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Florence Central Market

Florence Central Market: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Florence: Cooking Class & Lunch at Tuscan Farmhouse

1. From Florence: Cooking Class & Lunch at Tuscan Farmhouse

Discover the rich culinary heritage of Florence and Tuscany as you browse the city's historic Mercato Centrale. Meet the locals and choose the ingredients for a hands-on cooking class in a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside. Join your guide in the morning and first stroll through Florence's historic and colorful Mercato Centrale. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells as you blend in with the locals doing their daily shopping. Meet the bakers, butchers, and farmers selling the freshest high-quality produce. Browse the stalls for fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and many other staples of Italian cuisine. Shop for the best ingredients to use for the cooking class, whilst learning how to choose the best seasonal products. Then, board the bus to head into the sprawling fields of the countryside surrounding Florence, arriving at a charming Tuscan farmhouse in a quiet location. With your chef guiding you, discover how to create a delicious and traditional Tuscan meal. Discover how to make authentic Italian pasta by hand with freshly laid eggs. Pair this with a traditional and hearty ragù. Prepare a classic bruschetta with fresh bread, homegrown tomatoes, and the farmhouse's own extra virgin olive oil. Then, take a break with a glass of Chianti wine. After the short break prepare some traditional Tuscan roast pork and roast potatoes using fresh herbs collected from around the farmhouse. Finally, discover the secrets of the wonderful Italian coffee and cream dessert, Tiramisù. Finally sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, a delicious 3-course meal paired with carefully selected wine from the region to compliment the flavors of the delicious dishes you have created. At the end of your meal, receive a diploma and a copy of the recipes so you can re-create traditional dishes back at home for your friends and family. Your driver will be waiting for you for a short drive back to Florence, as you say "arrivederci" after an unforgettable experience in Tuscany.

From Rome: Florence and Pisa Full-Day Small Group Tour

2. From Rome: Florence and Pisa Full-Day Small Group Tour

Depart Rome and drive through the Italian countryside towards the rolling hills of Tuscany. Upon arrival in Florence, journey through the "Cradle of the Renaissance" starting at Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can take in an amazing panorama of the entire city. Then, go to the covered Ponte Vecchio across the River Arno to see the city from a different perspective. Stroll the enchanting streets to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and look at its stunning dome by Brunelleschi. Admire the marble monuments of the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower. Next, enter Piazza della Signoria to get a well-rounded view of the political and artistic heritage of the city. The L-shaped square is home to the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio and a copy of Michelangelo's David along with the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi. After lunch (not included), take a walk through the outdoor market of San Lorenzo and find high quality leather jackets and other clothes at affordable prices. Depart Florence at around 2:30 PM and head to Pisa for a guided tour of the spectacular Piazza dei Miracoli. See the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa and the marble façades of the Baptistery and Duomo. Leave Pisa at approximately 5:00 PM for the journey back to Rome.

Florence Food Tour with All’Antico Vinaio skip the line

3. Florence Food Tour with All’Antico Vinaio skip the line

Explore Florence flavors in a yummy gastronomic tour! Follow your guide and discover history and curiosities of the city while tasting some of the most famous specialties of Tuscan street food. Experience the taste and aromas of Tuscany on this guided walking tour in Florence. Your delicious journey will include sweet typical pastry, then you will have the chance to taste a variety of delicious Tuscan food and Chianti wine. Passing through the heart of Florence city centre you will also get to the famous "All'Antico Vinaio", the most reviewed venue in the world in 2014, where you will have the luck to skip the line and taste the most renowned schiacciata (focaccia) in the world! You will discover small shops of fruit and vegetables, traditional bakeries and wine shops who sell glasses of wine from a typical counter directly opened on the street. Enjoy the city centre from a different point of view: walking in the shadow of Medieval and Renaissance monuments, stepping into small hidden squares and narrow alleys, out of beaten itineraries.

San Lorenzo Market: Tasting Tour & Cooking Class

4. San Lorenzo Market: Tasting Tour & Cooking Class

Get familiar with the local ingredients and flavors of Florence on a walking tour of San Lorenzo Market before joining an expert chef for a cooking lesson. Learn how to cook three Italian dishes and one traditional dessert before enjoying your dishes for lunch. If you are interested in learning not just how to cook, but also about the ingredients the dishes are prepared with, this is the perfect experience for you. Start with a stroll around the San Lorenzo Market, also known as the Central Market of Florence, and enjoy tastings of local products. After your walking tour, join an expert chef in a fully equipped, professional kitchen and start your cooking lesson. Afterward, enjoy the dishes you prepared along with a glass of Tuscan wine. Leave the experience with new cooking skills and recipes you can share with friends and family.

