The Fabulous Markets of Florence
2013
The food market Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo. Photo by jafsegal
Florence is well-known for its fantastic shopping opportunities. From small, family owned shops selling local handicrafts to glitzy designer boutiques, Florence has it all. This renaissance city is also home to a wonderful array of markets. You can find all kinds of bargains at these popular markets in Florence, so why not take a stroll around and see if you discover any hidden treasure…
San Lorenzo Market in Florence
One of the most important markets is the San Lorenzo market in Florence. Here, you can find stalls selling leather goods, clothing and souvenirs. Open from 9am- 7pm, both tourists and Italians alike flock to this lively market, which is located near the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
Sant’Ambrogio Market
Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio market is also popular, despite being smaller. Loved by locals, this colourful market is a great place to pick up clothes, food and household items and is open from the morning until the early afternoon.
Santo Spirito flea Market in Florence
Don’t forget to check out the exciting Santo Spirito market in the Oltrarno district too, which takes place on the second Sunday of the month, for all sorts of antiques and homemade products.
Parco delle Cascine market
Or, if you’re after a market experience on a really large scale, then head to the Parco delle Cascine for the Tuesday morning market which takes place there. This is the biggest and cheapest market in town, with food, clothes, home ware, appliances and even livestock on sale!
The leather market, Mercato Nuovo
Florence is well known for its leather goods, so if you’re keen to pick up something stylish in leather, then why not head to a leather market in Florence. The Porcellino market (or Mercato Nuovo), which is named after its statue of a wild boar, is the perfect place to shop for leather goods and other souvenirs. Don’t forget to rub the boar’s snout for luck though!
Flea market in Florence, Mercato delle Pulci
A great flea market in Florence is the Mercato delle Pulci; a daily market which is home to small stalls selling antiques and knick knacks of all shapes and sizes, as well as jewellery, furniture, and coins.
The best Food markets in Florence
Looking to stroll around a food market in Florence too? Well, you’re in luck, because there are several! There is an indoor food market at San Lorenzo, where you can pick up all sorts of delicious goodies, including salami, homemade sauces and tasty cheeses. Many say this food market, which is open in the mornings, is one of the best in the city. Other food markets include the Piazza Ghiberti farmers’ market and La Fierucolina market at the Piazza Santo Spirito, where you can find various organic products, including food, wine and other handmade items. This takes place on the third Sunday of the month.
What better way is there to explore some great markets than with a tour? We have a selection of cooking courses complete with fun and informative visits to local markets, so get booking now!