Shopping for Souvenirs in Florence: Local Tips Every Traveler Should Know
Florence, Italy, the heart of the Renaissance, is famous for its beautiful streetscapes. Beyond art and history, it’s also a city where artisanal craftsmanship thrives, making it a prime shopping destination.
Whether you’re a short-term visitor or staying longer, pre-trip research is essential to efficiently find ‘authentic, unique items you can only buy here’ within a limited time. From beautifully packaged perfumes to affordable yet exquisite truffle salt from supermarkets, and handcrafted traditional goods, Florence is brimming with appealing items.
This article carefully selects 5 essential shopping spots you absolutely must visit. Rather than just a list of products, we’ll share insights from a local perspective on price ranges, best visiting times, and even common pitfalls for travelers, all delivered with genuine passion.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
📍 Address: Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
A visit to Florence is incomplete without experiencing the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. Its origins trace back to 1221 when Dominican friars began cultivating medicinal herbs and preparing ointments and pain relievers within the monastery.
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by breathtaking frescoes and a grand, antique interior that will make you crane your neck in awe. This overwhelming space feels like a museum or a palace, so much so that it’s often said to be worth visiting even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Many travelers genuinely marvel at its beauty, calling it ‘the most beautiful pharmacy they’ve ever seen.’ During the Christmas season, a magnificent tree adorns the interior, transforming the shop into an even more dazzling, magical realm.
Overwhelmingly popular as a souvenir are the traditional perfumes, said to have been presented to Catherine de’ Medici. Today, the focus is on eau de colognes, typically priced between 50 and 80 Euros. Beyond perfumes, hand creams, soaps, and potpourri made from ancient recipes also make excellent gifts. In recent years, it’s become a staple on many tour routes, and while there might be entrance restrictions at times, we recommend patiently waiting in line as you’re sure to get in.
il Mercato Centrale Firenze
📍 Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
If you want to feel the culinary pulse of Florence, head to the Mercato Centrale Firenze (Florence Central Market), built in 1874. This isn’t just any market; it’s a food theme park where you can find both excellent souvenirs and delicious gourmet food.
For souvenir hunting, the first-floor food market is your target. Fresh porcini mushrooms, olive oil, and above all, ‘truffle salt’ are hugely popular with travelers. If you’re lucky, you might even find fresh white truffles sold by weight (e.g., around 35 Euros for 5g)! So fresh that your bag will be filled with the scent of truffles, making it an irresistible souvenir for cooking enthusiasts. Some shops even have friendly Japanese-speaking staff, so you can shop with ease. However, first-floor stalls start closing around 2 PM, so we strongly recommend visiting ‘in the morning.’
After shopping, head to the second-floor food court, which is bustling until late at night. Here, everyone can order what they like from different stalls and bring it together, so it’s perfect if you and your companions have different cravings. The rich truffle cream pasta, cherry tomato salad, and freshly fried arancini (rice balls) are local dishes you absolutely must try. Note that you’ll need the QR code printed on your receipt to use the food court restrooms, so be sure to keep your receipt after paying.
Pegna dal 1860
📍 Address: Via dello Studio, 26R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Nestled in a small alley just off the Duomo, ‘Pegna dal 1860’ is a historic, high-end supermarket founded in 1860. Much like Japan’s ‘Seijo Ishii,’ it boasts a sophisticated selection and a pristine, inviting atmosphere.
Because it’s a ‘local luxury supermarket’ rather than a souvenir shop, you can find high-quality, beautifully packaged items at fair prices. Near the entrance, you’ll find cosmetics like soaps, hand creams, and fragrances. Further inside, a treasure trove of Italian ingredients awaits, including Tuscan pastas, Chianti wines, and dried truffles. We especially recommend the ‘mixed herbs’ or ‘rock salt.’ Some sets of three varieties are available for under 5 Euros, making them perfect ‘casual gifts’ for friends who love cooking.
For a truly local experience, try purchasing cheese or salami by weight. Taking a numbered ticket at the deli counter and waiting for your turn will make you feel immersed in local life. As a word of caution, opening hours may be delayed by about 30 minutes on public holidays. Also, when closing, heavy shutters come down, making the exterior completely indistinguishable as a supermarket, so be sure to check the business hours thoroughly before your visit.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato
📍 Address: Via dei Calzaiuoli, 65, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
If you’re looking for a sugar boost during sightseeing and a sophisticated chocolate souvenir at the same time, ‘Venchi’ is your best bet. Although a brand originating from Turin, this Florence branch on Via dei Calzaiuoli, one of the city’s main streets, is bustling daily with both tourists and locals.
For souvenirs, you’ll find a wide selection of chocolates, sold by weight or in charming tins. The beautiful packaging and undeniable taste provide peace of mind that it’s a gift that won’t disappoint for someone special. And when you come to Venchi, the gelato is an absolute must-try.
Here’s a ‘ordering pitfall’ travelers should be aware of: choosing the size. You select either a cup or a cone and then specify ‘Small,’ ‘Normal,’ or ‘Big.’ However, in Italy, even a ‘Normal’ size will generously pile on three scoops. Many travelers, feeling full after lunch, order a Normal and are surprised by the unexpected volume. For a post-meal dessert, ‘Small (2 scoops)’ is perfectly satisfying. Also, there are no seats inside the store; it’s primarily a stand-and-eat style. While there are other menu items like crepes, they are not prepared for ‘takeaway’ due to their policy, so it’s smart to only order what you can finish on the spot.
Signum Florence
📍 Address: Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 14R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Florence is a city where traditional crafts of paper and leather goods have thrived since the Renaissance. ‘Signum Florence’ is a tasteful, long-established stationery shop located along the Arno River, a deep dive spot for stationery enthusiasts.
Inside, beautiful notebooks, letter sets, notepads, and postcards made using ‘marbled paper (carta marmorizzata),’ a traditional Florentine technique, are meticulously displayed. We especially recommend the ‘leather notebooks.’ The cover’s texture is exquisite, and since you can replace only the inner paper (refills), it becomes a lifelong item that conforms to your hand with use. They use high-quality paper that prevents ink bleed-through, making it an excellent gift for fountain pen lovers.
However, there’s one ‘cautionary point travelers should be aware of’ to ensure an enjoyable shopping experience here. Some reviews have reported small surcharges (around 0.5 Euros) added to the total price during credit card payments, or experiences with cold customer service from certain staff members. To acquire these beautiful traditional crafts pleasantly, remember to ‘self-protect’ by calculating the total amount yourself before purchase and confirming the amount on the terminal before swiping your card. With a little caution, you can take home the finest memories of artisanal craftsmanship.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Souvenirs in Florence
Shopping in Florence is not just about acquiring items; it’s an ‘experience of history and craftsmanship’ itself. By stopping at historic pharmacies, bustling markets, and local-atmosphere supermarkets like those introduced here, in between visiting cathedrals and museums, the depth of your journey will significantly increase.
Aim for the morning hustle at the market, browse daily necessities alongside locals at the supermarket, and when buying traditional crafts, thoroughly check the quality and price with your own eyes. While keeping such local strategies in mind, we hope you find your own wonderful souvenirs.
