Via De' Tornabuoni: Florence's Most Glamourous Shopping Street

We have noted on several occasions that Florence is a wonderful place for fashion lovers to visit. You can head to the Ferragamo or Gucci museums, sit in a cafe and people-watch to check out what locals are wearing and, of course, you can go shopping.

One of the key places to head for some of the best shopping in Florence is Via de' Tornabuoni, or Via Tornabuoni, a famous shopping street located in the historic centre of Florence, stretching from Antinori Square to Ponte Santa Trinita.

Known by different names since Roman times, the street was once the seat of the processions of Calcio Fiorentino games and horse races, was the former home of the Casoni Cafè (where the Negroni was invented), and is where the incredible Palazzo Strozzi and lots of other amazing palaces still exist.

Today, the Via de' Tornabuoni plays host to some of the most elegant hotels, cool coffee shops and restaurants, and high fashion boutiques – such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Enrico Coveri, Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci etc – and jewellery boutiques such as Damiani, Bulgari and Buccellati.

The Ferragamo boutique on this street is also where the aforementioned museum is located so fans of the brand will be able to get the whole experience under one roof.

The ultimate street of luxury, made up of grand former palaces that are now occupied by some of the world's most luxurious brands, it may not be the most realistic shopping destination for most of us but it is certainly one of the world's dreamiest by far.

Even if you can't afford to buy anything, it is still worth your while to wander the lovely street, pop into some boutiques for a nose (if you're brave enough!) and grab a coffee, drink or some food in one of the lovely eateries in the area. Find a luxury villa in Florence and get a taste of the chicest part of the city – even if it is just a taste!