Mercato Centrale is Florence’s historic food market, set in a soaring cast-iron and glass hall in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood. Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, the architect behind Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the building opened in 1874 and remains one of the city’s most striking places to shop and eat.
The ground floor is the traditional market, where stalls sell Tuscan cheeses, cured meats, produce and other ingredients. Upstairs, a modern food hall brings together vendors serving everything from pizza and pasta to regional specialities. It’s a useful introduction to Florentine food culture, whether you’re gathering picnic supplies or settling in for lunch.
Visit in the morning for the liveliest traditional market atmosphere; the upstairs food hall is an easy option for a casual meal later in the day. Check opening hours before you go, as the market stalls and food hall keep different schedules. Mercato Centrale is also a short walk from Santa Maria Novella station, making it convenient to visit on arrival or before a train.