Florence is home to some of Italy’s most famous markets, where you can explore everything from fresh Tuscan produce to high-quality leather goods, antiques, and handmade crafts. Iconic spots like Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo Market, and Mercato delle Pulci provide a rich shopping experience, offering a blend of local culture, history, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a food lover, a bargain hunter, or an antique enthusiast, Florence’s markets have something unique for everyone.
Curious to find out more about the famous markets in Florence for Florentine treasures? Keep reading for a deeper dive into the city’s top 14 must-visit markets!
1. Mercato Centrale (Central Market)
Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale
Market Type: Food Market
Opening Hours: Every day from 9 am to 12 am
What to buy: Fresh pasta, olive oil, Tuscan wine, cheeses like pecorino, etc.
Located in the San Lorenzo district, Mercato Centrale is a must-visit for food lovers. This two-level market, housed in a beautiful 19th-century building, offers everything from local meats and cheeses to gourmet items like truffle oils.
The ground floor is a traditional food market, where locals shop for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. And if you’re looking for where to eat, the upper floor has been transformed into a trendy food court, offering a variety of artisanal food stalls where you can sample Tuscan specialties.
Tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, and grab lunch upstairs at one of the stalls after exploring.
2. San Lorenzo Outdoor Market
Location: Around Piazza San Lorenzo
Market Type: Street Market
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 7 am to 2 pm, and Saturday – 7 am to 5 pm
What to buy: Leather jackets, bags, belts, and souvenirs.
Just outside the Mercato Centrale, you’ll find the San Lorenzo Market, one of Florence’s most famous outdoor markets, located near the historical sites and center of Florence. This market is all about leather—bags, jackets, belts, and shoes. It’s a favorite spot for tourists looking to take home quality Florentine leather goods at a reasonable price.
Tips: Bargaining is common, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.
3. Mercato Nuovo (Porcellino Market)
Location: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
Market Type: Street Market
Opening Hours: Every day from 9 am to 6.30 pm
What to buy: Leather bags, wallets, belts, and trinkets.
Mercato Nuovo, often called the Porcellino Market due to its famous bronze boar statue, is one of Florence’s iconic markets. Located just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio, this market primarily sells leather goods, souvenirs, and other artisanal products. The tradition of rubbing the nose of the Il Porcellino statue is said to bring good luck and ensure a return to Florence.
4. Sant’Ambrogio Market
Location: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti
Market Type: Fresh Food Market
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm
What to buy: Fresh fruits and vegetables, Tuscan cheeses, local wines, and meats.
A little less touristy than Mercato Centrale, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is where many Florentines shop for their daily groceries. As the oldest market in Florence, this smaller, more intimate market offers fresh produce, meats, fish, and local delicacies. It’s a great place to experience the local food scene without the large crowds.
5. Mercato delle Pulci (Flea Market)
Location: Largo Pietro Annigoni, Piazza dei Ciompi
Market Type: Flea Market
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 am to 7.30 pm, Saturday – 9 am to 6.30 pm
What to buy: Antique furniture, vintage decor, and collectibles.
Florence’s flea market, or Mercato delle Pulci, is a haven for those who love antiques and quirky treasures. It’s located in Piazza dei Ciompi and offers an eclectic mix of items, from vintage furniture to old books and paintings.
6. Piazza Santo Spirito Market
Location: Piazza Santo Spirito
Market Type: Flea Market
Opening Hours: Second Sunday of each month, except for July and August
Best for: Vintage items, arts, and crafts.
In the heart of the Oltrarno district, one of the budget-friendly neighborhoods in Florence, Piazza Santo Spirito hosts a daily market that’s small but lively. On Sundays, it transforms into a larger flea market with antiques, vintage items, and handmade crafts. This market has a distinctly local vibe, far from the tourist crowds.
7. Mercato delle Cascine
Location: Viale dei Lecci, Parco delle Cascine
Market Type: Street Market
Opening Hours: Tuesday mornings from 8 am to 2 pm
What to buy: Budget clothing, shoes, household items, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Set along the longest park in Florence, Parco delle Cascine, this sprawling market takes place every Tuesday morning. It’s one of the largest street markets in Florence, selling everything from clothing and shoes to kitchenware and fresh produce. The variety of goods, along with its local character, makes it a favorite among Florentines.
8. Mercato delle Cure
Location: Piazza delle Cure
Market Type: Food Market
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm
What to buy: Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
Located in the residential area of Le Cure, this market offers a truly local experience. Mercato delle Cure is a small neighborhood market where Florentines buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. It’s a bit off the beaten path, making it a great spot to experience authentic Florentine life.
9. Mercato Contadino Parterre Firenze
Location: Piazza della Libertà, SNC Zona Parterre
Market Type: Farmers’ Market
Opening Hours: Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm
Best for: Organic and farm-to-table products.
Mercato Contadino Parterre Firenze is a cozy farmers’ market in Piazza della Libertà, open on Fridays. It’s ideal for fresh, organic produce, olive oils, and local wines, all sourced directly from Tuscan farmers. Perfect for those seeking authentic, farm-to-table products in a relaxed, local atmosphere.
