When visitors to Italy's famous Renaissance city of Florence think of outdoor markets, more than likely the large San Lorenzo market is the first to come to mind. Tourists and locals meet at this daily market to buy items from leather coats, handbags and hats to linens, t-shirts and handmade souvenirs.
Located on the streets surrounding the San Lorenzo Church, and open from Tuesday to Saturday (and first Sunday of the month 7:30am to 7pm), there are vendors and stalls with products varied enough to please the shoppers. Covered stalls line the streets between the church and the busy Via Nazionale.
Be prepared to bargain, as this is one of the best markets to shop around. So many vendors sell similar items that if you don't get a price you like with one seller, don't hesitate to walk to another stall.
If you've come to Italy with a list of leather goods to buy, this market is a great place to check a few items off your shopping list. Leather sellers (pelletteria) are abundant and offer belts, coats, shoes, wallets, bracelets, bound books, and more.
Many of the vendors are connected with the shops that line the streets behind the stalls. So if you don't see something you like, or your perfect size, don't worry, as many of them can take you into the shop to look at a bigger selection.
Just a couple blocks from the Duomo, the San Lorenzo area is a convenient stop and the church is worth checking out while you're visiting the market.
It is one of the oldest churches in Florence and houses the famous Medici Chapel. Don't miss taking a look at the Mercato Centrale which is the indoor market connected to the San Lorenzo market.
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