Top Markets In Tuscany – A Local’s Guide To Tuscany’s Food, Clothing and Antique Markets

Last updated on July 22nd, 2024

If you are planning an upcoming trip to Tuscany (or maybe you are already here!), chances are you will happen upon several local markets during your travels. 

But if you want to be sure to do some serious shopping at the absolute best prices ever then check ahead and plan your day trip in Tuscany based on market day. 

With a bit of pre-planning and with my advice on what to look for at each market, you are sure to find what you are looking for.

So read on and learn from my first hand experience:

• when Tuscan markets are open
• where to find Tuscany’s best markets
• what you will find at each of them
• what I like to purchase specifically at each one

I will also include my top tips for bargaining, making sure you get the very best price every time!  

Heads Up: This article does not include markets in Florence. For a comprehensive list of markets in Florence and what to eat, read:
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence (Italy)
Food Markets in Florence
My Favorite Markets in Florence

A Market In Every Town In Tuscany

What is so wonderful about Italy is that every town has its own open air market, usually one day a week. 

If you are in a village not listed below and wondering about a local farmer’s market, the best thing to do (and what I always do) is to ask a local or pop into a tourist office and ask. 

If it’s a small town, chances are the market is going to be a general market with venders selling all types of items including:

• Food including produce, cured meats, cheese, and bread
• Clothing including shoes
• Towels, sheets, bath mats.
• Home goods such as brooms, mops, fabric, cleaning supplies
• Cookware
• Food trucks
• Pet supplies
• Sewing, knitting and repair items 

Learn More: Other markets may be food, antique or flea specific. To learn more about the different kinds of markets in Italy and what to expect at each, read How To Shop At Markets In Italy and 10 Rules for Shopping at Markets in Italy.

My Favorite Specialty Markets In Tuscany

It’s hard to list all the specialty markets and fairs in Tuscany because they change every year. My best tip for hitting unusual markets is to keep your eye peeled for posters and billboards. This is still Italy’s favorite way to advertise. 

Below are my favorite markets that I have been to in Tuscany.

Good To Know: Montepulciano also has an excellent Christmas Market!

Learn More: Read about Food Markets in Italy.

How To Shop At Markets In Italy

1. Walk through the street market first to get an idea of size, options, and quality, feeling free to enter stalls and touch non-food items (don’t touch food items!),  
2. Get the vendors attention by making eye contact, smile, and say hello or buongiorno,
3. Let the vendor serve you but be specific about your needs, request or particular pieces of produce you would like. If they don’t have what you want, just ask!
4. Pay with cash (some may take cards but you won’t be given a discount if you pay with a card). 
5. Always say goodbye and thank you, grazie e arrivaderci even if you don’t make a purchase. 

Good To Know: You are not expected to tip at markets in Italy. To read more about tipping expectations, read Tipping In Italy – When & How Much From A Local.

Bargaining At Markets In Italy

Bargaining at markets in Italy is completely expected. Even if you don’t speak Italian, basic bargaining is an international language! After years of experience marketing in Italy, these tactics have always helped me get the rice price:

• Always Try: The worst that they will say is no.
• Don’t Pay With Cards: Vendors are more likely to give you a deal with cash purchases.
• 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.
• 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: The higher the price, the more likely you are to get a discount. Items like shoes, leather bags, and pricey clothing items usually are good bargaining items.