The markets in Lucca are on every Wednesday and Saturday morning, in Via dei Bacchettoni.
Lucca Markets
I am a big fan of the local markets in Italy and always make a point of visiting them if my visit coincides with the days they are on. Sometimes, I buy lots of different items, sometimes I buy just some lovely fresh local produce, and sometimes I just go to enjoy the local atmosphere and sit centrally and enjoy a locally made delicacy.
On this last trip to Lucca, we headed out from our apartment early to not only enjoy these rather large markets but also to beat some of the crowds. After wandering and exploring for a while, we took time to sit on some “child-size”chairs to enjoy our first coffee and dolce of the day, and, of course, people watch.
These markets set up in the early morning and start taking down about 1 or 2 pm, so remember to go early. The area around the markets is total chaos so make sure you walk to them as finding a car park is just about impossible.
The majority of the stall-holders make their living from the markets, so in general, the prices and quality are good, and there are bargains to be had.
Get a real taste of the local culture while watching the bustling shoppers banter with vivacious vendors. But most importantly: Don’t forget the food! Seasonal fruits and veggies, farm-made cheeses, fresh fish and meats, and local wines are to be found in the friendly stalls. Italy can boast some of the best food in the world and that food is at its very best in the local markets.
Lucca markets are really very good with an array of everything from shoes to bedspreads, clothes, fruit and vegetables, household items and hardware and everything in between.
The markets are usually cash-only so you should always carry enough cash to get you through the day, and don’t expect vendors to accept credit cards or any other form of payment.
Although visiting the local markets is a great outing they are specifically for the locals and by no means oriented towards tourists so very little of the “cheap” imported products are to be found. However, you will find some items from China etc.
A visit to these local markets, can be a fun, inexpensive day out.
Lyn we just love the Italian narkets! They have clothes, cheese, fruit, vegetables and so much more.
They are actually one of my favourite things in Italy. Nice to hear from you George
Yes, Love Markets, Especially in Lucca. Italy. Daphne D
I tend to always seek out the local markets when I am visiting a city or town.
What a wonderful way to spend a morning. I love markets and I love people watching. Your photos are just wonderful. Xx
Thanks Leah. To me they are a super way to spend a few hours. Great sights, foods, goodies and even some fab clothes. xx
Lovely way to spend a leisurely morning.
Yes Kay, one of my favourite ways
Great photos that bring back memories of certain people wagging school on market days! I love the markets for clothes…always something a bit different there x
Hey Mary. I would wag school any day for a day at the markets. And yes, I have bought some fab clothes from markets.
The photos are great Lyn. There’s something about a street market that is so ‘involving’. You just want to be part of it. Nice article. J
Thanks Janet. It is definitely my kind of fun.
Fabulous idea and way to spend a day – my kind of ‘seeing Italy’ I was able to experience but one, very small market, while in Florence. Hopefully on subsequent trips, I will find more.
Thanks Rae, actually Florence has one of the biggest markets that I have ever been to, San Lorenzo. Although great, it lacks the atmosphere of the local markets in the villages and towns and it is way to large. For me, local markets is a fab day out.
It was in Santo Spiroto in the Oltrarno….it was quite small, but interesting none the less.
Local markets seem to create an atmosphere all of their own – like meet the locals!!!!! Good fun and usually good buying products and merchandise from the locale you are visiting.
Yes Gail, no matter where in the world we are the markets are usually great. We have some fabulous ones right here in our own back yard.
They are fun; we lived on the same street for a month last August for our holiday n we can just gaze out our terrazzo and people watch. Stalls have great fresh produce , cheeses, fruits. Some are food trucks and you can buy roasted chickens, porchettas, lasagnas, pastas. Their prices are better than in stores. Lots of clothing stalls you can find great deals. They are close to the walls between Porta Jacopo and Porta Elisa.
It really is a great day. You can become one of the locals and as you say eat lots of beautiful local foods. Thanks for your comment.
Looks great! I would love to go to Lucca.
They really are great. There is so much to see and buy two times a week. Thanks for reading my blog