Difficult to believe that this master jeweler is self-taught but he is. His pieces have a unique contemporary look, but reference Renaissance sculpture and craftsmanship. At his atelier and showroom in the San Niccolo neighborbood (Oltrarno), Dari also teaches workshops for up to six students.

Handmade in Florence since 1912, Baroni’s clothing line has items for babies and toddlers, including embroidered bibs, accessories and ceremonial pieces for children’s baptisms and important celebrations. It also stocks women’s nightgowns and linens.

Close to the beloved church of Santa Maria Novella, this shop is becoming the must stop for antiques and vintage finds. Favorite pieces include one-of-a-kind maps drawn on music sheets using coffee stains to mark out the various countries, painted birdcages and school benches.

Family-owned and run silversmith Brandimarte was founded in 1955 and produces fine sterling silver products from decanters to jewelry.

A brand for gorgeous handmade Italian shoes and boots in suede and leather at a fraction of the cost of the big labels.

Cosmetology expert Dr. Paolo Vranjes uses only the best essential oils and natural ingredients to develop the exclusive beauty products, perfumes and home fragrances sold at his eponymous shops. The products, including JK Firenze’s signature scent, are sold in beautiful bottles, and hard to resist. There are two additional locations (Via della Spada 9/R, 39-055-288796; Borgo La Croce 44 R, 39-055-241748).

This concept store, located a bit off the beaten path on a quiet side street near the Arno, carries vintage fashion, furniture and objet, as well as original works of art. The collection changes often, as owner Elio Ferraro spends a lot of time traveling to keep his boutiques stocked (there’s another branch in Rome). Treasures might include a gorgeous printed cotton jersey dress by Christian Dior and a cream-colored lace dress by Norma Kamali, or a set of black-and-white Fornasetti plates.

Eredi Chiarini is an independent men’s clothing store with both casual and formal items. The Chiarini family got started in clothing in 1894, when grandmother Genni opened a fabric shop, which was taken over by her daughter and son-in-law. Their sons, Marco and Andrea, were raised around quality fabrics and opened up their first clothing store in 1970. Here, travelers will find bespoke tailoring as well as fine jackets, trousers, shirts, suits and accessories.

An ancient pharmacy, not far from the Ponte Vecchio, this shop produces its own nourishing natural creams and cures.

In 1969, Gerard opened in Florence on Via Calimala, selling sells trendy outerwear, statement pieces, casual wear and more. It’s the brainchild of Paolo Pecchioli, who began working with clothing at age 13. Gerard offers men’s, women’s and children’s clothing made from fabrics found all over the world but made in Italy.

Founded in 1875, Grevi is a fourth-generation, family-run hat maker. The company’s creations have been worn by icons of style including Maurice Chevalier, and more recently, featured on the runways by many international couturiers. In the 1960s, its Tuscan lambskin hats caused a fashion sensation. Today the white-walled, atelier-like boutique showcases fabulous shearling, wool, felt and tweed toppers in winter, and delicate straw and satin ones during warm weather, but custom orders can also be fulfilled. Stop by just to browse or play dress-up; you will find it hard to leave without buying something.

Come here for beautiful leather-bound journals, notebooks and photo albums, as well as other handmade gifts, cards and Florence mementos.

American Julia Berger, who founded the linen boutique Julia B. Casa, has embraced Florence’s artisan traditions and added her own twist.

This small store, with its whitewashed walls and terracotta floors, is tucked away on the poetically named Piazza del Limbo (a no-man’s-land between busier streets in the centro storico). Come here to find liquid gold–namely, a wide variety of extra virgin olive oils, all of the highest quality, and all of which can be sampled. Other olive-inspired items include chunky, handcrafted soaps in the shape of a sun, blown-glass cruets and various body creams. Owner Andrea Trambusti also offers an amazing array of vinegars.

Located in the shadow of the Duomo, in the basement of a former convent, this lovely bookstore has an incredible range of art books, as well as titles on classical music and opera.

From the creators of Gerard, Little Gerard is a clothing store exclusively for children. Find fashion-forward sneakers, warm winter coats, trendy tops and pants and cute accessories.

This Tuscan perfumer is based in a charming attic overlooking the cupolas, bell towers and rooftops of Florence and from here, he crafts the most exquisite scents. He works with private clients, listening to your deepest thoughts, peering into your soul and coming up with a singular perfume that is yours alone. More inexpensive are a line of scents, bath and home products, called Lorenzo Villoresi, also on sale. It's safer to call ahead for an appointment.

Florence’s most stylish homes are outfitted with the embroidered linens of Caponi, whose boutique is housed in a series of rooms in the historic Palazzo Aldobrandini. The large space, complete with dramatic archways, antique mirrors and pastel-colored ceiling frescoes is worth a visit alone. But the sumptuousness of the setting is also echoed in the exquisite selection of table linens, laces and curtains, as well as children’s clothing and nightgowns, all delicately embroidered by hand in Caponi’s adjacent atelier. Don’t miss the adorable collection of dresses and skirts for kids, which come in a multitude of hues and have a lot of Italian flair.

It may have more international than Italian flair, but the sharply edited fashion at Luisa Via Roma attracts a loyal following. The white space on the outskirts of Florence may remind you of a gallery, where the artworks on display are the inspired pieces by designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Missoni and Chloé, with the occasional unexpected pleasure (Ann Demeulemeester, Costume National, Rick Owens, Sophia Kokosalaki) thrown into the mix. Look for shoes by Pierre Hardy and Proenza Schouler, as well as interesting fine jewelry.

Foodies should visit the Mercato Centrale of San Lorenzo in the morning, with its prevalence of fishmongers, butchers and hundreds of food, fruit and vegetable stalls. The market is located within a circa-1874 building, and is open every day except Sundays.

The setting of this world-renowned Italian brand makes a visit here a must. Founded in 1621, the famous pharmacy was created by Dominican Friars. Shopping in the gorgeous boutique for herbal remedies, perfumes, colognes and soaps made from ancient recipes is an almost religious experience.

Big-name brands and fashionable finds meet at Playground, which stocks clothing for men, women and children. Find New Balance, Adidas, Converse and Golden Goose in the sneaker department, while the women’s section is flushed with dresses, knitwear and more from the likes of Alexander Wang and Ganni. Sportswear includes The North Face, and kids can find items at Kiddin’, a concept store for ages zero to 12 with organic and natural fabrics and accessories.