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Milano's Street Markets
Five open-air markets in Milano
All of us would like to shop at markets more frequently. Open air markets are nice opportunities to walk around Milano's streets - that become open-air boutiques - and look for the best tomatoes in Italy, making sure a very short distance separates the producer from the consumer. In addition, it is not a real pleasure to hear a traders’ voice shout out: - tangerines, 1 euro a kilo! - and then actually buy them?
Milano is not backing down on markets and offers residents and visitors alike the option of making of street-market shopping a regular neighborhood event, where the community gets together to fill the pantry. Going to the market today is a sharing moment among interesting characters, elderly couples who walk hand by hand as well as Erasmus students who prefer outdoor shopping at reasonable prices. Everyone respects the environment, as the use of plastic is much more limited than in big commercial chains. Every neighbourhood has its weekly market. Have a look at the five we selected for you.
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This is one of the largest city markets. It is very well-attended and it gathers people living in the Gerusalemme and Isola quarters, but many come all the way from southern Milano to look for the right curtain fabric among the many wonderful ones on sale. There is a lot more to Fauché market than just fruit and vegetables: you will also find stalls of designer clothes, fabrics, plants, plus three or four flower stands that fill the street with colours. Prices may vary, but this market can sometimes be as expensive as any boutique-style shop around the city, especially when it comes to clothes.
This is one of the largest city markets. It is very well-attended and it gathers people living in the Gerusalemme and Isola quarters, but many come all the way from southern Milano to look for the right curtain fabric among the many wonderful ones on sale. There is a lot more to Fauché market than just fruit and vegetables: you will also find stalls of designer clothes, fabrics and plants, plus three or four flower stands that fill the street with colours. Prices may vary, but this market can sometimes be as expensive as any boutique-style shop around the city, especially when it comes to clothes.
Mondays, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
From Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Closed on Sunday
A particular variety among city markets are the Municipal Markets: these are small covered squares with shops (mostly selling foodstuffs) gently stuck within yellow huts. There are 21 all around the city, open every day and generally popular, due to their favourable prices. Some of them have been instrumental to the redevelopment of a large part of the city’s suburbs. This group includes the well-known Mercato Comunale della Darsena. Opened in 2015, it consists of more than 20 internal and external shops. This market is certainly a solid city shopping point, but it is also a meeting place for moments of social gathering - like aperitivo - with a wide offer ranging from glasses of wine to burgers, from easy bites to fruit juices, an ideal place for cheap and healthy snacks.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This market notoriously brings together all the urban shoppers in and around Porta Romana (including Piazzale Lodi and part of the outer ring road that overlooks Viale Toscana). Fruit and vegetables have excellent prices and it is possible to find meat and cheese for all budgets. Quality is high and the goods are from local producers.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
The De Angeli area has its own market as well. Osoppo market has very favourable prices for fruit and vegetables, although food delis can be very expensive. The market is also known for its very good fresh fish. In the relaxed atmosphere, it is possible to experience the pleasant melting pot of cultures and customs from different ethnic groups. The merchants are positively available, some of them ready to stop and chat about new recipes and culinary tips. It is also possible to admire and buy the beautiful flowers on display.
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
"On market days, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can neither marry nor die.” Popular tradition does not go down easily, and the Isola district’s historical memory goes back to when the neighborhood market day was an important moment for the whole community. Even today, via Volturno and via Sebenico are attended by people who come from the Garibaldi area to the Isola district to buy fruit. Prices can change a lot, and you can buy everything: shoes, fabrics and objects of all kinds, fruit and vegetables. One of Milano’s historic markets, it is always very crowded: but on a sunny day, time flies as fast as the queues at the stalls.
