Best Markets in Rome
Introduction
A true jewel of European cities, modern-day Rome still shines with its illustrious past glory. Visitors flock to Italy’s capital from all four corners of the globe to experience Rome’s history, culture, and world-famous food. There’s no better place to discover the real Italy than in the outstanding markets of its capital. Follow our guide to find the unmissable pop-ups and world-class traders on the streets of Rome.
The Eternal City proudly upholds the daily or weekly market tradition with colorful, sometimes chaotic souks selling everything from antiques to zucchini and books. Some of these markets have been set up in the same spot for centuries, while others are upstarts that appeal to Rome’s hipsters and the growing international community. All can be considered shopping meccas, part and parcel of the city’s top attractions and some of the best things to do while in town.
Borghetto Flaminio Market
This flea market, held weekly, is a must-visit for anyone on a Sunday surrounding the Piazza del Popolo. The Borghetto Flaminio Market is where rare antiques, designer clothing, and the fine cast-offs of Rome’s elite are picked up. Spend a wonderful day here rummaging through the superb quality wares to find real bargains. Rome’s glamorous and fashionable population means the market is a treasure trove of finds. Armani sunglasses, Gucci handbags, and fur coats are just a few of the treats in store from 10 am to 7 pm every Sunday.
Mercato di Testaccio
This enclosed market in the slightly gritty Testaccio neighborhood, just a ten-minute walk from the Piramide metro stop, is the best of Rome under one roof, with stands offering clothes, handbags, varied and vibrant produce, and some of the city’s best street food. Buy the makings of a gourmet picnic, or get in line for a panini from the much-revered Mordi & Vai. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 am-7:30 pm
BioMercato alla Città dell’Altra Economia
Around the corner from Mercato di Testaccio, this organic farmers’ market allows shoppers to meet local growers and purveyors who come to sell their bounty directly to consumers. Also, visit the organic supermarket, café, and restaurant on the premises. The same group runs the Sunday Car Boot Market, where sellers drive in, pop their trunks, and hawk-used wares. Hours: Sunday, nine am-sundown
Porta Portese Market
Rome’s largest and most famous market, the Porta Portese Market, is around a mile long and spills into the surrounding backstreets. Endless stalls and traders in carpets, materials, antique goods, clothing, and even pets ensure no end of browsing in this fabulous flea market. Every Sunday from 5 am to 2 pm, the market transforms this corner of Rome’s Trastevere region into a buzzing hive of activity. Whether you’re looking for a bargain, come to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, colors, and noise of cheerful calls and banter from traders. The Porta Portese Market is an excellent spot to pick up souvenirs cheaply. Opening hours: Sun 5 am-2 pm
Mercato Trionfale
This sprawling indoor market near the Vatican Museums is Rome’s most significant and busiest, with nearly 300 stalls selling produce, cheeses, meat, fish, sundries, and household items. You’ll find a lot more locals than tourists at this neighborhood institution. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 8 am-2 pm; Tuesday and Friday, 8 am-7 pm.
Fontanella Borghese Market
Maybe it’s no surprise that the Borghese clan, patrons of so much of Rome’s incredible architecture and art, are the namesakes of this antiquities market. Between Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps, the market draws casual and dedicated collectors looking to purchase their next out-of-print art book, vintage print, or antique map. The market is the perfect place to pick up unique gifts, a far cry from cheaply manufactured tourist items in many other areas. Knowledgeable traders will happily regale the history behind your purchases. Antique maps, vintage posters, used cameras, old magazines and newspapers, and exquisite art are just a few of the treasures to be discovered here at Fontanella Borghese Market.
Mercato di Campagna Amica
This covered market is a perfect spot for foodies. Campagna Amica Market only trades in food sourced from local Lazio farmers and the region surrounding Rome. The freshest fruits and vegetables in the city are to be found here. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30 am to 7 pm, this farmers’ market by Rome’s iconic Circus Maximus spills over with Rome’s best seasonal produce. Honey is almost straight from the hive, and olives have practically just fallen off the trees: Campagna Amica exhibits the best of Rome’s farm-to-table produce and is the perfect way for visitors to support regional farmers and the local environment. Opening hours: Sat-Sun 10.30 am-7 pm
Campo de Fiori
Rome’s historic marketplace, the Campo de Fiori, has existed for over 400 years. The site is a must-visit in any Rome travel guide, and this farmers’ market provides a wonderfully authentic taste of Rome. The name translates as ‘field of flowers,’ and an incredible range of products are available here, including beautiful flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal Italian meats and cheese, and local delicacies such as truffles and homemade olive oils. Soak up the wonderfully Italian atmosphere as you rub shoulders with locals haggling for their daily groceries and as amiable traders banter with their neighbors over your head. The market is open daily and best explored in the mornings with the locals. Opening hours: daily
Mercato Monti
Almost every weekend, young creatives set up shop at the back of the Hotel Palatino to sell their wares. Mercato Monti perfectly reflects the arty, hipster vibe of the Monti district. These wares include innovative jewelry and accessories, vintage-inspired clothing, and unique crafts and homewares.
San Cosimato Market
Trastevere is one of Rome’s most fascinating areas, with its cobbled backstreets, tranquil hideaways, and many hidden gems. The San Cosimato Market of Trastevere is the best way to taste this area’s eclectic, historical, and cultural feel. The origins of the market date back to the early 20th century, and many of the vendors are the descendants of the market’s very first traders. These family-run stalls exhibit the best food produce that Europe has to offer. Gaze in wonder at the Swiss gruyere, Occitan goat’s cheeses, Alpine fontina, and local ricotta at the cheese sellers, or venture to try the superb steaks, quail, and numerous meat cold cuts at the butcher’s. The freshest fish in the city can be found here, along with hand-made pasta. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6 am-1.30 pm
Mercato dell’Unità
If you find yourself hungry in Prati (the neighborhood north of the Vatican), consider this historic food market for the makings of a gourmet picnic. With a handful of street food vendors inside, it’s also a great pit stop during shopping on Via Cola di Rienzo. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 am-6 pm
