Last updated on June 22nd, 2024
Do you only have a couple days in Florence and hope to visit some of the world famous markets? Choosing what is right for you and your itinerary or agenda is challenging so let me help!
I have been around the block with markets in Florence for close to 20 years now. I have been to each market in Florence dozens of times, providing me with the know-how and expertise to guide you through your visit including how to bargain.
In this article, I will share my favorite markets in Florence, including food markets, leather markets, antiques, sustainable and flower markets. I will suggest who each market is best for and what I like to buy at each one, making it easier to choose how and where best to spend your market time.
And if you are already in Italy and looking for a quick answer, reference my Quick Guide below for a brief overview of each, allowing you to decide quickly what market to hit.
Learn More: If you love marketing in Italy, you may also be interested in Markets in Tuscany, Food Markets in Italy, and Food Markets in Florence.
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My Favorite Markets In Florence Quick Guide
| Market in Florence | Address | Hours* | Best For | What To Buy |
| Mercato Centrale (food market) | Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy | Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm (upstairs food court open until midnight) | Pairing with a Tuscan meal at their food court /Staying centrally located | Food souvenirs to bring home such as dried porcini and sun dried tomatoes |
| Il Mercatale (food market) | Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy | First Saturday of the month from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (closed January, July and August) | Squeezing in between top tourists attractions for busy visitors | Organic products such as local honey, soap, olive oil, spices |
| Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (food market) | Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy | Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Authentic market experience with locals off the beaten track | Seasonal produce, cheese, schiacciata, olives |
| La Fierucola (food market & craft ) | Piazza Santo Spirito 50125 Florence, FI | Third Sunday each month from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm | Organic foods and other crafts (pottery, jewelry, textiles) | Organic breads including schiacciata, cookies, olive oil, cheese, fresh produce, textiles, crafts |
| Il Cascine (general market) | Along Parco delle Cascine (street parallel to the Arno river). | Tuesdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pm | Cheap eats / Largest selection | Florentine street food & Italian specialties from other regions (mozzarella, taralli, sardines, capers, etc). |
| Mercato Nuovo (leather market) | Piazza del Mercato Nuovo | Daily 9:00 am-7:30 pm | Authentic leather goods / Staying centrally located | Leather belts and bags |
| Mercato di San Lorenzo (leather market) | Around side street of Piazza del Mercato Centrale | Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am-7:30 pm | Wide selection of leather goods and Florentine souvenirs | Smaller leather items, inexpensive souvenirs to bring home |
| Mercato delle Pulci (antique / flea market) | Largo Pietro Annigoni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy | Monday – Saturday 9:00 am -7.30 pm | Reliable antiques including small items for suitcase (door handles, jewelry, small brass objects) | Small oil paintings or Florentine prints of city that can be rolled up and brought home easily |
| Mercato Antiquariato alla Fortezza da Basso (antique market) | Piazzale at the Fortezza da Basso | Third weekend of each month on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a m – 7:30 pm | People with second homes in Italy looking for larger pieces | Larger pieces of furniture such as tables, chairs, mirrors |
| Mercato Antiquariato di Santo Spirito (antique market) | Piazza Santo Spirito | Second Sunday each month 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (closed July and August) | Antiques off the beaten track | Vintage handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, silver, prints |
| Mercato Antiquariato A Sant’Ambrogio (antique market) | Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy | Fifth Sunday of each month from 9:00 am – 7:30 pm (about 4 times a year) | Families | Wide variety of antique and flea items including items for children (toys, stones, gems, jewelry making supplies, clothing) |
| Mercato dei Fiori (flower market) | Piazza della Repubblica | Thursdays from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm (closed July and August) | Flower lovers | Fresh cut flowers for your apartment rental |
* Hours may differ depending on the time of year and weather. In the winter, markets may call it quits a bit earlier than scheduled.
My Favorite Food Markets In Florence
Mercato Centrale
How To Get There: By foot (7 minute walk from Duomo)
When: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm (upstairs food court 9:00 am – midnight)
Where: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Mercato Centrale is Florence’s largest and most famous covered food market located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood.
