Mercato del Porcellino is best known in Firenze for two things - firstly, there is a statue of a pig that sits at the edge of the market in a fountain that is apparently good luck to rub and toss a coin in (hence the name of the market). Secondly, it's home to a large cluster of street vendors selling mostly leather goods along with a few other items. We thought it would be a good idea to explore this during our time in Firenze since we were looking for some gifts to bring home. In terms of content, what's being sold at Porcellino is really no different than what you see from vendors throughout the city - lots of leather goods such as bags, wallets, folios, belts, and catchalls. I also noticed a selection of scarves and other small accessories. What makes Procellino stand out is the sheer concentration of the vendors in one space, so you can take the time to explore one right after the other. Also, because they're so close the smell of the leather is really concentrated - I was taking deep sniffs as I was walking around the market. I ended up buying two belts, and my brother ended up getting a few gifts for the upcoming holidays. Prices aren't bad, you can pay face value/what they offer, but also be prepared to haggle and be charged different prices whether you pay with card or cash. Overall, it's definitely worth a stop while you're in Firenze - you never know what you may find - also pet the pig. read more

We liked this market. Majority of the vendors offered leather goods or "Italia"/"Florence" merch. I found the prices to be very reasonable, especially for what seemed like high quality leather goods. We were on somewhat of a time crunch due to being on a shore excursion, but I could have spent a long time here. read more

We spent a lot of time in and around this area, drawn to the shops and vendors and stalls and markets. It felt a lot like every other tourist-driven open-air market, except that the focus was heavily on genuine leather and the vendors spoke Italian. Still, we couldn't stop ourselves from coming back to this market and the shops around it every day we were in the city. We stopped in stalls, we browsed the wares, we walked by the pig (we never stopped there, though, the crowds were insane and there were way too many people rubbing up on the snoot for me to be like, "yeah, I want to touch that, too!") My husband did eventually end up buying a backpack from one of the stalls, and I grabbed some small and reasonably-priced wallets to bring home as gifts for friends and colleagues. If you're shopping for souvenirs or looking for things to bring back as gifts, you'll likely have no trouble finding what you need here. read more

After Mercato Centrale, Mercato del Porcellino is another popular market to visit in Florence. It translates to 'Market of the Little Pig' because there is a bronze boar statue out in front. You're supposed to feed it a coin, and rub its snout for luck/make a wish. You can also do some shopping while you're at it. It's nowhere as big as Mercato Centrale, which can be a good thing. At Mercato Centrale, all the vendors are trying to get your business but here, you can kind of just walk around. There are way fewer stalls, so it's not as overwhelming. They do sell a lof of the same stuff as Mercato Centrale but you may find a few different items. I ended up seeing a wallet I liked/bought here, whereas I didn't see any I liked at Mercato Centrale. However, there are items that are more expensive at this market, so you really have to shop around, if you have the time. If you don't have time for both markets, I would say skip this one since the selection is smaller. read more

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Can't say much about the market, as we got here after it closed, but I can say something about the boar statue! It's pretty cool. In a city full of statues, this one stands out and is an awesome sight. Feed him a coin and rub his nose for good luck. Not much more I can say about that. read more

Mercato del Porcellino - Shopping Near Me - Florence, FI

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Not far from the Ponte Vecchio on the corner of Via Porta Rossa & Via Por Santa Maria Calimala, is the New Market. This arcade with its wide Renaissance-style arches, was built halfway through the 16th century to accommodate the silk and precious objects trade. Today, it is a lively marketplace crammed with stalls of souvenir sellers. This street market has been there for a very long time. Again, this is the place to try your hand at bargaining. read more

Mercato del Porcellino - The New Market - Shopping Near Me - Florence, FI

Just to think, in this place here modern banking was invented. Well, not quite in this portico, which used to be the main market square in Florence, but in and around here (it was actually the Medici's, who issued Bonds to raise money to fight their wars). This place is still a marketplace, though it is actually more of a tourist site as opposed to actually being the centre of business and trade. It is still pretty impressive though, being a huge covered portico and all that. read more

I am a sucker for animal statues. I came here to see il porcellino, the bronze boar statue. It is just a cute little random statue in the market but it was pretty popular. This is a small little outdoor market. It is covered. They have a good amount of vendors selling clothing accessories and other random stuff. read more

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GREAT place to do your shopping for leather handbags, scarves, ties and trinkets so long as you don't mind crowds and tight spaces. Try shopping here before going to the shops. Don't forget to compare prices and to negotiate! Someone nearby always has a better price! read more