From Rome: Guided Walking Tour of Florence with Train Ticket

5. From Rome: Guided Walking Tour of Florence with Train Ticket

Visit Florence with an indipendent day trip by high-speed train from Rome.  Depart in the morning from Roma Termini Train station and in just 2 hours you will reach the heart of Florence, the city of Renaissance! Reach your local professional guide, and start your comprehensive walking tour, discovering the most iconic sights of Renaissance and Medieval Florence. Explore first the Medici district, with the ancient San Lorenzo Church and the Medici Chapels. A few steps away, find the Duomo, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the iconic Brunelleschi's Dome, the elegant Giotto's Bell Tower and the beautiful Romanesque Baptistery of San Giovanni, with its golden “Porta del Paradiso". Walk by the Church of Orsanmichele, a masterpiece of Florentine Gothic art, before heading to Piazza Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world and the political center of the city and with its majestic Palazzo Vecchio. You will arrive then until the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, and you will end this amazing walking tour admiring its renowned jewelry shops! Then, have a break and appreciate a delicious Tuscan Lunch in a typical restaurant located in the old town (if option selected, otherwise free time for lunch). The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can enjoy your free time going for some shopping and discover unique art crafts in the numerous Florentine artisan shops, taste local products in one of the restaurants on the first floor of the Central Market or just sit at the table of a historic café in Piazza della Repubblica before going back to Rome.

La Spezia: Private Excursion to Florence

6. La Spezia: Private Excursion to Florence

Discover Florence; one of the most famous cities of the Renaissance on a day tour from La Spezia. See the spectacular Piazza Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and more. Meet your driver at the port of La Spezia and head off to discover the cultural treasures of Florence. Start at the charming Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy breathtaking views from the terrace. Wander the Piazza Duomo and pass beneath the spectacular Cathedral. See Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistry with its opulent gilded bronze doors. Admire the architecture of the Palazzo Vecchio and the famous statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi. Stroll along the Arno River to Ponte Vecchio and find yourself among the city's luxurious goldsmith shops.

Highlights of Florence Walking Tour

7. Highlights of Florence Walking Tour

Embark on your journey of discovering the stunning Tuscan capital of Florence in Uffizi Square. Step back in time to the fascinating period of the Renaissance, where brilliant minds like Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Donatello, and Machiavelli helped shape Western thought and culture. Explore the historic Piazza della Signoria, the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century, and admire the impressive Palazzo Vecchio. Gaze at the awe-inspiring sculptures under the Loggia dei Lanzi and discover the perfect replica of Michelangelo's famous David, which has presided over the piazza since 1910. Take a short stroll to the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge that was once an important city defense, and marvel at the pint-sized jewelry shops that still hover over the River Arno. Learn about the Medici family's influence in helping Florence become the cradle of the Renaissance and ponder the delicate relationship between art and power. Discover lesser-known spots such as the charming backstreet cafes and delis of the artisan Oltrarno Quarter, where everyday life bustles at an unhurried pace. Visit the Mercato Centrale and Mercato Nuovo, where fresh produce, cheese, meat, bread, fish, and leather goods create a uniquely Italian potpourri. Stroll by the lovely Orsanmichele church, where you can contemplate how medieval crafts turned into Renaissance artistic leadership. Wander over to the iconic Duomo Square to marvel at the sheer size and detailed decor of the Florence Cathedral, boasting the world's largest brick dome. Say goodbye to your knowledgeable guide, armed with enough suggestions and knowledge to enrich the rest of your stay in unforgettable Florence.

Florence: Private Central Market Tour

8. Florence: Private Central Market Tour

After gathering with your group and guide, you'll enter the market to experience something a little different whilst visiting Florence. Your guide will aim to create a culinary experience that will connect you to the community, celebrating the best local producers and the food that they provide through various tastings. Discover the origins of the products as you encounter each flavor. Your visit will consist of a small-group tour of up to 10 people with a guide who will do their best to satisfy the requests of each participant of the group. Throughout your exploration you can taste different fresh foods, listening to the history and provenance of each product offered by the producers as you go.   Whilst at the market you will of course be free to purchase any products which have satisfied and fascinated you the most. At the conclusion of your tour your guide will leave you at the exit of the market, but if you wish you can choose to continue roaming without limitation.

