Markets in Florence

Markets in Florence, Italy

The San Lorenzo leather market ★★★

The streets around the Medici family church are now filled with a daily outdoor market of leather goods, T-shirts, and other excellent Florentine souvenirs. I get much of my holiday shopping done here (who doesn't appreciate a leather wallet or belt straight from Florence?)... » more

Mercato Centrale - For great picnic pickings—not to mention photo ops—head to Florence's 19th-century covered food market, snuggled behind the outdoor stalls of the San Lorenzo leather market. It looks a bit like a old grandiose train station inside, all dingy glass and steel struts, but actually was purpose-designed to be a market in 1870–74 by the same guy who did Milan's famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Giuseppe Mengoni... entrances on Via dell'Ariento and Piazza del Mercato Centrale. Open Mon–Fri 7am–2pm, Sat 7am–2pm, 4–7:30pm. » more

Mercato Nuovo - Florence's old covered "Straw Market" (a.k.a. Mercato del Porcellino) actually dates back to the 11th century, but has been called the "New Market" since 1551, when it became shaded by a lovely Renaissance loggia. It still has a stall or two selling straw hats and bags, but mostly it's tourist souvenirs now... Via Calimala/Via Por Santa Maria at Via Porta Rossa. Closed Sun–Mon in winter. » more

Tips & links

General market tips

Bring your camera.

Watch for pickpockets.

Don't be afraid to bargain

Florence tourist info

tel. +39-055-290-832
www.firenzeturismo.it

How long does Florence take?

Planning your day: Florence would well be worth a week, but you can still fit a lot into just a day or three.

To help you get the most out of your limited time in the Cradle of the Renaissance, here are some perfect itineraries, whether you have one, two, or three days to spend in Florence.

» Florence itineraries

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