The streets of Florence are full of surprises some of our favorites are the delightful markets featured here. No trip to Florence would be complete without a visit to one or ALL of these markets.

1. Central Market (Mercato Centrale Firenze)

Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale , Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze, FI

Website: http://www.mercatocentrale.it/

IG: @ilmercatocentralefirenze

Open everyday from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Just a 2 minute walk from the Medici Chapel, Central Market is located between via dell'Ariento, via Panicale, via Sant'Antonino, and Piazza del Mercato Centrale. 

The two story Central Market designed by Architect Giuseppe Mengoni in the 19th century is a gastronomic wonderland and a great place to kill time on a rainy day in Florence or any time you're looking for affordable and authentic fare. The lower level offers a plethora of fresh produce and local ingredients while the upper level is a food-hall perfect for lunch or aperitivo. 

We loved the Tuscan bruschetta, try the brie + honey, classic al pomodoro or burrata + sun-dried tomato all liberally garnished with fresh shaved local truffle. You'll also find classic brick oven pizza, spritz cocktails with a modern twist in flavors like passion fruit or raspberry, panini and so much more!

Passion Fruit and Raspberry Spritz Cocktails at Mercato Centrale Firenze

2. Sant’Ambrogio Market (Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio)

Address: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze, FI

Website: https://mercatosantambrogio.it/

IG: @mercatosantambrogio

Open Monday - Saturday from 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Closed on Sunday)

The oldest market in Florence is smaller and a bit grittier than the market featured above.  The San't Ambrogio Market is off the beaten path and attracts more natives than other markets in Florence.  The products offered are local favorites geared toward the Florentine people, no tourists, leather or souvenirs here!  Definitely worth a visit if you're looking for an authentic experience. 

A Florentine man and his dog shopping the Sant' Ambrogio Market 

 

3. Santo di Spirito Flea Market (Mercato di Santo Spirito)

Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 5-6, 50125 Firenze, FI

Open:  The second Sunday of every month from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

No Website or IG 

4. Nuovo Market "Piggy Market" (Mercato Nuovo / Mercato del Porcellino)

Address: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo 50123 Firenze FI

Website: https://www.mercatodelporcellino.it/

IG: @mercatodelporcellino

Open:  Everyday from 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Mercato del Porcellino named after the bronze wild boar fountain (Fontana del Porcellino) shown below.  Tourists come from far and wide to drop coins in the mouth of the boar and to rub its snout, a superstition said to bring good fortune + the guarantee of a return to Florence. The original Porcellino fountain commissioned by Cosimo Medici was sculpted and cast by master sculptor Pietro Tacca in 1633 and is now on display at the Bardini Museum. The current fountain and second replica has been in place since 2008 granting wishes + posing for selfies daily.

As for the market itself if you're looking to load your suitcases with leather goods, accessories and other inexpensive souvenirs this is the place for you.  The only locals you'll see at this market are the sellers themselves. None the less it's a fun place to visit in a lovely area of Florence. Pro tip, negotiate (haggle) with the purveyors, they expect it.

 

Street marker for Piazza del Mercato Nuovo - Florence, Italy

Leather bags and accessories at Nuovo Market in Florence, Italy

Leather Bags at Nuovo Market Florence, Italy

5. Piazza Repubblica Flower Market (Mercato di Fiori e Piante)

Address: Piazza delle Republica, 50123 Firenze, Fl

Open:  Thursdays from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM from September - June (closed July + August)

If you love flowers + plants as much as we do Mercato di Fiori is well worth a visit.  Grab a cappuccino at Cafe Gilli or the best donuts (Bomboloni + Ciambelle Fritte) you'll ever taste at Cucciolo Pasticceria then take in the fragrant and colorful blooms offered under the 19th Century arches at this quaint flower market in the historic Piazza della Repubblica. 

6. Cascine Park Market (Mercato delle Cascine)

Address: Piazzale delle Cascine, 50144 Firenze, FI

Open: Tuesdays from 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM 

Located in Cascine Park (Parco delle Cascine) the market runs parallel to the north bank of the Arno River. Cascine Market is the largest open air Market in Florence.  If you have some free time after the market take a stroll through the park, it is the largest public park in Florence at approximately 160 hectares. Here you'll discover the Narcissus Fountain, the Boccacce Fountain, George Washington Monument and the Cornacchie Amphitheater.   The park was originally cultivated by Duke Allesandro de' Medici (1531 - 1537) and expanded by Cosimo de' Medici (1537 - 1574) at the time the land was used for agriculture and hunting.