Street Markets in Florence, Italy

Florence boasts numerous street markets that offer the visitor a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture while at the same time finding a bargain or two along the way. The city of Florence is full of market stalls selling all kinds of products, and they provide numerous photographic opportunities for those who like to capture the true essence of a place on film.

One of the liveliest markets is the San Lorenzo market that stretches over a labyrinth of medieval streets that encircle San Lorenzo church. The street market runs daily except Sundays, from 0730 - 1900. You'll find leather goods, clothes, and souvenirs. As part of this market, you'll find the fruit and vegetable market in the nearby piazza del mercato centrale.

In Santa Croce, at Piazza Ghiberti you'll find the freshest and cheapest of produce of the best farmers market in town. The market is open from 0700 - 1400, Monday to Saturday. For organic foods visit the Fierucola market which is located in Piazza Santo Spirito and operates every third Sunday in the month.

In this area, you'll also find a flea market near Piazza delle Pulci. Open from 0900 - 1900, you'll find all kinds of interesting items for sale, and may be a precious antique or two.

Those who are into serious antique shopping might want to visit Piazza Santo Spirito on the second Sunday of the month when along with local artisans, dealers from far and wide fill the streets in and around this popular Piazza with antiques. Some of them are even genuine.

The largest market of Florence is at the Cascine, located outside the city walls, just west of the city centre. It's open every Tuesday from 0800 - 1300, and you'll find everything on sale from livestock to kitchen appliances.