Florence is not only a great city for culture and architecture, but also for all kinds of shopping. I know that there are a few jerks among us who are dying to go to the markets. Of course, the biggest and best-known most market is the “Mercato Centrale” in the San Lorenzo district. I have been there years ago, and the variety of produce, the seafood, the meats, leather goods etc. is really stunning. The downside: since it’s popular market, there are always a lot of tourists.
Smaller, but also less touristy is the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (open from Monday to Saturday, 7 am – 2 pm) which is only a 10 minutes’ walk north of Piazza Santa Croce. It apparently has the freshest and cheapest of produce of all the markets. Good thing is: At all these markets you can always grab a cheap and yummy bite.
More Links with useful info:
Virtual Tourist: Reviews and photos of the “Mercato Centrale”
Tours Italy: The best markets in Florence
MSN Travel: The outdoor markets of Florence
Way Tuscany: Antiques and markets in Tuscany
