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Visiting Florence food markets is one of the best ways to experience the city’s culinary scene and indulge in its signature dishes and produce.
The bustling food markets all over the city offer immersive experiences into the heart and soul of Tuscan gastronomy.
While in Florence, we loved interacting with locals at the markets and learning about the regional foods and unique produce.
To help guide your food adventures, we share the best food markets to visit from our experience.
Here are 7 local food markets that will awaken your senses and offer a view into Florence’s culinary heritage.
Florence Food Markets Map
Here is where to find the best food markets in Florence.
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Top Food Markets in Florence
1. Mercato Sant’Ambrogio
The Mercato Sant’Ambrogio is the oldest food market in Florence. This large and central market fills the impressive building and sprawls outside into the streets. It is one of our favorite Florence food markets.
All around the market on the outside are vendors selling souvenirs, household goods, and much more.
For a wide variety of Tuscan flavors, you want to head inside the market to the fresh produce stands.
At Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio Florentine meats are the star of the show. The market is home to some of the finest butchers, offering Tuscan specialties like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Fassona Piemontese beef.
While Florentine meats may be the leading lady, she is supported by a stunning chorus of colorful fresh produce, Tuscan cheeses, artisanal bakeries, and more.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, an iconic food market, celebrates Florentine food culture. This is one of the best food markets in Florence to shop and savor the local flavors.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: One of the best ways to experience local markets and neighborhoods in Florence is on a food tour. We took a Tastes & Traditions Florence food tour and explored Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and the local neighborhood with a fun and insightful guide. Read more about the experience Best Food Tour in Florence To Experience The Authentic Florence
What and Where to Eat at Mercato Sant’Ambrogio
Within Sant’Ambrogio Market, you’ll find plenty of food stalls selling street food and easy-to-go meals.
For a great lunch spot next to the market, we recommend Cibreo Trattoria, an iconic eatery focusing on traditional Tuscan recipes.
Inside the trattoria is a room decorated with red, old theater seats and posters on the wall that links the restaurant to its theatrical past.
They also served a wonderful traditional Italian breakfast that we enjoyed before heading to the market.
How to Get to Sant’Ambrogio Market
The Sant’Ambrogio Market is close to the city center. It is a 15-minute walk from Campo di Marte (station and bus stop) or a 25-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station.
Address: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze
Hours: Open Mon-Sat, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm; Closed Sunday
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2. Mercato Centrale
Housed in the iconic San Lorenzo marketplace, Florence’s Central Market belongs to a group of Italian markets that guarantee quality and authenticity.
The Mercato Centrale catchphrase is “la bontà è elementare” – goodness is simple.
This is the largest food market in Florence, spanning the first and second floors of the historic iron and glass building.
The first floor offers fresh produce at affordable prices, with all the atmosphere of a Florentine market.
In the upstairs food court upstairs are different eateries where you can have hot local dishes.
Also on the top floor is a cooking school, the Lorenzo de’ Medici cooking school where you can learn to cook like a Florentine.
Allow yourself to get lost in the alleys of the market soaking up the local vibe. This is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you are looking to take cooking classes in Florence, read about our experience in a Cooking Class in Florence Italy: Authentic Pizza and Gelato With A View
What and Where to Eat at Mercato Centrale
As the region is famous for truffles check out Luciano Savini’s ‘Il Tartufo.’
With the love for and expertise in truffles handed to Savini from his father, this shop started as a passion project and quickly became a raging success.
Ask for the dishes that best showcase the in-season truffles, though you’ll not go wrong with a classic like Egg Tagliolini.
It’s also worth noting that the market regularly hosts events celebrating the region’s rich culinary history.
You definitely don’t want to miss visiting this food market and food court on your travels.
Mercato Centrale Hours And Location
The central location of this food market makes it really easy to get to. The Piazza del Mercato Centrale is a short walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station.
The market is also well served with multiple bus and tram stops. And, if you are driving, there is also an onsite underground parking lot.
Address: Piazza del Marcato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze
Hours: Open daily, 9:00 am-12:00 am
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3. Mercato delle Cure
Located northeast of the city of Florence is the very local Mercato delle Cure food market.
Situated in the vibrant Le Cure neighborhood, this market is not so much a tourist destination but a hub for the local community.
This is a smaller market that has both a covered section and open-air area.
In the covered section, you’ll be greeted by friendly vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables.
Along the perimeter surrounding the fresh produce stalls are stalls with a butcher, fishmonger, and others selling Italian staples like olive oil and oils.
