Shopping and Markets
Florence is a renowned home of leather goods and important fashion center for 'Made in Italy' creations. It is in Florence that fashion houses like Gucci, Ferragamo, and Pucci have chosen establishments. But besides the high fashion boutiques, mainly located in the area of Via Tornabuoni, Via Calzaiouli and Via della Vigna Nuova, Florence is noted for its characteristical flea markets found in the modern city which hasn't lost the charm of a city from the past.
Every day foreigners, and Florentines alike, are ready to visit the numerous local flea markets where one can purchase artisan crafts, antiques, extravagant objects, and to haggle with the merchants trying to get a better deal.

Refer to the following guide of the most important markets:

Mercato di San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Market)
Found in Piazza San Lorenzo near the Basilica and in Via dell'Ariento. Probably the most important market place in Florence where one can find clothing articles, leather goods, souvenirs, etc.
Open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Mercato Centrale (Central Market)
This food market, found around the market of San Lorenzo, offers the best selection of food and culinary delicacies found in Florence.
Open everyday except Sundays and holidays.from 7:00 to 2:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In Winter open only on Saturdays and days which proceed a holiday from 7:00 to 2:00 pm and again from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio (Saint Ambrogio Market)
Combination market selling food items and local artisan objects, both used and new.check out the great wicker work items, a real treat!
Found in Piazza S. Ambrogio and open everyday except Sundays and holidays from 7:00 to 2:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
In Winter open only on Saturdays and days which proceed a holiday from 7:00 to 2:00 pm and again from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Mercato di Fiori (Flower Market)
A very characteristical market which sells plants and flowers found under the loggia in Via Pellicceria.
Open Thursdays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Mercato delle Cascine (Cascine Market)
Open all day on Tuesdays only, the largest market in Florence where one can find almost any article of clothing or object. Found in Viale Lincoln in Cascine Park, it is advised that you arrive early in the morning so as not to miss out on the best deals!

Mercato delle Pulci (Flea Market)
This famous market found in Piazza dei Campi is open everyday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm and all day on the last Sunday of the month extending its stands into the surrounding streets. Find antique furniture, paintings, coins, books, nick-nacks and jewelry all at a good price.

Mercato del Porcellino (Porcellino Market)
Found in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo only steps away from Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio, this market offers beautiful Florentine paper products, hand embroidered linens, bedding, and towels, objects in wood, leather and wicker.
Open everyday, except Sundays and Monday mornings, from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm