Heading to Florence, and happen to be a fan of shopping? We’ve got you covered today with a traditional take on retail therapy: a selection of Florence’s best markets. With everything from food, flowers, accessories and leather goods, we’ve covered all essential bases in today’s post.
Mercato Porcellino (Porcellino Market)
Originally a gold and silk market for the wealthy inhabitants of Florence, the Porcellino Market has shed its skin repeatedly over time. It’s previously been known as the straw market, providing supplies for agricultural businessmen. Nowadays, it’s known as Mercato Porcellino, or the Porcellino Market, because of the bronze statue of a wild boar that stands close by. The statue is named Il Porcellino, which means “the little pig”. He’s known across Florence as being a symbol of good luck when you rub his snout and put a coin in his mouth. The vendors sell a variety of goods, ranging from leather, clothes, shoes, souvenirs and general accessories of selective quality. Open every day except Monday, it’s on from 9AM to 7PM.
Location: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Mercato Centrale (Central Market)
Established in 1874, the Central Market in Florence houses a myriad of vendors and products. Perfect for foodies, you’ll find a wide variety of Tuscan cuisine on the ground floor. It includes everything you can think of: a variety of different meats including traditional Italian favorites, seafood, pasta, bread, cheeses, chocolate, ice cream, wine and a diverse range of delicatessen and gastronomy goods. You can also buy convenient picnic supplies, as well as sandwiches and crisp, delicious pizza to order from certain stalls. Brimming with authenticity and spontaneity, this traditional Italian market maintains its artisanal expertise since its beginning almost 150 years ago. It opens Monday to Saturday, from 7AM to 2PM.
Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale – Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Mercato di San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Market)
The San Lorenzo Market lines the surrounding streets of the Central Market building. It sells a wide variety of leather goods and accessories, such as bags, wallets, belts and jackets. They also sell a range of other items, such as souvenirs, pottery, notebooks and clothing. The majority of their vendors have their warehouses close to the market, making a restock both speedy and convenient. Whether you’re after something special to bring home to a loved one or the perfect leather jacket to commemorate your trip, you can enjoy the experience of bartering with vendors to ensure the ideal price for your treasures. San Lorenzo’s outdoor market is open from 9AM to 7PM, Tuesday to Saturday.
Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Piazza Repubblica Flower Market
If flowers are your thing, then Via Pellicceria on a Thursday is the place to be. Running south along the Piazza Repubblica, the vendors sell everything from potted house plants, herbs, succulents and full blooms of flowers, in bouquets as well as by the stem. The vendors are endlessly knowledgeable, providing all information necessary to perfect your botanical collection. A good tip: the earlier you go to the market, the better your selection will be, as their stocks have a habit of selling out by lunch time. Stocks vary and depend on the current season, and several sellers will do wreaths at Christmas, as well as mimosas on International Women’s Day. Both fresh and fairly priced, a visit to Florence’s flower market is a must-do for anyone with a green thumb or a passion for florals. As mentioned above, this market is open every Thursday from 10AM to 7PM.
Location: Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
If you would like to know more information about Florence, please see our full list of Florence Tours.