10. Mercato di Piazza dei Ciompi
Location: Piazza dei Ciompi
Market Type: Daily flea market
Opening Hours: Last Sundays of the months February to June from 9 am to 6 pm
What to buy: Vintage items, old records, and unique home decor pieces.
In addition to the monthly antique fair, Piazza dei Ciompi hosts a daily market that specializes in second-hand goods and antiques. It’s a smaller, quieter version of the Mercato delle Pulci, perfect for those looking for vintage finds in a relaxed setting.
11. Flower Market at Piazza della Repubblica
Location: Piazza della Repubblica
Market Type: Flower market
Opening Hours: Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 7 pm
What to buy: Fresh flowers, plants, and garden accessories.
For those who love flowers, the flower market at Piazza della Repubblica is a beautiful spot to visit. Held twice a week, this market offers a variety of fresh flowers and plants. While small, it’s a lovely way to see a different side of Florence’s market scene.
12. La Fierucola
Location: Piazza Santo Spirito
Market Type: Organic Market Fair
Opening Hours: Third Sunday of each month from 9 am to 7 pm
What to buy: Organic products, handmade crafts.
In Florence, the Fierucola fairs promote organic farming on small family farms and show off traditional natural handicrafts. These fairs often feature special themes, including photographic exhibitions, conferences on sustainable food practices, children’s workshops, and craft courses.
Additionally, publications on rural life are available. The events take place regularly on the third Sunday of each month (excluding August) at Piazza Santo Spirito and on the second Sunday of the month at Piazza del Carmine, also excluding August.
13. Mercato Ortofrutticolo Firenze
Location: Viale Alessandro Guidoni, Via dell’Olmatello
Market Type: Fruit and Vegetable Market
Opening Hours: Tuesday and Friday from 12.30 pm to 7 pm
What to buy: Seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, fresh Tuscan greens, mushrooms, and sometimes local specialties like artichokes, tomatoes, or chestnuts.
Mercato Ortofrutticolo di Firenze is a large wholesale market dedicated to fruits, vegetables, and other fresh produce. Located on the outskirts of Florence, this market is where many local restaurants, vendors, and businesses source their fresh ingredients.
While it’s primarily a wholesale market, individuals can also visit to purchase fresh produce at excellent prices. It’s the ideal place for anyone looking to experience the true agricultural richness of Tuscany.
14. Christmas Market at Piazza Santa Croce
Location: Piazza Santa Croce
Market Type: Christmas market
Opening Hours: Late November to December, 10 am to 8 pm (hours may vary)
If you’re in Florence during the holiday season, the Christmas Market at Piazza Santa Croce is a magical experience. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, it offers a range of festive foods, decorations, and gifts. Wooden stalls are set up in front of the beautiful Santa Croce Basilica, creating a charming holiday atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Florentine Markets
The ideal times to visit Florence’s markets are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November), when the weather is mild and seasonal produce is at its peak.
Spring offers fresh items like artichokes and strawberries, while autumn brings chestnuts, mushrooms, and new olive oil. For a festive experience, visit in December to enjoy the Christmas Market at Piazza Santa Croce.
How to Make the Most of Your Market Visits
Florence’s markets offer a rich shopping experience, whether you’re looking for high-quality leather goods, fresh Tuscan produce, or one-of-a-kind antiques.
With a little planning and the right approach, you’ll find yourself bringing home more than just souvenirs—you’ll take home a piece of Florence’s heart.
- Timing: Visit early to avoid crowds; the best shopping is when markets first open.
- Payment: Cash is preferred, so have euros on hand, especially for small purchases.
- Bargaining: Haggling is common for leather goods and antiques; be polite for a better deal.
- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially in food markets; take your time and engage with vendors.
Happy Shopping!
Florence’s markets offer a captivating blend of tradition, culture, and shopping. Whether you’re picking up fresh produce at Sant’Ambrogio, hunting for antiques at Piazza dei Ciompi, or grabbing a leather souvenir from Mercato Nuovo, each market provides a glimpse into the soul of the city.
So, plan your visit during the ideal seasons to enjoy the best Florence has to offer. And don’t miss the chance to explore the treasures of Florence and take home a piece of Tuscany!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most famous market in Florence?
The most famous market in Florence is Mercato Centrale (Central Market).
What is the most famous shopping street in Florence?
Via de’ Tornabuoni is the most famous shopping street in Florence, known for its luxury boutiques.
What day is market day in Florence?
Tuesday is the main market day at Mercato delle Cascine, though markets run daily across the city.
What is the most famous thing in Florence?
The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) is the most famous landmark in Florence.
What is best to buy in Florence?
The best things to buy in Florence are leather goods, Tuscan wine, and artisan crafts.
Is Rome or Florence better for shopping?
Florence is better for artisanal shopping, especially for leather goods, while Rome offers more high-end fashion brands.