On the exterior of the open area are vendors selling clothes and household goods. If you are looking for a quick bite, you can enjoy a panino or ham sandwich to go.
The prices at this local food market are quite affordable, and it makes for a nice walk outside of the city center to a local neighborhood.
What and Where to Eat at Mercato delle Cure
While there are not many food stalls available, we recommend either the panino sandwich or fried seafood to go.
Head to Pescheteria l’Cavalluccio Viola, one of the stalls around the fresh produce, and enjoy a tasty cone of delicately fried calamari, octopus, and shrimp.
How to Get to Mercato delle Cure
The Mercato delle Cure is towards the city limits and a little northeast of Florence City Center. From the center of Florence, it takes about 30 minutes to get there on foot.
Alternatively, the 1A, 1B, and 307 A bus routes all make stops near the market, and it is also a short walk from the Cure train station.
Address: Piazza delle Cure, 50131 Firenze
Hours: Open Mon-Sat, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm; Closed Sunday
4. Mercato Isolotto
Another great local food market to explore in Florence is the Mercato Isolotto. This slightly larger farmer’s market is across the other side of town from Mercato delle Cure.
It’s across the Arno River and easily reachable via tram. This local market has stalls brimming with seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.
And, it was the local market we frequented most often for fresh produce.
Fresh produce dominates, and there are no fresh fish stands and only one or two meat stands.
Mercato Isolotto is a permanent covered market, featuring a ceiling that gives a distorted reflection.
This gives the riverside market the look of an optical illusion as the colorful stalls are blurrily mirrored from above.
What and Where to Eat at Mercato Isolotto
There is a popular street food stand across the bridge where you can enjoy a sandwich. The stand is located next to or just over the Passerella dell’Isolotto bridge, over the Arno River.
For a taste of the most famous Florentine street food, order the Lampredotto, a crispy bread bun filled with tender cuts of tripe.
How to Get to Mercato Isolotto
The Mercato Isolotto is further out from the city center and easily reachable by taking the tram, the T1 light rail. Alternatively, the 9 and 93 bus routes make several stops within walking distance from the market.
Address: Viale delle Magnolie, 50142 Firenze
Hours: Open Mon-Sat, 6:00 am – 1.30 pm; Closed Sunday
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: One of the best ways to eat like a local at Florence markets is on a food tour with a local guide. See our in-depth guide to the 10 Best Food Tours of Florence For A Local Experience
5. Mercato di Campagna Amica
The Mercato di Campagna Amica is part of Florence’s Mercati Agricoli a group of farmers’ markets that emphasize seasonal food and operate a “kilometer 0” policy.
Local food produce at these markets tend to be pricier as the food is always ethically farmed and it is usually certified organic produce.
This “slow food” approach to farming doesn’t just support the local organic producers and guarantee farm fresh produce, it also lowers carbon emissions.
These Mercati Agricoli take place across Florence, at different locations, and on different days.
The largest of these Mercato di Campagna Amica markets takes place on Saturdays at the Parco delle Cascine.
On Thursdays, you’ll find the market in Campagna on Via Maddalena. On Friday morning the market takes place at Parterre at the Piazza della Liberta.
And later in the afternoon, you’ll also find it in the Oltrarno neighborhood at Piazza Tasso.
What and Where to Eat at Mercato di Campagna Amica
Mercato di Campagna Amica focuses on selling fresh, local, and seasonal produce. There were no stalls for prepared foods when we visited the market.
However, you’ll be able to sample olive oils, honey, cured meats, and Tuscan cheese before purchasing any.
How to Get to Mercato di Campagna Amica on Saturdays
The Mercato di Campagna Amica takes place on the Cosimo I de’ Medici grounds, overlooking the Cascine park. It is a brisk walk from Piazza Duomo, or you can take the C2 or C3 bus routes to get there faster.
Address: Piazzale delle Cascine, 50144 Firenze
Hours: Open Saturday morning, 8:00 am – 12.30 pm
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6. Mercato Cascine
Mercato Cascine is one of the largest flea markets in Florence. It’s an open-air market that takes place on Tuesdays at the city’s biggest park, Parco delle Cascine.
It’s a lively market that’s frequented by many Florentines in search of the best deals from clothing to food.
This market stretches out for about 1.2 miles (2km) on the park grounds selling everything from vintage clothing to household goods and fresh fruits and vegetables.
There are also several food trucks selling sandwiches, street foods, and other local delights.
Compared to the other Florence food markets, we found the prices here to be the lowest in the city.
You can buy clothes for as little as € 1 (approx $1.08) and fresh fruits and vegetables for relatively low prices.
