Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Rome’s numerous markets, ranging from those on small neighbourhood piazzas designed to serve local residents to the large, famous Testaccio and Porta Portese markets.
T4 # 7am–1:30pm Mon–Sat
This market has been held in Campo de’ Fiori for centuries. The piazza is transformed by stalls selling fruit and vegetables, all beautifully displayed. The piazza’s excellent delicatessens and bakery complement the market, making it a great place to pick up supplies for a picnic.
F8 ⌂ Piazza di Porta Portese # 7am–2pm Sun
Said to have grown out of the thriving black market of World War II, Porta Portese is where anything and everything seems to be for sale, from vintage and new clothes, shoes, prints and books to chandeliers, household linens and other housewares.
H7 ⌂ Via di San Teodoro # 8am–3pm Sat & Sun
A mecca for foodies, this market attracts niche producers from all over central Italy. It has artisan cheeses, hams, craft breads and beers and unusual pulses, vegetables and fruits.
M6 ⌂ Via Principe Amedeo # 7am–2pm Mon–Sat
Housed in purpose-built covered premises, this remains the most authentic of Rome’s markets – where locals come for kilos of fruit and vegetables at knock-down prices. It is also the best place in Rome to seek out international ingredients and spices, with African and Asian stalls catering to the area’s diverse community.
U1 ⌂ Largo della Fontanella di Borghese # 7am–1pm Mon–Sat
A treasure-trove for lovers of old prints, books, magazines, comics and other printed ephemera, this market is a fabulous place to seek out a special souvenir of Rome , such as a Piranesi reproduction of your favourite vista, ruin or church.
G9 ⌂ Via Lorenzo Ghiberti # 7am–3:30pm Mon–Sat
A must for anyone who takes food seriously – as well as stalls there are take-away food stands offering anything from tripe sandwiches to gourmet morsels by top chefs.
Piazza delle Coppelle U2 # 7am–2pm Mon–Sat
With its fruit and flower stalls, Piazza delle Coppelle, near the Pantheon, is probably the most delightful of the small food markets scattered around Rome.
Piazza San Cosimato F7 # 6am–1:30pm Mon–Sat
In the heart of Trastevere, this market has abundant fruit and vegetables and excellent cheeses, hams and salamis.