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Historic Shops and the Authentic Soul of the Oltrarno

The itineraries recommended by the Association of Historic Florentine Shops continue.

The itinerary – from morning to evening – curated by the Association of Historic Florentine Shops, takes you through alleyways, artisan workshops, authentic restaurants, and artistic views beyond the Arno: welcome to the Oltrarno, one of Florence’s most authentic neighborhoods. Here, craftsmanship, manual work, and tradition coexist with a contemporary spirit in workshops, family-run shops, and small ateliers.

Morning

Breakfast at Pasticceria Buonamici – Via dell’Orto

Start your day in an Oltrarno institution. Pasticceria Buonamici (since 1949) is one of the “Historic Florentine Businesses,” renowned for its handmade pastries prepared without semi-finished products. It’s the perfect place to soak in the neighborhood atmosphere: regular customers greeted by name and the smell of freshly baked sweets.

Moleria Locchi – Handmade glass and crystal – Via Burchiello

Continue to Moleria Locchi, a historic artisan glass and crystal workshop in the San Frediano area of the Oltrarno. Here you can watch traditional techniques such as Venetian-style glassblowing and grinding, and admire goblets, bowls, and decorative objects that blend heritage with refinement.

Argentiere Pagliai – Silver and antique metals – Borgo San Jacopo

Head toward Borgo San Jacopo, near the Ponte Vecchio, to visit Argentiere Pagliai, a historic silver and metalworking shop. This artisan excellence produces silverware, tableware, and restoration work using traditional techniques—a true symbol of Florence’s historic workshops.

Lunch

Lunch at Antica Mescita San Niccolò – Via di San Niccolò

For lunch, choose the Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò, also recognized as a “Historic Florentine Business.” The setting is unique: the osteria is housed in Romanesque vaulted rooms, with structures dating back to the year 1000, columns, and cellars revealing centuries of history. The menu celebrates traditional Tuscan cuisine: ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, Florentine tripe, “drunken” rabbit, bistecca alla fiorentina, and more.

Afternoon

Exploring San Niccolò, Via dei Serragli, and Via Maggio

Discover leather artisans, antique dealers, restorers, and traditional shops kept alive by local passion and memory. Here you’ll find plenty of other tips! Stroll through Florence’s Oltrarno at your own pace.

Dinner

Dinner at a historic osteria in the Oltrarno

End your day in one of the historic osterias in the neighborhood recognized by the Association of Historic Florentine Businesses: Trattoria Cammillo, La Casalinga, Angiolino, or Antico Ristoro Il Cambi.

Notes, Tips & Insights

• You can enrich your itinerary by browsing the digital guide to Florence’s Historic Activities.

• Check the opening hours of Historic Businesses before visiting: as artisanal and traditional establishments, they may have reduced hours or afternoon closures.

• Moleria Locchi has been preserving glass and crystal techniques since the 19th century.

• Argentiere Pagliai uses ancient methods and also carries out restoration work.

• Reserve your restaurant tables in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Credits foto header: https://www.repubblica.it/il-gusto/2021/11/27/news/oltrarno_firenze_guida_repubblica-327910160/