Guide to the Best Markets in Rome

     In Rome, the concept of an open market has been around since the 3rd century BC and since then, Rome's markets have grown and flourished. Some of the oldest market traditions in the city still remain, with locals preferring to make purchases at these open markets, rather than at the new super and hypermarkets around the city.

     The markets are very popular in Rome on account of Sunday tradition where the people would congregate at the market before lunch, eat out and then return home with the groceries for the week, several pies and other food items purchased at the market. Here is a look at some of the more important markets in Rome.

     Borghetto Flaminio - One of the most popular Sunday flea markets is the Borghetto Flaminio located at the gates of Piazza del Popolo. This flea market is located between two low buildings, which look like warehouses and is a great place to buy low price vintage clothing, sunglasses, jewellery, bags, crystal ware, silver decoration pieces and handicrafts. There is a small entrance fee charged by this market, but it is well worth the price. The market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm.

     Portaportese - The biggest and most famous of all of Rome's markets is the Portaportese at the Trastevere area of Rome. This market is open only on Sundays, from 5 am to 2 pm, and is easily accessible by bus from various parts of the city. The Portaportese has an impressive collection of goods on sake, from antiques, to pets, jewellery, clothing and food.

Campo dei Fiori - The oldest open air Roman market in existence, the Campo dei Fiori was once the location of a meadow, and then a gypsy market. Today, the Campo Dei Fiori houses one of the biggest flower and vegetable markets in Rome. This market is open every morning, and there are a number of different stalls with arrays of flowers and fruits. Both locals and tourists alike wander through this market in the early hours of the morning, when all the produce is fresh, and the air smells wonderful from all the flowers. It is around this time that the bakeries also begin to open their doors to the public, and you will be able to purchase freshly baked bread as well as a cup of coffee as breakfast while you watch the idyllic scene of the open air market at the Campo Dei Fiori.