We would go running in the park frequently, but only discovered this locals market towards the end of our stay.
Visiting Cascine Market is a great place to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
What and Where to Eat at Mercato Cascine
The food trucks at the Mercato Cascine are interspersed throughout the market. Let the colors, sounds, and delicious smells guide you. We recommend getting a sandwich to enjoy in the park.
If you are adventurous enough, grab a tripe sandwich or Panino di Trippa to eat on the go while you stroll through the park.
How to Get to Mercato Cascine
Cascine Park is roughly 25 minutes west of central Florence by tram. From the city centre, take the tram towards Villa Costanza and get off at the Cascine (Olmi) stop.
Address: Parco delle Cascine, 50144 Firenze
Hours: Open Tuesdays, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
7. Mercato Santo Spirito
Right in the Santo Spirito neighborhood where we stayed in Florence is the small and open daily Mercato Santo Spirito.
This market only has a few vendors selling mostly fruits and vegetables. Though, you can also pick up olive oil, eggs, cheese, and other farm fresh produce.
The market takes place in the beautiful Piazza Santo Spirito, right next to the Santo Spirito Church.
With few food vendors, the prices at this market tend to be expensive. While there are no meat or fish stalls, there is a butcher shop across the square or piazza.
The atmosphere at this market is relaxed and its a great place to pick up any missing vegetables or ingredients for lunch or dinner.
What and Where to Eat at Mercato Santo Spirito
A local favorite and restaurant we enjoyed leading to Santo Spirito square, is Casalingua. Casalingua restaurant was recommended to us by several locals for its focus on traditional Florentine specialties.
The restaurant is pretty popular and always booked. We recommend making a reservation in advance.
From the menu, choose the traditional specialties and pair that with the house wine, a high-quality Tuscan wine.
How to Get to Mercato Santo Spirito
This market takes place just the other side of the Arno River from Florence city centre. It is only about a 15-minute walk from the central Piazza del Duomo.
If you are traveling from further afield, bus routes 11, C3, and C4 all stop nearby.
Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 50125 Firenze
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 8.30 am – 1:00 pm; Sunday, 9.30 am – 5:00 pm
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Other Markets For Food And More Worth Noting
Mercato Ortofrutticolo
This fruit and vegetable market is a wholesale market that dates back to the 1920s. Mercato Ortofrutticolo was first established when Sant’Ambrogio market wasn’t large enough to accommodate the demand.
Location: Viale Alessandro Guidoni, 50127, Firenze
Hours: Open to individuals on Tuesday and Friday, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mercato del Porcellino – Porcellino Market
This small market is one of the best markets for leather goods. It’s extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.
It gets its name “Porcellino” or little piglet after the wild boar sculpture at the edge of the market. Local lore says rubbing the Porcellino’s snout is good luck.
Behind the leather stalls is a popular Lampredotto food truck, where you can pick up this local delicacy.
Location: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123, Firenze
Hours: Open daily, 9:00 am – 6.30 pm
Mercato delle Pulci
This small, open-air flea market is is one of the great local markets for antiquing and vintage clothing finds.
It has recently moved location to the Piazza Pietro Annigoni, which is just around the corner from Mercato Sant’Ambrogio.
We recommend visiting the local delle Pulci market after having lunch at Sant’Ambrogio Market.
Location: Piazza Pietro Annigoni, 50122, Firenze
Hours: Open daily, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
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Historic Fish Market – Loggia del Pesce
You will not find anyone actually selling fish or any food at Loggia del Pesce. But, rather, arts and crafts, flowers, and coffee.
The historic name, Loggia del Pesce, is derived from the architecture that dates back to when this was a fish market.
Now the piazza is home to a weekly fair where you can find jewelry, arts and crafts.
Location: Piazza dei Ciompi, 50122, Firenze
FAQ’s – Food Markets in Florence
What Is the Largest Food Market in Florence?
The largest food market in Florence is Mercato Centrale Firenze. This architectural masterpiece houses two floors worth of Florentine food stalls.
What Food Is Florence Famous For?
The food Florence is famous for is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Florentine Steak. This T-bone is renown for its size, succulence and simple preparation. The best experience is when tasting the high quality beef from cattle native to Tuscany called Chianina. Combined it with the cooking style over charcoal or wood, and you get an incredible melt-in-your-mouth experience.
What Day Is Market Day in Florence?
Florence has food markets held across different neighborhoods on every day of the week except for Sunday. The only exception is Mercato Santo Spirito which is open on Sunday morning.
Which of these Florence food markets would you most like to visit? Please let us know in the comments.
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.
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