Kate Zagorski

Come Saturday, Sunday and sometimes weekdays in this wonderful city, you’ll find everything from flea markets for nabbing designer clothes and antiques to indoor food markets for cheese, meat, fish and more.   Some of the markets in Rome are touristy, some only locals know. But all of the markets on this list are well worth checking out. For everything from fresh groceries to secondhand furniture, here are the greatest markets in Rome, well worth your dough.  RECOMMENDED:🍕 How to eat like a local in Rome🍝 The best restaurants in Rome🍦 The best gelato in Rome🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Rome This guide was recently updated by Kate Zagorski, a writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

What is it? Launched in 1994, this lively garage sale-style market was the first of its kind in Rome. Thirty years on it still attracts a weekly clientele of regulars who come to rifle through the stalls of vintage clothing, antique furniture, jewelly and other miscellanea and knickknacks in the hope of finding treasure.  Is it worth visiting? If you are looking for one-of-kind curiosities or unusual souvenirs this is the best place to strike gold. With most goods coming from house sales and clearouts, it is not uncommon to come across designer or quality items at knock-down prices. The relaxed, convivial, Sunday vibe is also a welcome change of pace from visiting Rome’s museums, ruins and churches.  What can I buy there? Unlike other markets of Rome which are free, here there is an entry fee of €1.60 which is a fair price for an hour or so of perusing and ensures that visitors are serious about purchasing. The market is located a little way north of Rome’s centre giving you a good excuse to explore a non-touristic part of town.  What’s worth visiting nearby? The Flaminio district backs onto Villa Borghese so it’s easy combine your market jaunt with a stroll through the park or a visit to one of the nearby museums such as the National Gallery of Modern Art or the Villa Giulia Etruscan Museum.  📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Rome

What is it? A reflection of the diversification and integration of the surrounding neighbourhood, the Mercato Esquilino sees nationalities and flavours collide under one chaotic roof. Here African, Asian and Italian vendors jostle side by side for trade, from greengrocers selling exotic produce and spices, to halal butchers and rowdy fishmongers, it’s a riot of noise and colour.  Is it worth visiting? Not only is it fun to roam the aisles of weird and wonderful foodstuffs, a trip here also gives a unique glimpse into the modern social landscape of Rome, in all of its diversity. This neighbourhood is widely known as the city’s multiethnic hub, and its market provides a fascinating example of different cultures coming together through food.  What can I buy there? An entertaining hour or so can be lost just eyeing up the produce and mingling with the varied clientele who range from housewives to chefs, here for the combination of excellent quality and good prices. When you have had your fill of food, in a separate building there is another section selling fabrics, household goods and clothing.  What’s worth visiting nearby?  Stroll across the newly remodeled Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and grab a slice of pizza from Panificio Roscioli on Via Buonarroti. Then satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from Pasticceria Regoli, one of the best pastry shop in town.  📍 Discover more of the best restaurants in Rome

What is it? Tucked away in an unassuming building behind the Circus Maximus, the Campagna Amica weekend market features overs 60 stalls exhibiting all kinds of organic, local products sold directly from the producer. Farmers, cheese-makers and artisans peddle their wares, hand out tastings, and chat enthusiastically to the crowd of both locals and tourists.  Is it worth visiting? Not only is it a great place to discover and sample some local specialties and learn more about the regional food of the Lazio region, the Campagna Amica market is also a vibrant visual demonstration of just how much time and importance Italians dedicate to the quality and origin of what they consume.  What can I buy there? Foodies will find it easy to while away the time here, and it’s a great place to pick up some excellent quality gastronomic gifts and souvenirs such as jams, conserves, and olive oil. Chuck in a good-value lunch at one of the food trucks in the pretty courtyard and you’ve got yourself a delicious half day activity.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Have a Roman holiday moment and hop around the corner to stick your hand into the Mouth of Truth, or stay on the gourmet vibe and visit the nearby Garum – Museo della Cucina, a small, free museum which tracks the history Italian food.  📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Rome