Any Florence travel plan should include trips to the myriad of local markets; there is one for every taste and pocketbook. Arrive early to have first and best choice at one of your favorite Florence markets!
Florence is alive with markets, day in and day-out you will find several Florence markets ready for you to discover.
Enjoy a market in Florence
Directory of Florence Markets
San Lorenzo Market Tuesday through Saturday
From Piazza S. Lorenzo to Via dell’Ariento, all around the Basilica of San Lorenzo (in the very historical center of the city) you can find probably the most important market of the city.
The San Lorenzo market, in the heart of Florence, is a swarm of colors and scents. At the Mercato Centrale (the Food market in San Lorenzo) we’re talking artisan breads of all shapes and sizes; stands overflowing with in-season fruits and vegetables such as green beans, mushrooms, cherries, loquats, apricots, and strawberries. You’ll also find truffle oils and honeys; and novello or young olive oils. Plus, some of the strangest cuts of meat around, and the distinct smell of stewing tripe for tripe sandwiches. After eating tripe for the first time , I don’t think I’ll try the gristly-looking sandwiches. See my previous post on
Fifth Quarter meats. However, the other parts of the market are a gourmet’s muse. The market is open from 7am to 2pm Monday through Saturday, and along with all the fresh food, there is take-away food for lunches on the run.
With our purchases, Kristin and I will make panini with Tuscan prosciutto and young “marzolina” Pecorino cheese. This cheese can only be found in the spring (marzo means March). It is usually only aged for 1-3 months to retain the green flavor of the fresh spring grass that the cows fed upon. No preservatives are used, so you can’t buy this cheese in the United States. It has a very particular taste that cannot be found anywhere else. Fresh as the countryside.
Mercado Centrale Monday through Saturday 7am to 2 pm (in winter only on Saturdays and days before holidays)
The best food market of the city is inside the San Lorenzo central market.
Via dell’Ariento
Porcini at a Florence Market
Sant’ Ambrogio Fresh fruits and vegetables, clothes, flowers, shoes, fresh meat or fish, pasta, and cheeses.Monday through Saturday 7am to 2 pm
Piazza Ghiberti and Piazza Sant’Ambrogio
Mercado delle Casine Tuesday 7am to 2 pm
Tthis is the biggest and cheapest market in town!
Parco delle Cascine
Mercado delle Pulci Daily 9am to 7:30 pm
The most famous FLEA MARKET of Florence
Piazza dei Ciompi
Fruit and Vegetables Main Market Tuesday to Thursday from 10 to 11am; Saturday from 9 to 10 am.
Viale Guidoni
Grand selection of cheeses
Le Cure market (food) Monday through Saturday 9 am to 2 pm except public holidays, Piazza delle Cure
Santo Spirito market (food) Monday through Saturday 9 am to 2 pm, all day on the second Sunday of every month
Piazza Santo Spirito
Mercato del Porcellino (food) Daily 8am to 7pm, except Sundays and Monday mornings, Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
Straw Market Daily from 9am to 6:30 pm, except Sunday and public holidays. Articles in Florentine straw, hand embroidery, leather goods, objects in wood, flowers
Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
Oltrarno Flea Market Second Sunday of the month, from 9am to 7 pm
Piazza S. Spirito
Rare books Thursday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm.
Loggia del Grano
Flower market Thursdays, 10am to 7 pm
under the portico in Piazza della Repubblica (via Pellicceria)
If you’re in town, stop by any of these Florence markets and don’t miss out on a piece of unique Italian culture.
Need accommodations? Search for Hotels in Florence
Written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com
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carmela
Monday 7th of February 2011
Do you still remember the stores in Mercato Centrale ? Can you identify so we could have at least some idea/s ? thanks..
Terri Fogarty
Monday 7th of February 2011
The mercado centrale is a huge , two-story food market. It is one large covered space with lots of little stalls. It is surrounded on the outside by souvenir stalls.
Terri
Tuesday 29th of July 2008
Hi Muriel,
The straw market is located at the Corner of Via Porta Rossa and Via Por Santa Maria in Florence. Florentines call this market Il Porcellino (Little Pig) because there is a wild boar fountain located at the market’s south side. Tourists rub the pig’s snout and throw a coin in the fountain to insure a return trip to Florence.
Terri