Mercato Centrale (Central Market), Florence (must see)

Florence's Central Market, located in the lively San Lorenzo district, has been a center of local trade since 1874. Designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, its impressive iron-and-glass building houses two floors dedicated to food, while the surrounding streets are filled with outdoor stalls selling leather goods, clothing, handbags, and souvenirs.

Start your visit on the ground floor, where you'll find a traditional food market bustling with vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheeses, and other local specialties. Look around for Tuscan products such as olive oil, cured meats, truffle-based delicacies, and regional sauces. Some vendors also offer tastings, giving you a chance to sample local flavors before buying.

Next, head upstairs to the food hall, where traditional Tuscan cuisine meets specialties from across Italy and beyond. Opened in its present form in 2014, this lively dining space brings together artisan food stalls, restaurants, and communal seating areas. As you explore, you can watch some of the artisans preparing their specialties, from freshly baked bread and handmade pasta to pizzas and other Italian favorites.

As you explore the food hall, you'll find plenty of tempting options. If you're in the mood for freshly baked bread or something sweet, stop by Il Pane e la Pasticceria, where baker David Bedu prepares everything from traditional loaves and baguettes to French pastries. Cheese lovers can head to Daniele Meini's stall - La Mozzarella e i Formaggi - for fresh mozzarella and a variety of Italian cheeses.

For a taste of Sicily, look for ARÀ, known for its arancini, cannoli, and other regional specialties. If you enjoy truffles, Luciano Savini's Il Tartufo offers several ways to try this prized ingredient. Pizza lovers can sample freshly baked pizzas at Gabriele Madeo's La Pizzeria, while the Michelis family's La Pasta stall serves both traditional favorites and more creative dishes. And if you prefer a meat-free meal, Marcella Bianchi's vegetarian and vegan stall offers plenty of options.

Beyond these stalls, you'll find plenty of other choices, including Tuscan lampredotto, fried seafood, grilled meats, gelato, and regional wines. With so many options under one roof, it's worth taking a walk around the entire food hall before deciding what to eat.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting outside the main lunch and dinner hours. Outside, the San Lorenzo stalls usually operate until early evening, making it easy to combine a meal with a little souvenir shopping.