Souvenir Hunting in Florence! Local Shopping Tips Every Traveler Should Know
Florence, Italy, is a city brimming with beautiful streets, the heart of the Renaissance, and renowned not only for its art and history but also as a shopping destination where artisan craftsmanship thrives.
For both short-term visitors and long-term residents, efficient pre-research is essential to acquire ‘authentic items that can only be bought here’ within a limited time. From beautifully packaged perfumes to affordable and exquisite truffle salt found in supermarkets, and traditional handcrafted goods, Florence overflows with captivating items.
This article carefully selects 5 must-visit major shopping spots. Rather than just a list of products, we’ll deliver local insights into prices, best visiting times, and even common pitfalls for travelers, all with genuine enthusiasm.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
📍 Address: Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
An absolute must-visit when in Florence is ‘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 compounding ointments and painkillers within their monastery.
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by breathtaking frescoes and a stately antique interior that will make your neck ache from gazing at the ceiling. The overwhelming ambiance feels like wandering into a museum or a palace, so much so that it’s said to be worth visiting even if you don’t buy anything. Indeed, many travelers are left speechless by its beauty, exclaiming it’s ‘the most beautiful pharmacy they’ve ever seen.’ During the Christmas season, a magnificent tree is displayed, transforming the interior into an even more glittering, magical space.
Overwhelmingly popular as a souvenir is its traditional perfume, which was even presented to Catherine de’ Medici. Currently, the focus is on eau de cologne, with prices ranging from approximately 50 to 80 euros. Besides fragrances, hand creams, soaps, and potpourri made from ancient recipes are also ideal gifts. In recent years, it has been incorporated into tourist itineraries, and while there may be crowd control at the entrance, it’s recommended not to give up and wait in line, as you’ll surely get in after a short wait.
il Mercato Centrale Firenze (Central Market)
📍 Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
If you want to experience the culinary vibrancy of Florence firsthand, head to the ‘il Mercato Centrale Firenze’ (Florence Central Market), built in 1874. This is no ordinary market; it’s a gastronomic theme park where you can hunt for souvenirs and savor exquisite local delicacies.
If souvenir hunting is your goal, the 1st floor’s food market is your target. Fresh porcini mushrooms, olive oil, and, above all, ‘truffle salt’ are extremely popular among 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 feel at ease, but since most 1st-floor stores start closing around 2 PM, we strongly recommend visiting in the morning.
After shopping, head to the bustling 2nd-floor food court, which stays lively until late. Here, everyone can order what they like from different vendors and bring it back to share, so it’s perfectly fine if you and your companions have different cravings. The rich truffle cream pasta, cherry tomato salad, and freshly fried arancini (rice croquettes) are local dishes you absolutely must try. Note that you’ll need the QR code printed on your receipt to use the food court’s restrooms, so never throw away your receipt after paying.
Pegna dal 1860
📍 Address: Via dello Studio, 26R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Nestled on a small street just off the Duomo, ‘Pegna dal 1860’ is a historic, high-end supermarket founded in 1860. Much like ‘Seijo Ishii’ in Japan, its appeal lies in its sophisticated product selection and impeccably clean interior.
Because it’s a ‘local high-end supermarket’ rather than a dedicated 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, while further inside, a treasure trove of Italian ingredients awaits, including Tuscan pasta, Chianti wine, and dried truffles. ‘Mixed herbs’ and ‘rock salt’ are particularly recommended. Some sets of three varieties are available for less than 5 euros, making them perfect ‘bulk souvenirs’ for friends who love to cook.
For a truly local experience, try purchasing cheese or salami by weight. The system of taking a number at the deli counter and waiting for your turn lets you feel immersed in local life. As a point of caution, opening times may be delayed by about 30 minutes on public holidays, and at closing time, heavy shutters come down, making it impossible to tell from the exterior that it’s a supermarket. Therefore, always check the opening hours carefully before visiting.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato
📍 Address: Via dei Calzaiuoli, 65, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
For a sugar boost during sightseeing and luxurious chocolate souvenirs, ‘Venchi’ is your best bet. Although a brand originating from Turin, this branch on Via dei Calzaiuoli, Florence’s main street, buzzes daily with both travelers and locals.
For souvenirs, you’ll find a wide selection of chocolates sold by weight or in charming tins. The beautiful packaging and reliable taste ensure it’s a gift that won’t disappoint for someone special. And if you visit Venchi, their gelato is an absolute must-try.
Here’s an ‘ordering trap’ travelers should be aware of: choosing the size. You select either a cup or a cone and then specify ‘Small,’ ‘Normal,’ or ‘Big.’ However, by Italian standards, even ‘Normal’ comes with a generous three scoops. Many travelers, feeling full after lunch, order ‘Normal’ and are surprised by the unexpected volume. For a post-meal dessert, ‘Small’ (two scoops) is perfectly satisfying. Also, the shop primarily offers standing room only, with no seating. While other items like crepes are available, they are not made for takeaway, as per their ‘no takeout’ policy. So, ordering only what you can finish on the spot is the smart approach.
Signum Florence
📍 Address: Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 14R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Florence is a city where traditional craftsmanship in paper and leather goods, dating back to the Renaissance, thrives. ‘Signum Florence’ is a tasteful, long-established stationery shop along the Arno River, a deep-dive spot irresistible to stationery lovers.
Inside the store, beautiful notebooks, letter sets, notepads, and postcards made using ‘marble paper’ (carta marmorizzata), a traditional Florentine technique, are densely displayed. ‘Leather notebooks’ are particularly recommended. The cover texture is superb, and since only the inner paper (refill) can be replaced, it becomes a lifelong item that feels more familiar with use. They use high-quality paper that prevents ink bleed-through, making it an excellent gift for fountain pen enthusiasts.
However, there’s one ‘cautionary point for travelers’ to ensure a pleasant shopping experience here. Some reviews have reported small surcharges (around 0.5 euros) when paying by credit card, or instances of cold service from certain staff members. To acquire beautiful traditional crafts with peace of mind, don’t forget ‘self-protection’: calculate the total amount yourself before purchasing, and carefully verify the amount on the payment terminal before swiping your card. With a little caution, you can take home wonderful memories of exquisite craftsmanship.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Souvenirs in Florence
Shopping in Florence is not merely about buying objects; it is an ‘experience of history and craftsmanship’ itself. By visiting historic pharmacies, bustling markets, and local supermarkets, like those introduced in this guide, in between exploring cathedrals and museums, the depth of your trip will be significantly enriched.
Aim for the morning bustle at the market, browse daily essentials alongside locals in a supermarket, and when buying traditional crafts, carefully check the quality and price yourself. By keeping these local approaches in mind, we encourage you to discover your own wonderful souvenirs.
