Readers will know by now how much I adore a good market. It doesn’t really matter what kind; however, I do have preferences and favourites. I was able to visit several during my visit, and aim to give you an idea of where to go and what to see. The best markets in Florence, lets have fun!
Mercato Centrale Firenze
The large central market in the Centro Storico is this one. Inside a covered building, I will say, it is my least favorite in the city. Seemingly dedicated to tourism now, I did not feel a truly authentic character inside.
The ground floor is full of vendors selling fresh products such as meat, cheeses and a few with produce. The upper floor is where most of the food stalls are for dining. Main floor is closed on Mondays and open 9am to 3pm the remainder of the week. The food stalls on the upper floor are open until midnight.
Mercato San Lorenze
Located in the street right in front of Mercato Centrale is this street full of vendors selling leather and souvenirs. It’s lovely to walk through early in the morning, before the crowds, seeing the colours of those beautiful bags. Open every day, 9am to 7:30pm, bargain hard here.
Mercato del Porcellino
Visitors will find this leather market geared for tourists, in the large covered space at Piazza del Mercato Nuovo. The exact same items that were at San Lorenze are here. Open every day, have a walk through and remember to bargain hard.
Mercato di Sant’ambrogio
Now we arrive at a market that is truly authentic and full of locals shopping for their daily groceries. The Mercato di Sant’ambrogio is the oldest market in Florence, opening in 1873. A covered space houses all sorts of food vendors, ready to feed you beautiful Italian cuisine. I was immediately captivated by Trattoria da Rocco. It was full of locals, chowing down, so I knew I was in for a treat.
The friendly staff found me a single seat and I ordered a beef stew with potatoes. Everything about it was great. If I wasn’t so full from my meal, I would have imbibed and had one of those delectable looking baked pears.
The exterior of the market is where you will find the fresh food. The feeling is chaotic, vendors yelling over each other in that sing song way, trying to tempt buyers to their stalls. Food is excellent quality, picked at perfection, and looks absolutely amazing. This is the real deal folks.
Only closed on Sundays, come and peruse this authentic market and the one below every day between 7am and 2pm. Find it at Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Flea Market at Mercato Sant’ambrogio
Wander to the outskirts of the fresh outdoor food section, and look for a courtyard with a series of canopies. You have found the flea market! I love a good peruse around this type of affair. One never knows what they will see or find.
There are loads of merchandise here, lots of used clothing, a table full of vintage cameras, jewellery, china, books and so much more.
Mercato delle Pulci
Close to the flea market, look for a permanent row of stalls. This houses the Mercato delle Pulci, an incredible antique market. You didn’t think I would leave without seeing at least one of these did you?
I walk through, admiring every single stall, each one showcasing beautiful pieces of Italy’s past. From old dusty paintings, to furniture, vintage linens and sewing notions.
The chandeliers, terracotta pottery, books, postcards, home décor, silver cutlery, I could go on and on. My head was full of images of decorating an abode with these exquisite treasures. Same hours, days and place as the Mercato Sant’ambrogio.
If you have the chance or time to only visit one market in Florence, seek out Mercato Sant’ambrogio. You get a wide assortment here, from fresh local vegetables to antiques and everything in-between, all within sight of each other. A truly Italian market scene unfolds before your eyes and provides a cultural trip you won’t soon forget.
