Florence isn’t just about Renaissance art and architecture; it’s also a city where shopping and markets pulse with life. Whether you want to sample Tuscan flavors, hunt for local fashion, or indulge in luxury outlet shopping, Florence offers a variety of guided tours that make exploring easy and fun. Our favorites include a delicious street food tour that combines tasting with sightseeing, as well as a market-based culinary tour that uncovers hidden gems and local favorites. For style lovers, a personalized fashion shopping tour with a stylist adds a fashionable twist, while a luxury shopping and wine experience provides a taste of high-end brands and Tuscan wines. And if you’re eager to cook, a market visit combined with an Italian cooking class makes for a memorable hands-on experience.
From affordable food tastings to luxury designer brands, Florence’s shopping and market tours cater to all interests and budgets. These experiences give you a chance to see the city beyond the usual tourist spots and to connect with local producers, artisans, and chefs. Whether you’re here for a quick taste or a full-day adventure, you’ll find a tour that suits your style.
Quick Overview
This list of Florence shopping and market tours covers a variety of interests. For culinary fans, the Florence Street Food Tour and the Market Visit and Cooking Class showcase the city’s best flavors and local ingredients. For fashion enthusiasts, a Local Fashion Shopping Tour offers personal style tips and boutique visits. If you’re craving luxury brands and wines, the Luxury Shopping & Tuscan Wine with Lunch combines high-end shopping with a relaxed wine tasting. Finally, the Local Food, Wine & Market Walking Tour immerses you in Florence’s culinary scene through multiple tastings and neighborhood exploration.
Now, let’s explore each of these tours in detail to help you decide which fits your interests best.
1. Florence Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Central Market
For around $48.40 per person, the Florence Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Central Market is a fantastic way to sample Tuscany’s distinctive flavors while exploring Florence’s historic heart. This 2.5-hour tour is led by a friendly guide who knows where to find the best bites, from handmade pasta and fresh truffles to cantucci cookies and coccoli doughballs. The highlight is a visit to Mercato Centrale, Florence’s main market, where you’ll sample extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and local produce. Here, you have a chance to taste Tuscan bean soup and enjoy gelato at the end of your walk.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance between tasting and sightseeing. You’ll walk through Piazza San Giovanni, with its view of the Baptistery and the Duomo, and then explore the lively San Pierino archway district, famous for its restaurants. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Giordano, for his warmth and storytelling skills.
Bottom line: If you want a relaxed, flavorsome introduction to Florence’s food culture in a short time, this tour offers excellent value and authentic taste of Tuscany.
2. Florence: Local Food, Wine & Market Walking Tour
At 3.5 hours long and rated 5/5, the Florence: Local Food, Wine & Market Walking Tour offers a deeper dive into Florence’s culinary secrets. Starting at Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, this tour features nine tastings, five glasses of wine, and a coffee across eight carefully selected venues. It’s perfect for those who want to meet local producers, learn stories behind regional dishes, and enjoy a mix of food, wine, and culture.
The tour includes a visit to a fresh food market, where you can see ingredients used in Tuscany daily, and a guided walk through neighborhoods full of character. You’ll sample regional snacks and cheeses, and enjoy wine tastings in intimate settings. Guests have praised guide Christina’s ability to connect food with local politics, history, and social life, making the experience both educational and delicious.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers eager to indulge in authentic Tuscan flavors while gaining insight into Florence’s culinary landscape. The tour’s emphasis on local producers and hidden eateries makes it a standout for foodies.
3. Florence Local Fashion Shopping Tour with A Stylist
For those passionate about fashion and style, the Florence Local Fashion Shopping Tour with A Stylist is a 3-hour experience that takes you through curated local boutiques. Led by a stylist, this tour is perfect if you want to discover unique Italian designers and get personalized style advice.
This experience focuses on Florence’s emerging fashion scene, offering access to boutiques that are often overlooked by travelers. Your guide shares insights into local fashion trends, and you’ll have the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s especially suitable for travelers who love shopping for accessories and clothing, and want a more tailored, insider perspective.
Guests note the friendly, knowledgeable guide and enjoy the personalized tips that help them find styles that suit their personality. The tour is flexible, and participants walk away with new shopping ideas and local fashion insights.
Bottom line: If your goal is to upgrade your wardrobe and get expert advice in Florence’s boutique scene, this tour offers a personalized and stylish experience.
4. Florence: Luxury Shopping & Tuscan Wine with Lunch
A short but indulgent day, the Luxury Shopping & Tuscan Wine with Lunch combines high-end outlet shopping at The Mall Firenze with a relaxed wine tasting at a traditional vineyard. The entire experience lasts just 7 minutes of travel time from Florence, making it ideal for travelers who want a luxury treat without too much hassle.
You’ll have the chance to shop top brands like Gucci, Prada, Valentino, and Ferragamo at discounted prices, which makes this a real bargain for designer lovers. After shopping, enjoy a light Tuscan lunch paired with three wines, and learn about local winemaking from an expert guide. The private transfer adds convenience, and the guide ensures you don’t miss a thing.
Reviews highlight the exceptional value of outlet prices and the personalized service. While the tour is brief, it’s packed with luxury shopping, fine wine, and Tuscan scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want high-end shopping combined with wine tasting and don’t mind a quick trip outside the city. It’s perfect for those who want a luxurious day with minimal planning.
5. Florence: Market Visit and Italian Cooking Class
If you love cooking and hands-on experiences, the Market Visit and Italian Cooking Class offers a delightful 3-hour session. During this class, you’ll visit a local market to select ingredients before preparing pasta from scratch, such as tortellini, fettucine, or tagliatelle, and cooking a flavorful sauce.
The instructor shares secrets of pasta making, making it accessible for all skill levels. After cooking your dishes, you’ll enjoy your meal with a drink, making this a truly interactive experience. This tour is perfect for foodies who want to learn new skills and enjoy a genuine taste of Italian cuisine.
Guests mention the fun and educational atmosphere, with some returning to Florence for more classes. It’s a perfect choice for families, couples, or anyone eager to bring a bit of Italy home.
Bottom line: An excellent pick for travelers who want to cook, eat, and learn in a friendly setting. It offers a deep dive into pasta traditions and a memorable meal.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re short on time but want a flavorful introduction, the Street Food Tour offers a quick, tasty overview. For a more immersive culinary experience, the Food, Wine & Market Tour provides extensive tastings and local stories.
Fashion lovers should check out the Fashion Shopping Tour, especially if you want personalized style advice, while those craving luxury brands combined with wine might prefer the Luxury Shopping & Tuscan Wine Experience. Foodies eager to learn pasta making should consider the Cooking Class, which is both fun and educational.
Timing is also important. The food tours are available year-round, but booking early ensures you secure your preferred time. For luxury shopping, weekends may be busier, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Florence offers a fantastic range of shopping and market tours that cater to different interests. Food lovers should not miss the chance to taste Tuscan staples and explore local markets, while fashion fans can enjoy personalized shopping in boutique districts. For those who crave luxury brands and Tuscan wines, the high-end shopping and vineyard day trip hits the sweet spot.
No matter what your style or budget, booking early can help you secure your spot on these popular experiences. So, pick the tour that excites you most, and get ready for a memorable shopping and tasting adventure in Florence.