7 Markets in Rome you need to visit
Whether you are on the hunt for fresh local produce, vintage clothes or bargain antiques there is a market in Rome to meet your needs. Here is a list of the best markets in the Eternal City.
Which are the Must-Visit Markets in Rome?
1. Campo de’ Fiori
This historic produce market has been held in Campo de’ Fiori since 1869 but in recently has become more of a tourist attraction than bona fide local experience. Sadly, much of the market has been taken over by souvenir stands selling tourist tat and t-shirts, but there are still some genuine food stalls and it remains a lively, colourful place to spend a morning.
2. Mercato Testaccio
The neighbourhood market of the southern district of Testaccio got a facelift in 2012 when it moved to new, modern premises, taking most of its long-standing, family-run businesses with it. The new, larger, location prompted a new wave of openings and today the market is an eclectic mix of old-school stands selling everything from foodstuffs to household goods to shoes, mixed with trendy street food vendors and modern design outlets.
3. Mercato Monti
Describing itself as an ‘urban market’, Mercato Monti takes place every weekend in the hip, arty neighbourhood of Monti, giving young, independent designers a chance to showcase their works. Come here for funky accessories, unusual homewares and quirky clothing.
4. Porta Portese
Rome’s long-running Sunday fleamarket is a vast labyrinth peddling an overwhelming amount of antiques, vintage clothes, bicycles and second-hand bric-a-brac. It’s easy to get lost and you’ll have to watch out for pickpockets but if you get there early you might just find a bargain.
5. Borghetto Flaminio
The Sunday vintage market in the smart Flaminio neighbourhood is an altogether calmer experience than Porta Portese, with a higher quality selection of goods. Rome’s fashionistas flock here to dig for second-hand designer clothing, handbags and jewellery.
6. Mercato Esquilino
This bustling market truly reflects the multicultural nature of the Esquilino neighbourhood. It is the place to come for Asian spices, oriental fruit and vegetables, Halal meat and a whole host of international foodstuffs. A noisy, colourful experience with vendors from all over the world hustling for business alongside the local Italian stallholders.
7. Mercato Trionfale
Boasting over 270 stalls, each colour-coded by type, the Mercato Trionfale, situated close to the Vatican, is the largest food market in the city. You can find the best of Italy here including locally grown vegetables, quality meats and cheeses, wine syphoned from vats, historic family butchers and fishmongers, and everything in between.
Staying at our hotel in Rome city center gives you the opportunity to easily reach the best markets in Rome.
About Maria Pasquale
Born to Italian parents, Maria always knew Rome was her destiny, although she was raised in Melbourne. With a formal background in political science and history, she is now a food and travel writer and contributes regularly to USA Today, The Telegraph, Condé Nast, CNN and Fodors. She has worked with major brands including Dubai One TV, Etihad, Marriott, Rocco Forte Hotel Group, Baglioni Hotels, Pullman, Paris Tourism Board and many others.
Text by MARIA PASQUALE
Her popular and award-winning lifestyle blog, HeartRome is read in over 100 countries, has been featured in BBC and Vogue among others and boasts a 30,000 strong social media following. Her first book, I Heart Rome (Smith Street Books / Rizzoli) is a collection of recipes and stories and was released worldwide in November 2017. In Rome you’ll find her walking the streets of Trastevere, checking out the latest bar for an aperitivo or dining with friends.
Social
T: @HeartRome
F: www.facebook.com/HeartRomeBlog
Instagram: HeartRome