Some travel memories fade with time, others stay vivid in unexpected ways. Creating a custom perfume in Florence is one of those experiences that doesn’t rely on photos or souvenirs on a shelf, but on scent and emotion. In a city celebrated for art and architecture, this workshop offers a slower, more personal way to connect with Florence by designing a fragrance that is entirely yours
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How the custom perfume experience in Florence works
The experience lasts about 90 minutes and takes place in a small perfume atelier in Florence’s historic center, just steps from the Bargello and within walking distance of the Uffizi Gallery. It fits easily into a day of sightseeing and feels like a calm break from the busy streets.
When booking, you can choose from several time slots throughout the day. I selected a 10:30 AM session, which worked well without starting too early. It’s recommended to arrive about 10 minutes in advance.
The workshop is available in English and Italian and is designed for small groups, creating a relaxed and interactive atmosphere.
Creating your custom perfume in Florence step by step
The core of the experience is the perfume creation itself. You’re introduced to a selection of liquid essences organized into three categories: base notes, heart notes, and top notes.
You begin by smelling each essence individually. Base notes provide depth and longevity, heart notes define the structure of the fragrance, and top notes create the initial impression. Through experimentation, you start to understand how the notes interact.
Each participant chooses three base notes, three heart notes, and two top notes. With the help of perfume specialists, you adjust the formula drop by drop. Sometimes a note you love on its own turns out to be too strong once blended, and refining the balance is part of the creative process.
Once the formula is finalized, it’s written down and handed to you to take home. This way, you can keep your recipe and use it in the future if you decide to order another bottle of your custom perfume.
The fragrance is then bottled on the spot, and you’re advised to let it rest in a dark place for about 30 days before wearing it, so the notes can fully settle and develop.
How much does a custom perfume in Florence cost?
The full experience, including all materials and the personalized perfume bottle you take home, costs €70. Prices may vary depending on the season. I took part in this workshop in January 2026, during Florence’s low season.
You can check current prices and book the experience here.
A wearable souvenir from Florence
Most souvenirs end up tucked away at home. A custom perfume becomes part of your everyday life. Each time you wear it, the scent brings you back to Florence.
During my workshop, I met travelers from different parts of the world, including a couple on a long honeymoon through Europe. For them, this fragrance will always be linked to that moment in their journey.
Is creating a custom perfume in Florence worth it?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for an experience that goes beyond Florence’s classic attractions.
Creating a custom perfume in Florence is intimate, creative, and memorable. It’s well suited to solo travelers, couples, or anyone who values meaningful experiences while traveling.
How to book the custom perfume experience in Florence
You can book this experience online through GetYourGuide here, one of the most widely used platforms for tours and activities in Italy.
Tip: Download the GetYourGuide app and get 5% off any activity in the city or worldwide with the promo code BRASILNAITALIANET5. Valid for new customers only (read how it works here).
Extra tips
Where to eat nearby
After creating your custom perfume in Florence, you might want to sit down for a relaxed lunch nearby. If you’re in the mood for fresh, homemade Italian pasta in a place mostly frequented by locals, stop by La Loggia Caffetteria.
Next to the café, there’s a small bistro area that serves lunch dishes prepared on the spot.
Address: Via Pietrapiana, 16/r – 50121 Florence. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the perfume atelier.
Shopping in the area
If you’d like to do a bit of shopping afterward, take a stroll along Via del Corso. This lively street is lined with a mix of well-known brands and smaller shops and naturally leads you to Piazza della Repubblica, one of Florence’s central meeting points.
Unlimited internet while traveling
The perfume atelier offers free Wi-Fi during the experience, but if you prefer to stay connected with unlimited internet throughout your trip, it’s worth considering an eSIM from Holafly, an official partner of Tuscany.Tips. It’s a convenient option with good value for travelers.
By entering the promo code TIPS before checkout, you get 5% off eSIMs and 10% off plans, which is especially useful if you travel frequently or spend long periods abroad.
So, does creating your own custom perfume in Florence sound tempting to you? Have you ever done a similar experience while traveling? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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