Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio — Attraction in Florence

Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio

Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio is one of Florence's most authentic and beloved local markets. Here's why it's worth a visit:

Authentic Local Experience**: Unlike the more tourist-centric Mercato Centrale, Sant'Ambrogio offers a truly local experience. Many of the vendors cater to Florentines, giving the market a genuine, everyday atmosphere that feels less commercial and more traditional.

Fresh Produce**: The market is known for its fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and seafood. The quality of the produce is outstanding, and it’s a fantastic place to get a sense of Tuscany’s seasonal ingredients.

Artisan Products**: In addition to fresh food, the market has a variety of stalls offering artisanal products, such as olive oil, wines, pasta, and baked goods. There’s also a great selection of cured meats and cheeses, perfect for anyone wanting to try Tuscan specialties.

Street Food**: Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio is a great place to grab some authentic Tuscan street food. You can find panini, fresh pasta, and the famous lampredotto (a traditional Florentine tripe sandwich), all made fresh by vendors. It's a budget-friendly way to enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Indoor and Outdoor Sections**: The market is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. The outdoor part is full of fresh produce, flowers, and clothing stalls, while the indoor part houses butchers, fishmongers, and cheese vendors. The combination makes for a lively and varied shopping experience.

Local Eateries**: Some small trattorias and cafés surrounding the market are ideal for a quick meal or coffee. Many of these places serve dishes made from ingredients sourced directly from the market, ensuring freshness and flavor.

Atmosphere**: The market has a bustling yet relaxed vibe, with locals haggling over prices and vendors greeting regular customers. It’s an excellent spot for people-watching and soaking in the local culture of Florence.

Overall, Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio offers a genuine slice of Florentine life. Whether you're a foodie, a shopper, or just looking to experience everyday life in Florence, this market is a must-visit for its authenticity, quality products, and...

Spectacular market. I am Italian and do not live nearby, so I do not come often, but this is a place where locals come and buy a lot. There are a few touristy spots, but this market is mostly for people (like me) who want to buy top ingredients at more than fair prices. Outside there is a large veggie market, with loads of local produce at good prices. Also some vendors from other regions such as Campania etc. Indoors mostly cured meats, cheeses, bread, fish and some truly outstanding meat vendors (including some that sells only organic products). Truly a joy to start the weekend shopping here. It is also at walking distance from the city center, although we are usually so loaded when we leave this market that we need a wheeled shopping cart, so plan accordingly... There are also good public parkings nearby (on the east side, checked them out in google maps), not cheap, but not too expensive either, and at least one of them works with Telepass. Last but not least, the sellers are invariably competent, friendly and good humored. Truly a joy...

We are on a three week trip in Florence and the morning after we arrived, we took an Airbnb Secret Food Tour at this market, which the professional chef hosting the tour called the “market of the Florentines.” We tasted 20 items in this market. We loved the experience so much that we have been back twice during our first week here. And we intend to go throughout the rest of our trip. if you’re visiting Florence, it would be beneficial to take a tour of this market to get an idea of the background of many of the merchants here, from artisan sheep cheesemakers, beekeepers selling honey, meat cutters, organic vegetable farmers, and pastas. This market will steal your heart in a big way. The best way for me to show you what a wonderful place it is it just to post the pictures. Go there! Try foods you have never eaten. Experience the sounds, the sights and the smells. And then go there again and again...