Rome is a city of commerce and has been for millennia. Consider that as you walk through the ruins of the ancient Roman marketplaces. And then head to some of the city’s lively outdoor markets, where vendors sell produce, meats, cheeses, housewares, fast fashion, and antiques.
Join the Romans and the lively, colorful continuum of trade in the Eternal City! Live like a local in Rome. Here are some of our favorite markets.
Campo dei Fiori
Located in the heart of the historic center, Campo dei Fiori is the site of one of the longest running outdoor food markets in the city. Here vendors line up in stalls selling seasonal fruits and vegetables. Butchers and fishmongers peddle their meats and fish. Rice, beans and grains are for sale in a colorful display. And around the square you will find good bakeries and delis. Go early for the best people watching, and remember the market is closed on Sunday.
Porta Portese
Visit the Porta Portese Sunday morning market on the far end of charming Trastevere for one of Italy’s most colorful flea markets. Vendors sell an eclectic mix of second-hand clothing, shoes, leather, housewares, books and music. The market is open only on Sunday morning and early afternoon. Come early and be sure to haggle for everything!
Mercato di Testaccio
On the southern end of the city, the covered market of Testaccio sells some of the city’s best food stuffs. Meat, produce and fish vendors line up in tightly packed stalls. This is a favorite stop for the Romans, with a more local feel, a true foodie paradise. Street vendors ring the market, selling cheap shoes and clothing. The market is near the Piramide metro stop, and its stalls are closed Sunday.
Mercato Andrea Doria
In the refined Prati neighborhood just north of the Vatican, visit the lively stalls of the Mercato Andrea Doria. Here vendors sell fresh produce, meat, poultry, and fish. This morning market is located along the busy Via Andrea Doria, between Via Santamaura and Via Tunisi and is closed on Sunday. It is close to the Ottaviano metro stop. The nearby flower market on Via Trionfale is only open to the public on Tuesday mornings, but it offers a very colorful detour.
Don’t forget your tote bags. Make the most of that UnTours apartment kitchen and stock up. See you in Rome!