The 11 Must-Visit Markets in Rome

Rome’s historic market place, the Campo de Fiori has existed for more than 400 years. The site is a must-visit in any Rome travel guide, and this farmers’ market provides a wonderfully authentic taste of Rome. The name translates as ‘field of flowers’, and an incredible range of products are available to buy here, including beautiful flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan Italian meats and cheese, and local delicacies such as truffles and homemade olive oils. Soak up the wonderfully Italian atmosphere as you rub shoulders with locals haggling for their daily groceries and as amiable traders banter with their neighbours over your head. The market is open daily and best explored in the mornings with the locals. This market features on several guided tours of Rome, but we recommend joining the Gourmetaly food tour that takes in Campo de’ Fiori, Trastevere, and the Jewish Quarter.

This sprawling market – the largest in all of Rome – can be found near the Vatican and houses well over 200 stalls, which sell a variety of fresh seasonal produce alongside cured meats, cheeses and wine. The market is open morning until early afternoon on every day except Sundays, but the best time to visit is invariably in the morning. Expect to brush shoulders with countless locals gathering their ingredients for the day. This place might be massive, but its historic cultural significance is retained, and it’s still one of the most authentic markets in town. You’ll be treated to a few tastings here if you book the highly rated Roman Food Tour.

Steps away from Rome Termini train station, the city’s central market is a bustling hive of local artisan foodsmiths selling everything from bread and pastries to cheese, truffles, pizza and wine. The market is open from morning until midnight every single day of the week, meaning that you can quite easily come here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a bit more glitzy and modern than the old school farmers’ markets you’ll find across town, but the selection of stalls is great, and even includes a wide variety of veggie options, as well as some international cuisines. The Authentic Roman Cooking Class & Market Tour Experience begins with a trip here.

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most fascinating areas, with its cobbled backstreets, tranquil hideaways, and many hidden gems. The San Cosimato Market of Trastevere is the best way to gain a taste of this area’s eclectic, historic and cultural feel. The origins of the market date back to the early 20th century and many of the vendors are the descendants of the market’s very first traders. These family-run stalls exhibit the best food produce that Europe has to offer. Gaze in wonder at the Swiss gruyere, Occitan goat’s cheeses, Alpine fontina, and local ricotta at the cheese seller’s, or venture to try the superb quality steaks, quail and numerous meat cold cuts at the butcher’s. The freshest fish in the city can be found here, along with hand-made pasta. Book the Trastevere food tour and you’ll meet San Cosimato icon Concetta, before picking up some eggs for your pasta dough.

Since the Testaccio market moved to its new location on one of the main thoroughfares in the neighborhood, it has become one of the most successful and beloved markets in the city. It is more than just a farmers’ market: the Testaccio market is a local gathering space, unique shopping and eating experience and haven for foodies. The market is made up of 40 or so stalls selling all sorts of different foods as well as little eateries, boutiques, and cafés. It’s a lovely place to stop for lunch and taste some of Rome’s best local foods, such as Mordi e Vai sandwiches – an institution in the city. Book a spot on the Taste of Testaccio food tour and you’ll stop by here for Roman pizza, a craft beer and several other delicious snacks. Recommended by Livia Hengel.

This flea market, held on a weekly basis, is a must-visit for anyone in the area surrounding the Piazza del Popolo on a Sunday. The Borghetto Flaminio Market is the place to pick up rare antiques, designer clothing, and the fine cast-offs of Rome’s elite. Spend a wonderful day here rummaging through the superb quality wares to find some real bargains. Rome’s glamorous and fashionable population means that the market is simply a treasure trove of finds. Armani sunglasses, Gucci handbags, and fur coats are just a few of the treats in store from 10am to 7pm every Sunday.

Rome’s largest and most famous market, the Porta Portese Market, is around a mile long and spills over into the surrounding backstreets. Endless stalls and traders in carpets, materials, antique goods, clothing and even pets, ensure no end of browsing in this fabulous flea market. Every Sunday from 5am to 2pm, the market transforms this corner of Rome’s Trastevere region into a buzzing hive of activity. Whether you’re looking for a bargain or not, come to soak up vibrant atmosphere, colors, and noise of cheerful calls and banter from traders. The Porta Portese Market is a good spot to pick up souvenirs cheaply.

A trip to the Fontanella Borghese Market is an unmissable opportunity for literature and art lovers to peruse ancient etchings and prints as well as bargain books. From 9am to 7pm from Monday through to Saturday, local sellers set up shop with their fascinating collections of items. The market is the perfect place to pick up unique gifts, a far cry from cheaply manufactured tourist items in many other places. Knowledgeable traders will happily regale the history behind your purchases. Antique maps, vintage posters, used cameras, old magazines and newspapers, and exquisite art, are just a few of the treasures to be discovered here at Fontanella Borghese Market.

This flea market is a hot-spot with Rome’s young and trendy population, who come to browse the bric-a-brac and vintage wares available from 7am to 7pm on the first and third Sundays of the month. Come and rifle through the second-hand jewelry and clothing here at La Soffitta Sotto I Portici Market to grab a real bargain. The items here exhibit some of the best vintage styles in Rome, with silk scarves, crystal beads, antique lace, and everything a true fashion lover’s heart could desire. Located just outside the Mausoleum of Augustus, and mid-way between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, the area surrounding this market is one of the most beautiful and historic in Rome.

Campagna Amica Market only trades in food sourced from local Lazio farmers and the region surrounding Rome. The freshest fruit and vegetables in the city are to be found here. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am to 7pm, this farmers’ market by Rome’s iconic Circus Maximus spills over with the best seasonal produce that Rome can offer. Honey almost straight from the hive and olives practically just fallen off the trees: Campagna Amica exhibits the best of Rome’s farm-to-table produce and is the perfect way for visitors to support regional farmers and the local environment.

This famous covered market close to Termini Station is one of the best places to buy hard-to-find ingredients to use in international cooking, though the market is one of Rome’s largest so you’ll find some of everything within. As soon as you walk into the space you’ll be greeted by vendors selling spices of all shades and colors, a huge array of loose rice, seeds, and grains, uncommon vegetables and more. Piazza Vittorio itself is one of the most multi-ethnic districts in the city so its fitting that the market stocks foods for the local community and it makes for a truly international shopping experience. Recommended by Livia Hengel.