florence, is a must-visit destination. Here, you’ll find luxury boutiques offering remarkable discounts on renowned brands such as Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Ferragamo, and many others. Easily reachable by car or bus, The Mall is a unique opportunity to bring home designer pieces at an attractive price.

Located in Montevarchi, an hour from Florence, the Prada Space Outlet is a dream come true for high-fashion enthusiasts. Here, exclusive items from Prada, Miu Miu, Car Shoe, and Helmut Lang are sold at discounted prices. Easily accessible by car or train, this outlet is a must if you want to add a touch of prestige and glamour to your wardrobe.