With bustling markets and a history-filled basilica, Florence’s San Lorenzo neighborhood is all about shopping and sightseeing. Join a Medici-themed walking tour to see the powerful family’s former residence, the Medici Riccardi Palace, and Michelangelo-designed tombs inside the Medici Chapels in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Food tours also rank among the best things to do in San Lorenzo—the neighborhood is home to the Central Market, a one-stop shop for the Tuscan capital’s culinary specialties, while the San Lorenzo Market and its dozens of leather stalls are just outside.
Visit San Lorenzo’s markets and churches in the cooler months for seasonal fun—think freshly pressed olive oil in the fall, holiday lights and Nativity scenes in December, and Carnival treats in February. To see the Central Market at its liveliest, go in the morning—the vendors on the first floor close around 2pm (and all day on Sundays), while the food hall upstairs is open all day, every day. The San Lorenzo leather vendors sell their wares from morning to evening.
Walking is by far the best way to get around San Lorenzo. While you can take a taxi or rent a bike or e-scooter, the small district’s cobblestone streets are often crowded by vendors and visitors. Embrace the lively energy and explore the neighborhood on foot, which frees you up for spontaneous pop-ins to its many churches, shops, and cafés.
San Lorenzo is one of Florence’s best spots for shopping, whether you want fine leather goods or gourmet Tuscan food products. When browsing for bags, belts, and other items at the San Lorenzo Market, bring cash and prepare to bargain. With your souvenirs secured, refuel at the Central Market; the first floor is the place to try a panino con lampredotto (a sandwich of boiled cow stomach), while the second floor satisfies cravings for dumplings, barbecue, vegan fare, and more.
