We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 397 Florence Attractions »

Mercato Centrale

Piazza San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
Ranked #2 of 79 shopping in Florence
4.5 of 5 stars 82 Reviews
Type: Flea/ Street Markets, Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Activities: Shopping
Description: Open-air market that has a cast-iron structure dating back to 1874, which offers a variety of food shops catering to local residents and restaurants.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

82 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    52
    20
    6
    3
    1
Date Rating
Longare, Italy
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

I have seen many markets in many countries and I keep coming back to this one!! The breads are still hot from the ovens and the meats call to you. The interior of the market has fresh pastas, vegetables, meats, breads, fruits, flowers and every spice known. The outside ring of the market has shops that serve prepared meals, freshly... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by sanddiver44 for Florence
Skillman, New Jersey
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Definitely worth a visit to the central market in Florence, with incredible displays of food stuffs--everything from fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, and cheeses to balsamic vinegars, wines, and desserts. We ate lunch at Nerbone, famous for its tripe stew, among other specialties. While it was crowded at the time, locals and tourists alike easily made room for one more... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Juliana M for Florence
Cape Town
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012 NEW

I suppose it is a fun place to walk around for a bit, but I think this is more of a market for tourists than for locals. I tend to prefer heading to where the locals are. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by HappyFeet84 for Florence
new orleans
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

what a fabulous place! we have tried on two other trips to visit the mercato but failed b/c we did not realize that it is only open in the mornings until around 2pm. finally we made it, and we are so glad that we did. although there are tourists here, this is not a tourist market. it is a real... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Fleur-di-lei for Florence
Chicago, Illinois
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Excellent source for fresh products: fruit, vegetables, cheese, meats, bread, pastries, olive oils, spices, etc. Lots of different vendors all under one roof. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Robin_Sez for Florence
Johannesburg, South Africa
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I have a dream where I get to live in the Florentine hills and take my special numbered bus into Centro Historico and do my food shopping at Mercato Centrale several times a week.....for some reason the meat, fish and especially the vegetables look bigger, brighter and fresher than those in my local 'food lovers market'..if you don't have one... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 13 more reviews by Kim-Inger for Florence
London
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

Enjoyed cheap and cheerful local fare , especially if you want to practice your Italian. Great place for foodie enthusiasts. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by Frodi for Florence
Skaneateles, New York
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

Amazing central market -- not huge but well stocked. Favorite stall was Conti Stefano. Wonderful selection of oils and vinegars. Staff very knowledgable and fluent in english. Bought several items that were recommended in previous day's Giovanni Manna's Food and Wine Academy class -- and they wrapped each with bubble wrap for trip home. The rest of market had stalls... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by 1958Sharon for Florence
Hilo, HI
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is a great way to learn and explore to foods of Italy and particularly Tuscany. Spend an hour or two shopping and tasting a huge selection of fresh food in the large indoor market, from fruits to meats and freshly made pasta on site, this place has everything. Save some money and get yourself a picnic lunch here to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by high_standards_4_me for Florence
Sydney
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

Rather average. Much smaller than expected. Surrounded by street stalls. The actual food market is small and only average. yes you can get fresh produce and fresh sandwichs but for the city of Florence more is expected, More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by AussiesTouring for Florence

Travellers who viewed Mercato Centrale also viewed

Pitti Palace
4.5 of 5 stars 266 Reviews
Florence, Province of Florence
Ponte Vecchio
4 of 5 stars 273 Reviews
Florence, Province of Florence
 
Piazza della Signoria
4.5 of 5 stars 434 Reviews
Florence, Province of Florence
Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
5 of 5 stars 275 Reviews
Florence, Province of Florence
 

Been to Mercato Centrale? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Mercato Centrale, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's