It’s easily accessible for tourists who are staying in downtown Florence, making it my top pick for travelers with limited time. Pop in any morning to get a sense of authentic daily life in Florence, picking up a few souvenirs along the way from countless local vendors selling street food, produce, meat, fish, cheese and bread.
Upstairs is the newly renovated food court offering a unique dining formula. Order what want you want to eat at a different food stalls or restaurant (choose from pizza, handmade pasta, cheese and charcuterie boards, sandwiches, burgers, fish, Sicilian specialties, truffle dishes, just to name a new), and eat together at communal tables in the center of the open space.
Il Mercatale
How To Get There: Walking. It’s located right downtown in Piazza della Repubblica which is a limited traffic zone. If you are staying outside the city center, you can take a taxi.
When: First Saturday of the month from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (closed January, July and August)
Where: Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Il Mercatale is Florence’s once a month fierucole or farmers market in the heart of Piazza della Repubblica dedicated to farmers who live within just miles of the city. Unlike other food markets in Florence, this one supports the city’s most local farmers.
The selection is curated and reliable with excellent quality goods such as extra virgin olive oil, honey, cheese, bread and produce.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
How To Get There: Walking (20 min from Duomo) or bus C2 or C3
When: Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
The Sant’Ambrogio market is the most authentic and my personal favorite food market in Florence full of the best ingredients, produce and of course, locals!
The Sant’Ambrogio market is both an indoor and outdoor market home to stable vendors selling the same basic goods everyday and rotating vendors who change depending on the day.
Don’t miss the very good rustic bar (famous for their cappuccino and Italian breakfast) and Da Rocco for some of the best food in Florence at a real bargain.
Some of the best restaurants, bars, and sandwich shops are located just around the Sant’Ambrogio market. My favorites are Gilda for coffee, Mazzanti for home goods, Cibreo for an upscale dining experience, Pizzaiolo for some of the best pizza in Florence and Semel for modern sandwiches.
La Fierucola
How To Get There: Walk across to Oltarno and walk 7 minutes to Piazza Santo Spirito from Ponte Vecchio.
When: Third Sunday each month from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Where: Piazza Santo Spirito 50125 Florence, FI
La Fierucola is the city’s organic farmers and craft market selling some of the best produce around, handcrafted goods, sustainable soaps, handmade clothing and great street food. Because it only happens once a month, it can get quite busy so if you are looking for particular items, get here early!
Nice To Know: This market is a true farmers market. There are no third party vendors here!
If you are a pregnant traveler in Italy, this is a particularly good market to stop at if you are looking to stock up on healthy, whole grains and organic produce. For more on being pregnant in Tuscany, read Eating in Tuscany While Pregnant – From a Mamma of Four in Florence.
There is a smaller version of this organic farmers market in Piazza del Carmine every second Sunday of the month from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Il Cascine
How To Get There: Walk (20 min), bike or take the tram (line 1) from the Santa Maria Novella train station.
When: Tuesdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Along Parco delle Cascine (street parallel to the Arno river).
Il Cascine market in Florence is the largest and cheapest general street market selling anything you could ever need.
Located along the street that runs parallel to the Arno river from the beginning of the Cascine park, this morning market is over 1 km long so put your walking shoes on! I highly suggest you do a quick walk through before making purchases because there is so much to buy and eat.
If you are looking for a bargain, this is the market in Florence for you!
Tip: Grab yourself a large snack and check out the park while you are at it. It’s a nice alternative for families with children from the history, art and museum overload in the historic center.
Leather Markets In Florence
Mercato Nuovo (Mercato Porcellino)
How To Get There: Walking. It’s located right downtown close to Ponte Vecchio which is a limited traffic zone. If you are staying outside the city center, you can take a taxi.
When: Daily 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Where: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
Il Mercato Nuovo is the only street market in Florence that is open seven days a week. Similar to the San Lorenzo market, the Mercato Porcellino, as it’s sometimes called, is smaller and more curated in terms of its leather goods for sale.
The market is covered under a loggia or archways with the famous wild boar statue or il Porcellino always keeping watch. Rub his nose with a coin and let it drop into the grate for good luck.
