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From flea markets to trinkets and indoor street food, Rome's markets have it all on offer
Trust us, you never forget your first trip to Rome. The twirling pasta. The baking hot sun. The huge, sprawling old buildings and enchanting churches. But hey, that shouldn’t stop you getting a souvenir to remember it even better by, right? Well, whatever you choose to buy as a keepsake, you can certainly get it in Rome.
Rome has a whole host of markets on offer, selling everything from fresh groceries to second-hand furniture. There’s flea markets for nabbing designer clothes and antiques, and indoor food markets for cheese, meat and fish. In our guide, we’ve included which days of the week each market is open, to avoid disappointment. Here are the best markets in Rome.
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It would be simply wrong for the top spot on our list to be given to a market that wasn’t food related. You’re in Rome, after all. And this farm-to-table market near Circus Maximus is everything you’ve dreamed of and more, selling cheeses, meats and charcuterie that will make you sing with happiness. And it’s all local from Lazio, the region surrounding Rome.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am-7pm
More than any other, this covered market near Termini Station best typifies the city’s burgeoning multiculturalism. In a cavernous industrial building a block from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Nuovo Mercato Esquilino is a noisy, colourful smorgasbord of international foods and world languages. Need a jackfruit, a little Chinese five-spice or a still-wriggling eel from the fishmonger? You’re in the right place.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5am-3pm, Friday and Saturday 5am-5pm
If you’re looking for some posh second-hand rags or baubles, head to this flea market just north of Piazza del Popolo. The Borghetto Flaminio is one of the best markets in Rome for used designer clothes, furs and handbags, and antiques. After all, a pre-loved Prada is better than no Prada at all.
Hours: Sunday, 10am-7pm
If you find yourself peckish in Prati (the neighbourhood 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 a day of shopping on Via Cola di Rienzo.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7am-6pm
This enclosed market in the slightly gritty Testaccio neighbourhood, 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, 7am-2:30pm
You have to wade through a lot of junk to find the good stuff at this sprawling, super-crowded flea market in Trastevere. With more and more stalls selling new, cheap clothes and souvenirs, it takes some dedication to seek out the real flea flair, such as used housewares, antiques and vinyl. Prepare for a swarm of people and watch your purse or wallet here.
Hours: Sunday, 7am-2pm
This sprawling indoor market near the Vatican Museums is Rome’s biggest and busiest, with nearly 300 stalls selling produce, cheeses, meat and fish, as well as sundries and household items. You’ll find a lot more locals than tourists at this neighbourhood institution.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8am-1:30pm
We’ll be the first to say it: Campo is campy. This long-time produce market in the heart of the historical centre caters more to tourists than it does to locals (who are dwindling in this part of town, thanks to Airbnb and the like). Arrive early in the morning, when vendors are still setting up, and local chefs are shopping for the day’s menu, and glimpse at the market of yore.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 6am-2pm
This hip market in even hipper Monti typifies everything special and edgy (spedgy?) about the neighbourhood. For handcrafted fashions, jewellery and accessories, vintage wear, and designer sunglasses come here to mingle with the cool kids while shopping.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-8pm
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