Grocery Shopping, local shops & markets

GROCERY SHOPPING

Eating out, ordering in, or paying out of pocket for lunch in the cafeteria every day can be expensive. A great way for students to save money is by grocery shopping. There are several supermarkets throughout the city. Keep in mind that those located in the city center tend to be more expensive, while those in more residential areas are generally more affordable.

Most supermarkets offer rewards programs that students can join to receive discounts, not only on groceries, but sometimes also on museum tickets and cultural events. Some of the main supermarket chains in Florence include Esselunga, PAM, COOP, and Carrefour.

There are also many discount supermarkets, often found in residential neighborhoods but easily reachable by public transport. These stores offer budget-friendly prices on food and toiletries, with a mix of major brands and lesser-known alternatives. LIDL, in particular, features themed weeks with a variety of international products—perfect for discovering new flavors from around the world or finding products from back home!

Local Grocery and Electronic Stores

Below, students will find a short list of supermarkets and electronic stores to help them quickly find some of the things they might need during their first days in Florence.

Grocery Stores:

For students living at the Res Halls, the closest supermarkets are:

Carrefour Express - Via de' Ginori 41r
Conad City - Largo Fratelli Alinari 6/7
Pam Local - Via Nazionale 108

For students living on campus, the closest supermarkets are

Esselunga - Via Masaccio 276
Penny - Via Luigi Lanzi 10

Electronic Stores:

Euronics - Located in Viale dei Mille 140. Tel. 055 575 370. Visit their official website by clicking here.
The Apple Store - Located in Piazza della Repubblica. Visit their official website by clicking here.
RGF - Located in Viale Don Minzoni 46. Tel. 055 500 2020.

General Supermarket Tips

In Europe, grocery bags are not free, so always remember to bring shopping bags or a backpack. It is cheaper and sustainable!
When buying loose produce, make sure to use the provided plastic gloves when touching produce. Bag your produce with a provided plastic bag and look for the number associated with it. Weigh it on the scale and enter the number. You will get a sticker with the price and barcode, which will be scanned at checkout.
If you’re not much of a cook or don’t have access to a full kitchen, buy pre-prepared foods (like the 2 euro soup) that you could heat up in a microwave.
Most supermarkets have a section dedicated to special dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, as well as an international section.
Buy cold cuts, cheese, and bread to make sandwiches.
Buy local and fresh products, and for this, prefer markets! Imported and pre-packaged foods are more expensive.

LOCAL MARKETS

Markets are a huge part of Florentine culture; it’s worth checking them out! The markets often provide the highest quality products for the best prices, but have more limited hours, so always check before heading out. Here’s a list of markets you can visit during your time in Florence:

Mercato Centrale: Located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, Mercato Centrale has two floors. The ground floor offers fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, and local products. The upper floor has a food court with a variety of options, including pizza, pasta, gelato, and international dishes. It is open every day during the mornings, and the food court stays open in the evening. It's a good place for grocery shopping or getting a quick meal.
Mercato di San Lorenzo: San Lorenzo Market is an outdoor market located around the Mercato Centrale area. It is known for its many stalls selling leather goods, bags, belts, clothing, scarves, and souvenirs. Prices can vary, and some sellers may be open to bargaining. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking for gifts or Florentine leather items. The market is open during the day and closes in the late afternoon.
Mercato Nuovo: Located near Piazza della Signoria, the Mercato Nuovo—also known as the Porcellino Market—is a historic covered market selling leather goods, souvenirs, and local crafts. Don’t miss the bronze boar fountain: rub its snout and drop a coin for good luck!
Sant’Ambrogio: This market, located in the Santa Croce area, is a lively local spot with both indoor and outdoor stalls. You'll find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and flowers, as well as ready-to-eat meals and small trattorias perfect for a casual lunch. You might also find some antique items!
Le Cascine: This is the largest and most affordable open-air market in Florence, held in the city’s biggest park, Parco delle Cascine. It offers a wide variety of goods, including clothing for men, women, and children, shoes, bags, household items, small antiques, plants, and more! The market stretches for nearly 3 kilometers along the Arno River, between the neighborhoods of Novoli and Isolotto. It is easily accessible on foot or by public transport. Open every Tuesday, from 8 am to 2 pm - and on occasional Sundays!
Mercato di Santo Spirito: Located in the lively Oltrarno district, the Mercato di Santo Spirito is a vibrant daily market offering fresh produce, local foods, second-hand clothes, and artisan products. It’s a great place to experience authentic Florentine life, with nearby cafes and shops adding to the lively atmosphere.

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