Mercato Centrale Mercato delle Vettovaglie
A historic 19th-century market hall buzzing with local life, offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and authentic Livornese street eats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce, fewer crowds
Mercato Centrale Mercato delle Vettovaglie
Best Time
Freshest produce, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 19th-century market hall buzzing with local life, offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and authentic Livornese street eats.
"Dive into the heart of Livorno's culinary scene for an authentic taste of Tuscany."
Taste the Lampredotto!
Don't leave without trying the famous Lampredotto sandwich. It's a local must-have! :sandwich:
Fresh Seafood Feast
Buy fresh seafood from stalls and have it cooked at nearby restaurants for the ultimate taste. :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lampredotto Sandwich
Various food stalls
A true Livornese street food experience. Try this iconic tripe sandwich for an authentic taste of the city.
Fresh Seafood Delights
Fish stalls and surrounding restaurants
Savor the freshest catch of the day, often cooked to perfection by nearby eateries. Taste the true flavor of the sea.
Artisanal Pastries & Coffee
Bakeries and coffee bars
Indulge in sweet treats like cannoli and croissants, paired with a perfect Italian cappuccino. A delightful start to your day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Flavors
Navigating the Market Buzz
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Taste the Lampredotto!
Don't leave without trying the famous Lampredotto sandwich. It's a local must-have! :sandwich: +1
Fresh Seafood Feast
Buy fresh seafood from stalls and have it cooked at nearby restaurants for the ultimate taste. :fish:
Morning Pastry Perfection
Grab a delicious pastry and cappuccino for an amazing breakfast experience. :coffee:
Mind Your Belongings
Be aware of pickpockets, especially during busy times. Stay vigilant. :eyes:
Tips
from all over the internet
Taste the Lampredotto!
Don't leave without trying the famous Lampredotto sandwich. It's a local must-have! :sandwich: +1
Fresh Seafood Feast
Buy fresh seafood from stalls and have it cooked at nearby restaurants for the ultimate taste. :fish:
Morning Pastry Perfection
Grab a delicious pastry and cappuccino for an amazing breakfast experience. :coffee:
Mind Your Belongings
Be aware of pickpockets, especially during busy times. Stay vigilant. :eyes:
Explore the Stalls
Wander through the market to discover local produce, cheeses, and wines. :shopping_cart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Mercato Centrale Livorno for its authentic culinary experiences, particularly the affordable and delicious Lampredotto and fresh seafood. The vibrant atmosphere and historic architecture are also highlights, though some note the market can be busy and advise caution regarding pickpockets.
"A huge indoor market selling fabulous local fruit, vegetables,breads,meat,fish, wine, pastries, fresh pasta etc from well stocked stands full of people doing their food shopping. Loads of different bruschetta's also available one more inventive than the other.
Be careful of gypsy women pickpockets , who are active in spite of strong security."
Ubaldo Bezoari
"We had breakfast here as many days as we could when we were visiting!
You have to try the cappuccino and the tuna-tomato-egg sandwich at the Oil Bar!
And the sweet pastries (chocolate canoli and sweet croissant) from Pane.E.Dolci.Original (bakery right in front of Oil Bar - run by the sweetest old lady)! Insanely good breakfast!
We also obviously bought a bottle of olive oil and a bag of pasta from the oil bar!"
Shanya
"We were visiting Livorno and came here to check out this popular central market place. It’s got many vendors selling baked goods, meats, seafood, cured meats, cheeses, and some other items. They have food vendors inside as well. The entire place is interesting and clearly been around a long time. It was about 2/3 populated with vendors, so there were plenty of empty spaces.
Overall, it’s one of the very few things to see/do in Livorno. There isn’t a lot going on in this town otherwise."
F'burg Foodie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercato Centrale, also known as Mercato delle Vettovaglie, is centrally located in Livorno. You can easily reach it by walking if you're in the city center, or by taking local buses. Many visitors find it a convenient spot to explore after arriving by ferry or train. 
Yes, the market is a prominent landmark in Livorno. Its large, historic building is hard to miss. It's situated in the heart of the city, making it a central point for exploration.
While possible, it's a bit of a journey. Livorno is about an hour's train ride from Florence. If you have limited time in Florence, focusing on that city might be more practical. However, if you're keen on exploring Livorno's unique food scene, it can be done.
The most convenient way to travel from Florence to Livorno is by train. Trains run frequently and the journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the market can be challenging due to its central location. It's advisable to use public transport or consider parking in a nearby public garage if you're arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercato Centrale Livorno is free. You can freely wander through the market and browse the stalls.
The market typically operates during standard daytime hours, with specific times varying for different sections and vendors. It's best to check for the most current hours, especially if you plan to visit on a Sunday or public holiday.
The market is generally busiest during weekday mornings when locals do their shopping, and on Saturday evenings when it transforms for apericena.
As a historic building, accessibility can vary. While some areas are open and spacious, older structures may present challenges. It's advisable to contact the market management for specific accessibility information.
While there aren't official 'tickets' for market entry, various local operators offer guided food tours that include stops at Mercato Centrale. These tours provide a curated tasting experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You absolutely must try the Lampredotto sandwich, a Livornese specialty! Fresh seafood, artisanal pastries like cannoli, and local cheeses are also highly recommended. Don't miss the '5 e 5' sandwich either.
While the market is known for its seafood and meat, you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and some pastries that are suitable for vegetarians. Vegan options might be more limited and require careful selection.
Yes, absolutely! Many vendors offer prepared foods, and there are also restaurants and food stalls within and around the market where you can enjoy a complete meal.
Ponce Livornese is a traditional alcoholic beverage from Livorno, often enjoyed at bars within the market. It's a strong, rum-based drink with coffee and spices.
Yes, several vendors offer excellent breakfast options, including coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. The Oil Bar and Pane.E.Dolci.Original are highly recommended for a delicious start to your day.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The market's vibrant atmosphere, colorful produce, historic architecture, and lively vendors make it a fantastic spot for photography. Capture the essence of local life and culinary traditions.
Weekday mornings offer great natural light and a bustling local scene. Saturday evenings can be atmospheric with the apericena crowd, but may be more challenging for clear shots.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always respectful to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their products or them.
You can capture close-ups of fresh produce, action shots of vendors at work, candid portraits of shoppers, and wider architectural views of the market hall.
The fish market section, the fruit and vegetable stalls, and the food court areas with people enjoying their meals are all highly photogenic. The grand architecture of the building itself is also a great subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
foodie Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Livorno: Culinary Delights
Don't overlook the artisanal bakeries and pastry shops within the market. Indulge in delicious sweet treats like cannoli and croissants, often paired with a perfectly brewed Italian cappuccino.
+1For a truly unique experience, try the '5 e 5' sandwich, a local favorite, or sample the traditional 'Ponce Livornese,' a potent rum-based drink.
Exploring the market is a culinary adventure, offering a genuine glimpse into the gastronomic heart of Livorno and the wider Tuscan region. The Historic Architecture of Mercato delle Vettovaglie
Its grand architecture, with its spacious halls and intricate details, reflects the historical importance of Livorno as a trading port. The market has not only served as a commercial hub but also as a cultural space, even hosting the studio of the renowned artist Amedeo Modigliani at one point. Despite suffering damage over time, the market has been preserved and continues to be a vibrant center of local life.
Wandering through its halls, you can appreciate the historical significance of the structure while immersing yourself in the bustling present-day activity. The sheer scale of the building, combined with the lively energy of the vendors and shoppers, creates a unique and memorable atmosphere. It's a place where history and daily life converge, offering a rich backdrop for exploring the local culture and cuisine. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit