Nardia Plumridge

Along with Milan, Florence has long been one of the epicentres of the ‘Made in Italy’ movement. And it’s got a bit of everything, from Gucci, Pucci, Ferragamo and the likes to unique independent stores. Florence is as well known for its crafts and textiles as it is for its art scene, so it’s no surprise that this creativity leaks into its threads too. Fancy vintage garms and made-to-order jewellery, custom-made shoes and classic souvenirs? You’re in the right place. Here are the best spots for shopping in Florence. Where is best for shopping in Florence? Close to the Duomo, Via Roma and Via are the big shopping streets, where you’ll find high-end Italian designers and big highstreet brands. Over in the sleepier Oltrarno, the artisan quarters of Santo Spirito, San Frediano and San Niccolo still have independent ateliers, bookshops, artisan jewellers, florists and vintage stores galore.  🏛️ Ultimate guide to what to do in Florence Phoebe Hunt is a writer based in Florence. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

I hail from Naples, the city of the sun and the sea, as the song goes. Growing up, I could glance at the sea from almost anywhere at any given time, usually against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Vesuvius. My summers spent on the beaches of the Amalfi Coast made me intrigued by the marine world. Even after moving to Rome as an adult, I have maintained an obsession with the sea; whenever I go, I constantly gravitate towards the beach.  Where in Italy are the nicest beaches? Italy’s coast is an expanse of over 8,000 km (approximately 5,000 miles), on four different seas. There is much variety, even in beaches facing the same mare; you can find large expanses of beach followed by a rocky coast even within the same region. Arguably, the most beautiful (and certainly most popular) is the west coast, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. Think the Amalfi Coast, the Ulysses Riviera, and the crystalline waters of northern Sicily.  🏨 The best hotels in Italy📍 The ultimate guide to Italy Nardia Plumridge and Federica Bocco are writers based in Italy. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Spring 2025: With longer days and clear blue skies, Florence bursts into life in Spring. The Arno river gushes with snowmelt, wisteria and the fabled Iris Garden are in full bloom, and the city’s many parks and gardens flourish before the intense summer heat hits. Morning markets like Sant’Ambrogio and Mercato Centrale are just as colourful, laden with courgette flowers, artichokes, watermelons and peaches. It’s shoulder season, but there’s plenty to do with jazz concerts, fashion shows, and a new Tracy Emin exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi. Small but perfectly formed, Florence is a city that feels stuck in time in all the best ways. When I moved here in 2020, I planned to stay for a summer – but like so many drifters and dreamers before me, I remained, fell in love with Italian life and built my home here. Now, it’s all about the day-to-day; finding Renaissance frescoes in obscure places, savouring a morning cappuccino and taking evening strolls along the Arno.  How long do I need in Florence?  Come for a weekend or stay for a lifetime, and Florence will continue to surprise and delight you. The city’s historic centre is small, walkable and easy to navigate in two to three days - stroll along the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio bridge, pop into a few churches and museums and you’ve got the gist of it. Linger a few more days, though, and you’ll start to uncover its real magic, from  hidden trattorias and low-key aperitivo spots to day trips out into the impossibly beautiful