Here you will find a wide selection (yet not overwhelming) of leather goods and scarves. I find it to be slightly better quality and generally more reliable than the San Lorenzo Market.
Good To Know: Some of the best gelato in Florence is at Venchi, just across the street!
Mercato Di San Lorenzo
How To Get There: By foot (7 minute walk from Duomo)
When: Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am-7:30 pm
Where: Around side street of Piazza del Mercato Centrale
The San Lorenzo Leather Market is Florence’s most famous and largest leather market sprawling from the side streets of the Mercato Centrale.
It’s a bit of a maze to figure out so don’t be afraid if you get a bit turned around. Although this is the original and first leather market in Florence, it has become a bit inauthentic over time.
Tip: If you are looking to buy an authentic leather item, be sure to look for the “Made In Italy” stamp on the leather. Talk the vendor up and ask where it’s from to learn more. And don’t be afraid to bargain! It’s expected.
Many of the items aren’t made in Italy anymore nor are the stalls run by locals. This doesn’t mean you can’t find something great though. If you are looking for 20 pencils decorated in Florentine paper to bring back to your 1st grader’s class, this is the place to be! Looking for a small leather souvenir? This market is perfect!
Nice To Know: Pair a visit to the San Lorenzo Leather Market with the Mercato Centrale in the morning and hit two birds with one stone!
Antique And Flea Markets In Florence
Many times, an antique market or un mercato antiquariato may also be a flea market and visa versa.
Mercato Delle Pulci
How To Get There: Walking (20 min from Duomo) or bus C2 or C3
When: Monday – Saturday 9:00 am -7.30 pm
Where: Largo Pietro Annigoni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Il Mercato delle Pulci is a permanent flea and antique market currently set up right outside the Sant’Ambrogio market (it’s not clear whether it will go back to its original location in Piazza dei Ciompi or not).
Tip: If you are staying in Florence for an extended period of time, come to the Mercato delle Pulci several times if you are looking for a treasure. There is always something new!
Unlike other antique markets, you will always find the same vendors here but they are true collectionists. What they sell is of good quality and thus, a little expensive. It’s worth a visit if antiques are up your alley though because they have a ton of smaller items, prints and jewelry that you can easily bring home with you.
Plan Ahead: Come in the morning and pair your visit to the Mercato delle Pulci with a visit to the open air Sant’Ambrogio food market just next door.
Mercato Antiquariato Alla Fortezza
How To Get There: Walk, bike or take the Tram (T2) to stop Fortezza
When: Third weekend of each month on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a m – 7:30 pm
Where: Piazzale at the Fortezza da Basso
The Antique Market Alla Fortezza is Florence’s largest antique market with the biggest selection. Whether you are looking to buy larger items to furnish a home in Italy or just walking through in hopes of scoring the perfect handbag, chances are you will find what you are looking for.
Although I think this market is best for visitors who are looking for larger items, I also encourage tourists who are looking for unique, one of a kind souvenirs or antique items to bring home with them.
Keep in mind that this market is at the Fortezza where not much is going on. There are not great restaurants, bars or cafes around this area so I suggest coming early and then heading back into town or even better to the Mercato Centrale for lunch (just a 12 minute walk!).
Mercato Antiquario di Santo Spirito
How To Get There: Walk across to Oltarno and walk 7 minutes to Piazza Santo Spirito from Ponte Vecchio.
When: Second Sunday each month from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (closed July and August)
Where: Piazza Santo Spirito 50125 Florence, FI
The Antique and flea market in Santo Spirito is one of the most beloved flea markets by locals. Come early to find the square bustling with locals in search of unique treasure including textiles, handbags, vintage clothing, glassware, silverware, ceramics and more.
A Sunday morning stroll in Santo Spirito is a popular activity in my family. My kids always have fun looking for small items (magnifying glasses, animal sculptures, etc.) while I can actually hunt for things I need. Everyone has fun!
Tip: Some of the best bakeries in Florence, gelato, and coffee are located in the Santo Spirito neighborhood.
