3 Tips for Visiting Food Markets in Italy
There is no better way to get a taste of an Italian town, literally and metaphorically, than visiting the local market. Most major cities like Milan, Turin, Florence, Rome, and Naples, have large markets where you can buy produce, meat, fish, and prepared food daily. Smaller towns often have a market once or twice a week. Visiting the market is incredible for people-watching, getting a sense of what locals cook at home, and sampling seasonal, local produce.
You can check the town’s tourism or visitors’ site for the details of the weekly market or inquire with your hotel or apartment host.
Here are a few tips for navigating food markets in Italy.
1. Bring cash.
In larger cities, many vendors may accept credit cards, but cash is still king in Italy! Be prepared by getting cash at an ATM before heading to the market. My favorite place to get cash is the Poste Italiane (post office), which usually has an ATM inside or outside, and they don’t charge foreign transaction fees, even if your card does. Otherwise, use a bank ATM (avoid EuroNet ATMs since they have incredibly high fees).
2. Practice your Italian.
This is a great way to engage with vendors using some basic Italian vocabulary: numbers, pleasantries, and names of food items. You will get out of the experience what you put into it. The locals are proud of their offerings and are happy that you're interested in trying them, so have fun and let yourself try different things.
3. Make a meal out of it.
In some towns, you may find an organized tour of the market that includes tastings, which will take care of lunch, like my favorite one to date in Turin. Even without a tour, sample your way through the market. Buy small quantities and eat as you go, or gather a few items for a picnic and find a scenic spot afterward, which is not hard to do in this beautiful country.
