Where there’s a market, there’s life! I love to walk around markets in Rome and smell different flavours of fresh produce and see the colourful vibe around me. People yelling about their prices, talking with each other or simply smiling. I love my city for this because the market experience in Italy is kind of sacred. Picking vegetables and fruit with so much attention, treating about the price for a tiny discount or being friends with the seller makes everything very nice and heart warming. For me it’s a moment of pleasure also, it makes me feel part of something lively and animated. I have visited many markets in my life here in Rome, so it’s time to tell you which ones are my favourites.
Porta Portese in Trastevere
This second hand and vintage market is simply history. Everybody knows about Porta Portese (there is also a song about this market) and there are so many things you can find here (from clothes to very expensive furniture). It’s divided in four sections I would say: at the start you have quite the touristy stalls, then you get into the part with clothes, household/car/bikes objects and necessity products. My two favourite parts come now: you have the luxury and incredible things like statues, beautiful antique objects and furniture, lamps, books and paintings. The final part is like a flea market: you can find everything from A to Z; here people sell whatever you might need (or not), from maps to cameras, to collectibles.
When: Sunday morning until lunch time
Mercato Esquilino
This colourful market is in the heart of Esquilino neighbourhood (just right before Termini). I come here often to pick international food. It was one of the most suggestive market of Rome and in my opinion, it still is. The stalls are selling vegetables from every country, spices, products that you might not find so easily at a traditional market in Rome. Tons of mini shops around for who likes Asian food and also on the other side of the market (it has two buildings), you can find awesome fabrics and tailors.
When: everyday until 5 pm (just on Monday until 3pm); closed on Sunday
Porta Portese Est
This is very similar to Porta Portese in Trastevere, but it’s more concentrated on second hand clothes and household items. In the heart of it you can find the flea market with many curious things (from bikes to posters, and vintage objects). Prices are very low here, and you can eat a nice panino and enjoy a beer at one of the many stalls. I come here often, when I can, because it’s very close to where I live.
When: Sunday morning until lunch time
Vintage Market Roma
If you want to immerge yourself in the best vintage shops of Rome, this is the market-event you need. They normally change their location, so they can be everywhere around Rome during the year. Many artisanal people sell their creations and the best vintage shops of Rome create a temporary space for people to enjoy. You can savor tasty street food and Dj sets too.
When: follow @vintagemarketroma to know where and when they will host their event
Mercato Testaccio
And if clothes and second hand items are not your thing, there’s always, what the Romans do best: food! This market is a food heaven! You can try fresh homemade pasta dishes, tasty sandwiches and typical Roman food but in a street food form. Of course there are also stalls with fresh produce but what everybody knows about the market in Testaccio is their choice of interesting and delicious food.
When: every morning until 3:30pm, closed on Sunday
Mercato di via Sannio
Since I’m a teenager I come here to purchase T-shirt’s, jewellery and sunglasses. Nowadays I walk through it and I still breathe my young years and enjoy the vibe. Many stalls with different kind of clothes, from sportswear to military clothes. The final part of the market is dedicated to very cool second hand clothes (wedding gowns, evening dresses and coats).
When: every morning until 2pm, Saturday until 5pm; closed on Sunday
Borghetto Flaminio – Rigattieri per Hobby
This market started in Flaminio, in 1994 and still is one of the best in Rome. The creators brought to Rome the idea of the American garage sale, with many interesting things to be found here. The atmosphere is great and you can find real treasures! It was the only flea market in Rome at that time, but yet the vibe is still the same.
When: every Sunday until 7pm, closed in August
MercatoMonti
This is a very cute market in the heart of Monti, since 2009, it offers to people many artisanal items (clothes, jewelry, design) but also art. Music and a young vibe create the perfect situation for an authentic urban street market following the style of the British ones.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 8pm
roman gal goes around 