The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Markets in Florence

Let me take a wild guess: you’ve just stepped off the train at Santa Maria Novella, it’s your first time in Florence, and you’re strolling through the enchanting streets, your eyes drinking in the beauty all around you…But by the time you reach the hostel, you find yourself eager for some incredible vintage shopping.

-I understand this might not be everybody’s first thought, but if you clicked here, then it’s definitely yours- Well you are in for a treat!

Florence is home to some fantastic vintage and secondhand markets, but finding them can be a bit of a challenge (as with many things in Italy, finding them isn’t always straightforward, is it?)

So I’m here today and with one goal only: to make things easy for all of you, once and for all. And yes, you can thank me later!

Let’s break it down, shall we?

As most events do, secondhand and vintage markets primarily take place on weekends. With that being said, if you find yourself in Florence during the week, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

We are going to start by listing the spots you can find from Monday to Friday, and then move on to the ones you will find on the weekends, divided by Sundays (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th…yep, it’s a thing here)

MONDAY-FRIDAY VINTAGE MARKETS:

1. Mercato delle Pulci

• Location: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti
• Hours: Mon-Fri 7 AM – 2 PM; Sat 7 AM – 5 PM
• What to Expect: A delightful mix of antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, bags, and unique finds. Perfect for those who love to rummage through history!

#UNRELATED: I highly suggest making a quick stop at Mercato di Sant’ambrogio for your lunch. It’s the oldest market in Florence (since 1873) and it features traditional vendors of Tuscan specialty food.
Remember: “Se non esci a stomaco pieno, non sei mai entrato!” (literally: “If you don’t get out of here feeling extremely full, you never even got it!”)

2. Mercato delle Cascine

• Location: Viale dei Lecci
• Hours: Tuesday (only) 7 AM – 2 PM
• What to Expect: The largest market in Florence, it boasts a diverse selection of produce, plants, clothing, and more. It’s an excellent spot for both shopping and soaking in the local atmosphere.
  

3. Mercato San Lorenzo

• Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale
• Hours: Mon-Sun 9 AM – 7:30 PM
• What to Expect: A bustling market filled with leather goods, clothing, and artisan products. It’s great for finding quality items and souvenirs. It is absolutely mandatory to bargain here, trust a local!

4. Mercato del Porcellino

• Location: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
• Hours: Daily
• What to Expect: Known for its iconic bronze pig statue, this market offers a mix of leather goods, crafts, and local food products.

WEEKENDS VINTAGE MARKETS:
The markets I am about to list all offer a unique mix of antiques, clothing, and generally cool stuff.

1st Sunday of the month: 

• Piazza Savonarola
  Hours: 9 AM -18 PM

• Piazza Mino (Fiesole)
  Hours: 9 AM -18 PM

2nd Sunday of the month: 

• Piazza Santo Spirito
  Hours: 9 AM -18 PM

3rd Sunday of the month:

• Piazza indipendenza
  Hours: (also on Saturday) 9AM – 18 PM

• Piazza Santo Spirito
  Hours: 9 AM -18 PM

4th Sunday of the month:

• Piazza Ghiberti
  Hours: 9 AM -18 PM

(Keep an eye out for occasional flea markets and vintage fairs that pop up around the city, especially in places like Piazza Ciompi or along the Arno River)

Tips for Vintage Shopping in Florence

• Bargaining: Don’t be shy about negotiating prices—many vendors expect it!
• Cash: Always have some cash on hand, as not all vendors accept cards.
• Explore: Take your time! Some of the best finds are hidden away, so allow yourself to wander and browse.

Whether you’re hunting for unique fashion pieces, vintage decor, or just enjoying the vibrant market atmosphere, Florence’s vintage scene has something for everyone. Happy shopping!