Florence Golf Cart Tour - Half Day - Guided Tour

9. Florence Golf Cart Tour - Half Day - Guided Tour

Explore Florence with Our Certified Tour Guide on a 4-Hour Golf Cart Tour: Unveil the Elegance of Art and History Welcome to Florence, a city steeped in art, culture, and unparalleled beauty! Hop aboard our comfortable golf cart and let a certified tour guide lead you on an exhilarating journey through the heart of the Renaissance in Italy. Unforgettable Itinerary: Piazza della Repubblica: We kick off our tour at the vibrant Piazza della Repubblica, the pulsating center of the city. Admire the elegant architecture, sparkling fountains, and immerse yourself in the energy of Florence. Ponte Vecchio: Crossing the Arno River, we head to the famous Ponte Vecchio. Witness the jeweler's workshops that adorn the bridge and listen to the intriguing stories behind this Florentine icon. Palazzo Strozzi: An architectural gem, Palazzo Strozzi welcomes us with its magnificence. Discover the history of this Renaissance palace and admire its imposing façade. Piazza della Signoria: is an open-air museum, showcasing sculptures and artworks that narrate the city's history. Our guide will share captivating stories behind each masterpiece. The majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, famous for Brunelleschi's dome, will leave you breathless. Marvel at the Gothic grandeur of this iconic cathedral. Explore the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, an extraordinary example of religious art. Admire its frescoes and expansive spaces. An enchanting royal residence, Palazzo Pitti welcomes you with its gardens and art collections. We'll unfold the tales of the Medici family and their connection to Florence. One of Florence's most charming squares, Piazza Santa Croce is home to the famous basilica and monuments dedicated to great Italian artists and writers. We reach the most scenic viewpoint in Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can admire the city from above and capture breathtaking photographs. The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte overlooks Florence from the hill. Explore its beauty and revel in the panoramic view it offers of the city. One of Florence's oldest churches, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, houses important artistic treasures. Our guide will unveil hidden secrets. Immerse yourself in Florence's culinary heart at the Mercato Centrale. Discover authentic flavors and local delights as you soak in the daily life of Florentines. Piazza San Firenze: A charming square that narrates Florence's history through its architecture and unique ambiance. We conclude our tour in the fascinating Piazza Santo Spirito, in the Oltrarno district. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit artisan workshops and uncover the authentic side of the city. Book Your Golf Cart Tour Today! Experience Florence in style and comfort, accompanied by the expert knowledge of our certified tour guide. Prepare to be captivated by the history, culture, and beauty of this unparalleled city. Book your tour today and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in Florence.

Livorno Port: Private Excursion to Florence

10. Livorno Port: Private Excursion to Florence

Be ready to explore Florence the moment you get off your cruise ship at the Port of Livorno on this excursion. Find your driver, sit back, and relax on the 90-minute ride to this jewel of the Renaissance. Start at one of the most charming spots in Florence; the Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy a great view from the panoramic terrace. Wander to the Piazza Duomo, or go check out Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistry's gilded bronze doors. Continue on to the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, the throbbing heart of the city. Admire the architecture of the Palazzo Vecchio and the famous statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi, or walk up to the famous Ponte Vecchio. Return to your cruise ship on time for departure.

Other Sightseeing Options in Florence Central Market

Want to discover all there is to do in Florence Central Market? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Florence Central Market

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 154 reviews

It was the BEST! So, so much fun. Luca and Carmela were highly entertaining, but also very passionate about their job and their love of cooking. We learned so much about the food, the history and the Italian culture. I would do this over and over again. Thank you for a wonderful day…Luca, we love you

If you do nothing else in Florence you should do this class! Not only is the food amazingly delicious but the host, Luca, makes this day into one of the best experiences ever! He is incredibly funny, charismatic, energetic and informative. Could not recommend this highly enough!

One of the highlights of our trip to Italy was definitely the very special cooking class we had in Tuscany. Exceptional Luca and Carmella made of this experience a one of a kind. If you’re looking for a unique cooking class in Tuscany do not hesitate to book this one! :)

The fact that the driver picks you up at your door it’s amazing, and he’s an excellent driver. Our time in Florence with Anis I think I will never forget, he was smiling all the time and happy to be there. Made all the difference.

The price is a little bit high but so worthy. The food was so good, Luca is so funny. I had so much fun. I met amazing people too. Highly recommended!