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Europe Italy Tuscany Shopping San Lorenzo Market & Mercato Centrale

Overview

San Lorenzo Market & Mercato Centrale

The guide was updated: 2025-05-29

In the heart of Florence, San Lorenzo Market is a lively mix of food, fashion, and local character. Split into two parts, the indoor Mercato Centrale is a must for fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, and quick bites. Step outside, and you'll find streets lined with stalls selling everything from leather bags and jackets to scarves and souvenirs. It’s lively, colourful, and a great place to wander if you're in the mood to browse—or haggle a little.

Useful Information

Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Florence
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 7am–2pm, Sat 7am–5pm, Sun closed

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio isn’t just one of Florence’s most iconic sights—it’s also a historic shopping destination. The medieval stone bridge is lined with around 50 small shops, mostly jewellers, many of whom have been here for generations. You’ll find everything from classic gold and silver pieces to modern designs and gemstone jewellery.

La Taverna Del Pecorino

La Taverna Del Pecorino

La Taverna del Pecorino is a low-key shop offering local cheese, salami, and wine, with an owner who’s quick to provide you with a taste of everything. It’s the sort of place where you end up buying more than you planned, and you won’t regret it.

The Mall Firenze

The Mall Firenze

Just a short drive from Florence, The Mall is a go-to for anyone looking to score deals on high-end fashion. Big names like Gucci, Dior, and Cavalli are all here, alongside plenty of other Italian and international designers. It’s open every day and easy to navigate, making it ideal for a focused shopping trip, especially if you’re after luxury labels without the full price tag.

Outlet Barberino

Outlet Barberino

About 30km north of Florence, Outlet Barberino has over 120 stores with discounts that can go up to 70%. The layout feels like a small village, with shops lined up in tidy rows, mostly fashion and sportswear brands.

Crystal and Glassware – Colle di Val d’Elsa

Crystal and Glassware – Colle di Val d’Elsa

This small town near Siena has been known for its crystal and glassware since the 1300s, and today, it still produces most of Italy’s crystal. You’ll find a few shops and workshops where you can browse everything from classic glassware to more modern designs. It’s worth stopping by if you’re in the area, especially if you’re after something handmade that isn’t mass-produced.

Ditta Luzzi Leonardo di Bartolomei Franca

Ditta Luzzi Leonardo di Bartolomei Franca

This small roadside workshop doesn’t look like much at first glance, but step inside and you’ll find handmade baskets, chairs, lampshades, and all sorts of home goods crafted the old-school way. Mrs Franca Bartolomei runs it now, keeping the family tradition going with care and skill. Everything’s made by hand using quality materials, and she’s happy to chat about how it’s all done.

Antico Setificio Fiorentino (Old Silk Factory Fiorentino)

Antico Setificio Fiorentino (Old Silk Factory Fiorentino)

Far from the heavy grandeur of traditional Florentine fashion, Antico Setificio Fiorentino crafts delicate, colourful silk creations with timeless elegance. The historic workshop still uses original looms and techniques, and the showroom alone is worth the visit—it might just tempt you into taking home a piece of their shimmering Ermisino silk or Chantilly-inspired fabrics.

Dolci Trame

Dolci Trame

Dolci Trame is a small boutique packed with personality—hats, scarves, shoes, bags, and clothing from up-and-coming Italian designers, plus a few international picks.

San Lorenzo Market & Mercato Centrale

San Lorenzo Market & Mercato Centrale

In the heart of Florence, San Lorenzo Market is a lively mix of food, fashion, and local character. Split into two parts, the indoor Mercato Centrale is a must for fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, and quick bites. Step outside, and you'll find streets lined with stalls selling everything from leather bags and jackets to scarves and souvenirs. It’s lively, colourful, and a great place to wander if you're in the mood to browse—or haggle a little.

Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Housed in a 14th-century chapel, this isn’t your average pharmacy. The rooms feel more like a museum than a shop, each one dedicated to something different—soaps, perfumes, herbal remedies, skincare. Everything’s beautifully packaged and rooted in centuries-old recipes.

Stefano Bemer

Stefano Bemer

If you're after proper Italian craftsmanship, Stefano Bemer’s workshop in Florence is worth a stop. Known for using over 180 types of leather, the team here makes shoes that are as much about comfort and longevity as they are about style. Every part is carefully made, down to the stitching and laces, and they’re built to last, not just look good. It’s an investment—but one that earns its keep over time.

Enoteca Falorni

Enoteca Falorni

Housed in an old brick cellar right in the heart of Chianti country, Enoteca Falorni is where you go when you want to try a bit of everything. With over 1,000 regional wines on offer and a smart self-serve tasting system, you can sample at your own pace—whether you're after a bold Chianti or something a bit more off the radar.

Sanantonio42

Sanantonio42

If you’re into a more alternative, underground vibe, skip the usual high-street shops and head to Sanantonio42. A go-to spot for vintage lovers, this place blends streetwear with a solid selection of vinyls—soul, R&B, rap, and rock—plus skate gear, DJ essentials, and graffiti supplies.

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