Florence Shopping Tips by sue_stone

Boscovivo: Local Delicacies

Boscovivo is a fabulous shop located in the heart of Florence.

It sells Tuscan delicacies - everything from olive oils, truffles, mushrooms, jams, sauces and dressings, and of course a good selection of Tuscan wines.

It was conveniently located close to our hotel, and we were tempted in one day by the taste testing being offered....

What to buy: We bought a huge bag of delicious Biscotti - which I took back to share with my workmates in London....and ended up eating most of myself as the were too good!

Also, we bought this small back of almonds covered in what looked like cocoa powder - Alex declared them the tastiest chocolate covered almonds he had ever had.

What to pay: Well, it isn't cheap, but they sell very nice quality goods.

Address: Borgo degli Albizi, 85/87R

Directions: 5 minutes walk from the Duomo and from Piazza della Repubblica.

Phone: 055-2001447

Theme: Food and Drink

Website: http://www.boscovivo.it

San Lorenzo Market: Well....it looks like Leather.... San Lorenzo Market Review

There is a large leather market in the San Lorenzo area of Florence, located 5 -10 mins walk from the Duomo.

Here you can browse through stall after stall of handbags, leather jackets, belts etc and other clothing and gifts.

I have been to the market a few times and it has always been really crowded - so please keep your belongings close to you!

What to buy: Leather goods of course....well I think they are all leather....though some items are sooooo cheap compared to the "proper" shops.

My sister had fallen in love with a leather jacket in a shop that was a few hundred euros. Then she saw an "identical" jacket at the market for around 80 euros - sold!!!

No one back home needs to know anymore than "this is the jacket I bought in Florence"!!

Handbags were good too....I was tempted but a lack of spare room in my suitcase held me back!!

What to pay: Alot cheaper than the shops - just be careful of the quality you are buying.

Directions: The San Lorenzo Market is located around the San Lorenzo church on Via del canto de Nelli, Via dell Ariento and Via Sant Antonino (every day from 9.00 to 19.30).

Theme: Local Craft

Mercato Centrale: Food Markets Mercato Centrale Review

Mercato Centrale is a fabulous 19th century covered market.

You can come here to pick up ingredients for a cheap lunch, a meal or just a browse through the colourful fresh produce.

We were particularly intrigued by some of the items on offer in the meat section.....not the kind of things you see at Tesco!!

What to buy: The fruit and veg all looks delicious.

Address: Piazza di Mercato Centrale

Directions: Near San Lorenzo

Theme: Food and Drink