The San Lorenzo market actually spans several streets. These streets are Piazza San Lorenzo, Via del Canto de’Nelli and Via dell’Ariento as well as some other side streets as well. As you might expect the prices are not really set, haggling is kind of required and certainly expected. While some shop owners will try to take you for all they can because you are a foreigner do not let them. If you run into problems with any merchant there are plenty more on the various streets that will most likely take your money. The point here is to never settle for the price stated.

It is just unwise. I know this from experience as I did not have time to haggle and really lost out on a great deal if I had not been so gullible. This outdoor market is famous for its leather goods, hence the name, but other wise merchants are also filling in the needs of the shoppers in the area. Here you will find lots of small shops selling anything from gelato to espresso to help the wary shoppers maintain their strength as they wander the streets.

This market has a similar vibe to that you would find in some of the neighboring Middle Eastern countries. It is certainly a unique experience for many Americans. One could almost equate this to an constant outdoor fair as you would find in many of the cities in the United States. Now as with most open air markets the opening hours are not really set in stone. For most of the tourist season of March through October the market will stay open from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening but that is really depending upon how business is going.

If wine and art does not capture your fancy then the sheer beauty of the place will surely capture anyone’s heart. The rolling hills of green with medieval towns sprouting up like mushrooms on the landscape give the whole area a surreal appearance to many Americans and those not used to structures existing for longer than two hundred years.

Speaking of time this place is just dripping in history and archaeological treasures. For many armchair archaeologists out there you can live your dream by visiting an actual archaeological dig site in the area. If you connect with your local University there could very well be a program that will actually let you work on these sites as a supervised volunteer.

Many of the great writers have made Florence their home at one time or another so you could visit some of the very same places they once stayed. Who knows the writing bug may catch you and you could sit down and write the next best sonnet or play that could become a great success. Of course I am dreaming when I say this but you just never know with this place which makes the city just so appealing.

What ever your reason to visit this city I am sure if you give it time it will capture your heart and mind. There are many opportunities to stay for a relatively long period of time as you could stay as a student, artist or even a volunteer teacher. Regardless of your reason I am sure that if you do choose to leave the city will call you back sometime in your life.