Perfume Workshops in Florence

It’s appropriate that Florence, the “City of Flowers”, is the site of perfumery’s rise during the Renaissance. Since the time of Catherine de Medici, the Tuscan capital has been Europe’s epicenter of scent crafting. A perfume workshop in Florence is an unexpected but unforgettable way to spend a few hours in the city.

Delve into the aromas and layers that make up a perfume in an ancient setting. Come away with a custom perfume that you’ve tailored to your tastes. With scent linked so strongly to memory, your creation will transport you back to Florence every time you wear it.

Here's all you need to know about perfume workshops, one of the most captivating workshops in Florence.

What are the best perfume workshops in Florence?

Take a perfume masterclass in one of Florence’s oldest fragrance shops. The Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone has been concocting scents since 1700. Take advantage of 300 years of experience with this well-established perfumer.

The master perfumer has such a passion for creating scents that there is now a school of perfumery associated with San Simone. Their extensive teaching experience makes this mysterious art fun and accessible, and you’ll have a perfume that’s unique to you afterward.

What will you do?

With the help of experienced “noses”, a perfume workshop in Florence will not only result in your own signature scent, but you’ll also discover the history of the ancient art, its return to popularity as well as the 300-year legacy of the perfumery itself.

Inspect the layers of perfume, from base to heart to top notes. Your instructors will uncap essences for you to sniff and help you plan your combination. Choose from two to four aromas for the base, heart and top notes. Your expert instructors provide you with a document to help you plan your final product, and the master “nose” will mix it for you.

Take a break from the hard work with a coffee or tea break with your instructors and chat about the craft of perfumery, its history and the historic area in which the shop is located.

What are the prices of perfume workshops in Florence cost?

Perfume workshops cost around €70 per person to €120 per person, depending on the size of perfume you make.

What is included in the price?

Along with instruction from one of Florence’s most respected perfumers, you’ll bring home a bottle of bespoke perfume, cologne or room fragrance. The €70-per-person price provides you with a 30-milliliter bottle, and for €120, you can have a 50-milliliter bottle of perfume or a 100-milliliter bottle of reed diffuser.

When you're out of perfume, contact the shop to purchase it again. They will mix and send you a new bottle according to your special blend. They even encourage you to think of a special name for your scent.

Where in Florence do perfume workshops take place?

Perfume workshops take place at the Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone on Via Ghibellina. The shop is centrally located, being just a 3-minute walk from the Piazza Signoria.

How long do the workshops last?

You’ll spend between 2 and 3 hours creating your own scent at your perfume workshop, with time to also enjoy a coffee and converse with the perfumers.

When is the best time to arrange a perfume workshop in Florence?

The best time for a perfume workshop in Florence is in the spring (April to May), when the weather is fresh and the flowers are in bloom. You'll also experience fewer tourist crowds and a higher chance of booking a spot in a workshop.

Travel tips

• Don't wear any perfume on the day of the workshop. You'll want your nose to be as unprejudiced as possible to discern and appreciate the various scents you'll be encountering.
• Trust your nose and your instincts when creating your own fragrance.
• The perfume experts leading the workshop are a wealth of knowledge. Don't hesitate to ask them questions about the process, the ingredients, or anything else you're curious about.
• Popular workshops can fill up quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons. It's a good idea to book your spot well in advance.