Brick and Mortar:

You can find almost anything on the streets around the Duomo. We highly recommend spending an afternoon window shopping/browsing the shops. Start at the Duomo, and head toward the Ponte Vecchio. There is also great shopping abound in the Oltr’Arno (the neighborhood that is just on the “other side” of the Ponte Vecchio).

Markets:

There are two main markets in Florence:

The Mercato Centrale is an indoor/outdoor market also known as the Mercato di San Lorenzo. Inside, vendors sell panini, fruits, vegetables, and various cooking ingredients. Outside, there are stalls selling paper and leather goods, and other souvenirs. The vendors outside are open to bargaining, but only to a point; typically, you can get about 20% off. There also are some stores hidden behind the outdoor market stalls. Mallory’s favorites include Donatello and Il Papiro. Donatello (via dell’Ariento, # 25r) sells some of the softest leather bags in the city. Il Papiro (via Camillo Cavour, # 49) sells Florentine paper products.

The Mercato del Porcellino is on the way to the Ponte Vecchio from the Duomo, and derives its name from the small fountain of a little pig that sits on one side of the market. It is customary for visitors to rub the pig’s nose for good luck. You can also make a wish by placing a coin on the pig’s tongue, and then letting the coin fall into the grate below.

Souvenirs:

In addition to the paper and leather goods that you’ll find in the markets (and at Donatello and Il Papiro), bring home some chocolate and some balsamic vinegar.

For chocolate, go to Vestri Cioccolato, on Borgo degli Albizi, # 11r. All of their chocolate is divine, but we especially love the chocolate bars that have hazelnuts in them. If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, order a cioccolato caldo con panna —- an Italian hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream. It’s super rich, but worth a try (it’s literally just melted chocolate, poured into a mug).

For balsamic vinegar, we recommend Osteria Il Gatto e La Volpe, on Via Ghibellina, # 151r —- a restaurant that bottles and sells delicious balsamic vinegar.