A guide to the markets of Florence, Italy
Florence can be experienced in many ways. While most visitors flock to the famous galleries and cathedrals, the city’s true spirit lives in its lively market culture. Between the Renaissance masterpieces and architectural wonders, you’ll find marketplaces where locals gather and centuries-old traditions continue.
You might hear people say that Firenze has lost its locals, that the true Florentines have all departed. While the city has certainly experienced demographic shifts, with tourism and international residents reshaping its character, the markets tell a different story. Here, you’ll find multi-generational vendors who’ve inherited their stalls from their grandparents, artisans keeping traditional crafts alive, and yes, modern Florentines who continue to shape their city’s identity. These markets aren’t just tourist attractions – they’re living proof that Florence remains a working city with a beating heart.
In our Florence Market Guide, we’ll help you navigate the city’s markets – from permanent spots to monthly events that seem to play hide and seek through the ancient streets.
Historical food & general markets
Mercato Centrale of San Lorenzo Market • general food market on ground floor • daily • Monday-Saturday • 7am-3pm • indoor
Mercato Centrale of San Lorenzo Market • food court on first floor • daily • Monday-Sunday • 9am-midnight • indoor
Sant’Ambrogio Market • daily • Monday-Saturday • 7am-2pm • indoor & outdoor
Mercato delle Cascine • weekly • Tuesday • 7am-2pm • outdoor
A taste of Tuscany at Florence’s Mercato Centrale (central market)
Farmers’ markets & neighbourhood markets
Parterre Farmers’ Market • weekly • Friday • 8am-2pm
Piazza Alberti Farmers’ Market • weekly • Saturday • 8am-2pm
Orticoltura Farmers’ Market • May to September • weekly • Sunday • 9am-1pm
Fierucola Farmers Market at Piazza del Carmine • second Sunday of the month • 9am-2pm • outdoor • closed in August
Fierucola Farmers Market at Santo Spirito • third Sunday of the month • 9am-7pm • outdoor • closed in August
Florence also has neighbourhood markets in all five administrative quarters, varying in size and operating daily or on specific weekdays. These local markets offer a mix of fresh ingredients, ready-made dishes, clothing, accessories, and household items. You can find an overview here.
Antique & flea markets in Florence
Sant’Ambrogio Flea Market • daily • Monday-Sunday • 9am-7:30pm • indoor
Savonarola Antiquaria • first Sunday of every month • 8am-8pm • outdoor • closed July and August
Santo Spirito Antique Market • second Sunday of every month • 9am-7pm • outdoor • closed July and August
Indipendenza Antique Market • third weekend (Saturday & Sunday) of the month • 9am-7pm • outdoor • closed July and August
Sant’Ambrogio Flea Market • last Sunday of every month • 9am-7:30pm • outdoor
Artisanal, handicraft & leather goods markets in Florence
San Lorenzo Outdoor Market • leather goods & tourist market • daily • Tuesday-Sunday • 9am-6:30pm • outdoor
Porcellino Market • leather goods & tourist market • daily • Monday-Sunday • 9am-6:30pm • outdoor
Santo Spirito Fair • fourth Sunday of the month • 8am-8pm • outdoor • closed in August & December
Is there a Christmas market in Florence?
Yes! Florence has an annual Christmas market (Mercato di Natale Firenze) where organiser aim to recreate the magic of German Weihnachtsmarkten in the heart of Tuscany. The market takes place on Piazza Santa Croce in front of the Basilica di Santa Croce.
This Christmas market features over 50 decorated wooden huts, each inviting guests to explore handcrafted treasures, artisanal products, and holiday decorations. At the Florence Christmas Market you’ll also find typical market specialties from all over Europe, such as Spanish churros, German sausages and sauerkraut, Dutch poffertjes and stroopwafels, Austrian strudel and more. And of course you can enjoy a glass of glühwein to warm up your hands and spirit.
