Vintage Vibes in Florence: Where to Find the Best Secondhand Shops

If you’re anything like me, you love the thrill of discovering unique treasures at thrift shops in Florence while traveling. With its Renaissance charm, Florence might not be the first place you think of for vintage shopping, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem!

As a solo female traveller on a budget, I’m always on the lookout for stylish finds that won’t break the bank. In Florence, I stumbled upon a world of charming secondhand shops tucked away in cobblestone streets.

So, join me as I share my favourite vintage haunts in Florence, from quirky boutiques to bustling markets. Get ready to unearth some one-of-a-kind pieces and add a touch of vintage flair to your travel wardrobe!

The allure of vintage shopping And Thrift Shops in Florence

As a solo female traveller who’s always on the hunt for unique finds, I’ve discovered that Florence isn’t just about Renaissance art and gelato (although those are pretty amazing too!). It’s also a treasure trove of vintage fashion, brimming with history and charm.

Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets, the sun warming your face, as you stumble upon hidden boutiques filled with retro treasures. That’s the magic of vintage shopping in Florence. It’s like stepping back in time, surrounded by pieces that tell stories of bygone eras.

Each vintage item you find in Florence has its own unique journey, waiting for you to write the next chapter. It’s about more than just clothes; it’s about expressing your individuality, embracing sustainable fashion, and adding a touch of Italian elegance to your wardrobe.

Vintage fashion in Florence

Florence has a long and rich history of craftsmanship, and its vintage fashion scene reflects this heritage. From high-end designer pieces to affordable everyday wear, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find garments from various decades, each with its own distinct style and personality.

One of the joys of vintage shopping in Florence is the thrill of the hunt. You never know what you might uncover, whether it’s a 1920s flapper dress, a 1970s boho blouse, or a pair of perfectly worn-in leather boots. It’s an adventure that combines history, fashion, and a touch of serendipity.

Here’s why I love vintage shopping in Florence:

• Unique Finds: Vintage pieces are often one-of-a-kind, allowing you to express your individuality and stand out from the crowd.
• Sustainability: Choosing vintage is a sustainable way to shop, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of fashion.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Vintage garments are often made with higher quality materials and construction than many modern pieces.
• Affordable Prices: You can find incredible deals on vintage clothing in Florence, often for a fraction of the price of new items.
• A Touch of History: Each vintage piece has a story to tell, connecting you to the past and adding a unique charm to your wardrobe.

Top 10 must-visit vintage and secondhand shops in Florence

Get ready to embark on a vintage shopping spree! Here are my top recommendations for the best vintage and secondhand shops in Florence, each with its own distinct vibe and offerings:

1. Boutique Nadine: A curated collection of high-end vintage designer pieces, including Chanel, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent.
2. Street Doing Vintage: This trendy boutique offers a mix of vintage and contemporary clothing, accessories, and homeware.
3. Melrose Vintage: With two locations in Florence, Melrose Vintage is a treasure trove of Americana-inspired vintage clothing and accessories.
4. Desii Vintage: Located in the heart of Florence, Desii Vintage offers a wide range of vintage clothing, jewellery, and accessories.
5. Humana Vintage: This chain of secondhand shops has several locations throughout Florence, offering a wide selection of affordable vintage clothing and accessories.
6. Lady Jane B: A charming boutique specialising in vintage dresses, blouses, and accessories from the 1920s to the 1980s.
7. Recollection by Albrici: This curated vintage shop features a collection of high-quality vintage clothing, accessories, and homeware.
8. Vintage 55: Located in the Oltrarno neighbourhood, Vintage 55 offers a mix of vintage and contemporary clothing, accessories, and homeware.
9. Giratempo Vintage: This small but well-curated shop specialises in vintage clothing and accessories from the 1950s to the 1980s.
10. Mercato delle Pulci: Florence’s largest flea market, held on the last Sunday of every month, is a treasure trove of vintage finds.

Popular thrift store in Florence

In addition to the vintage boutiques, Florence has a thriving thrift store scene. One of the most popular thrift shops in Florence is the Mercatopoli chain. With several locations throughout the city, these stores offer a wide variety of secondhand clothing, accessories, and household items at bargain prices. It’s a great place to find hidden gems and score some incredible deals.

