Like its glittering architectural beauties, Florence's brilliant fashion world is just as blinding. Home to brands such as Gucci, Ferragamo and Pucci, a base for the production of world-famous fabrics and leather and porcelain and ceramic objects known everywhere, the capital is a mecca for lovers of design and interior design.
But just like any Florentine will tell you that the real pulse of Florence is not to be found in Via Tornabuoni but in the side streets, outside the center, almost in the suburbs, in the markets, bars and houses of the people, the same can be said of shopping.
Florence and its surroundings hide some of Italy's best-kept vintage shopping destinations: a thriving world of high-quality vintage and modern antiques. And if vintage shops are well known, we will not deal with these, but with the flea markets in Florence or non-profit associations, which fear no rivals in terms of bargain prices.
In the latter, in fact, you can find really chic clothing for every season, items in cashmere or wool, silk, famous or very local brands that have on their side the use of excellent materials, pieces of modern antiques that elsewhere you would pay gold, books that enthusiasts are willing to pay dearly on E-bay or other platforms dedicated to second-hand.
So here are our top 5 thrift stores in Florence: find out where to find real gems for connoisseurs, also in anticipation of gifts for Christmas.
Solidarity market in Scandicci, near the entrance to the motorway. Structured on two floors, it is really full of interesting things, on the ground floor books and household items, on the first floor games and clothing. Always keep an eye on the schedules because they are not open all day: if you follow the FB page, they are quite active and post photos with new arrivals. The proceeds from the sale of the products are donated to charity.
Women & Men, Children: $-$$
Best for: design pieces at great prices
Flea market with a lot of goods on display: especially where there are books and small household items the situation is quite chaotic, but with a little peace of mind you can find nice things at great prices. It is located in Sesto Fiorentino, a little hidden from the most popular routes: if you are in the area it is absolutely worth going there.
Women & Men, Children: $
Ideal for: those who are familiar with second-hand goods and do not get knocked down by stacked goods
Il Trovatutto (two locations)
A market that has two locations, one in Terranuova Bracciolini and the other in San Giovanni Valdarno. They are both really good markets: sometimes you find a piece of furniture, other times a branded item of clothing or a book or a game (for young and old) that you have been looking for for a long time. Great prices.
Women & Men, Children: $
Best for: for those who have time and can go to both in a day
Really a great market, a bit out of the way for those who are not locals but just follow the directions on Google Maps. Take a look at the FB page to learn about the openings and don't make an empty trip. A selection of really super books, as well as games and household items: the market is part of the non-profit organization Operazione Mato Grosso, so the proceeds from the sale go to charity.
Women & Men, Children: $
Best for: shopping in beauty while also feeling good
Prices are higher than in other thrift stores and after 60 days they do not go down as they do in many other markets. That said, every time you try to go there we assure you that you will find very interesting books, the place is very well organized, well-kept and clean. Interior design pieces, from Kartell to Gio Ponti, are often the masters.
Women & Men, Children: $$ - $$$
Best for: Timeless investments
Image sources: Studentsville blog, Cooperativa Firenze Mani tese, L'ottavo ponte
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