San Lorenzo Market is a vibrant, bustling market located in the center of Florence, Italy. It's divided into two sections: the outdoor market with stalls featuring leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs, and the indoor Mercato Centrale, where locals and tourists can enjoy a wide range of high-quality Italian food products and dine in several eateries.
San Lorenzo Market is situated in the historic center of Florence, around the Basilica of San Lorenzo church which dates back to the fourth century. It's within walking distance from other major attractions such as the Florence Cathedral and the main railway station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
At the outdoor section of San Lorenzo Market, visitors can find numerous stalls selling leather goods like bags, jackets, and belts, as well as clothing, scarves, and a variety of souvenirs and crafts that reflect the local Florentine and Italian artisan traditions.
The Mercato Centrale, or Central Market, offers a multitude of fresh produce including fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, seafood, bread, oils, and more. Additionally, there are several restaurants and food stalls within the market where you can enjoy freshly made pasta, pizza, traditional Florentine dishes, and sweet treats.
The outdoor market generally operates from Monday to Saturday, typically from around 9 AM to 7 PM. The indoor Mercato Centrale is open every day, and the food hall upstairs usually stays open later, until midnight.
No, there is no entrance fee to access San Lorenzo Market; both the outdoor stalls and the indoor Mercato Centrale are free to enter.
Bargaining is somewhat accepted at the outdoor market, especially if you're buying multiple items or more expensive goods like leather jackets. It's less common inside the Mercato Centrale, where products have fixed prices.
Italian is the main language spoken at the market, but given its popularity among tourists, many vendors also speak English and sometimes other major languages like Spanish or French.
Yes, there are several guided tours available that include a visit to San Lorenzo Market, often combined with tastings and insights into the local cuisine and history. These can be booked through various tour operators in Florence.
It's recommended to visit the market early in the day for the best experience, as it can become crowded. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings, as busy markets can be hotspots for pickpockets. Also, remember that cash is more commonly used for transactions in the outdoor market, so it's a good idea to have some euros on hand.