Florence Central Market (Mercato Centrale)

The Basics

Florence’s Central Market, the largest of its kind in the city, has been located in its soaring cast-iron-and-glass pavilion for more than a century. The ground-floor indoor market is crowded with stalls selling gourmet specialties from Tuscany and beyond, including fresh fruit and vegetables, buffalo mozzarella, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Chianti wine. The second floor has been reworked into a chic food court offering freshly prepared Florentine classics served street-food style—everything from fresh pasta with truffles to hamburgers made with heirloom beef.

A stroll through the market is a highlight of any food walking tour in Florence. Some tours include stops to snack along the way, as well as cooking lessons in the school upstairs.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lovers of Italian food will particularly enjoy touring the market—it’s the perfect place to try Florentine classics like ribollita, lampredotto, and bistecca alla fiorentina.

• The upstairs area has an excellent wine shop that can ship anywhere in the world, a bookstore, and a workshop that hosts wine tastings and cooking demonstrations.

• The downstairs stalls are a great place to snag ingredients, either for an impromptu picnic or for souvenirs.

• There are ramps and an elevator to access both the upper and lower floors of the market.

How to Get There

The market is located in Piazza del Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo district, a short walk from the Florence train station.

When to Get There

The ground-floor stalls are open each morning Monday to Saturday, while the upper-floor food court is open daily from 10am to midnight, making it convenient for snacks or meals. Upstairs can get very crowded at mealtimes (1 to 3pm and 7 to 9pm), so it's best to wander through and sample the Tuscan goods at off-hours.

Visiting Another Florentine Market

Just outside the Central Market, the San Lorenzo Market (Mercato di San Lorenzo) is known as the best place in the city to find inexpensive leather goods.

When should I visit Mercato Centrale?

The street-level market closes each afternoon at 2pm, so the best time to visit is the morning; note that the market area is closed on Sundays. The gourmet food court upstairs is open daily until midnight and is most lively during the lunch and dinner rushes.

What time does the Central Market open in Florence?

The market on the ground floor opens daily at 7am with the exception of Sunday, when the stands are closed. The upper-floor Mercato Centrale food court opens daily at 9am and stays open all day long until midnight, making it a great place to grab a bite between mealtimes.

What is there to eat at Mercato Centrale?

The stands on the market level of the Mercato Centrale are a great place to pick up picnic supplies like cheese, cold cuts, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Upstairs, the food court has a wide array of independent restaurant kiosks that sell Tuscan, Italian, and even international dishes.

Is San Lorenzo market and Central Market the same?

No, though they are located in the same district. Central Market is inside the historic Mercato Centrale building and focuses on food, with a farmers market and artisan food court. The San Lorenzo market snakes its way along the surrounding streets and sells leather goods plus souvenirs, ceramics, and knickknacks.

How old is Mercato Centrale?

The glass-and-iron pavilion that houses the Mercato Centrale was built in the late 19th century as part of an urban renewal project in Florence. The complex underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2014 with a restored market and a trendy new upstairs food court with eateries, shops, and a cooking school.

Is Mercato Centrale the best market in Florence?

The Mercato Centrale is the best market in Florence for street food–style snacks and meals, but there are a number of markets in the city that are worth visiting. The Sant’Ambrogio market is the city’s oldest, while Piazza Santo Spirito hosts an excellent organic and artisan market on the third Sunday of each month.

Ways to explore

It’s a treat to explore the Florence Central Market on your own, but navigating its more than 100 vendors can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Get your bearings on a Florence food tour, so you can see the market’s highlights with a local guide and snack on cured meats, bruschetta, and other specialties along the way. Cooking classes often start with shopping at the Central Market, and many tours combine street food with sightseeing at nearby attractions, such as the Florence Duomo and Basilica of San Lorenzo. Surrounding the market are additional vendors selling leather goods and souvenirs.

Accessibility

The Florence Central Market is wheelchair accessible, with ramps at the entrances and elevators that lead to the upper floor.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable shopping bags, camera, cash (though most vendors accept card payments)

What to wear

Wear layers—it can get hot inside the market at peak visiting times.

Not allowed

Mind the “don’t touch” (“non toccare”) signs at the market stalls; most produce vendors prefer to select and bag your items for you.

Amenities

Wi-Fi, restrooms, info point

Address

Located in Florence’s San Lorenzo district, the Central Market is a short walk from the Florence Duomo, Santa Maria Novella train station, and other attractions. You can also take a bus or taxi to get there.

Driving

The Central Market is positioned in one of Florence’s busiest pedestrian zones. Instead of navigating the chaos on your own, call a taxi to take you to the market.

Public transportation

The market is an easy walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, a transit hub served by Florence’s T1 and T2 tram lines and several local buses.

Best times to visit

The Central Market is a great, though crowded, option for mealtimes, and the ground-floor vendors typically close around 3pm on weekdays. It’s quietest in the morning.

Best days to visit

The market is an everyday attraction, but consider visiting on Mondays through Saturdays if possible. Ground-floor vendors are closed on Sundays, though the food court is open.

Best months to visit

Fall is for food lovers in Florence. Market vendors offer autumnal specialties such as white truffles, freshly pressed olive oil, and baked goods featuring wine grapes.

Special events

Central Market vendors team up with the city every August to celebrate the Festa di San Lorenzo, organizing a party with free pasta and live music in Piazza San Lorenzo.