If you are studying abroad in Florence, there is no shortage of options for trying the local cuisine. Grocery shopping and deciding where to eat can feel overwhelming at times – how can we try everything Florence has to offer in only four months?

Luckily, local markets are the perfect solution to cultural immersion without breaking the bank. Sant’Ambrogio Market and Mercato Centrale both provide a combination of local ingredients and ready-to-eat meals. Both markets also have shops for clothing and leather goods outside, making the markets perfect places to take visitors with limited time in Florence. 

Sant’Ambrogio Market

The Sant’Ambrogio market is the oldest and most authentic local market experience in Florence. Located in Florence’s Santa Croce neighborhood, Sant’Ambrogio is open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm. 

Outside of the market, peruse fresh in-season produce. The market’s greengrocers are extremely knowledgeable about where their produce comes from and how to prepare it best. We recommend chatting with the vendors – ask for cooking recommendations, potential pairings, and discover new foods. We learned more about the vegetables that are in-season right now, including fava beans and asparagus. 

Within the market, shop for meat, fish, dairy products, and dry ingredients. Ask the butchers and fishmongers about their products, too – they will be happy to assure you that your food from their storefronts is fresh. There are several stalls that have prepared foods and places to dine, but the market mostly serves as a place to shop for locals. 

One benefit of shopping at a market with fresh ingredients is that most products are in season and local. Eating seasonally helps regulate your body by providing it with the necessary nutrients for the specific time of year. Local products are sustainable for the environment, affordable, and support the Tuscan economy. As study abroad students, we must give back to the local economy and contribute to the community that supports our experiences abroad.

We all truly enjoyed browsing through the Sant’Ambrogio market and getting a taste of the authentic Florentine experience. We wish we had discovered this market earlier in the semester and we would recommend that study abroad students spend lots of time there.

Mercato Centrale

For those who are less inclined to cook, head over to Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo neighborhood. The bottom floor operates similarly to Sant’Ambrogio – both markets have fresh produce, local meats, dairy products, shelf-stable ingredients, and prepared food. 

The second floor of the market houses a collection of carefully selected restaurants that represent food from Tuscany, parts of Italy, and across the world. You can purchase some of Florence’s best schiacciata, lampredotto, pasta, and pizza all on the same floor.

We recommend going to the second floor with a few friends, ordering different dishes from restaurants that pique your interest, and sharing a meal. If your family or friends are visiting you abroad, Mercato Centrale is a great way to get a small taste of Florence. We also suggest trying some traditional Tuscan dishes outside of your comfort zone, especially tripe and tongue. 

Living in Florence

One of the most significant ways we felt culture shock was buying food in Florence. While going to grocery store chains within the city such as Conad are convenient, it can be hard to find everything that you need. We recommend shopping more like a local – buying perishables from local markets and buying shelf-stable items from chains outside of the city center such as Coop.

If you’re unsure where to shop for a product, ask ISI’s student services or your professors. They will be more than happy to help you embrace the local way of life during your time abroad. 

By Emma Allard, Sam Cohen, Emma Harold, and Alexander Wilks