Your cartYour cart

The 4 Best Markets in Florence

About Florence

05-10-2018

If you are travelling to Florence perhaps you are interested in its history and traditions back to the medieval era, but do not forget that there are plenty of ways to discover a city like this. Just to mention some of them: food tasting, strolls and obviously highlights tours. 

Walking through the charming cobblestone alleys of Florence city center you will easily feel like a local, especially if you have the chance to stop at least at one of its old markets. Not only they are the perfect place to find an original souvenir to bring back home, but they are also full of local products, such as wine, tasty food as well as handicrafts.

Today we are going to explore the most typical markets of Florence. Let’s be the journey!

 


 Might interest you ➡️ Highlights of Florence Private Tour 


  1. The New Market (Mercato del Porcellino)

The New Market is located right in the city center of Florence, just 5 minutes walking from the Old Bridge. The so-called Mercato del Porcellino (Piglet Market) takes its name from a bronze statue representing a wild boar, located inside the loggia that bears the same name. It is believed to bring good luck to those who will rub its nose while dropping a coin from its mouth. While doing this, you can even make a wish that may come true, who knows!

Another name to call this characteristic place is New Market, in opposition to the Old one, which is the San Lorenzo Market, located in Repubblica Square.

What are you going to find here? While in the past centuries it was the best place to buy silk and gold, so mainly wealthy people used to go there, nowadays you shop here leather accessories and souvenirs for your beloved ones. 

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM

 

mercato nuovo new-market in florence  

  1. San Lorenzo Market, the Old Market

Whether it is your first time in town or you have already been here, you should not really miss a stop at Florence oldest market. San Lorenzo market is the most important one in town: it is located in the square that surrounds San Lorenzo Church, near Repubblica Square.

Remember that this is not a simple market but it has a complex structure, so take your time to discover every corner. We recommend you to begin your visit from the outside: the stalls twist and turn along the typical little alleys around the main building which hosts the Central Market which actually is the indoor part of San Lorenzo Market.

Strolling around the market you will be literally surrounded by thousands of shops, so especially if you are shopping addicted we suggest you to just walk around before actually buy goods: pottery, leather accessories, souvenirs and many other accessories are only some of the items you can shop here. On the other hand, indoor you will find 2 floors dedicated to food. For every foodie this is a must do!

The main building is made by cast iron and glass and projected by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni who is the same person who projected Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery once Florence was the Italian Capital city back in the XIX century. Which products are likely to be here? You will find easily any food related to Tuscan cuisines such as meat, olive oil, cheese, cured meat and many more.

Opening times: Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 2 PM, on Saturday from 8 AM TO 5 PM

 

  1. Cascine Market

As you can easily guess, Cascine market takes its name from the Park where it takes place once a week: Cascine Park. Cascine park is the biggest one in Florence (160 hectares), located along the north bank of Arno river, so you can combine both shopping and relax here, especially if you are travelling to Florence in Spring and Summer.

Cascine market is for sure the largest and cheapest one: it is almost 1 kilometer long and you can find literally anything you need here.

Opening times: Every Tuesday from 8 AM to 2 PM

 

  1. Fiesole Vintage Market

Among the best antique shopping areas and flea market in Tuscany and especially Florence, we cannot forget Fiesole Vintage Market. This amazing outdoor market takes place every first Sunday of the month in Fiesole main square called Mino Square: books, vintage clothes and hand tools are just some of the rare objects and accessories you can purchase here to make you Tuscany trip even more special.

Fiesole is a small town on the Tuscan hills that embrace Florence: from there you can enjoy a nice panorama of the whole city form a different point of view too. Not to mention the archaeological ruins to explore here: Fiesole, in fact, hosts an ancient archaeological site with the arena, so you can mix tours and shopping.

 

Have you ever been to one of these markets? Did you find something interesting? Share with us your experience!

 

More about Florence

related articles

Florence at Sunset: Walks and Breathtaking Views

Falling in love in Florence... and with Florence. The Golden Hour of the city of lilies offers its ...

07-06-2024

RENAISSANCE FLORENCE: DISCOVERING ARTISAN WORKSHOPS

Visiting the city of Florence is definitely a must if you enjoy Renaissance art. This magnificent ...

21-12-2023

Palazzo Vecchio: Florence's historical civic center

Located in the heart of the city of Florence, next to the Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria, ...

05-11-2023

Discover Florence Oltrarno District

Let’s find out something more about this suggestive neighborhood and why it’s worth a visit!

01-10-2023

The secret gardens of florence: hidden gems in the city

The city of Florence is filled with endless beauty, both on its architectural and artistic side, but ...

11-07-2023

Tuscany Wine Tours: The Best Vineyards to visit

if you’re planning on visiting Tuscany and you enjoy wine, attending a wine tour is definitely ...

11-06-2023

Explore the Magnificent Duomo of Florence

Let’s go more in-depth about the history and architecture of the magnificent Dome of Florence!

25-05-2023

Exploring Duomo di Siena and its Baptistery

Located in the historical center of the city of Siena, the Duomo di Siena is one of Italy’s most ...

06-04-2023

A walk through history: The top 7 museums in Florence

Florence is one of the main residences of art, as it houses many masterpieces of Renaissance art and ...

12-01-2023

Discover an ancient tradition in Florence: the wine windows

If you have ever visited Florence and Tuscany in general, then you know how much local culture is ...

20-01-2022