Mercato Antiquariato A Sant’Ambrogio
How To Get There: Walking (20 min from Duomo) or bus C2 or C3
When: Fifth Sunday of each month from 9:00 am – 7:30 pm (about 4 times a year)
Where: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
The antique and flea market under the outdoor covered section of the Sant’Ambrogio market only happens about four times a year. I find it to be a little more interesting then the same old venders who show up in Santo Spirito or at the Fortezza.
Here you will see other vendors who are new, including both flea, antique, art, and collectionist vendors. I have never been to this market and walked away empty handed.
Keep In Mind: This market is on a Sunday meaning that the usual restaurants, coffee and bars might not be open. If you want to have lunch in the area, be sure to check online first if they are open and pre-book your table (Italians like to eat out for Sunday lunch so it can get busy!).
Mercato Dei Fiori
How To Get There: Walking. It’s located right downtown in Piazza della Repubblica which is a limited traffic zone. If you are staying outside the city center, you can take a taxi.
When: Thursdays from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm (closed July and August)
Where: Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
The Mercato dei Fiori is Florence’s central flower and plant market located under the arches of Piazza della Repubblica. Come here to pick up fresh cut flowers for your rental in Florence.
This is the only consistent flower market in Florence. There is a beautiful flower show, La Mostra dei Fiori at il Giardino dell’Orticoltura, in the Spring and Fall but it’s not downtown (and it’s only for a weekend).
Other Markets In Florence
Below are other markets that are not personal favorites of mine but are anyhow daily, weekly or monthly standards in Florence, Italy
- Fiesola Vintage Market: First weekend of each month in Piazza Mino da Fiesole dall day
- Piccolo Mercato di Piazza Artusi: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm behind Piazza Gavinana with produce and food items but also some clothing.
- Mercato di Santo Spirito: Open 8:00 – 1:00 pm Monday – Friday with a little bit of everything. Venders change daily.
- Mercato di Campo Di Marte: Small general market at the Soccer Stadium (in a small parking lot between Viale Pierluigi Nervi and Viale Manfredi Fanti).
- Mercato delle Cure: One of the larger general markets outside the city center open Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Bargaining At Markets In Italy
Bargaining at markets in Italy is completely expected so don’t be afraid to run the price down! Keep my tips in mind as you bargain, all of which I have developed over years of first hand experience bargaining in Italy (and being married to an Italian has helped!).
- Try, Try, And Try Again: The worst that they will say is no.
- Pay With Cash: Vendors won’t usually cut you a deal if you pay with a card.
- Try Different Tactics: For example, buy two for one, a simple discount, a last item discount, a discount for displayed items, etc.
- Call Their Bluff: Walk away if they say won’t come down on their price. If they really weren’t bluffing and simply cannot lower the price, you can come back later. You might find it for less at another stall.
- Buy Several Items: Try asking for a freebie when you buy several of a single item such as three for the price of two.
- Large Item Discounts: Generally speaking, the higher the price, the more likely a vendor will give you a discount. Usually you can get a good discount on shoes, leather bags, and pricey clothing items.
More On Markets: For my tips and guidelines on shopping at street markets in Italy read How to Shop at Markets in Italy and 10 Rules for Shopping at Markets in Italy.
Spending Time in Florence? Make the most of your time eating and drinking in bella Firenze!:
Best Pizza in Florence
Best Gelato In Florence
Best Coffee In Florence
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence
The Best Cheap Eats in Tuscany
Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Florence
Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
Where to Have Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Where to Eat on Your First Visit to Florence
My Favorite Places to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence
Where to Have Brunch in Florence
Coolest Bars in Florence
International Restaurants in Florence
My Favorite Wine Bars (Enoteche) in Florence
Wines to Try in Tuscany
Where to Find Florence’s Best Schiacciata
Florence’s Best Panini
Food Markets in Florence
Where to Find Florence’s Best Pastries
Best Bakeries in Florence
Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
Where to Have Apericena in Florence
Where to Get Takeout in Florence
Where Locals Eat in Florence
Florentine Food Souvenirs
Where to Buy Specialty Food Items and Gifts in Florence
Where to Eat with Kids in Florence
Where to Get a Quick Bite with Kids in Florence
Traditional Tuscan Food
