Top ten markets in Florence
Florence has some of the best outdoor markets that I've ever been to. As Florence is such a walkable city, it is almost impossible not to stop and shop at one of these plentiful markets, especially while savoring a gelato. What a perfect pairing; gelato and shopping! As the birthplace of the Renaissance and a focal point of medieval history, the trinkets and treasures that can be found in the vintage markets of Florence are an adventure all of their own. Not only are the markets great for treasure hunting, but they're also full of local Tuscan produce, wine, and leather goods, making any market a great stop for unique souvenirs. Here are the top ten best markets Florence has to offer.
San Ambrogio Market- My absolute favorite market in Florence is the San Ambrogio market. I may be biased since my grandmother lived just down the street and was baptized at the San Ambrogio church in the main square. I know that my great-grandparents would shop here daily to buy fresh produce. To walk a day in the life of your ancestors is irreplaceable...Still, today (over 100 years later), if you are looking for an authentic Italian market experience, you will find it here. Located off the beaten path in Piazza Ghiberti, this is where the locals shop.
Very few tourists make it this way so if you do visit, brush up on your Italian phrases and expect to find local ingredients and products, fresh colorful produce, and charming characters manning the stalls. Open from 7am-2pm Monday-Saturday, this is the equivalent to what we would call in the United States, a farmers market. The produce is priced VERY reasonably and they sell what is currently in season. Helpful tip- when choosing fruit and vegetables, do not touch the product and let the seller pick for you, they will recommend the best items they have to offer. There is also a small indoor market located here with a few butchers, fishmongers, cheese shops, household items and trinkets, and vintage clothing.
Interior section of San Ambrogio
San Lorenzo/Mercato Central- The San Lorenzo market is Florence's most well-known, largest, and most centrally located outdoor market. Known as the city's original leather market, it is a maze of vendors peddling leather jackets, leather purses, and even more leather goods but probably has the vastest assortment of all types of articles, scarves, shoes, wallets, keychains, stationery, ceramics, souvenirs, and more. San Lorenzo is very popular with tourists who make up most of the clientele but is also frequented by some locals. It is located along the Via dell'Ariento until the Via Nazionale and in front of the doors of the Mercato Centrale.
One advantage of shopping at San Lorenzo is that there are so many leather stalls that the competition is tough and stand owners keep prices down as much as possible. Not everything you come across will be of good quality, however, or a good bargain, but be prepared to spend some Euros on the quality items you do find, and be prepared to haggle. No longer operated by Italians and mostly run by Iraqi immigrants, the quality of the leather is not as good as what you may find at the Mercato Porcellino. Read the label to be sure it is mad in Italy. The outdoor market is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-7pm.
San Lorenzo's sister market is the Mercato Centrale, a 19th-century indoor food market hall, constructed from iron and glass. They are located next to each other in the heart of the San Lorenzo neighborhood. Mercato Centrale is Florence's big indoor food market where you can find fresh, local food. There are two levels, on the main floor you will find butchers, fishmongers, delis, fruits, and vegetables. Many local restaurants shop here for their ingredients. Upstairs is a foodie's heaven, with many vendors selling an array of dishes. This is a good bet when you want a big selection to choose from. Pizza, coffee, and sandwiches are just a few food items available. Open 364 days a year from 7am-2pm (downstairs) and 10am-12am (upstairs), this market is where many locals shop and simply walking around the market is a fun exciting experience!
Porcellino Market aka Mercato Nuovo- Known for its leather goods, scarves, and central location in the height of the tourist area, Mercato Nuovo (the new market) is a newer version of the original leather market in San Lorenzo. It sells similar items to San Lorenzo but is much smaller. The quality of goods found here is top-notch as this is run by Italians, true Florentines. This market is held under a loggia that goes back to the 1500s when it was built for the local silk and straw merchants. Nestled under beautiful medieval-style arches, you can also find the bronze statue of a wild boar (Ill Porcellino), which is why the market is locally known as Mercato Porcellino. It is open 9am-7pm Tuesday through Sunday and can be found where Via Porta Rossa meets Via Calimala (heading towards the Ponte Vecchio). Just follow the smell of leather in the air.
