22 Best Places to Shop in Santa Maria Novella, Florence

You'll find an extensive line of Florentine papers and paper products in this shop, where artisans also rebind and restore books.

Angela Caputi wows Florentine cognoscenti with her highly creative, often outsize, acrylic jewelry. A small but equally creative collection of women's clothing made of fine fabrics is also on offer.

Experience olive oil in all its permutations at La Bottega dell'Olio. The shop, which is tucked into a small piazza, has a great collection of fine olive oils, as well as bath products made from olive oil.

Synonymous with Florentine embroidery, this shop sells luxury lace, linens, and lingerie that have earned the eponymous signora worldwide renown. There's also beautiful (and expensive) clothing for children.

The essence of a Florentine holiday is captured in perfumes, candles, and sachets at this cathedral-like emporium of herbal cosmetics and soaps that are made following centuries-old recipes created by friars. See a wire cutter used to make soap in the 19th century, a library of elixirs, and temporary exhibits that will make you feel like you're in a museum rather than the original shop of a brand that's now global.

Looking for some cheddar cheese to pile in your panino? Pegna has been selling both Italian and non-Italian food since 1860.

It's possible to break the bank at what might be the best salumeria in Florence. Perini sells prosciutto, mixed meats, sauces for pasta, and a wide assortment of antipasti.

Dr. Vranjes elevates aromatherapy to an art form with scents for the body and home.

You'll find multiple lines of leather bags, wallets, and other accessories here.

Most people want to buy gold (for which Florence is justly famous) when they visit. That said, Brandimarte, which has specialized in exquisitely crafted silver jewelry, decorative objects, and housewares since 1955, is well worth a visit.

In a city where it seems just about everybody carries an expensive leather bag, Cellerini is an institution.

The aristocratic Marchese di Barsento, Emilio Pucci, became an international name in the late 1950s when the stretch ski clothes he designed for himself caught on with the dolce vita ("sweet life") crowd—his pseudopsychedelic prints and "palazzo pajamas" became all the rage.

The sister store of the Giorgio Armani boutique has slightly more affordable nightclub- and office-friendly garb.

Set in a 13th-century palazzo, this classy institution displays designer clothing and accessories, though elegant footwear still underlies the Ferragamo success.

This Genoese-based company has been making elegant cashmere scarves, dresses, and sweaters (among other things) for men and women since 1885.

The sleek, classic boutique Giorgio Armani is a centerpiece of the dazzling high-end shops clustered in this part of town.

Florentine perennial Gucci puts its famous initials on just about everything it sells.

Genial proprietor and bibliophile Franco Cioncolini presides at this small shop specializing in old books, old prints, and the occasional contemporary painting.

Although it has shops throughout the world, Pineider started out in Florence in 1774 and still does its printing here. Stationery and business cards are the mainstay, but the stores also sell colorful pens and fine-leather bags and desk accessories.

Known to mix schoolmarmish sensibility with sexy cuts and funky fabrics, Prada appeals to an exclusive clientele.

This Florentine institution sells casual clothes for men and women at far-from-casual prices. It also has a great housewares department.

Gifted seamstresses (and seamsters) should look no further than this place, which sells sumptuous silks, beaded fabrics, lace, wool, and tweeds by the meter.