Exploring different neighborhoods for vintage finds

Florence’s vintage scene is spread across different neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and selection of shops. Here are a few areas worth exploring:

• Oltrarno: This charming neighbourhood on the south bank of the Arno River is known for its artisan workshops and vintage boutiques. Here, you’ll find shops like Recollection by Albrici and Vintage 55.
• San Marco: This historic neighbourhood is home to several vintage shops, including Street Doing Vintage. It’s also a great place to explore the beautiful San Marco convent and museum.
• Santa Croce: This lively neighbourhood is known for its bustling markets and artisan shops. Here, you’ll find the Mercato delle Pulci flea market on the last Sunday of every month.

Map of Florence’s vintage shopping areas

Florence’s vintage shopping scene is concentrated in a few key areas, making it easy to explore on foot.

The Oltrarno neighbourhood, located on the south bank of the Arno River, is a charming area known for its artisan workshops and vintage boutiques. Here, you’ll find a cluster of shops like Recollection by Albrici and Vintage 55, offering a curated selection of high-quality vintage clothing, accessories, and homeware.

Across the river, the San Marco neighbourhood is another great spot for vintage hunting. Here, you’ll find Street Doing Vintage, a trendy boutique with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. After your shopping spree, take some time to explore the beautiful San Marco convent and museum.

Finally, don’t miss the Santa Croce neighbourhood, known for its lively markets and artisan shops. On the last Sunday of every month, the Piazza dei Ciompi transforms into the Mercato delle Pulci, Florence’s largest flea market. Here, you can rummage through piles of vintage clothing, accessories, and other treasures, all while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

I recommend starting your vintage shopping adventure in one of these neighbourhoods and then branching out to explore the surrounding streets and alleys. You never know what hidden gems you might discover!

Tips for successful vintage shopping in Florence

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your vintage shopping adventure in Florence:

• Haggle: It’s customary to negotiate prices in Florence, especially in vintage shops and markets. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price, but be polite and respectful.
• Check for flaws: Before you buy, carefully inspect the garment for any tears, stains, or missing buttons.
• Understand Italian sizing: Italian sizes are different from UK sizes. Ask the shopkeeper for help or use a conversion chart.
• Dress comfortably: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking and trying on clothes, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Bring cash: Many vintage shops and markets in Florence only accept cash.

Beyond clothing: other vintage treasures to discover

While vintage clothing is a major draw in Florence, don’t overlook other vintage treasures you might find:

• Furniture: Florence is home to several antique shops and markets where you can find unique pieces of furniture, from ornate mirrors to vintage chairs.
• Home Decor: Add a touch of Italian flair to your home with vintage ceramics, textiles, and other decorative items.
• Records and Books: Florence has a vibrant music and literary scene, and you can find vintage records and books in many shops and markets.

The sustainability angle: why choosing vintage matters

Choosing vintage is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a conscious choice that benefits the planet. By buying secondhand, you’re reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting a circular economy.

The fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution, from the vast amounts of water used in textile production to the harmful chemicals released into the environment during manufacturing. Fast fashion, with its emphasis on cheap, disposable clothing, exacerbates this problem by encouraging overconsumption and generating massive amounts of textile waste.

Vintage shopping offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. By giving pre-loved garments a new life, you’re reducing the demand for new clothing production and minimizing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. You’re also helping to conserve valuable resources like water, energy, and raw materials.

Moreover, vintage clothing often boasts higher quality craftsmanship than many modern pieces. Garments from previous eras were often made with more durable materials and constructed to last, unlike the cheaply made fast fashion items that quickly fall apart. By choosing vintage, you’re investing in pieces that will stand the test of time, reducing the need for constant replacements.

I hope this guide inspires you to explore the wonderful world of vintage shopping and thrift shops in Florence. Remember, it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about the experience, the stories, and the joy of discovering something truly unique. So, go forth and unearth your own vintage treasures!

Have you had any memorable vintage shopping experiences in Florence or other European cities? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

Make Your Trip Easier

I’m all about planning trips on your own and figuring your way around the local scene. But still, I don’t want to leave you like a fish out of water!

Here are some resources I regularly use whenever I travel (on my own or with other people):

• Find fun things to do with Get Your Guide.
• Need accommodations? Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com!
• Get around like a local by booking a car rental on Discover Cars.
• Don’t sink or swim! Make ferry bookings easier on Ferryscanner.
• Looking to teach ASL or find work as you settle into your new life? This ITTT TEFL course is exactly what you need.
• Plane tickets can be pricey. Find the best deals on Oneflyaway and Faredrop.
• You know what they say, safety is the best policy. Keep yourself protected with travel insurance from Safetywing.
• Need to send or receive money overseas? It’s be unwise not to use Wise.

xo, Alice