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, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Mercato Centrale

Piazza dell Mercato, Florence, Italy
Update attraction details
Ranked #9 of 91 shopping in Florence
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.
Write a Review

235 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    129
    77
    19
    8
    2
Date Rating
Christchurch, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

We bought nearly all our produce here during our 10 day visit to Florence met some very friendly people selling here free habernero from young stall holder knowing we were from NZ. The sellers like you to at least try to Parlo Italiano, I managed enough to be able to buy pomodoro (tomato) and not an artichoke or chicken. Great... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by budgam for Florence
Burnley
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

One wet Wednesday we stumbled on this beautiful food hall dedicated to selling authentic Italian fayre. If you are self catering this the place to come for your fresh ingredients. If you just want some goodies to take home they will even vacuum pack them for you.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Ray H for Florence
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2013

If you adore food there is no where more exciting than Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo section of Florence. Here you will find a mecca of fine food from fresh mushrooms, to wines, olive oils, cheeses, meats, and the best biscotti I've ever tasted (Cantucci Lory). Our friends at Baroni continue to ship us the most exquisite balsamic and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by GaryInman for Florence
Manila
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2013

I LOVE THIS MARKET! Clean, organized, and with friendly purveyors, quality goods, great and cheap local food. Have the bollito (like a local corned beef/pastrami sandwich with a pesto and tomato spread) at Nerbone, or Fritto Misto with the shrimp shelled and fried in front of you in the fish section. I bought a truffle flavored salami at Simone's and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by MESManila for Florence
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2013

indoor 2-story market...hundreds of vendors: produce, cheeses, dried fruit & spices, breads. Walking through this market is a study in Tuscan cuisine: chefs shop here because the regional farmers send some of the best wild mushrooms, artichokes, grains, cheeses here. Check out vintage-dated parmiggiano-reggiano, wild greens for salad, vegetable seeds, and numerous classifications of porcini and truffles from different regions/different... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 6 more reviews by marino c for Florence
Kirkland, WA
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2013

a bit overwhelming, but a fun experience. I bought spices, pastas, mushrooms, olives and more. I would have loved a guided food tour of this place to understand differences in olive oils, mushrooms and so on. Make this a stop for sure!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by lsanborn for Florence
massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2013

the most amazing market ever-they were able to vacuum pack the balsamic -cheese-wine and i savored it for months---the food is so fresh and the vendors are passionate about what they sell and what they do-

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by keepingwarm for Florence
New York City, New York
Top Contributor
104 reviews 104 reviews
40 attraction reviews
Reviews in 51 cities Reviews in 51 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2013

We went here because it was part of Florence for Foodies tour! We are so happy that this cool market was a part of the tour because we would not know about this place. Must have pork sandwiches at Nerbone! Perfect place to window shop for the Florentine T-bone steaks and porcini mushrooms. We shopped at Conti's, as we sampled... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by jb645 for Florence
Estes Park, Colorado
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2013

Mercato Centrale is a cross between a farmers market, a food court, and a flea market. The main building is a concrete floored square block of colors and smells. Stalls sell meat, cheese, fruits, and vegetables, We were looking for a light lunch and chose from the variety of food vendors along the back wall area. Seating areas are shared... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Joe P for Florence
Bristol, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2013

The Mercato Centrale is close to the San Lorenzo Church. Worth a visit to see the hustle and bustle of the market with displays of fresh food which smell and look wonderful. If you are a photographer then this is a place to take some great images. For those who may love italian food then this place is a must.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by amunguy for Florence

Travelers who viewed Mercato Centrale also viewed

Florence, Province of Florence
Florence, Province of Florence
 
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