Let’s talk about markets in Florence.
The Piazza del Duomo. Giotto’s Bell Tower. Piazzale Michelangelo. The sculpture of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia — who has time for a market stroll with so many queues to wait through?
You do, that’s who.
Because this isn’t just Florence, it’s Tuscany as well: all of that delicious Tuscan cuisine you crave comes from the very same fresh ingredients you’ll find at a Florence farmers’ market. Add in a little souvenir shopping at a Florence flea market or a Florence leather market, then double it if you’re visiting during the Florence Christmas market.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Fani Kurti. Image Location: Florence, Italy
Where to find the best markets in Florence
Most of the best markets in Florence are near the main train station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella. The few that aren’t are either within reasonable walking distance of the central train station or surrounding Florence train stations.
Mercato Centrale (Florence Central Market)
Closest station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Mercato Centrale is the central market in Florence, two-ish blocks away from the main railway terminal. This historic market is open from nine in the morning to midnight, so you won't have an excuse not to visit. The shops are run by artisans who strut their stuff with various fish, meats, cheeses, and pasta. Truffles, gelato, lampredotto, it’s all here, so you should be, too.
San Lorenzo Market
Closest station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Kind of a cheat here, but the San Lorenzo Market is made up of the indoor Mercato Centrale and the outdoor market in the streets surrounding the central market of Florence. You don’t need da Vinci’s power of observation to find the outdoor section (consider this a friendly reminder not to blow your budget in the indoor section).
Mercato del Porcellino (Florence Leather Market)
Closest station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Mercato del Porcellino is a block west of the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. Look for the statue of the wild boar and follow the scent of leather to find one of the world’s oldest markets. Leather, silks, tapestries, and other artisanal keepsakes are up for grabs.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Kristi Johnson. Image Location: Florence, Italy
Mercato di Santo Spirito (Florence Flea Market)
Closest station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella
You’ll need to cross the Arno for this one, but no sweat; you can visit en route to the Palazzo Pitti. Stalls of Mercato di Santo Spirito set up shop appropriately right outside of the Basilica di Santo Spirito. Take a spin through the piazza and you’ll find everything from antiques and vintage clothing to flowers and furniture at the Florence flea market. Or, just people watch with a hunk of cheese in your hand.
Mercato delle Cascine
Closest station: Firenze Porta a Prato
Circle Tuesday on your calendar: the Mercato delle Cascine is a single-day farmers market along the Arno River. It pops up in the Parco delle Cascine, making it a perfect place for an impromptu picnic after you shop its fresh food stalls.
Image Credit: Getty Images, franckreporter. Image Location: Florence, Italy
Weihnachtsmarkt Santa Croce (Florence Christmas Market)
Closest station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella | Firenze Campo di Marte
The Weihnachtsmarkt Santa Croce is the largest Florence Christmas market. Located on the Basilica di Santa Croce’s piazza, the market is a 500-year-old tradition that brings the whimsy of the iconic German/Austrian markets and adds a little Italian flair (and food).
If you need more Christmas spirit in your shopping spree, check out the Fierucola dell'Immacolata, Fierucolina di Natale, Christmas Bazaar, and Nataleperfile markets popping up throughout the holiday season.
Visiting the best markets in Florence by train
The best part about traveling Italy by train? Maximum luggage allowance.
Shop your way through all of the markets in Florence without worrying about 3oz bottles, oversized bags, and the other frustrating luggage restrictions you’d find in the sky. Use the Trainline app to ride your way around Italy. It’s a great way to stay on budget in Florence so you have more money to spend in the markets.
Feeling inspired by these Florence markets? Why not explore other European markets with our guides to the best flea markets in Paris and Berlin. Happy digging!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: Mercato di San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