Flower Market- Every Thursday morning from September through June you can find one of Florence's most popular squares, Piazza della Repubblica, full of colorful, fresh flowers. The flower market is located on Via Pellicceria, starting on the southwest corner of Piazza Repubblica and running south under the arcade and past the post office. The market starts early and all the cut flowers are pretty much sold out by lunch. By mid-afternoon, all the vendors are packing up to head back to their farms, so go early. The selection is extensive and includes everything from herbs and flowers to palms and cactus. You can even purchase your Christmas tree here each year and several sellers will do wreaths at Christmas, as well as mimosas on International Women's Day. Even if you aren't looking to buy a "mazzo" (bunch or bouquet) of flowers, this market is worth a browse for its sheer beauty and photo opportunities!
Santo Spirito Flea Market- Located in the Oltrarno quarter of Florence, the Santo Spirito Flea market is a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon browsing through quality vintage clothing, household antiques, handmade goods, and anything else you can think of, all while taking in the view of one of Florence's most underrated churches. You can find this outdoor market buzzing on the second Sunday of every month from morning to sundown.
In the same piazza the following Sunday there is another outdoor market with a different focus: organic, local, and handmade artisan products. This is a nature lover's paradise with goods ranging from honey, wine, and bread to hand-made products like cutting boards made of olive wood, jewelry from upcycled materials, and beeswax candles.
Fortezza flea market- The Fortezza da Basso is a true flea market in the traditional sense of the term. Located in Piazza dell Indipendenza, this flea market is a treasure trove of collector's items such as vintage books and magazines, LP records and 45's, historical photos, antique jewelry and furniture, Tiffany lamps, old-fashioned telephones and jukeboxes, and more.
Nearly all of the stalls at the Fortezza are operated by locals and the clientele too is made up of mostly Florence residents. Not many tourists know about this market and those who come here tend to be people who just happened to stumble upon the market while passing by. If you enjoy hunting through vintage items at flea markets looking for a great find, you'll love the Fortezza market. Every third weekend of the month, year-round except for high summer months of July and August; from 9am-7pm.
Selection of housewares at Fortezza da Basso
Fiesole Vintage market- If you love treasure hunting for anything vintage, this monthly outdoor market is for you. It takes up the entirety of Mino Square, the main square in Fiesole; a tiny hill town just outside of Florence, which overlooks the entire city. It's held on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month. Books, vintage clothing, and hand tools are just a few of the special objects you may find here. Since Fiesole is a town 5 km in the hills above Florence, you can easily take bus #7 from Piazza San Marco to reach it. While you are there, don't forget to check out the awesome panoramic views.
Piazza dei Ciompi/Largo Annigoni market- An antique lover paradise, this market was located for decades in the Piazza dei Ciompi but in 2019 it officially was moved to its new home just down the street; a sleek, modern glass and steel structure in Largo Annigoni right behind the Sant Ambrogio market. The new design means you can enjoy the market even on a rainy day and is well worth a stroll past the collections of clothes, books, antiques, and jewelry amongst other trinkets and knick-knacks. If nothing else it's without a doubt a temptation for anyone who loves hunting for treasures.
photo © firenze.repubblica.it
Cascine market- Located at the entrance to Cascine park and along the Arno, the Cascine market is the street market in Florence that is most popular with locals. Goods at the market are not aimed at tourists (no souvenir stalls) but at a steady clientele of Florentine residents. This makes the Cascine market a great choice if you want an authentic local shopping experience but not if you are looking for more upscale items (think socks, not vintage goods). The market sells clothing, shoes, housewares, linens, undergarments and sleepwear, CDs, and more. There are also lots of stands with food-cheeses, bread, cold cuts, fruits, and vegetables. Open on Tuesday from 7am-2pm and all Sundays in December from 8am-6pm. Additionally, open the four Sundays prior to Easter.
Christmas market- Every holiday season, Piazza Santa Croce has a lively Christmas market inspired by the ones in Germany. It looks like a small Christmas village featuring wooden chalets and offers Italian handmade gifts like wooden toys, Christmas decorations, candles, soaps, ceramics, clothing, and more. Of course, no market in Italy is possible without some delicious treats. Try the tasty street food and sweets, like the apple strudel, and combat the cold with some spiced, piping hot mulled wine. Some of the vendors change every year so it's a good reason to come back and share the Christmas atmosphere under the festive Florentine lights. The market is open 10am-8pm every day from the end of November until Christmas Eve.
Photo © iloveflorenceitaly.com
Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce
No matter your pace or style, anyone can find the kind of market that piques their interest in Florence. Practice some Italian phrases and don't forget your cash and camera!
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